Introduction
Ranco is a charming lakeside village on the eastern shore of Lake Maggiore, known for its peaceful waterfront and family-friendly vibe. This quiet Lombardy town features lakefront views, a small harbour, and a relaxed setting ideal for walking and enjoying the scenery. Visitors love strolling along Ranco’s lakeside promenade and park, which offer wide views across the water to the rolling Piedmont hills. The village’s tranquil setting and scenic beauty make it an ideal base to unwind, with nearby attractions including cultural sites like the medieval Rocca di Angera just to the south, and nature trails through lakeside woods near Ispra to the west.
Why Stay with Hartmann Feel At Home
Hartmann Feel At Home is set in a restored 1930s villa in Gignese (pictured above), offering a quiet hillside retreat with panoramic views near Lake Maggiore. Located around 50 minutes’ drive from Ranco, this B&B provides an ideal base on the cooler, tranquil slopes above the lake. Guests choose Hartmann for its blend of comfort, affordability, and personal touch – the hosts are known for their exceptionally warm, multilingual hospitality, going above and beyond to make visitors “feel at home”. Thanks to a full renovation in 2022, the villa’s interiors are modern, spotlessly clean, and designed for relaxation amid nature. Couples especially appreciate the romantic, peaceful setting (scoring 9.4/10 for a two-person stay) and all guests note the great value for money compared to lakefront hotels.
Accommodation Overview
Hartmann Feel At Home features six uniquely decorated accommodations to suit every type of traveler, from couples to families to solo backpackers. Each room comes with modern amenities like a private (or shared) bathroom, free Wi-Fi, television, air conditioning, fresh linens, a hairdryer, and a courtesy toiletries set, ensuring a comfortable stay for all guests.
- Double Rooms: Cozy double rooms (approximately 16–20 m²) are ideal for couples, featuring either a 140 cm “French” double bed or a pair of twin beds to accommodate two adults. Each offers a snug, quiet retreat after a day of sightseeing. For example, the top-floor turret double has its own little balcony nook with a partial Lake Maggiore view, lending a romantic ambiance to the stay.
- Family Suites: Hartmann offers two spacious suites perfect for families or groups of up to 4 people. One is a 50 m² family suite comprised of two adjoining rooms separated by a sliding door – great for parents and kids to have their own space. The other is a comfortable quadruple suite (~31 m²) with two twin beds and a sofa bed in an adjacent living area. Both suites feature ample room to relax and en-suite bathrooms for convenience. Families love the extra touches – one suite even has a walk-in closet and a private yoga corner – and the large garden outside (there’s a trampoline where the kids can play while parents unwind) has been a big hit with guests.
- Triple Room: For smaller families or friend groups, the B&B has a triple room (~30 m²) furnished with two twin beds plus a charming loft-style raised bed. This unique layout can sleep up to three adults (or a couple with a child), and the little loft bed nook especially delights kids. A beautiful, spacious private bathroom accompanies this room as well, making it comfortable for a trio.
- Shared Dormitory: Budget-conscious solo travelers or backpackers can opt for the dormitory-style shared room. This hostel-like space contains three beds (two singles and a bunk-style sofa bed in an adjoining area), and shares a bathroom, making it a very affordable option. The Muladhara Rosso shared room accommodates up to three guests in this open-plan setup, and as an officially designated “three-bed shared apartment” it provides a social stay while still enjoying the villa’s quiet surroundings. Even in the dorm, you’ll have access to all the common amenities of the B&B (like the lounge and garden), so you can meet fellow travelers without sacrificing comfort or tranquility.
Where to Eat in Ranco
Despite its small size, Ranco more than punches above its weight when it comes to dining options. For a special night out, Il Sole di Ranco is the village’s most famous restaurant – a historic lakefront inn once awarded a Michelin star, known for its elegant setting and gourmet cuisine (especially fresh fish). It’s on the pricier side, but the excellent food and romantic lake views make it worthwhile for a splurge. If you’re after a more budget-friendly yet still delicious meal, Ristorante Belvedere is a great choice, serving quality Italian dishes at a more reasonable price point. For a casual bite or drinks by the water, head to Il Molo di Ranco, an open-air lakeside café/bar that’s perfect for light lunches, gelato, or an aperitivo with a view of the harbor.
