LAKE MAGGIORE BY MOTORCYCLE: ITINERARY ON THE WEST SHORE FROM ARONA TO CANOBBIO

For real passionate bikers, the motorbike ride on the shores of Lake Maggiore means relaxing roads, ancient lakeside villages, trattorias and spectacular pre-alpine views. If in our previous post we had already introduced these peculiarities when talking about the two-wheeled itinerary of Eastern Lake Maggiore, now we will close the circle by telling you what not to miss along the western shore. Straddling Lombardy, Piedmont and Italian Switzerland, Lake Maggiore is the perfect setting for a motorbike ride among the lake and pre-Alpine panoramas of northern Italy, dominated in the center by the 3 Borromean Islands (also known as the "3 pearls" of the lake) : Isola Madre, Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori. Our motorcycle tour will start between the banks of Sesto Calende and Arona, common meeting points for Sunday motorcyclists. Let's go and find out together.

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WESTERN LAKE MAGGIORE BY MOTORCYCLE: THE ROADSITALIA ROUTE

As mentioned, we start from Sesto Calende, a Lombard village located on the southern shores and head towards Arona via the SS33. If you have never been to Arona, we suggest you stop at least to walk along the charming lakefront and have a coffee in Piazza del Popolo. Always continuing on the SS33 - which from Arona onwards - runs along the shores of Lake Maggiore, you reach Stresa, following a mixed panoramic stretch with breathtaking views and passing the small towns of Lesa and Belgirate. The latter, in the warmer months, become popular meeting places, either for the various neighboring coves and beaches, or for their romantic lakefront adorned with bars, kiosks and green spaces, a real "mecca" for an aperitif at sunset for several motorcyclists and passing travelers.

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Once in Stresa, we leave the motorbike where possible and we have two options: to visit its beauties, or to embark to discover the 3 Borromean Islands. Stresa is one of the most popular tourist destinations among the various itineraries on Lake Maggiore. Much of its charm is given by the fact that it manages to put together an incredible variety of landscapes (the fascinating lakefront, the ancient noble pedigree of the center, the area of the village near the Mottarone and the neighboring islands) in a balance absolute. The center of Stresa alternates more recent buildings, noble villas and exclusive hotels, including Villa Pallavicino and its English garden. Of the 3 Borromean islands, on the other hand, we suggest not to miss the enchanting Isola Bella (with the Borromeo family palace and its gardens in pure Baroque style) and the Isola Madre, characterized by a quiet atmosphere and its historic 16th century building.

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Mappa GPX - Clicca Per Scaricare

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Back in the saddle, we leave for Baveno and then Verbania. Near Baveno, you can follow the signs and detour to the fascinating Lake Mergozzo or to Omegna, reconnecting to our motorbike tour of Lake Orta. Verbania is another obligatory stop on our two-wheel tour of Lake Maggiore, where Villa Taranto and its 16-hectare garden, with very rare plants and floral species, Villa Giulia (now a city public park) and Villa San Remigio in pure Baroque style, are definitely worth a visit. A couple of Km away - precisely in Intra - it is possible to take the boat that crosses the lake horizontally (embarking with the vehicles) and arrive on the other shore, precisely in Laveno Mombello, one of the stages of our motorbike tour of the Eastern Lake Maggiore.

From Verbania, keep going along the SS34 coast, reaching Cannobio, a picturesque village close to the Swiss border and the last stop on our journey. Canobbio offers a romantic lakeside promenade, a historic center with medieval facades and typical shops and is famous for its popular Sunday market. It is known for its proximity to several campsites which make it a very active and youthful village (especially in summer) and for the numerous food and wine festivals throughout the year.

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USEFUL TIPS ON THE ROUTE OF LAKE MAGGIORE

This motorbike itinerary of western Lake Maggiore remains easy to travel, undemanding and very pleasant for its views. Its duration may vary and this obviously depends on the number of stops, the variants of route that are taken and the time available. The road can be traveled all year round, but it is advisable to arrive early in the morning, especially leaving behind Arona which always has moderate queues on weekends. And you? Have you ever traveled the western part of Lake Maggiore by motorbike? Let us know in the comments below.