The Mottarone is also known as the mountain of the two lakes, because it is located between Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta. In the past, it was not as easy to reach the summit as it is today. The first cable car was built at the beginning of the 20th century. At the top of the mountain we can find ski slopes, trails for bike descents, or for long walks. Our excursions have always started from the outskirts of Stresa, precisely from Carciano.

By taking the cable car after twenty minutes and an intermediate stop we reached the summit. Here we find a restaurant, and a terrace with a view. When the day is good, it is worth taking the return road on foot to the intermediate station (Alpinia) where we also find the botanical garden. This walk takes about an hour and a half. From there you can take the cable car again or continue walking.

This garden is located just 300 meters from the station, and has over a thousand trees inside it. The ticket costs one euro. The garden has a panoramic terrace, from where you can see a magnificent view of the whole lake. When the weather is good, you can also admire the mountains of Ticino. After this long and wonderful walk it is recommended to enjoy an ice cream at the station of the Carciano cable car. If you have a little more strength, you can also discover Stresa, with its zoo - botanical garden of Villa Pallavicino.