The Golfo della Quassa is a small inlet stretching between Ispra and Ranco on the shores of Lake Maggiore, designated as a Local Park of Supra-Municipal Interest (PLIS) by the two municipalities.
The park is home to numerous glacial erratic boulders resting on the shallow, sandy lakeshore, an area that was once muddy terrain—hence the origin of the name “Quassa.”
This easy walk begins in Ispra, where parking is available, and immediately descends toward the Amerigo Vespucci lakeside promenade, offering wide views over the scenic Quassa Park. Just before reaching the waterfront, you can notice the imposing Castelbarco Mausoleum, built in the second half of the 19th century.
The entire route follows the shoreline of Lake Maggiore, first encountering the Sassone, and shortly after the Sulphur Spring Fountain, also set directly on the lakeside.
Following the dirt road, you can glimpse the façade of the historic Villa Quassa, a private property, before reaching a fragrant tree-lined avenue at the entrance to Ranco.
After crossing the small bridge over the Acqua Negra canal (also known as Rio Quassa), you return to the lakeshore to reach Sasso Cavallazzo (or Sass Cavalàsc), a colossal glacial erratic boulder named after its vaguely horse-head-like shape, where the trail comes to an end.
From here, you can reach the centre of Ranco in just a few minutes, or retrace the same path to return to Ispra.
DETAILS:
- Duration: 1 h
- Distance: 4 km
- Difficulty: Easy
- Altitude: 0 mt
- Starting point: Ispra
- Arrival point: Sasso Cavallazzo
- Parking: yes
AROUND HERE:
*It is recommended to use GPS.
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