What to See and What to Do in Baveno: Attractions and Places

Jul 20, 2025

Baveno is a charming lakeside town on Lake Maggiore, known for its golden sunsets and views of the Borromean Islands. The Piazza della Chiesa lies at its heart: a broad square with the Church of Saints Gervasio and Protasio and an ancient Roman Baptistry. Families and couples enjoy strolling the wide promenade, relaxing on the small public beach, and watching boats glide by against the backdrop of hazy alpine hills. Historic villas and leafy parks line the waterfront. (For example, Villa Fedora – once home to composer Umberto Giordano – sits in an English-style park right at the beach.) This lakefront setting offers superb views of the Borromean Islands, which you can visit on boat tours departing from Baveno harbor.

Major Sights in Baveno

  • Piazza della Chiesa and Baptistry – The centerpiece square features a Romanesque church and nearby Baptistry. It’s perfect for a gelato or Aperol spritz and people-watching.
  • Villa Fedora & Public Park – A 19th‑century villa now houses the Chamber of Commerce. Its lush park (oaks, camellias, mimosas) is free to enter and includes a playground and public sandy beach. It often hosts events in summer.
  • Lido Beach Club (Via Piave 66) – A lakeside bathing complex with sun-loungers and water games, plus a restaurant/bar with panoramic views. Great for families (pool and slides) or couples (evening views and music).
  • Aquadventure Park – In Verbania (just south of Baveno) is Aquadventure, a small adventure park on the lakeshore with water slides, trampolines, and rope courses. Kids can splash in pools or climb, while parents relax on the beach.
  • Boat Tours & Rentals – Baveno’s harbor rents motorboats (with or without license) for private lake excursions. Navigazione Laghi ferries also run daily summer cruises to the Borromean Islands (Isola Madre, Pescatori, Bella) from Baveno. A family “Happy Ticket” deal is available on these island tours.
  • Feriolo Waterfront – The small beach in nearby Feriolo has a statue of Christ the King above and is a pleasant spot for swimming. The Mirafiori + La Terrazza restaurant in Feriolo offers lake views and specializes in fresh lake fish and homemade pasta.
  • Countryside Walks – Gentle trails in the hills above Baveno offer scenic outlooks. (For adventurous families, consider a day trip to Orrido di Sant’Anna near Cannobio – a dramatic gorge with a waterfall and easy loop trail.)

Nearby Excursions

  • Borromean Islands – A must-see. Hop on a ferry (from Baveno or Stresa) to visit Isola Bella’s baroque palace and gardens, the fishing village on Isola Pescatori, and botanical gardens on Isola Madre. Plan ~4–6 hours including travel.
  • Mount Mottarone Cable Car – From Stresa (10 km south), take the cable car up to Mottarone (1,491 m) for panoramic lake views. In summer it’s great for couples or families (there’s an alpine coaster “Alpyland” on the mountain). In winter it’s a ski area.
  • Villa Taranto Botanical Gardens – In Verbania (just north of Baveno), these world-famous gardens display 20,000 plant species in landscaped settings. A colorful visit for any nature lover.
  • Sacri Monti & Lakeside Villages – Within 30 min drive you can visit Sacro Monte di Ghiffa or walk the historic streets of nearby Stresa. (Stresa also has a splendid lakeside promenade, casino, and hotels.)
  • Day Boat Cruises – Rent a boat or join a cruise to explore the whole lake. For example, Cantiere del Verbano in Feriolo rents motorboats (no license needed) so you can skipper yourself to hidden bays.

Dining in Baveno

Baveno has a range of restaurants suited to families and couples. A few favorites include:

