The Borromean Gulf is the name given to the arm of Lake Maggiore extending from Verbania to Stresa. It includes the marvellous Borromean Islands as well as the hills behind Verbania.

Art and nature come together in perfection to produce the beauty of the Borromean Gulf. Human interventions over the centuries have intelligently enhanced the landscape, both on the islands and on the shore.

The little towns of Baveno and Stresa are given an atmosphere of luxury and elegance by the many aristocratic mansions in their territory. Romantic and sophisticated, every year these gems of the lake attract thousands of tourists from all over the world. The three Borromean Islands in the heart of the Gulf opposite Stresa are uniquely picturesque and eternally fascinating.

Not far from Stresa is Verbania, the capital of the Verbano Cusio Ossola Province and a lively holiday centre. Outstanding among it 19th century mansions are Villa San Remigio, Villa Giulia and Villa Taranto, whose botanic gardens are among the best known and most visited in Europe.

The hills around Verbania are studded with a wealth of picturesque little villages with splendid views over the Borromean Gulf and the islands. The Val Grande National Park, the largest wilderness area in the Alps, borders on these hills.