The best MTB trails around Ghiffa

The newer port of Intra is of particular importance for the entire Lake Maggiore. Ferries depart from the port to all other ports on Lake Maggiore. The port is particularly important because it is the only site on the western side of the lake that serves as a port of call for the only car ferry for miles around. This ferry departs every 20 minutes and shuttles back and forth between Intra and Lavenno in Lombardy on the eastern shore. This water traffic saves many drivers a significant detour. After all, the southern bypass via Sesto Calende and Besozzo would be the shorter option, at 120 kilometers.

Intra lies between the San Giovanni and San Bernardino rivers, and Pallanza is on the opposite peninsula. From here, you can enjoy magnificent views of the western shore of Lake Maggiore, including Stresa and the Borromean Islands.

An absolutely impressive church, a must-see!

The Port of Intra The ferry port, also located here, is one of the most important on the entire Lake Maggiore; ferries depart from here to all other ports on the lake. However, the Port of Intra owes its outstanding position to the fact that it is the port on the western shore of Lake Maggiore, the port of call for the only car ferry that crosses the lake. It runs every 20 minutes between Lavenno in Lombardy on the eastern shore and Intra, thus saving drivers traveling from one shore to the other enormous detours – the southern bypass via Sesto Calende and Besozzo is 120 kilometers long, while the northern bypass via Cannobio, Locarno, Quartino, Zenna, and Luino is even 130 kilometers long. Thanks to this very port, Intra is also an ideal starting point for boat trips to the Borromean Islands, Pallanza, or Villa Taranto. Text / Source: https://www.lago-maggiore.de/staedteorte/intra.html

Intra Ferry Terminal, "The Old Port" The old port captivates with its architectural charm. The older port is now considered more of a representative site. Shipping plays a rather minor role in the older port area. Much more important is its design, which testifies to its attention to detail. The fantastic column, made of Montorfano granite, is a feast for the eyes. Furthermore, the older port is recognizable by its old landing stage. The newer port of Intra is of particular importance for the entire Lake Maggiore. Ferries depart from the port to all other ports on Lake Maggiore. The port is particularly important, however, because it is the only site on the west side of the lake that serves as a port for the only car ferry for miles around. This ferry departs every 20 minutes and shuttles back and forth between Intra and Lavenno in Lombardy on the eastern shore. Thanks to this waterborne traffic, the ferry saves many drivers a significant detour. After all, the southern bypass via Sesto Calende and Besozzo, at 120 kilometers, would be the shortest option. The northern bypass, which includes towns such as Cannobio, Locarno, Zenna, and Luino, is another ten kilometers longer. This port of Intra greatly facilitates traffic on and around Lake Maggiore. Therefore, the port area regularly serves as a starting and ending point for boat trips to Villa Taranto, Pallanza, or the Borromean Islands. Text: lago-maggiore.de https://www.lago-maggiore.de/ausflugsziele/haefen-intra.html

The old town center of Intra The old town center is home to a multitude of well-preserved Baroque buildings, which stretch from the piazza toward the town center through the alleys, as well as in the other direction, up to the cathedral. The cathedral square is a popular tourist attraction—which sounds more dramatic than it actually is. Not many foreigners find their way to Intra; many are deterred from staying there by the port facilities and the industrial area down by the water. As a result, many miss the beautiful old town, where shopping is particularly good and affordable, precisely because few tourists venture here. As a foreigner, you still stand out, and because Intra isn't so crowded, you can still feel the hospitality of the locals. The fact that the old town center is completely car-free is also very comforting. Text: lago-maggiore.de https://www.lago-maggiore.de/staedteorte/intra.html

Intra, Lake Maggiore The town of Verbania is one of the largest in the Lake Maggiore area. Over 30,000 people live here, which consists of the districts of Antoliva, Bieno, Biganzolo, Cavandone, Fondotoce, Intra, Pallanza, Possaccio, Suna, Torchiedo, Trobaso, and Zoverallo. People settled here as early as ancient times and later in the Middle Ages, especially in Intra, although there are hardly any traces of these settlements today. The old town center is home to a multitude of well-preserved Baroque buildings, which stretch from the piazza through the alleys toward the town center and in the other direction, up to the cathedral. The cathedral square is a popular tourist attraction – which sounds more dramatic than it actually is. Not many foreigners find their way to Intra; many are deterred from staying there by the port facilities and the industrial area down by the water. Many people miss the beautiful old town, where you can shop particularly well and at reasonable prices, precisely because few tourists venture here. As a foreigner, you still stand out, and because Intra isn't as crowded, you can still feel the hospitality of the locals. The fact that the old town center is completely car-free is also very comforting. Every Saturday, there is a market in Intra where you can buy typical fruits and vegetables, wines, and other regional specialties. Among connoisseurs, the Saturday market in Intra is even an absolute insider tip, precisely because it is not as famous and therefore not as crowded as the market in Cannobio, 20 kilometers to the north, which always takes place on Sundays. Intra is therefore a real insider tip for anyone who wants to spend a few hours strolling through the beautiful streets of the old town in an urban yet relaxing atmosphere or do a little shopping. Text: LAGO-MAGGIORE.DE https://www.lago-maggiore.de/staedteorte/intra.html

The town center is very small, but there are plenty of shops and a beautiful view. The place was really well-maintained, and the people are very friendly. Parking was a bit of a hassle, but if you arrive at odd hours, you'll be lucky to get a spot.