Lake Maggiore is Italy’s second-largest lake, straddling the Swiss-Italian border and ringed by lush mountains. Its mild climate, elegant lakeside towns and famous Borromean islands make it ideal for a relaxed 2-day visit. Staying in Stresa (Piedmont shore) and Verbania-Pallanza (Lombardy shore) lets you enjoy both sides of the lake. You’ll experience grand Baroque villas and gardens, charming old towns, easy boat rides and scenic outlooks – all at a family- and couple-friendly pace.
Day 1 – Stresa & the Borromean Islands
Morning: Stresa promenade and options
Begin your day with a leisurely lakeside walk in Stresa. Stroll along the Lungolago di Stresa, a shady promenade of Belle Époque hotels and villas with sweeping views of the lake and the snowcapped Alps beyond. Pause at Piazza Cadorna or Piazza San Vittore in the historic center for a cappuccino or gelato; locals gather here to people-watch and enjoy perch or clam dishes (risotto and seafood are local specialties).
On clear mornings, consider taking the red funivia cable car from Stresa up to Monte Mottarone. The ride climbs through pine forests to 1491 m, where you can see Lago Maggiore, the Alps and even Lake Orta. This is a fun thrill for kids and couples alike: in summer it’s a cool escape from the lakeside heat, and in winter (snow permitting) it becomes a ski lift.
Back in Stresa, another family-friendly option is Parco Pallavicino, just south of town. This historic villa park (Villa Pallavicino) features landscaped gardens and small farm animals (deer, goats, peacocks) that roam freely. A ticketed botanical garden and mini-zoo set on the lakefront, Pallavicino is peaceful and perfect for letting kids explore nature trails and playgrounds.
Lunch: Lakeside dining in Stresa
Around noon, make your way into Stresa’s charming old town for lunch. There are many trattorie and pizzerias off the promenade. Ristorante La Stresa (near Piazza Cadorna) is a good example: it serves local lake specialties like perch risotto and fresh clams in a warm piazza setting. Another option is to grab a slice of pizza or pasta al fresco at one of the cafés by the water. Wherever you eat, savor the lake breeze and local white wines; Stresa’s cuisine emphasizes mild fish and freshwater flavors.
Afternoon: Borromean Islands cruise
After lunch, head to the Stresa ferry terminal. Navigazione Laghi boats depart regularly in spring–summer, often on a convenient hop-on/hop-off schedule. Buy tickets at the booth or on board (there are daily travel passes available – see “Getting Around” below). In about 15–20 minutes you’ll reach Isola Bella, the jewel of the Borromean Islands. Isola Bella is just 400 m from Stresa and was transformed by the Borromeo family into a Baroque vision. Here you can tour the grand Palazzo Borromeo and its famed Italian terraced gardens. The palace’s gilded halls and art-filled rooms are open to visitors (mid-Mar to early Nov), as are the multi-level gardens of roses, fountains and statues. Take about 2+ hours to wander the palace and climb the garden terraces for 180° lake views. (Note: admission is roughly €20 for palace+garden; children under 11 may be free or reduced.)
From Isola Bella, catch the next short ferry (just a few minutes) to Isola dei Pescatori (Fishermen’s Island). This tiny village is the only island with year-round residents. Its crooked lanes of stone houses and church tower are very picturesque. Here you can browse a couple of boutiques and enjoy early dinner or a snack on the waterfront. Local taverns specialize in fresh lake fish (e.g. perch, whitefish, trout), often serving them grilled or in risotto. One beloved spot is Trattoria Imbarcadero by the marina, known for perch risotto; eating by candlelight with boats bobbing is unforgettable. (Tip: families may want a quick pizza or gelato from a café if kids aren’t hungry for fish.)
Evening: Back to Stresa
As dusk falls, ferry back to Stresa. If you return by ~8pm you can have dinner in town: many restaurants line the lakeshore and alleys near the piazza. Choose a cozy ristorante or pizzeria for Italian classics (pasta, polenta, gelato). Couples might enjoy a romantic table on the water; families will find casual trattorias or gelaterias where kids can run around the piazza. After dinner, consider a slow lakeside walk or even an after-dinner cappuccino on the Lungolago, where the lights of the Borromean Islands glitter across the calm water.
