Water is a major feature of the province of Verbania; from the Alpine glaciers, through rivers and streams, to the main lakes of Maggiore and Orta, not forgetting the small jewel of lake Mergozzo.

Lake Maggiore is one of the largest lakes in Italy, extending from the foothills of the Alps of Piedmont and Ticino Canton in Switzerland to the edge of the Po plain.  The water is clean and safe for bathing, with a wealth of beaches and yachting jetties for the use of visitors. 

The Lake Maggiore Navigation Company runs a boat service to the Borromean Islands and the main towns on the shore.  Verbania and Laveno on the Lombard shore are also linked by a car ferry.

Lake Orta lies between the Sesia Valley to the west and Lake Maggiore to the east, in the area of the province known as Cusio.  Omegna and the picturesque old burgh of Orta are the main towns on the lake shore. Omegna is a centre of kitchenware manufacturing (Alessi, Bialetti, Lagostina, Piazza are well-known companies); the festival of San Vito is held here every year, with concerts, fairs and the world fireworks championships.  Orta is the most attractive little town on the lake, on its peninsula facing the tiny island of San Giulio.

The small Lake Mergozzo is famous for its pure water,  the result of a ban on motor boats on the lake. This is a paradise for swimmers, rowers and windsurfers.

For further information visit the following website IlLagoMaggiore.com