Nature, culture, gastronomy, shopping, being active … everything within reach of Villa Magnolia, but too much to mention! We mention a number of highlights …
Lago Maggiore
You can discover the lake with the ferries of the Navigazione Laghi or with your own (rented) boat. You can also go sailing, canoeing, windsurfing and swimming. In Lesa you will find both a public beach and Erno Beachclub, a nice Beachclub with great music, wonderful beach beds and a nice bar / restaurant. An excellent location to relax for a day.
Monte Mottarone
Our “home mountain” can be reached by car, but with clear weather a trip with the funicular (Funivia) is an absolute must. From Stresa you are at the top in about 20 minutes, from where you have a view of no fewer than 7 lakes and the Monte Rosa Massif!
Borromeo-islands and Stresa
Stresa is literally “around the corner”. In the 1930s, Stresa was popular among English nobility. You will still find stately, classical hotels on the boulevard. The old center of Stresa is typically Italian with a wide selection of cozy restaurants and bars. From Stresa you have a beautiful view of the Borromean Islands: Isola Bella is definitely worth a visit.
Lago d’Orta
The atmospheric village of Orta San Giulio is half an hour away. Here you can stroll through the car-free center. From Piazza Motta a steep path of about 1.5 km runs to the Sacro Monte di Orta. On this holy mountain are 20 chapels with beautiful frescoes, dedicated to Francis of Assisi. The Sacro Monte can also be reached by car.
Shoppen
Every day there is a marktet in the area. Milan is an hour by train. In the Galleria Corso Vittorio Emanuele II and in the Via Monte Napoleone you will find great designer stores. In Lesa you will find the outlet of Herno, in Omegna that of Alessi. On the highway towards Novara is a beautiful outlet center in Vicolungo.
Roero Arneis and other wines
Our Piedmont region produces many great wines. The best known are Barbera, Nebbiolo and Dolcetto. But there are other brands. Like the Roero Arneis. Traditionally, the juice from this grape was used to soften the stiff Barolo. That happened less and less, so that the Arneis almost disappeared. Fortunately, some northern Italian winemakers wondered what would happen if they put nothing but juice from the Arneis in a bottle, and popularity has been increasing rapidly ever since. Especially in the hills of Roero, where the Arneis even got its own DOC Roero Arneis. A visit to the cantina of Angelo Negro is an absolute must.
Hanggliding & Paragliding
There are excellent opportunities for hanggliding or (duo jump) paragliding in the area. Michiel is an hangglider-pilot and he has contacts with local pilots and associations.
Golf
Within 15 minutes you can reach the golf course in Brovello Carpugnino or that in Vezzo. Even a third near Verbania within 30 minutes.
Bicycles …
The area is ideal for a trip by motorcycle, mountain bike, scooter or electric bicycle; explore the shores of the lake with your hair in the wind, drink a cappuccino and enjoy your menu pranzo, of course with a delicious glass of wine from our Piedmont region!