In addition to Ranco’s eateries, the surrounding towns offer further variety. Just 10 minutes away, Angera has several inviting trattorias and pizzerias – try Osteria Melograno for a highly-rated dinner in a peaceful garden setting with outstanding local dishes and friendly service, or Pizzeria Damino for family-friendly pizza and pasta in a beautiful lakeside setting (known for high-quality ingredients and views of the castle). In nearby Ispra and Sesto Calende, you can find authentic gelato shops, casual cafes, and even a noted seafood bistro – the popular MareMio fish restaurant in Lisanza, just a short drive from Ranco, is praised for its super-fresh catch and excellent value. With everything from elegant dining to rustic pizzerias available, you’ll have no shortage of delicious options around Ranco.
What to Do Around Ranco
- Lakeside Promenade & Beaches: Ranco’s waterfront is perfect for leisurely walks and lakeside relaxation. A paved promenade runs along the shore by the small marina and public park, offering wide views across the water to the green hills on the opposite bank. You can pause at a bench to watch swans and boats, or spread out a towel on the little grassy beach (Spiaggia dei Canottieri) by the water – it’s not a large beach, but it offers good lake access and a quiet spot for sunbathing or splashing around with the kids in summer. As you stroll north, you’ll reach the Sasso Cavalazzo (or Sass Cavalasc in local dialect), an interesting giant boulder near the shore – a glacial erratic rock that vaguely resembles a horse’s head. For a change of scene, nearby Angera’s Lido La Noce beach (at the end of Angera’s lakeside promenade) offers a broader stretch of lakeshore just a few minutes’ drive from Ranco. Whether you’re enjoying a sunset passeggiata in Ranco or a picnic by the water, the lake’s edge here is wonderfully peaceful.
- Ogliari Transport Museum: The Museo dei Trasporti Ogliari is one of Ranco’s unique attractions, especially for history and engineering buffs. This privately run open-air museum (founded in 1954 by transport scholar Francesco Ogliari) showcases the evolution of transportation from the 19th century to today. Stroll through a park filled with vintage vehicles: you’ll find everything from an 1892 steam locomotive to historic trams and a 1921 FIAT petrol-fuelled bus, plus carriages, bicycles and more, all artfully displayed among the trees. There’s also an impressive scale model of an “ideal city” of the future that Ogliari built, reflecting his vision of perfect harmony between people and transit. Entry to the outdoor museum is free (donations are welcome) and it makes for a fun, educational outing for all ages. (Tip: The museum is closed on Mondays and has reduced hours in winter, so plan your visit accordingly.)
- Rocca di Angera: Just 8 km south of Ranco lies the Rocca Borromeo di Angera, a majestic medieval castle perched on a limestone spur above the lake. Angera’s fortress offers stunning panoramic views over Lake Maggiore and the surrounding countryside – a fantastic photo op for travelers. You can tour the castle’s beautifully preserved halls (which include a historical doll and toy museum, sure to intrigue children) and stroll through its terraced gardens of medicinal herbs. The Rocca’s hilltop position provides a sweeping vista that takes in Arona directly across the water and much of the southern lake. To reach the Rocca from Ranco, you can drive (~10 minutes) or even take a ferry from Angera’s pier across to Arona and back, enjoying the lake from both shores. It’s a highlight for history lovers and families alike – imagine picnicking on the castle grounds with Lake Maggiore as your backdrop!
- Boat Trips on Lake Maggiore: Exploring Lake Maggiore by boat is highly recommended, and Ranco’s location makes it easy. While Ranco itself is not a major ferry port (it has a small pier but no regular service), the nearby town of Angera (about 10 minutes away) has ferry and boat connections across to Arona and other destinations. From Angera or from Arona (across the lake), you can hop on Navigazione Laghi public ferries or chartered boat tours to visit the famous Borromean Islands (like Isola Bella and Isola Madre), the bustling town of Stresa, or scenic spots up and down the lake. A leisurely ferry ride is a great way to sightsee – you’ll get views of grand lakeside villas and gardens, and you can easily make a day trip of it by stopping at multiple towns. In summer, there are also evening boat cruises and rental boats available if you want to plan a private picnic on the water. (Note: Check the ferry timetables ahead of time, as schedules vary by season and weekday, and fewer boats run in the off-season.)
