Where to Stay on Lake Maggiore: Best Towns, Hotels, and What Each Area Is Known For
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If you’re trying to decide where to stay on Lake Maggiore, the first thing to know is that this lake feels very different from nearby Lake Como. While Como has become increasingly crowded and expensive, Lake Maggiore still feels elegant, relaxed, and surprisingly under-the-radar despite having many of the same dramatic lake views, grand hotels, charming villages, and ferry-accessible towns. I lived in Milan for several years and this was always the place my visitors fell in love with – and it’s a quick one hour train ride.
Stretching across northern Italy and into southern Switzerland, Lake Maggiore offers a mix of romantic waterfront towns, Belle Époque hotels, lush gardens, mountain scenery, and quieter lakeside villages that feel far less hectic than some of Italy’s more famous destinations.
The best area for you depends entirely on the kind of trip you want. Some towns are ideal for first-time visitors who want ferry access and walkability, while others are better for luxury travelers, families, couples, or travelers looking for a quieter base.
This guide breaks down the best towns on Lake Maggiore, what each area is known for, and the best hotels in each location.
Quick Picks: Best Places to Stay on Lake Maggiore
Best for first-time visitors: Stresa
Best quiet luxury escape: Cannero Riviera
Best for ferry access: Stresa
Best for families: Baveno
Best for romantic scenery: Cannobio
Best for Swiss atmosphere: Locarno
Best luxury hotel: Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées
Best boutique hotel: Hotel La Palma
Best for a quieter alternative to Lake Como: Verbania
Stresa: Best Place to Stay on Lake Maggiore for First-Time Visitors
If it’s your first time visiting Lake Maggiore, Stresa is usually the best base. Located on the western shore of the lake, Stresa combines beautiful waterfront scenery with excellent ferry access, elegant historic hotels, restaurants, shops, and easy access to the Borromean Islands. It’s one of the easiest towns to navigate without a car, which makes it ideal for travelers arriving by train from Milan.
Stresa has a polished, classic Italian lakes atmosphere with grand hotels lining the waterfront promenade and mountain views rising dramatically behind the lake. It feels sophisticated but still relaxed. One of the biggest advantages of staying in Stresa is how easy it is to explore the rest of the lake. Ferries connect Stresa to Isola Bella, Isola Madre, Verbania, Baveno, and several smaller towns.
This is the best choice for travelers who want:
- easy ferry transportation
- a walkable town
- classic lakefront hotels
- convenient day trips
- a romantic atmosphere
- a good mix of restaurants and scenery
Where to Stay in Stresa
Luxury splurge: Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées
One of the most iconic hotels on Lake Maggiore, this historic Belle Époque property is known for its opulent interiors, lakefront setting, beautiful gardens, and old-world glamour. The hotel feels timeless and is one of the most memorable stays on the lake.
→ Check current rates for your dates at Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées
Best boutique hotel: Hotel La Palma
This stylish waterfront hotel is known for its rooftop pool and modern design while still maintaining classic lake views. The location is excellent for walking to ferries, restaurants, and the waterfront promenade. This is where I’ve always stayed.
→ See if your dates are available before this fills up (this one books quickly)
Best mid-range stay: Hotel Regina Palace
This grand historic hotel offers a more traditional Italian lake experience with ornate interiors, pools, and beautiful gardens near the lakefront.
→ Check current pricing at Regina Palace (best value for a historic stay)
Best budget-friendly option: Hotel Moderno
A simple but comfortable option in the center of town within walking distance of ferries, restaurants, and the train station.
→ Check availability at this hidden gem
Verbania: Best for a Quieter, More Local Atmosphere
Verbania often gets overlooked by first-time visitors, but it can actually be one of the best places to stay on Lake Maggiore if you prefer a quieter atmosphere and fewer crowds. Located across the lake from Stresa, Verbania feels more residential and local while still offering beautiful waterfront promenades, restaurants, gardens, and ferry access. The town is divided into several areas, but Pallanza is the most scenic and popular for visitors.
Verbania is ideal for travelers who want:
- fewer tourists
- more relaxed evenings
- beautiful lake walks
- easier parking
- local restaurants
- a quieter alternative to Lake Como
One of the highlights here is the Villa Taranto Botanical Gardens, which are among the most beautiful gardens in Italy.
Where to Stay in Verbania
Luxury stay: Grand Hotel Majestic
This elegant lakefront hotel has classic Italian lakes charm, private gardens, lake views, and a quieter atmosphere than many hotels in Stresa.
→ Check rates for your dates at the Grand Hotel Majestic
Best boutique stay: Hotel Ancora
Located right on the waterfront in Pallanza, this smaller boutique-style hotel offers a fantastic location near restaurants and ferry connections.
→ This is the hotel people regret not booking sooner
Best value stay: Europalace Hotel
A comfortable and affordable lakefront hotel with large rooms and easy access to Verbania’s waterfront.
→ See what it costs to stay here right now
Baveno: Best for Families and a Relaxed Stay
Baveno sits just north of Stresa and offers a quieter, more laid-back atmosphere while still being close to ferries and the Borromean Islands. It’s often less crowded than Stresa but still convenient for exploring the lake.
Families tend to prefer Baveno because:
- hotels are often larger and more spacious
- it feels calmer and less busy
- waterfront areas are easier to navigate
- parking is simpler
- there are excellent family-friendly resorts
Baveno also has beautiful lake views and a charming small-town atmosphere without feeling overly touristy.
Where to Stay in Baveno
Best luxury resort: Grand Hotel Dino
A large lakefront resort with pools, family-friendly amenities, and sweeping views of the Borromean Islands.
→ Check into one of the most-loved stays on the coast
Best boutique stay: Hotel Simplon
Surrounded by gardens and connected to larger resort facilities nearby, this hotel offers a quieter atmosphere while still feeling upscale.