Day 2 – Verbania and the Lombardy Shore
Morning: Santa Caterina Hermitage
On Day 2, cross to the lake’s eastern (Lombardy) shore. The highlight is the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso, a cliffside monastery near Leggiuno (about 40 min drive from Stresa). Perched 16 m above the water, this 12–14th-century hermitage clings to a vertical rock face. You can reach it by descending the stone stairway from above or by taking a ferry from Arona (an intimate 45-minute boat ride). Inside are old chapels with frescoes dating back to the 17th century. Spend about 1–1.5 hours here: stroll the shaded courtyards and terraces for superb panoramic views of the Borromean Gulf and Alps. It’s a serene, spiritual spot – the only sounds are waves on the rocks and birdsong.
Lunch: Verbania-Pallanza
Next, drive or ferry north to Verbania-Pallanza, the main town on the south end of Lake Maggiore. Around lunchtime (12–1pm), settle in the lively lakeside center of Pallanza. In Piazzetta San Rocco or along the Lungolago Marconi, you’ll find several family-friendly trattorie. For example, La Latteria – Ritrovo Gastronomico has outdoor tables overlooking the piazza and a menu of inventive local dishes. Try something fresh like trout carpaccio with herb sauce or grilled lake pike with beet purée. (Many restaurants also have pizzas and pasta for kids.) Enjoy a relaxing meal with views of the calm lake and the pastel churches on the shore.
Afternoon: Villa Taranto Gardens
After lunch, stretch your legs with a lakeside walk along Verbania’s LungoZattoni promenade. This broad footpath is lined with red geraniums and summer-blooming trees, offering gentle exercise and beautiful vistas of the lake and Monte Rosa in the distance.
By 2pm head a few minutes north to Villa Taranto Botanical Gardens (Viale delle Palme, Verbania-Pallanza). These world-renowned gardens (16 hectares with ~7km of paths) contain thousands of plant species from around the globe. Created in an English-Italian style, the gardens bloom from spring through autumn: expect tulip displays in April, pink water lilies and giant lotus in summer, and dahlias in late summer. See exotic ferns, camellias, hydrangeas and the famous Triton Fountain. The garden’s open hours vary by season (generally 8:30–18:30 Mar–Sept, shorter hours in Oct–Nov). Admission is about €13 for adults (kids under 11 are free) and well worth it. Plan to spend 1–2 hours here to wander the lawns, greenhouse and themed sections. (Tip: there’s a café by the entrance if anyone needs a snack or toilet break.)
Evening: Arona or Verbania lakeside
Late afternoon, you have options. You could return directly to Stresa (30–40 min drive) for dinner, or stop in Arona (about 40 min south of Verbania) to explore and dine. Arona’s waterfront has a giant bronze statue of St. Charles Borromeo (the San Carlone), which you can climb for sunset views. Children will love running around Piazza San Graziano in Arona while waiting.
For dinner, Arona offers a unique experience: Ristorante Piroscafo Lombardia 1908 is a former paddle steamer permanently moored on the lake. Candlelit tables sit right on the water, with views toward Angera and the castle-lit horizon. The menu features grilled char, marinated whitefish and creative seafood paired with Piedmont wines. (Be sure to book ahead if you go here.)
Alternatively, stay in Verbania: there are pleasant lakeside spots like Lido Scotty or Il Miralago with outdoor seating. Order some pasta, polenta or fish and enjoy the evening light on the water. In either case, end your night with gelato by the lake or a peaceful after-dinner stroll.
Tips – Getting Around and Tickets
- Boat (ferry) passes: Navigazione Laghi runs frequent motorboats connecting Stresa, Intra/Verbania, Arona and the Borromean islands. If you plan multiple hops, consider a daily travel pass. For example, the “Maggiore Centro Classic” pass (≈€36/adult, €26 child 4–11) covers all-day unlimited ferry rides plus a Varese bus and even the Laveno cableway, and includes Santa Caterina entry. There are also family promotions: for instance the Happy Family deal gives 2 free child tickets (ages 4–12) when 2 adults buy daily passes. If traveling without these deals, single tickets are about €5–10 per hop (children 4–11 pay ~50%).
