Where to sleep in Sesto Calende and surroundings
Introduction
Sesto Calende is a picturesque town located at the southern tip of Lake Maggiore, right where the lake narrows and the Ticino begins its course southwards. The town is known for its wide riverfront promenade, which offers views of boats and the surrounding hills. Despite the lively lakeside area in summer, Sesto Calende maintains a relaxed village atmosphere that invites you to stroll and stop in the cafés. Nature lovers will appreciate that Sesto lies in the Parco Regionale della Valle del Ticino, Italy’s first regional park (established in 1974), which protects woodlands and wetlands along the river. This means that just outside the town there are shaded paths for walks and bike tours, winding through riverside forests and picnic areas rich in birds. Culturally, Sesto Calende boasts the Abbazia di San Donato (a 9th‑century Romanesque church) and a charming historic centre with 19th‑century buildings and a weekly market in Piazza Garibaldi. The strategic position also allows you to easily reach other historic sites: for example Angera, 10 km to the north, renowned for its medieval fortress and picturesque village, and Arona on the opposite bank, famous for its lively promenade and the colossal statue of San Carlo. In short, Sesto Calende offers a mix of lakeside tranquillity, protected nature and cultural attractions, making it an ideal base for exploring the south of Lake Maggiore and beyond.
Why stay at Hartmann Feel At Home?
Hartmann “Feel At Home” is located in a peaceful hill town (Gignese), about 50–55 minutes by car from Sesto Calende, offering a serene retreat with panoramic views of Lake Maggiore. Guests choose Hartmann for its unique combination of comfort, affordable prices and personalised care: it is a family-run B&B in a restored 1930s villa, not a large impersonal hotel. The location guarantees cooler air and a relaxing atmosphere (at 700 m altitude) after a day at the lake, yet popular places like Stresa are only a few minutes’ drive away. What truly distinguishes Hartmann is the hospitality: the owners are known for their exceptionally warm and multilingual service (Italian, English and other languages), doing everything to make every visitor feel “at home”. After the complete renovation in 2022, the villa’s interiors are modern, immaculate and designed for relaxation amid nature. You’ll find free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and elegant furnishings that blend with the historic charm of the villa. Couples particularly appreciate the romantic and quiet atmosphere (Hartmann scores 9.4/10 in reviews) and everyone notes the excellent value for money compared to more expensive hotels on the lake. In the evening you can relax in front of the circular fireplace in the lounge or enjoy a glass of wine on the terrace: the setting is intimate and welcoming, living up to the B&B’s name. For those seeking a base with a homely feel and panoramic location, Hartmann Feel At Home is a must.
Overview of accommodations
Hartmann Feel At Home offers six unique accommodations plus a shared dormitory, suitable for couples, families and even solo travellers. Each room has modern amenities: private bathroom (or shared for the dormitory), free Wi‑Fi, TV, air conditioning, fresh linen, hairdryer and courtesy set, ensuring everyone a comfortable stay. Here is an overview of the options:
- Double rooms: cosy rooms (~16–20 m²) ideal for couples, with a French double bed (140 cm) or two single beds. Each provides a peaceful retreat after a day of sightseeing. For instance, the double room in the “tower” has a small balcony with a partial view of the lake, adding a romantic touch.
- Family suites: two spacious suites perfect for families or groups of up to 4 people. One is a 50 m² family suite with two rooms separated by a sliding door – ideal for parents and children to have their own spaces. The other is a quadruple suite (~31 m²) with two single beds and a sofa bed in an adjoining sitting area. Both suites are roomy and have a private bathroom; one also features a walk-in wardrobe and a yoga corner. Direct access to the garden with a trampoline makes these lodgings particularly suitable for families.
- Triple room: an original room of about 30 m², ideal for a small family or three friends, with two single beds and a charming loft bed accessible by a ladder. This layout can accommodate three adults (or a couple with a child) and the loft bed especially delights children. The room has a spacious private bathroom.