→ This is where to stay if you want the full experience
Best value stay: Hotel Beau Rivage
A comfortable lakefront option with pools and an excellent location near the ferry terminal.
→ View rooms and pricing for your stay
Cannobio: Best for Romantic Views and a Charming Village Atmosphere
Cannobio is one of the prettiest towns on Lake Maggiore. Located farther north near the Swiss border, it feels more intimate and less polished than Stresa, which is part of its appeal. The colorful waterfront promenade, narrow historic streets, cafés, and mountain scenery make this one of the most romantic areas on the lake.
Cannobio is ideal for couples and travelers looking for:
- slower-paced travel
- beautiful lake views
- small-town atmosphere
- outdoor cafés
- scenic drives
- quieter surroundings
This area is especially beautiful in summer and early fall.
Where to Stay in Cannobio
Luxury boutique stay: Hotel Villa e Palazzo Aminta
Although technically closer to Stresa, this is one of the region’s standout luxury stays with incredible lake views, elegant interiors, and resort-style amenities.
→ Unlock current pricing at this luxury stay for your dates
Best romantic stay: Hotel Cannobio
Located directly on the waterfront promenade, this charming hotel puts you steps from restaurants, cafés, and lake views.
→ See what it costs to stay here right now
Best value stay: Hotel Il Portico
A simple and comfortable hotel with a good location and access to the old town.
→ Find your room before it sells out
Locarno: Best for a Swiss-Italian Experience
The northern end of Lake Maggiore crosses into Switzerland, and Locarno offers a very different atmosphere from the Italian side of the lake. This is a ‘don’t-miss’ in my opinion! Locarno feels cleaner, more polished, and more organized while still maintaining beautiful lake scenery and Mediterranean-style weather. This is a great option for travelers combining Switzerland and northern Italy into one trip.
Locarno is ideal for:
- Swiss train travel itineraries
- luxury travelers
- travelers without a car
- scenic mountain excursions
- combining Italy and Switzerland
The town also hosts the well-known Locarno Film Festival.
Where to Stay in Locarno
Luxury stay: Hotel Eden Roc
A sophisticated lakefront resort with beautiful gardens, pools, spa facilities, and exceptional lake views.
→ Book the hotel that makes the entire trip feel different
Best boutique hotel: Hotel Belvedere Locarno
Perched above town with panoramic views, this elegant hotel offers easy access to both the lake and mountain funicular.
→ Turn this trip into a true getaway
Best mid-range option: H4 Hotel Arcadia Locarno
A family-friendly lakefront hotel within walking distance of the promenade and town center.
→ View availability at this iconic hotel
Cannero Riviera: Best Hidden Gem on Lake Maggiore
If you want a quieter luxury escape away from larger tourist hubs, Cannero Riviera is one of the most underrated places to stay on Lake Maggiore. Known for its mild climate, citrus trees, lakefront villas, and peaceful atmosphere, this area feels incredibly relaxing.
It’s best for travelers who want:
- a peaceful retreat
- lakefront relaxation
- scenic drives
- boutique hotels
- fewer crowds
Where to Stay in Cannero Riviera
Best luxury stay: Park Hotel Italia
A refined waterfront hotel with beautiful gardens, lake views, and a peaceful atmosphere.
→ This hotel alone is worth the trip
Best boutique stay: Hotel Cannero
A charming lakeside hotel with classic Italian lake scenery and a quieter atmosphere.
→ Don’t wait too long — this is one of the most-booked hotels
Is Lake Maggiore Better Than Lake Como?
For some travelers, yes. Lake Como is undeniably beautiful, but it has also become far more crowded, expensive, and fast-paced in recent years.
Lake Maggiore offers many of the same experiences travelers love about northern Italy’s lakes:
- dramatic mountain scenery
- elegant waterfront hotels
- ferry-accessible towns
- beautiful villas and gardens
- romantic lakeside dining
- charming villages
But it often feels:
- quieter
- more affordable
- less crowded
- easier to navigate
- more relaxed overall
Travelers looking for a slower-paced Italian lakes experience often end up preferring Lake Maggiore.
Read my full post comparing Lake Maggiore to Lake Como.
Do You Need a Car on Lake Maggiore?
Not necessarily. If you stay in Stresa, Verbania, or Locarno, you can comfortably explore much of the lake using ferries and trains. However, having a car becomes more useful if you plan to:
- explore smaller villages
- stay in quieter areas
- visit mountain viewpoints
- combine multiple lake regions
- drive into Switzerland
Parking is generally easier on Lake Maggiore than on Lake Como.
Check rates on Rail Europe here. If you’d rather skip the train and hire a driver, book a day tour here.
Best Time to Visit Lake Maggiore
The best months to visit Lake Maggiore are typically May, June, September, and early October. During these months, you’ll usually find:
- pleasant temperatures
- fewer crowds
- beautiful gardens in bloom
- comfortable ferry travel
- ideal outdoor dining weather
July and August are the busiest months, although Lake Maggiore still tends to feel less crowded than Lake Como during peak summer.
The Bottom Line on Where to Stay on Lake Maggiore
For first-time visitors, Stresa is usually the easiest and most convenient base thanks to its ferry access, hotels, restaurants, and classic Italian lakes atmosphere. For travelers wanting something quieter and more local, Verbania and Cannobio offer a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds.
Families often prefer Baveno for its calmer atmosphere and larger resorts, while luxury travelers may gravitate toward the elegant historic hotels around Stresa and the quieter luxury escapes scattered along the lake.
No matter where you stay, Lake Maggiore offers many of the same stunning views and romantic scenery travelers love about northern Italy while still feeling calmer and more authentic than some of Italy’s more heavily visited lake destinations.
