Lake Maggoire Day 5- Villa Taranto

 We caught the ferry from Baveno to Stressa at 9.30 and again the day looked rather miserable but very atmospheric.


Stressa is a hidden gem nestled in the northern region of Lake Maggiore. The town is bursting with charm and character, with its colorful buildings and cobblestone streets. It can also get rather busy .
The views of the Borromean Islands are simply breathtaking, and there are plenty of spots where you can sit back and take it all in. The numerous shops dotted around the town are perfect for souvenir hunting, and there are plenty of cafes where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or a refreshing drink. We spent a wonderful morning exploring the winding streets, taking in the sights and sounds of the town.


 We then caught the ferry to the Villa Taranto and Botanical Gardens, which was on the west side of the lake. The gardens were simply stunning, boasting 16 acres of flowers, waterfalls, and water features. We started our visit with a delicious lunch, which energized us for the long walk ahead. The gardens were so peaceful and tranquil, and we enjoyed wandering around the many paths and taking in the sights. The little cafes dotted around the gardens offered stunning views of the lake and the surrounding area, and we took our time to enjoy the scenery. It was interesting to learn about Neil McEacharn, the Scottish man who nursed these gardens since 1930 and chose this place to be his resting place. We could see why he fell in love with this place - it truly felt like a slice of heaven on earth.





Our day has been rather magical The collection of plants were extraordinary and it boasted many types of trees and and flowers too, many we have never seen before. This place must be a gardeners paradise  but for us none gardening types it still was stunningly breath taking. 

We returned back to Baveno in the late afternoon to enjoy an afternoon swim and an aperitif. We spent a relaxing evening looking over the lake enjoying food and drinks. The islands look so lovely all lit up at night. 








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