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Engel & Völkers Licence Partner Lago Maggiore > Blog > Caldè, the Portofino of Lake Maggiore

Caldè, the Portofino of Lake Maggiore

Splendid village on the Lombard shore of Lake Verbano. The lakeside, the fortress, the piazzetta. Here is what there is to see in and around Caldè Lago Maggiore.

A charming village with a unique atmosphere, a view of crystal-clear waters, a small square overlooking the lakefront. These are some of the reasons why Caldè has been nicknamed the Portofino of Lake Maggiore. Just as in the case of the Ligurian village, since the 1920s many famous people have chosen Caldè Lago Maggiore to spend their free time, contributing to the name of the exclusive resort. To name but a few, the tenor Beniamino Gigli, the Russian pianist Vladimir Horowitz, the dancer Carla Fracci.

Ideal for a romantic and peaceful stay, Caldè offers various opportunities for those who want to spend time relaxing or for those who want to visit the surroundings.

Rocca di Caldè and Church of Santa Veronica

An ideal viewpoint over Lake Maggiore for an excursion is the Rocca di Caldè. It is a pleasant walk. In this area there is an iconic Caldè monument, the Church of Santa Veronica, which dominates the promontory above the village. Of medieval origin, the church underwent restoration in the mid-1990s. Today it is a destination for visitors and tourists who can enjoy a unique panorama from here, and can only be reached on foot from a hamlet of Castelveccana called San Pietro.

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The Froda Waterfalls

A very suggestive trip to Caldè Lago Maggiore is to the beautiful Froda waterfalls. The walk is suitable for young and old, although there are some slightly challenging parts. For this reason, it is advisable to wear suitable boots. It starts from Nasca, a hamlet of Castelveccana, and after about 30 minutes you arrive at this beautiful spot where the water makes a drop of about 100 metres.

Le Fornaci beach

Crystal-clear waters are not only to be found on Italy's beautiful sea coasts. Near Caldè there are many Lake Maggiore beaches, and one corner is a must-see. At Le Fornaci beach, the view is breathtaking. It is reached via a small bridge and a gate that once marked the boundary of the industrial area. This was in fact once a place where a very fine lime was produced, which was even used to produce parts of Milan Cathedral. The factory is now abandoned but remains a testimony to the industrial past of this area and is a hangout for local street artists.

Sasso Galletto

A hidden and very picturesque corner is Sasso Galletto, a shore accessible by a rather winding path. Its remoteness from centres ensures that the water is always clear and the possibility of a refreshing swim in summer.

Trekking from Caldè to Sarigo

Trekking enthusiasts can organise a walk from Caldè to Sarigo, the highest village in the municipality of Castelveccana. This village nestled between centuries-old woods and vegetable gardens offers a number of sights to see, such as the particular home of the painter Genesio Boldrini, who turned his own house into a decorated work of art, or the churches of San Genesio and San Giorgio.


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Boat trips

If you are in Caldè Lago Maggiore, you can visit the beautiful Borromean Islands, namely Isola Madre, Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori, in one day. The Lake Maggiore boats leave from Laveno with several departures daily. But in addition to the islands there are many other Lake Maggiore navigation routes that can be reached from Laveno.


How to reach Caldè

You can reach Caldè, the Portofino of Lake Maggiore, by car from the Milan-Laghi motorway (A8) in the direction of Varese to the Azzate-Buggiate exit. Then follow the direction of Luino to Castelveccana. By train you can take a regional train from Milan in the direction of Varese, get off at Gallarate and here take another regional train in the direction of Luino and get off at Castelveccana. If you are on the Piedmont shore of Lake Maggiore, you can reach Caldè by boat from Intra towards Laveno.

Contact Engel & Volkers consultants to find out what properties are for sale in Caldè, one of the most romantic destinations on Lake Maggiore.

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Engel & Völkers
Licence Partner Lago Maggiore
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    Italy | P.IVA 03159030125
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