Although Lake Maggiore is the longest of the lakes, the largest is actually Lake Garda, despite the name, which means “greater” in Italian. The majority of the lake lies in the Lombardy region of Italy, home to Milan, Leonardo Da Vinci´s masterpiece, The Last Supper, and the rich culture and beauty of cities such as Bergamo and Montova.  

The lake measures 65km long, and approx. 25km in width, although near Luino it is about twice as wide. The surface area is 215 sq. km.

The Northern tip of the lake lies in Switzerland, with two important towns, Ascona, known for its world-famous jazz festival at the end of June, and Locarno.

There are three islands in the area known as the Borromean Bay, which lies between Stresa and Verbania. These are definitely worth a visit.   Isola Pescatori, as the name would suggest, is a fishing village, soaked in character. Isola Bella and Isola Madre are both famous for their stunning lush gardens, whilst Isola Bella is also host to a breathtaking baroque palace.