(this post has been translated from THIS article with the kind permission of the author Martina Santamaria)
Despite its name, Lake Maggiore (“maggiore” means ‘major’) is not the first, but the second largest of the Italian lakes immediately after Garda.
This, however, does not mean that it is small, on the contrary: its perimeter is about 170 km and measures more than 64 km in length.
You will understand, therefore, that choosing the best area to sleep on Lake Maggiore may not be an easy task.
Furthermore, the shores of the lake are divided between two Italian regions, Piedmont and Lombardy, and Switzerland .
Before deciding where to stay, then, it will be necessary to understand what you want to see and what you intend to do during your stay. At that point it will be easier to choose in which area to book your accommodation.
In this article I will help you to evaluate the best place where to sleep on Lake Maggiore according to your needs and your holiday plans.
ARE YOU IN A HURRY? HERE ARE THE BEST HOTELS ON LAKE MAGGIORE!
- Stresa: Villa & Palazzo Aminta Hotel Beauty & Spa, Hotel La Palma, Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees
- Laveno: Hotel de Charme Laveno
- Baveno: Hotel Splendid, Grand Hotel Dino
- Cannobio: Park Hotel Villa Belvedere, Hotel Pironi
Where to sleep on Lake Maggiore: which shore to choose?
Given the size of the lake, it is clear that the territories and landscapes vary greatly depending on the area.
We range from the alpine landscapes of the northern part, to places characterized by a Mediterranean-type vegetation in the South.
The things to see on Lake Maggiore are numerous and each shore contains some particularly interesting places to visit or activities not to miss.
In the map below I have divided the various locations according to their region of belonging:
- In red: Piedmont
- In blue: Lombardy
- In green: Switzerland.
The Piedmontese shore is perhaps the most known: here are Stresa, Arona and Baveno, excellent places to stay if you intend to visit the Borromean Islands.
The Lombard shore, on the other hand, is a quieter area where you can spend a pleasant holiday on the lake in summer, but where there are still some interesting attractions to visit such as the Rocca d’Angera and the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso.
Finally there is the Swiss shore, the northernmost one and the one characterized by a mountain landscape. This is the right place for a holiday in the countryside and for those who love sports, walking or cycling.
Piedmontese shore
I start by recommending where to sleep on Lake Maggiore on the Piedmontese shore, the most known and with plenty of things to see.
Staying here you can easily reach the Borromean Islands, perhaps the main attraction of the whole lake.
1 – Arona
Arona is the town on the southernmost Piedmontese shore that I will recommend to you.
The historic center is very well maintained and from the lakeside you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Rocca di Angera which is located in the Lombard part.
In the city there is a large green area: the Parco Borromeo. Here there are several semi-free animals: if you are with children you can spend a few hours outdoors having fun in peace.
Arona, thanks to its location, is a perfect location for exploring both the Piedmontese and Lombardy shores.
White Lilac Romantic B&B: I love this place! It offers a hearty breakfast, clean, well-appointed rooms, a swimming pool, and stunning lake views. The Top? Breakfast in the beautiful garden.
Il Gatto Stanco: this little place is a gem. The rooms are modern, large and spotless, the breakfast abundant, it is located not far from the center of Arona, reachable with a quiet walk.
2 – Stresa
Overlooking the Borromean Gulf, Stresa is the most elegant of the destinations on Lake Maggiore.
Villas, elegant noble residences, large luxury hotels and well-kept gardens make this town a real gem.
In Stresa you can walk in the small historic center and stop for a coffee in Piazza Cadorna, the main meeting place of the inhabitants, or you can let yourself be fascinated by the Art Nouveau villas while strolling on the lakefront, particularly recommended at sunset when it becomes even more romantic.
If you are with children you can go to Parco Pallavicino where about 50 species of mammals and birds are housed in a pleasant natural setting.
Not far from Stresa, you can also reach the Alpinia Botanical Garden. Here, in about 40,000 square meters, about 100 species of plants from all over the world are housed.
Finally, Stresa is also the perfect place to reach the magnificent Borromean Islands: ferries depart from Piazzale Marconi.
As you will have understood, staying in Stresa is the best choice to sleep on Lake Maggiore if you want to visit its most beautiful attractions.
