The surrounding area beckons with a wide variety of interesting excursions such as the Borromean Islands, the Brissago Islands, the Island of St. Jules, the Angera Castle, the Villa Taranto Botanical Gardens, the Villa Pallavicino Zoological Park; towns such as Stresa, Arona, Pallanza, Cannero and Cannobio. Even the mountains are easily reached: Val Grande National Park (the largest wilderness area in Europe), Mt. Mottarone (also via cable car), Mt Rosa and the resort of Macugnaga, the Vigezzo Valley with the picturesque town of Santa Maria Maggiore, plus more. The artistic and religious heritage of this area is evident in its 'sacri monti', devotional paths rich in art and recognized by UNESCO (Domodossola, Orta, Ghiffa); and in its sanctuaries (Boden, Re, Santa Caterina del Sasso). For those who love shopping Tacchini, Alessi, Bialetti and Lagostina have outlets, plus there are weekly markets in many towns - always a favourite with visitors and locals alike. Milan and Switzerland are also close by with numerous attractions.