- Shared dormitory: for those travelling on a budget, Hartmann offers a shared room hostel style. The Muladhara Rosso sleeps three people (two single beds and a bunk sofa bed) and shares the bathroom. Officially registered as a “three-bed apartment,” it’s a very economical option that still lets you enjoy the peace of the villa. Even the dormitories have access to all the common areas, to meet other travellers without giving up comfort.
All rooms are decorated with care (each has a theme and colour scheme) and include thoughtful details. Besides the in-room amenities, guests can use the villa’s common spaces: a bright breakfast room, a cosy lounge with a fireplace and even a yoga/meditation room for the morning. Outside, the park‑garden with century‑old trees is perfect for enjoying the view or letting children play. Whether you’re a couple, a family or a solo traveller, Hartmann Feel At Home offers a suitable option for your needs.
Where to eat in Sesto Calende
Despite its small size, Sesto Calende offers a good variety of dining options, from fine restaurants to informal pizzerias. Here are some suggestions in town and nearby, for different occasions:
For a special evening, head to Ristorante Tre Re on the riverfront. This elegant venue is located in a historic building and serves a seasonal menu of Italian and regional cuisine, with particular focus on fresh lake fish and well-prepared meat dishes. The setting blends modern elements with period charm; in the warm season you can dine on the terrace by the river. Prices are above average, but it’s perfect for a romantic dinner or a celebration. Alternatively, for a more informal and budget-friendly meal, try Pizzeria Il Capriccio. This pizzeria beloved by locals is famous for its wood-fired pizzas with plenty of toppings. The atmosphere is lively and simple, and prices are reasonable – perfect for families and groups. Here you can enjoy thin, crispy pizzas and some simple dishes in a friendly setting.
To sample traditional Lombard cuisine, visit Osteria dell’Oca Bianca in the centre of Sesto. This osteria offers typical dishes – creamy risottos, meats braised in red wine and local cheeses – with friendly service in a rustic ambiance. It’s ideal for a lunch or dinner at moderate prices. Another excellent choice is MareMio (in the village of Lisanza, a short distance away), an informal fish trattoria, appreciated for its super-fresh fish and great value. Very popular for weekend lunch, here you can enjoy fried seafood, grilled prawns or pasta allo scoglio in a relaxed lakeside setting.
Besides the restaurants in Sesto Calende, nearby towns offer more opportunities. Just across, Angera has cosy trattorias and pizzerias. Pizzeria Damino is much appreciated for its family atmosphere, quality ingredients and location on the lake, with a view of the castle – great if you spend an evening in Angera. Of course, no visit to Italy is complete without gelato and espresso: in Sesto Calende you’ll find gelaterie and cafés around Piazza Garibaldi and along Viale Italia to satisfy your cravings. With offerings ranging from elegant restaurants to pizza and gelato, you won’t have trouble eating well during your stay in Sesto Calende.
What to do around Sesto Calende
The location of Sesto Calende between lake and river allows for a mix of relaxation and exploration. Here are the main activities to do in Sesto and its surroundings:
- Riverwalk & trails in the Ticino Park : One of the joys of Sesto Calende is walking along the wide promenade where Lake Maggiore becomes the Ticino. Benches and cafés line the route – ideal for an evening stroll or a morning run. As part of the Parco della Valle del Ticino, the area also offers cycle paths and trails with good signage, stretching south through riverside woods and meadows. Along these routes you might see swans and herons and stop for a picnic.
- Abbey of San Donato & historic centre : For history lovers, the Abbazia di San Donato, an ancient Romanesque church outside the centre, is worth a visit. Afterwards, stroll through the historic centre of Sesto: Piazza Garibaldi is surrounded by 19th‑century buildings, little shops and gelaterie. Markets or events are sometimes held here. Not far away, the Sesto Calende Bridge links Lombardy and Piedmont – from here you’ll enjoy a lovely view of the town and the river.