I stayed at Hotel la Locanda, a small family-run hotel. The hotel is simple, welcoming and very clean and is located in an area where it is also easy to park for free on one of the adjacent streets. From here it is still easy to take the lakefront and walk 10 minutes to reach the center.
Another choice that I had evaluated (but had no availability, unfortunately) is the hotel Flora. This is a bit more high-end hotel than the previous one, offering lake views and a pool. One of the choices that combine comfort and good price in the area!
If you are looking for something much more chic then take a look at Hotel Residence La Luna Nel Porto: it is located just 30 meters from the pier for the Borromean Islands and offers a private garden with terrace and lake view and modern personalized suites.
3 – Baveno
Not far from Stresa there is Baveno, a quieter location than Stresa, but still very convenient for visiting the main attractions of the area, including the Borromean Islands. In fact, from the lakefront, ferries depart for the islands.
In these areas you will find accommodation for all budgets: from luxury hotels to cheaper B&B’s.
Among the things not to be missed in Baveno I recommend a walk among the sumptuous villas for which the town is famous: Villa Fedora, Villa Henfrey-Branca, Villa Durazzo and Villa Barberis are some of the most beautiful.
Hotel Villa Ruscello: If you are looking for an affordable option, this small hotel in Baveno is a great choice. Family-run and with a beautiful view of the Borromean Islands, it offers cozy and clean rooms (some with lake views). The hotel is nestled in a beautiful 4,000-meter garden!
Grand Hotel Dino: This beautiful building is the largest hotel in Baveno and the rooms are spacious, comfortable and clean. In some there is a charming balcony overlooking Lake Maggiore, with enough space for a table and chairs to enjoy a cup of coffee or an afternoon aperitif.
Castello Ripa Baveno: this structure doesn’t need much introduction, just read the reviews. This is an apartment in a castle! Great location, ideal for taking a stroll along the lakefront. The apartment has everything you need and more, the welcome is impeccable and if you don’t want to dine out there is a fully equipped kitchen.
4 – Verbania
erbania is the largest city on Lake Maggiore so here you will find all the services for a quiet holiday: from supermarkets to post offices, up to a large number of restaurants.
This locality is often called “the Garden of Lake Maggiore” because parks, gardens and public and private green spaces abound here. Among the most important are the gardens of Villa Taranto and those of Villa San Remigio that I recommend visiting.
Verbania, like Stresa, is an elegant and pleasant destination where time seems to have stopped at the Belle Epoque.
The town abounds with hotels and tourist accommodations, but as in the case of Stresa, prices could be a bit expensive and, especially in high season, the advice is to book in advance.
Depending on the neighborhood you choose, you may want to search for hotels in the area. If you prefer to start with the most recommended hotels in Verbania, here is a list to get you started.
Grand Hotel Majestic: located in a 19th century building directly on the shores of the lake, with a private beach, the Majestic offers rooms that almost always overlook the lake, a wellness center and a free tennis court, gourmet cuisine and luxurious accommodations.
Hotel Pallanza: housed in an impressive 19th century building on the shores of the lake, the Hotel offers spacious and spotless rooms and a panoramic terrace perfect for sipping a drink.
5 – Cannero Riviera
Cannero Riviera is a charming town on the Piedmontese shore of Lake Maggiore not far from Switzerland.
You could stay here if you intend to visit Locarno, but prefer to stay in Italian territory (much cheaper).
Moreover, despite being a small town, Cannero offers some unmissable attractions such as the magnificent and fragrant Citrus Park.
If you are interested in museums, here you will find a very special one to visit: it is the Ethnographic and Brush Museum.
Do not miss the pleasant walk along the lakefront surrounded by luxurious and elegant residences.
Hotel Il Cortile: Located in an early 20th century building in the historic center of Cannero Riviera and just 50 meters from the shore of Lake Maggiore, the hotel offers an internal courtyard also equipped with a relaxation area. The breakfast offers various and quality products. The hotel is also equipped with an accurate restaurant service and a convenient private parking a short distance away.
Hotel Arancioamaro: another 3-star hotel with excellent reviews, with large, bright and elegantly furnished rooms. The breakfast is continental. This is a lovely hotel with excellent value for money. The terrace and the rooms overlooking the lake are splendid.