  • Sottosopra (Corso Garibaldi 40) – Modern Italian cuisine with creative twists on local recipes. The chefs (a culinary couple) blend tradition with innovation in a cozy setting; good for couples or families with older kids.
  • Ristorante Posta (Piazza Dante Alighieri 16) – A historic family-run trattoria (in an old post station building) serving hearty local dishes. Outdoor tables face the main square. Homemade pasta, lake fish and quality meats feature on the menu, plus vegetarian options.
  • Mirafiori + La Terrazza (Via Cardini 11, Feriolo) – A popular lakeside restaurant in Feriolo with panoramic views. It’s known for fresh Piedmontese fish and homemade pastas. Casual atmosphere, great for families at lunch or couples at sunset.
  • Lido Beach Club Restaurant (Via Piave 66) – Overlooking the lake, it offers Mediterranean and Italian dishes in a laid-back setting. Good for a casual dinner or cocktails after swimming.
  • Vistaqua Osteria (Via Mazzini, Feriolo) – A stylish pizzeria/osteria on the water (design store credits note its terrace on the lake). Serves pizza and Italian specialties; friendly for families (kids’ menu) and fun for a pizza night by the lake. (Tip: book ahead in summer.)
Recommended RestaurantCuisinePriceIdeal for
SottosopraContemporary Italian$$Couples, families
Ristorante PostaPiedmontese/Italian$$Families, couples
Mirafiori + La TerrazzaLake-fish, Italian$$Families, couples
Lido Beach Club (Beach Club)Mediterranean/Italian$$Families, couples
Vistaqua Osteria (Feriolo)Pizza/Italian$-$$Families, casual

Seasonal Events & Tips

Baveno hosts lively events, especially in summer and winter holiday seasons. Key events include:

EventWhenDescriptionFor
Baveno & Feriolo EnchantéJul–Aug nightlyIlluminated fountain (water) and laser shows on the lakefront, culminating Aug 10 in a “San Lorenzo Night” special. Colorful and free for all ages.Couples, families
Umberto Giordano Music FestivalJuly (annual)Classical music concerts honoring Baveno’s composer Umberto Giordano.Couples, classical music fans
Festa di San CarloEarly June (patron)Local saints’ feast with processions, food stalls (varies).Families
Baveno Collects ChristmasDec 18 (mid-Dec)Christmas lighting and mini-market on the lakefront.Families
Christmas ConcertDec 7 (Saint Ambrose)Festive concert at the Church of SS Gervasio and Protasio.Couples, families

Tips: Summer (June–Sept) is best for warm swimming and lake events; spring/autumn bring fewer crowds. Boat tickets (Navigazione Laghi) sell out in peak season—book in advance or go early. Buses from Stresa serve Baveno regularly; by car, the SS33 lakeshore road connects from Milan via Arona. The nearest major airport is Milan (Malpensa), then train or rental car to Baveno via Milan–Domodossola rail line (station: Baveno) or the A26 motorway exit at Gravellona Toce.

Practical Tips

  • Getting Around: Baveno is compact and walkable. To reach Borromean ferries, use the lakeside dock. Local buses (Sadem) run between Stresa, Verbania, and Baveno. Renting a car or boat expands options.
  • Best Time to Visit: July–August for lake swimming, boating and nightly fountain shows. Late spring brings blooming azaleas (e.g. at Villa Taranto). Early December has festive lights but fewer crowds.
  • Tickets & Reservations: Buy island-boat tickets at the Navigazione Laghi office or online (family deals available). For popular restaurants (and Hartmann B&B in summer), reserve ahead. Many attractions (e.g. villa parks) are free, but museums on Isola Bella or special events may charge admission.

Explore Baveno’s relaxed lakeside charm and nearby natural wonders, from historic squares and gardens to islands and mountain vistas. Whether you’re a family with children or a couple seeking romance, Baveno on Lake Maggiore offers memorable experiences for everyone.

Why Choose Hartmann Feel at Home Near Baveno and Lake Maggiore?
Because real rest begins where comfort, space, and family care meet.

If you’re planning a holiday in Baveno—one of the most charming towns on Lake Maggiore, known for its lakeside promenades, ferry connections, and laid-back elegance—consider staying just a few minutes away, in the green, quiet hills above Stresa. That’s where you’ll find Hartmann Feel at Home, a family-friendly guesthouse designed for those who want more than a hotel room. Here, you’ll discover space, peace, and a warm welcome—the perfect ingredients for a relaxing and memorable stay.

Here’s why so many families, couples, and nature-lovers choose Hartmann Feel at Home over a standard hotel in Baveno:

✔️ Spacious, calming rooms with natural décor
Unlike the often small and impersonal hotel rooms by the lake, our apartments are bright, open, and cozy, designed to make you feel instantly relaxed. Natural materials, warm tones, and attention to detail create an atmosphere that soothes both adults and children.

✔️ Outdoor space where kids can safely play
Let the little ones run free in our fenced garden, where they can play in the grass, chase butterflies, or read a book under a tree—while you sip a coffee in peace.