- Buses & Car: The Autolinee Varesine buses link many lakeside towns (Stresa–Verbania–Arona) if you prefer not to drive. A car or taxi is handy for flexibility, especially to reach hilltop sites (Santa Caterina parking is at top). Roads around the lake are scenic but winding – allow extra time. Parking is generally available near major sights (most ferries and Villa Taranto have paid lots).
- Cable Car: In Stresa, take the funivia at the Lago Maggiore Station next to the lakeside – the ride up to Mottarone is as much a transit as an attraction. (You can even bring bikes on the gondolas on weekends.) There’s also a cable car at Laveno (south end) to S. Caterina, but Santa Caterina hermitage has its own stairway.
- Island & Garden Tickets: The Borromean island palaces/gardens and Villa Taranto have set hours (typically spring–fall). It’s best to buy skip-the-line tickets online in advance, or arrive early to avoid queues. Many sites (Isola Bella, Villa Taranto) allow credit cards at the ticket office. Children under 11 are often free or discounted.
- Boat Tours: For convenience, look into hop-on/hop-off lake cruises. Some combined tours let you circle the islands and hop off for 1–2 hours at each. These can save time (you’ll see all islands in one day) and often include commentary. For example, GetYourGuide and other providers offer multi-island tours from Stresa.
Extend Your Stay – Hartmann Feel at Home
Looking for a quiet and authentic place to stay at Lake Maggiore, far from the crowds but close to everything that matters?
Hartmann Feel at Home is a charming guesthouse located in Gignese, just 10 minutes from Stresa, between Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta.
Set in a beautifully renovated 1930s villa surrounded by century-old trees, this is more than just a place to sleep—it’s a place to unwind, reconnect with nature, and truly feel at home.
A Relaxing Stay in the Hills Above the Lake
Hartmann Feel at Home is a unique blend of nature, history, and comfort. Nestled at 700 meters above sea level, it enjoys cooler summer temperatures, fresh mountain air, and panoramic views over the hills and forests.
The guesthouse offers:
- Individually styled rooms inspired by the seven chakras
- A peaceful garden perfect for reading or meditating
- A yoga room, cozy lounge with fireplace, and a veranda for breakfast
- Free parking and Wi-Fi
- A warm, family-style welcome
Rooms with Soul and Comfort
Each room is designed with color, energy, and natural materials in mind, offering a space that nurtures rest and relaxation:
🧡 Swadhisthana Orange – 50 sqm family suite with 2 single beds + sofa bed in two separate areas
🔵 Vishuddha Indigo – 31 sqm suite with 2 single beds + sofa bed, for up to 4 adults
💛 Manipura Yellow – Cozy 16.5 sqm room with French bed (140 cm)
💚 Anahata Green – 30 sqm triple room with 2 single beds + raised third bed
🔹 Ajna Turquoise – 16 sqm double with French bed, ideal for couples
💜 Sahasrara Purple – 20 sqm twin room, calm and minimalist
🔴 Muladhara Red – Shared room with 2 single beds + bunk sofa bed, perfect for solo travelers
All rooms come with a private bathroom, free Wi-Fi, and views over greenery or the surrounding park.
A Perfect Location to Explore Lake Maggiore (and More)
From our guesthouse, you can easily reach:
- Stresa, the lakefront, and boats to the Borromean Islands
- The Mottarone, for hiking, skiing, and spectacular views
- The romantic village of Orta San Giulio on Lake Orta
- Nearby golf clubs, botanical gardens, and charming towns like Baveno and Arona
Whether you love nature, culture, or simply peace and quiet, you’ll find the perfect balance here.
Why Choose Hartmann Feel at Home?
✔ A historic villa with soul and character
✔ Affordable rooms with a personal touch
✔ A quiet location with easy access to lakes and mountains
✔ Ideal for couples, families, solo travelers, and nature lovers
✔ An authentic Italian experience—welcoming, warm, and relaxed
📍 Address: Salita Rognoni 10, 28836 Gignese (VB)
📞 Contact: +39 372 67 50
🌐 Book directly via our website below