B&B Casa Forster: located 400 meters from the lake and embellished with a garden and terrace, the B&B Casa Forster offers free WiFi and each room has air conditioning and free use of a tablet. All rooms have private bathroom. You can enjoy breakfast in the breakfast room, on the terrace overlooking the lake or in the garden.
6 – Cannobio
Just 10 minutes from the Swiss border there is Cannobio, a destination not to miss if you are visiting Lake Maggiore, but also an excellent solution to stay to discover the surrounding areas.
Cannobio is characterized by a beautiful historical center that you can visit with a well-marked ring route that will allow you to admire all the main attractions.
Even on the lakeside you can stroll and enjoy the landscape in peace.
If you are looking for a summer destination, Cannobio is the perfect solution: awarded several times with the Blue Flag it is famous for its beaches, the cleanliness of its waters and the many services it offers to tourists.
B&B Villa Dei Pini: this historic villa offers air-conditioned and classically furnished accommodation, overlooking the surrounding garden. Breakfast is served on the veranda overlooking the garden. WI-FI is free throughout the hotel.
Hotel Casa Arizzoli: a few steps from the medieval village of Cannobio, this family-run hotel offers a garden and free parking.
The house has been completely renovated, but retains its historic character, with the breakfast room with beamed ceiling. The WI-FI connection is free.
B&B Spiaggia Amore: a Bed and Breakfast that offers rooms with private bathroom, free WI-FI connection and bicycles (also free), a nice terrace and continental breakfast.
Lombard side
Let’s move to the Lombard shore, to see five other places to sleep on Lake Maggiore.
7 – Sesto Calende
Sesto Calende is one of the cheapest places in the area: in addition to hotels and B&B’s, here you will also find some campsites where you can stop in a tent or camper.
Its location is also excellent if you want to visit both the Lombard and Piedmontese shores.
In the surroundings there are numerous outdoor activities that can be carried out: you can discover, for example, the Lombard Park of the Ticino Valley or reach by bicycle the nearby village of Angera with its famous Rocca.
Hotel Sole: offers family rooms equipped with all comforts, free WI-FI connection in all common areas, such as the bar and lounge. The rooms have a patio and there is a nice terrace to relax on. Breakfast is continental or à la carte.
Ca dal Cicin: beautiful accommodations, equipped with flat screen TV, private bathroom and balcony overlooking the lake
It also offers a shared kitchen and free Wi-Fi in all areas.
B&B Coco Loco: this very nice B&B offers rooms with private bathroom, a garden and free WI-FI connection. The breakfast is Italian.
8 – Angera
Angera is one of the most fascinating villages of Lake Maggiore and is considered a real widespread museum (more than 40 monuments have been identified).
The village is dominated from above by the famous Rocca di Angera, an ancient fortification of the Borromeo family inside which, in addition to the magnificent rooms, you can visit the Doll Museum, those of Toys and those of Infantile Clothing.
Angera, like many of the localities in the area, has a lovely lakefront where it is pleasant to stroll.
This location is also perfect for lovers of walking and outdoor activities: you can immerse yourself in the green area of the hill of San Quirico or, if you like birdwatching, you can enter the Natural Reserve of Bruschera.
Hotel Dei Tigli: offers simple, but clean and comfortable rooms, free WI-FI connection and bicycles (also included in the room rate) and is in an excellent location, just 50 meters from the lake shore.
Locanda la Casetta: a small inn, in an eighteenth-century building, a rural-style place, seems banal, rustic. The accommodations offer private bathroom, bathrobe (so you don’t have to bring your own towels), slippers, courtesy set etc etc …
The breakfast is based on homemade products. The place I love!
Cascina Canée: terrace, garden, private bathroom at a fantastic price, plus private parking (and trust me, it’s not taken for granted). plus the Italian breakfast!
9 – Ranco
Ranco is a very small village characterized by a marina and some restaurants.
It is a quiet place to stay with children.
From here, then, you can move to explore the surroundings or go to the beach. One of the best one is the Spiaggia dei Caravalle.
10 – Laveno
Laveno is located right in front of Verbania and is an excellent solution to stay on Lake Maggiore also and above all thanks to the convenient ferry that connects the town with the Piedmontese shore.
