Out on Lake Maggiore, Italy

Giuliano driving his speedboat, with David beside him

We were all delighted, when our friend Giuliano offered to take us all for a ride in his speedboat on Lake Maggiore. The weather wasn't that great, but we had loads of fun, roaring around the Lake. His boat was parked in the tiny harbour outside Bistro Laguna Blu, in Reno, where we all climbed aboard.

Santa Caterina del Sasso

The first sight we passed was the Hermitage of Saint Catherine, perched precariously on the rock face. I never cease to be fascinated by the history of this place.

Reg, Jessica and Clare

There were seven of us on the boat, Giuliano, David, Reg, Clare, Jessica, Carlotta (Giuliano's daughter), and me.

Carlotta

On our way around the lake, we passed some beautiful lakeside villas

Isola Bella

We didn't allow the gathering storm clouds to deter us. as we circled Isola Bella, one of the Borromean islands...

Isola Pescatore

...as is Isola Pescatore, our next port of call.

More lakeside villas

The Splendid Hotel

The Majestic Hotel

There are some pretty impressive hotels right on the edge of Lake Maggiore, just like the ones above.

Isolino di San Giovanni

Although fairly close to the shore near Pallenza, this is a private island belonging to the Borromeo family. It is said that Toscanini lived here from 1927 until 1952.

The mountains of pink granite

Pink granite is quarried in the mountains above the little town of Baveno, by Lake Maggiore. This granite has been used world-wide in famous buildings like  the Arch of Peace, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan, the columns of L’Opéra in Paris, the Karlskirche (Church of St Charles) in Vienna, the monument to Christopher Columbus in New York, and the Royal Palace of Bangkok.

Clare and Jessica enjoying the ride on the lake

Our friend, Giuliano

This was such a fun day. I hope Giuliano takes us out on the lake again one day. Thank you Giuliano!

by Elizabeth Coughlan