- Rocca di Angera (Borromeo Castle): A 15–20 minute drive (or ferry ride) takes you to the Rocca di Angera, a splendid medieval fortress dominating a rocky promontory over the lake and the view from Sesto. Inside you can visit the period rooms (including the Justice Hall with 13th‑century frescoes) and the Museum of Dolls and Toys. The terraces and gardens offer breathtaking views of Lake Maggiore. The Rocca is accessible by car or by ferry from Angera to Arona and back.
- Boat trips on Lake Maggiore : Exploring Lake Maggiore by boat is highly recommended. Even though Sesto is not on the main ferry line, you can easily board from Angera or Arona (8–10 km away). From Angera, ferries frequently cross to Arona. Starting from these towns or from Angera on some days, you can take the Navigazione Laghi boats to destinations like Stresa and the Borromean Islands. If you have a car, another option is to drive to Laveno-Mombello and take the ferry to Verbania. There are also agencies offering private tours or boat rentals. A day on the water will show you villas, gardens and mountains from a different perspective.
- Scenic drives and nearby lakes : With a car, you can follow many scenic roads. A popular route follows the coast towards Stresa, passing through picturesque towns with lake views. Other nearby lakes include Lago di Monate and Lago di Comabbio to the east and Lago d’Orta to the west (with the village of Orta San Giulio). For an amazing panorama, head from Stresa to Mottarone: from the summit, on clear days, you can see up to seven lakes. In summer Mottarone offers hiking trails, bike descents and an adventure park; in winter there is skiing. Another beautiful road is the “Two Lakes” route, linking Lake Maggiore to Lake Orta via Gignese: along this road, where Hartmann is located, you’ll drive through woods and viewpoints with vistas of both lakes. Whichever direction you choose, the well-maintained roads and scenery make driving pleasant – just be mindful of the curves.
Booking information and contacts
To arrange your stay at Hartmann Feel At Home, you can book directly or contact the B&B for more details. The easiest way is via the official website (homehartmann.com), which shows photos, availability and allows online booking. For specific requests, you can send an email to info@homehartmann.com or call +39 349 3726750 – the owners speak several languages and respond quickly. Given Hartmann’s popularity (especially in summer), it’s advisable to book ahead, especially at weekends and in high season.
How to get there: Hartmann Feel At Home is located at Salita Rognoni 10, 28836 Gignese (VB), on the west bank of Lake Maggiore, about 50 minutes from Sesto Calende. From Sesto, cross the Ticino into Piedmont (heading towards Arona) and take the A26 towards Gravellona Toce, exit Carpugnino/Stresa. From here, you’ll reach Gignese in 10 minutes. The B&B is in a quiet area: look for the artistic iron gate. There is free parking for guests. If you’re travelling by public transport, you’ll need to plan a bit: Sesto Calende’s train station is on the Milan–Domodossola line. From here you can get to Stresa in 30–40 minutes, and then continue by taxi or bus to Gignese. In summer, a combination of ferry and taxi is another option. Although the car remains the most convenient method, Hartmann can help you arrange transfers or check timetables.
Travel tips: Lake Maggiore is liveliest from late spring to early autumn. Plan your stay between May and September to enjoy the best weather (warm days, pleasant nights) and all the activities. During this period, ferries are frequent, restaurants and beaches are open, and the water is warm enough for swimming. The months of July and August are the busiest: expect more tourists and events and book ahead for dinners and attractions. In the quieter months (October–April), the atmosphere is more relaxed and prices lower; however some attractions may reduce their opening hours. Even in winter, Hartmann Feel At Home is a warm retreat thanks to the lounge and fireplace after a day of sightseeing. Whatever time you choose, the friendly Hartmann team will ensure you have a warm base for exploring Sesto Calende, Lake Maggiore and surroundings. Enjoy your stay!
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