From here, in fact, you can take the opportunity to explore Lake Maggiore in an alternative way: that is by water.
The historic center is very lively and the heart of Laveno is Piazza Ranzoni with its cafes and restaurants.
If you are interested in museums you could visit the International Ceramic Design Museum dedicated to Laveno ceramics once famous all over the world.
Locanda Pozzetto: a 3-star hotel with rooms and lake views. The hotel is located in a historic building, with WI-FI connection and free parking.
Foresteria Hostaria Del Golfo cod struttura C00025: a delightful guest house, located on the shores of Lake Maggiore, with accommodation and rooms with a view. The rooms have all the comforts: minibar, flat screen TV, private bathroom and, unbelievable, ceilings with exposed beams.
Ostello Casa Rossa: a beautiful hostel, nestled in a garden with rustic-style rooms and only 250 meters from the lake shores. there are many common areas including a lounge, a kitchen and table tennis. like all self-respecting hostels, it gives the possibility to book directly various activities such as sailing, paragliding etc etc. Ask and it will be given to you.
11 – Luino
I know Luino well and since many years: my ex boyfriend had a house in Maccagno (which is a few km away) and I spent there I don’t know how many summers.
Luino is a beautiful town, located a few kilometers from the Swiss border and its location is perfect for exploring both the Lombard and Swiss sides.
Also in this case there is a beautiful lakefront and, if you travel with small children, you can let them play in Parco a Lago, a play area overlooking the water.
One of the reasons why this town is famous is the Wednesday Market, known internationally and the pride of the city which has made it a real tourist attraction.
Hotel Internazionale Luino: Located less than 300 meters from the lake shore, this 3-star hotel offers rooms with wooden furniture, satellite TV, air conditioning and private bathroom.
Residenza Leonardo: spacious apartments 50 meters from the lake. Some apartments have balconies with views, all provide equipped kitchenette and lounge with flat screen TV. The WI-FI connection is free.
Camin Hotel Luino: located on the promenade of Luino and completely overlooking the lake, this hotel is housed in a magnificent Art Nouveau villa dating back to the 19th century and characterized by high frescoed ceilings and stained glass windows.
Surrounded by a garden, which during the summer months is equipped with tables and umbrellas for breakfast and dinner, the Camin Luino is one of the most charming and comfortable structures located on this shore of the lake.
Sponda svizzera
Finally, all that remains is to recommend two places to sleep on Lake Maggiore on the Swiss shore.
This area is certainly the most expensive of the whole lake.
12 – Locarno
Locarno was once a destination for wealthy and famous people. Today things have changed and this is one of the most popular and popular destinations in Switzerland, probably also for the excellent climate it enjoys. It seems that Locarno is the sunniest city in the country.
The city hosts events and festivals throughout the year, making it a lively and perfect destination for the youngest too.
The heart of the city is Piazza Grande with its arcades and pastel-colored facades, but the whole historic center is worth a visit for its buildings and monuments.
A characteristic of Locarno is its Walk of Fame, a walk where you can see the casts of the hands of the artists who participated in the Moon & Stars, an event held every year and which saw the participation of artists such as Elton John, Billy Idol, Laura Pausini and many others.
Not to be missed, of course, is a stroll along the lakeside and in Parco delle Camellie, a real symbol of the city.
If you intend to spend a relaxing stay, Locarno has a Spa: the Termali Salini & Spa.
What else to tell you, Locarno is a destination suitable for every taste to stay on Lake Maggiore.
13 – Ascona
Finally there is Ascona, a small village perfect for a romantic getaway.
A lakefront that has always been a source of inspiration for artists, an elegant historic center characterized by colorful houses, typical shops and small boutiques and a marina where boats move to the rhythm of the lake Ascona an almost fairytale-like and magical atmosphere.
Do not miss a visit to Monte Verità, the hill that rises behind the village where, at the beginning of the twentieth century, an alternative community was born whose ideals were based on naturism and Theosophy.
Art lovers can visit the Museum of Contemporary Art which has more than 500 piece-works.
Ascona is also a perfect destination for sports lovers: here there is a beautiful golf course and on the lake you can practice windsurfing and sailing.