Picture Perfect? (Lake Maggiore)

Member Name: maddip

Product:	Lake Maggiore
Date:	14/05/03 (135 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: The Lake, Unspoiled Beauty, A real Italien feel

Disadvantages: Not many people, Not many shops, Not many cafes

They say that few things in life are as beautiful as in a touched-up Photograph.
For some places, you don't get the chance to see the photograph to find out. Ranco, on the East side of Lake Maggiore, is one of these.
Lake Maggiore's West Side is the visited shore that features in almost every glossy holiday brochure, often described as 'a perfect holday spot'. And, indeed, it is beautiful - stunningly provovative, with the perfect blend on exciting city life in a place where you are at all times touched by the wonder of nature. Surrounded by rolling green hills, with the hustle and bustle of a modern town by day, and by night the lights of the cars and the hotels twinkle in a kaleidoscope of colour.
But, to truely appreciate nature, surely you need to go a little further away from the towns, say to a conveniently located village on the opposite shore? Ranco is the place. Situated charmingly on the edge of the lake, it is a picturesque view of quaint Italien life. From Ranco, you can still see the rolling hills and the slate lake, but unhindered by busy city life and gaudy tourist-attractions.
By day the village is brimming with old-fashioned houses, small cafes and few tourists. However, by night it is transformed. The lights of the cars and hotels on the opposite shore are reflected in the inky waters and the view from the hotel balcony is magical. The wind kisses your skin and you feel like a princess stepping into a fairy story.
So why are there so few tourists when there are so many on the opposite shore? On one hand, the unspoiled, quintesentially Italien feel is part of the charm of the place. On the other, it feels unjust that such a beautiful spot has so little recognition by travel experts. Why? What has the opposite, Western Shore got that Ranco and its neighbouring villages haven't? Nothing apart from showy restaurants, cognate cafes and dozens of English tourists. For sheer beauty that takes your breath away, Ra
nco wins by a mile.
A perfect holiday spot? If you're not looking for wild night life or a tacky tourist trap, Ranco just about comes close.

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