I will have 2 days with my husband to visit Lago Maggiore and I can't decide between staying in Stresa, Verbania and Cannobio (close to the Swiss border). I know that Stresa is the more popular destination and has much easier access to the Borromeo Islands. I've read, however, that the city is extremely busy (we'll be there mid-August) and has maybe lost much of its charm over the years. Cannobio sounds beautiful as well but I am having trouble finding much information about it online so I wonder if it isn't too remote and somehow underwhelming. Don't know much about Verbania except for the Villa Taranto botanical gardens. We'll have a car with us and our top priorities are to visit the Borromeo Islands, do some hiking if possible, and eat amazing food. I don't mind crowds but if it's overly touristy, I'd rather find something else. Any thoughts?
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15438 posts
I've been at Lake Maggiore a few times and always in July, which is probably just as busy as August. I don't think the crowds are so overwhelming, certainly not compared to Venice or Florence, not even close.
With a car of course you have more flexibility and you can stay anywhere.
Over the years I've stayed in Stresa, Verbania, Luino.
Cannobio is very quaint, probably the quaintest town on lake Maggiore, but small. If you stay there inquire with your hotel about parking accommodations, as parking may be limited especially in high season.
Stresa is nice and convenient for the ferries to the islands. It's larger, but I like the town better than Verbania.
Verbania, which includes Intra, Pallanza, Trobaso, is a rather large town. If you are looking for a village that is quaint, that ain't (at least not for my taste). It has a city feel. I'd prefer Stresa to Verbania.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you so much for the detailed reply, @Roberto da Firenze!