Where to Stay

Along the Lake

Lining the shores of the lake, you’ll find many small towns (referred to as “communes”), each offering its own unique qualities and flair. For this reason, figuring out where to stay can be confusing. Are some towns more beautiful than others? Which are best for access to the rest of the lake and wedding activities? Here, we’ll walk you through the best towns and areas of Lake Maggiore so you can plan the perfect trip that suits your own style.

Stresa

Stay here for panoramic views, lakeside opulence, and easy access to wedding events. Best for couples, relaxing, and classic architecture.

We recommend that our guests plan to stay in the town of Stresa due to its central location, tourist infrastructure, and proximity to the Borromean Islands. However, we know that this might not appeal to everyone.

Please note that we will be providing complimentary transportation to La Foleia from Stresa on our wedding day, and will be hosting other events in this area.

If you decide to stay in a commune other than Stresa, you will need to arrange your own transportation to and from the different wedding locations. While there won’t be taxis or Ubers available, there are other ways to get around Lake Maggiore, but be sure to plan accordingly and at your own risk.

  • Stresa is one of the main towns on the western side of Lake Maggiore known for its laid-back atmosphere and views of the lake and its surrounding mountains. There’s lots to see and do, great bars and restaurants, and beautiful villas to admire.

    The lungolargo, or lakeside promenade, is one of the main highlights of Stresa. It's perfect for an evening stroll and to watch boats zoom up and down the lake. It also offers great views of the Borromean Islands, which are really close by.

  • Have an Aperitivo: There's nothing quite like enjoying a refreshing aperitivo with a beautiful view when you're in Italy. As you can imagine from elegant Strasa, there are lots of great places to enjoy an evening drink.

    Villa Pallavicino: This is one of the Lake Maggiore/Borromeo Family legacies, and is one that's definitely worth visiting. It has a huge garden that's wonderful to walk around, and it even has a zoo.

    Hike Up Mount Mottarone (or Just Take the Cable Car!): Mount Mottarone is the mountain that separates Lake Maggiore from Lake Orta and, as you can imagine, it offers incredible views from the top. There’s a great hiking trail to the top or you can get the cable car up. When at the top, head to Alpyland and enjoy 360-degree views.

    Go for a Swim: Lake Maggiore's water is beautiful and it's great for swimming. There are a couple of little beaches a short walk away from central Stresa.

Explore Accommodation Options in Stresa

In Stresa, there are plenty of accommodation options to suit a range of budgets and styles — from grand hotels and villas to charming apartments and humble home stays — making it a great homebase for your stay on Lake Maggiore. We recommend staying somewhere close to the city center for ease of access to transportation.

If you’ll be travelling with a group, consider a nearby villa stay to help potentially save on cost. While we’ve provided some stays below, there are so many more not featured here, so be sure to poke around and see what works best for you!

2-Star Hotels

3-Star Hotels

  • $100 - $150 USD per night is typical for a 2-star hotel rating in this area.

★★★★

★★★★★

4-Star Hotels

5-Star Hotels

$ - $$$$

Private Rentals

  • Pricing will vary.

  • If using the above links, be sure to adjust travel dates and filter preferences. Pay close attention to location and distance from the city center (and also make sure not to accidentally book a rental on a neighboring lake!). Beware of scams.

★★

★★★

Verbania

Stay here for a lively atmosphere and easy access to the rest of the lake. Best for couples, explorers, and those wanting to be on the water.

  • Verbania (aka “the Garden on the Lake”), is Lake Maggiore’s largest town and is made up of two smaller towns called Pallanza and Intra. If you’re considering staying here, we recommend staying in the more central Pallanza-Verbania area, which is said to be more beautiful.

    Verbania is located on a section of land that juts out into the water on the western coast of the lake. Its unique location means you get stunning views up and down the lake and you can almost always see an impressive Alpine mountain in the background. It’s well connected to the rest of the lake, and has lots of great accommodation options and restaurants.

  • Visit the Borromean Islands: You can't spend much time on Lake Maggiore without hearing about the Borromeo family. They're a noble and ancient family from Florence that was pushed out in an uprising, meaning they were forced to go to Lake Maggiore and basically bought most of the land there. The Borromean Islands are one of the top tourist attractions on the lake and are made up of 3 small islands and 2 islets. They're the perfect place to marvel at the incredible lakeside villas and the wonderful gardens that give Verbania its name!

    Botanical Gardens: Even if you're not a lover of flowers, you'll be hard-pressed to say the Verbania Botanical Gardens aren't incredible. In fact, many people visit Lake Maggiore just to check out the sprawling lakeside gardens.

    Grab a Bite at Isola Pescatori: This is actually one of the Borromean Islands, but Isola Pescatori is an old fishing island and it's the perfect place for a seafood lunch. Trattoria Imbarcadero is said to be a great spot.

Accommodation in Verbania is less abundant than it is in Stresa. Here, you’ll likely be limited to only three and four star hotel options, unless you decide to book an Airbnb or private rental.

Explore Accommodation Options in Verbania

★★★

★★★★

3-Star Hotels

4-Star Hotels

$ - $$$$

Private Rentals

  • Pricing will vary.

  • If using the above links, be sure to adjust travel dates and filter preferences. Pay close attention to location and distance from the city center (and also make sure not to accidentally book a rental on a neighboring lake!). Beware of scams.

Arona

Stay here for a relaxed lakeside vibe with great shopping, dining, and easy connections. Best for couples, groups, and those who want a more local feel.

  • Arona is a charming town on the southern tip of Lake Maggiore and one of the easiest towns to reach from Milan. It has a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and a lovely historic center with narrow streets filled with cafés, boutiques, and gelaterias. The lakeside promenade is perfect for strolling, people-watching, or hopping on a ferry to explore other parts of the lake.

    While smaller than Stresa or Verbania, Arona has a very authentic Italian feel and is a great base for exploring both the lake and the nearby wine regions. Expect less dramatic views of the lake here, though.

  • Climb the Colossus of San Carlo: This is one of the tallest statues in the world (second only to the Statue of Liberty when it was built). You can actually climb inside it for amazing views over Arona and the lake.

    Explore Piazza del Popolo: Arona’s main square is full of life with cafés spilling onto the cobblestones and a beautiful view of the water. It’s a perfect place for an evening spritz.

    Visit Rocca di Arona: These castle ruins perched above town are a great little hike with panoramic views of Lago Maggiore.

Explore Accommodation Options in Arona

Accommodation in Arona is slightly more affordable than other areas, but is more limited and less luxe. While it’s the closest commune to La Foleia, we will not be providing any free guest transportation to and from Arona. Its southern location also means that ferry rides to and from popular attractions and wedding events will take longer and will likely be less frequent.

3-Star Hotels

4-Star Hotels

  • $90 - $120 USD per night is typical for a 3-star hotel rating in this area.

$ - $$$$

Private Rentals

  • Pricing will vary.

  • If using the above links, be sure to adjust travel dates and filter preferences. Pay close attention to location and distance from the city center (and also make sure not to accidentally book a rental on a neighboring lake!). Beware of scams.

★★★

★★★★