✔️ Family-focused amenities and warm hospitality
We provide everything a family might need: baby cots, highchairs, nightlights, step stools, toys, children’s books, and even microwaves and fridges for snacks and baby bottles. It’s hospitality that understands the real needs of traveling families.

✔️ Delicious, healthy breakfast included
Wake up to a lovingly prepared breakfast: local ingredients, fresh bread, fruit, yogurt, jams, and options for children and those with dietary needs. It’s the kind of breakfast that brings everyone to the table with a smile.

✔️ Ideal location just minutes from Baveno
Hartmann Feel at Home is a peaceful retreat just a short drive from Baveno’s lakeside charm. In minutes, you can reach the Borromean Islands ferry, enjoy a lakeside gelato, visit the historic church of Saints Gervasio and Protasio, or stroll along the water at sunset. Then return to your quiet hillside haven.

✔️ Baby gear, playthings, and flexible sleeping setups
We offer cribs, extra beds, and space to spread out, whether you’re a family of three or a group of six. Everything is arranged to make your stay comfortable, simple, and restful.

✔️ Hosts who truly care—and speak your language
You’ll be welcomed by warm, multilingual hosts who are passionate about the region and happy to help. Need tips on the best ferry times, a local hike, or where to eat in Baveno without the crowds? Just ask—we’re here to help, in English, German, French, or Italian.

Whether you’re visiting in spring to see the lake come alive with flowers, in summer for beach days and island adventures, or in autumn for crisp air and colorful hikes, Hartmann Feel at Home is your peaceful, practical, and welcoming base near Baveno.

Because sometimes, the best place to enjoy the lake…
is just above it—surrounded by silence, space, and the feeling of home.

Our Rooms

Distinctive Spaces Designed with You in Mind

At Hartmann Feel at Home, we believe a good room should offer more than comfort — it should offer peace of mind. That’s why our seven rooms are not only clean and spacious, but also carefully curated to reflect different moods, needs, and energies.

Each room is inspired by one of the seven chakras — creating a color palette and feeling that matches the space’s purpose. Whether you want cozy and quiet or light and open, there’s a room here that will feel just right.

All rooms include:

  • A private bathroom with a modern walk-in shower
  • Comfortable bedding and quality mattresses
  • Natural touches and calming décor
  • A view of the surrounding nature — garden, trees, or valley
  • A quiet, balanced atmosphere to help you sleep deeply and wake up restored

🧡 SWADHISTHANA ORANGEFamily Suite (50 m²)
This two-room suite offers plenty of space, with two single beds and a sofa bed in separate areas. It’s bright, warm, and ideal for those who want a shared stay without feeling crowded.
Perfect for: families, small groups, or friends traveling together.

🔵 VISHUDDHA INDIGOComfort Suite for 3–4 People (31 m²)
Spacious and tranquil, with two single beds and a sofa bed. A great option for travelers who enjoy room to relax and soft, soothing energy.
Perfect for: parents with kids, close friends, or small groups.

💛 MANIPURA YELLOWCozy Double Room (16.5 m²)
A cheerful, sunlit room with a French bed (140 cm). Compact but comfortable, and full of light.
Perfect for: solo travelers or couples looking for a cozy, uplifting space.

💚 ANAHATA GREENTriple Room (30 m²)
A roomy space with two single beds and a raised third bed, surrounded by greenery. Peaceful and ideal for both rest and connection.
Perfect for: families, or three friends wanting space and simplicity.

🔹 AJNA TURQUOISEQuiet Double Room (16 m²)
Simple, elegant, and tucked into a peaceful corner of the house. With a French bed, this room is great for those seeking clarity and calm.
Perfect for: couples or solo guests in need of rest and stillness.

💜 SAHASRARA PURPLEMinimalist Twin Room (20 m²)
Uncluttered and open, this room with two single beds is soothing and functional — designed for travelers who want a peaceful, no-fuss stay.
Perfect for: travel companions, solo guests, or short getaways.

🔴 MULADHARA REDShared Room on a Budget
Our most affordable room includes two single beds and a bunk-style sofa bed, plus a private bathroom. Comfortable, clean, and perfect for independent travelers.
Perfect for: solo travelers, backpackers, or young guests.

A Room for Every Traveler

Whether you’re visiting Lake Maggiore for relaxation, exploration, or something in between, you’ll find a room at Hartmann Feel at Home that matches your needs and your style.

Here, every room offers more than just a place to sleep — it offers a space to feel grounded, calm, and truly at ease.

Book here now: