Unlike its more famous neighbours to the north and south, Meina has not gone down the tourist path and so has remained something of a backwater, often overlooked. But with dozens of gorgeous old villas and an authentic small-town Italian ambiance, picturesque Meina makes a pleasant place to visit at any time of year. Whilst its neighbours to the north go into virtual hibernation during the winter months, Meina stays open.

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Wander away from the centre and behind old walls you will catch fleeting glimpses of sumptuous old mansions, invariably surrounded by lush English style gardens.

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The finest example is Villa Farragina, quite possibly the grandest Villa on the Lake, and currently up for sale.

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One famous potential buyer was reportedly put off by the lack of suitable space for a helicopter landing pad.

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Another famous villa, to the south, belongs to former Italian prime minister, Berlusconi.

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The lakeside promenade does not amount to much, being split into two truncated sections, one leading to the town beach. Nevertheless, the lakeside area has recently been given a new lease of life by the opening of Meina Beach, on the southern edge of the town, a hybrid structure which is part trendy café, part beach bar and part restaurant/pizzeria, designed by a famous Italian architect.

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Despite being partially hidden from sight from the main lakeside road, Meina Beach has so far proved to be very popular, especially with a younger crowd who enjoy relaxing on the sun loungers on the lawn or straddling the wall directly over the lake.

Though the ambiance is classy, prices are quite reasonable.  Meina Beach also makes a wonderful spot for breakfast in the dazzling early morning light.

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A memorial stone in one corner of the garden, down by the lakeside, is a poignant reminder of the wartime Meina Massacre and a local Jewish population that was all but wiped out.

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A narrow road, cutting through steep woodland, links Dagnente (and White Lilac Bed and Breakfast) with Meina. The lower section is lined with stunning old villas but the highlight, just above the town’s main church, are undoubtedly the sweeping views over the lake and the exquisite Meina roofscape.

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The photogenic panorama is at its best in the late afternoon as the golden light streams down through the trees.

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During the summer months, Meina’s standout feature is its endearingly old fashioned Lido (with 2 pools, bar, restaurant and sailing school) one of the most popular on the lake.