- Nature Walks & Scenic Trails: The area around Ranco is a paradise for nature lovers, with gentle hikes and bike paths that showcase the lake’s natural beauty. One popular route is through the Parco del Golfo della Quassa, a protected parkland between Ranco and Ispra. A flat trail leads along the lake’s shoreline here, winding through reeds, woodlands, and meadows – perfect for a peaceful walk or family bike ride (keep an eye out for waterbirds in the marshy areas). Along this trail you’ll come across the noteworthy Sasso Cavalazzo boulder mentioned earlier, as well as lovely viewpoints over the lake. If you’re up for a bit more climbing, consider the trail to San Quirico, a small hilltop sanctuary above Ranco. The walk uphill (through the locality of San Martino) rewards you with sweeping views overlooking Ranco, Angera’s castle, and the southern part of Lake Maggiore. It’s an excellent spot for photography or simply to catch your breath and admire the panorama. Whether you choose a lakeside stroll or a hill hike, the Ranco area offers plenty of outdoor recreation to fill your days with exploration and fresh air.
Booking and Contact Information
To plan your stay at Hartmann Feel At Home, you can book directly or reach out to the B&B for information. The official website ( homehartmann.com ) provides photos, availability and online booking. For personal inquiries, you can email info@homehartmann.com or call +39 349 3726750. The owners speak multiple languages (English, Italian, and more) and are very responsive to messages. Given Hartmann’s popularity, especially in summer, it’s wise to reserve your room well in advance if you plan to visit during peak season or weekends. Families should book the larger suites early, as there is only a limited number of each room type.
Getting There: Hartmann Feel At Home is located at Salita Rognoni 10, 28836 Gignese (VB) – on the west side of Lake Maggiore, roughly a 50-minute drive from Ranco. If driving from Ranco, the easiest route is to go around the southern end of the lake: head south through Angera toward Sesto Calende, then cross the bridge over the Ticino River and follow signs for the A26 motorway (direction Gravellona Toce). Exit the highway at Carpugnino/Stresa, and from there it’s a 10-minute scenic climb up to Gignese. The B&B sits in a quiet residential area on the hill; free private parking is available on site for guests arriving by car.
For those traveling by public transport, allow extra time and planning. Ranco itself has no train station, so your journey will start at Sesto Calende (~10 km from Ranco), which is on the Milan–Domodossola railway line. You can reach Sesto Calende by local bus or taxi from Ranco. From Sesto Calende station, take a regional train north to Stresa or Verbania-Pallanza on the lake’s western shore. The Stresa train ride is about 30–40 minutes. Once in Stresa, a taxi or local bus (there is a bus line up to Gignese/Mottarone) can take you the remaining 8 km up the hill to Gignese. Another option in summer is to use the ferry: from Ranco, go to Angera’s pier and catch a boat across to Stresa or Verbania, then continue up to Gignese by taxi/bus. While having a car is the most convenient way to explore both sides of the lake, many guests do visit with public transport – the hosts at Hartmann can assist with schedules and even arrange transfers or pickups if given advance notice.
Travel Tips: Lake Maggiore is at its liveliest from late spring through early autumn, so plan your trip between May and September for the best weather and full range of activities. During these months, ferries run frequently, restaurants and beaches are open, and the lake is warm enough for swimming. July and August are peak holiday season, so expect more crowds (and make reservations for dining and tours). In the quieter months (October to April), you’ll find a much more tranquil atmosphere and lower prices, but be aware that some attractions or eateries may have limited hours. Even in winter, Hartmann Feel At Home’s cozy lounges (complete with a circular fireplace in the main hall) provide a welcoming haven after any sightseeing. Whenever you visit, the friendly team at Hartmann will ensure you have an inviting home base for discovering Ranco, Lake Maggiore, and beyond. Enjoy your stay!
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