Top 10 Lake Maggiore Verbania what to do?
Top 10 Lake Maggiore Verbania what to do? (post being updating) Verbania is a beautiful city on Lake Maggiore, a real jewel to visit at any time of the year. In fact, Verbania dresses up with every change of season but always gives its best.
Tranquility and relaxation reign in Verbania but those who come here and also want an active holiday will never be bored. There are truly many things to do and see here in Verbania and Verbania is also an excellent starting point for visiting unique nearby places.
Verbania is a city that is divided into all the areas overlooking the lakefront. These areas of Verbania were once single independent towns which over time were grouped together to form the splendid city of Verbania. The most important areas of Verbania in order from east to west are the following:
- Intra
- Pallanza
- Suna
In this article we will often mention Intra, Pallanza and Suna. So know that they are simply areas of Verbania and help us to better identify the places we are going to describe. Also in this article we will take a closer look at Intra, Pallanza and Suna to understand what they are like and their main characteristics.
So at this point, your curiosity will certainly be great and you will be wondering: now that I’m in Verbania what to do? What are the most beautiful places and itineraries to see and discover here in Verbania? In this post, we’re going to answer these and other questions.
Table of Contents
A privileged position
Verbania enjoys a privileged position on Lake Maggiore. Why do we say this? Because in Verbania there are days with many hours of sunshine in all seasons. In fact, unlike Stresa, it is an extremely enjoyable location even in winter. The sun illuminates Verbania from morning until early afternoon on the shortest days and until late afternoon in the height of summer. Verbania Pallanza in particular is the area of Verbania that the sun shines longest in the evening. If the sun has just gone away in Intra in the afternoon, and therefore the shadow has already fallen over the whole town, most likely the sun is still shining in Pallanza.
Verbania Lago Maggiore not only enjoys a privileged position for the sun but also for the beauty that surrounds it. It is located in front of the beautiful Borromean Islands, in particular Isola Madre is just a few minutes away by boat. Another island that can be reached almost by swimming is the islet of San Giovanni. This island was a favorite destination for Toscanini. The island is private and cannot be visited but we can admire it from the lakeside of Pallanza.
Verbania Lake Maggiore: Pallanza, Intra and Suna
Verbania is a provincial capital city which was mainly formed by the union of 3 smaller towns: Intra, Pallanza and Suna. This division is still visible today and contributes to giving Verbania a unique character. Intra, Pallanza and Suna differ from each other in their characteristics but complement each other.
All 3 locations are located directly overlooking Lake Maggiore. A beautiful walk is the one that goes from Suna to Intra and vice versa. All 3 areas can in fact be reached on foot thanks to the lakeside promenade or specially created pedestrian paths.
Intra Verbania
Intra is the area of Verbania closest to Switzerland. Everyone knows Intra for its center where we find several shops and for the Saturday market. Intra is therefore the most commercial of the 3 areas. In addition to the shops we find the cinema and excellent restaurants hidden among its streets.
Intra Verbania is located in front of Laveno. From Intra you can easily take the ferry to Laveno from which you can reach the cableway of the Sasso del Ferro and the suggestive Hermitage of Santa Caterina.
Pallanza Verbania
Pallanza is the town of Verbania in my opinion with the most beautiful lakeside between Intra, Pallanza and Suna. The lakeside of Pallanza is an excellent place to take a nice walk but also to have something to drink, have lunch or dinner in the beautiful bars and restaurants overlooking the lake.
Pallanza is also easily recognizable from other nearby towns on Lake Maggiore due to its characteristic bell tower.
The most popular trip from Pallanza is a visit to the Borromean Islands which are easily reachable thanks to the boat service that leaves from its pier. The pier is located near Piazza Garibaldi, almost in front of the Pallanza Town Hall.
Pallanza is also located in front of Baveno and Stresa. Baveno and Stresa turn on the lights of their luxurious hotels in the evening and give Pallanza a beautiful panorama.
Pallanza also has a weekly market and the market day in Pallanza is Friday morning.
Suna
Suna is an ancient place, architecturally the best preserved hamlet of Verbania. Walking through its streets you realize what popular life was like in past centuries: houses leaning against each other, narrow courtyards, stone portals and balconies, sacred images on the facades symbolize the salient characteristics of that life.
The inhabitants of Suna were mostly stonemasons, bricklayers and navaroi (navigators-transporters with horses of barges or barges). They were all also farmers because they cultivated the terraced lands on Monterosso where rye, corn, vegetables, vines and fruit trees were produced.
The meeting place was thepiùdun, or rather the large white granite stone from Montorfano with five mill tables engraved for the game of fillet now positioned near the former landing stage. As evidence of these games we see scratched fillets and depictions of games in the churchyard and on the beautiful staircase of the Church of San Fabiano (12th century).
Suna is therefore an area with a history behind it but has recently also found a new life. It retains its old look but with a more current touch. Suna is appreciated for its beach and its clubs frequented mainly by a young audience.
Verbania Lake Maggiore seen from above
Verbania Lago Maggiore seen from above has a non-linear shape. In fact, Verbania has Pallanza and Suna which overlook the Borromean Gulf while Intra overlooks the part of Lake Maggiore which continues to reach Switzerland.
Verbania has an almost triangular shape with the tip facing into Lake Maggiore. Seen from the top of the Mottarone, Stresa looks like a peninsula.
Watch this short part of the video: https://youtu.be/RzVVSCtgxlY?si=jCO-J-20L0z7Ctot&t=144.
In the video, Isola Madre and Verbania can be clearly seen. The part of Verbania facing us is Pallanza which continues without interruption with Suna on the left. The part behind is Intra which overlooks the part of Lake Maggiore divided in half between Piedmont and Lombardy. Continuing in this direction we arrive in Switzerland.
FAQ Lake Maggiore
Here, some useful information about Verbania and Lake Maggiore.
Can you swim in Lake Maggiore?
Yes, you can swim in Lake Maggiore but the people swim only in summertime when the high temperature allows you to enter the water. In winter the temperature is too low and usually, nobody swims in the lake.
Lake Maggiore Verbania what to do?
Here are the best things to see in Verbania or to visit if you are in Verbania. All the places listed below can be visited without using a car if you are near the lakeside of Pallanza. Some require the purchase and use of the boat from the Pallanza or Intra pier.
- Piazza Garibaldi and fountain on the lake
- Walk along the lake from the Pallanza pier to Suna
- Villa Giulia
- Gardens of Villa Taranto
- Intra lakeside and Piazza Ranzoni
- Isola Madre
- Isola Pescatori and Isola Bella
- Hermitage of Santa Caterina
- Laveno and the Sasso del Ferro
- Stresa: TOP 5 Lake Maggiore Stresa What to see?
Piazza Garibaldi and fountain on the lake
Piazza Garibaldi in Verbania Pallanza has always been a meeting place and a prominent tourist center of the city. Furthermore, in recent years Piazza Garibaldi and its view of the lakefront have become even more popular, thanks also to some improvement works that have been carried out.
The Piazza Garibaldi area is pedestrianized and therefore you can arrive by car near Piazza Garibaldi but not in the square.
Here is the link to the location on Google Maps of Piazza Garibaldi in Verbania Pallanza: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vduoFbRyqu6NtqAm8.
Video area Piazza Garibaldi Verbania Pallanza
You can see some glimpses of this area of Verbania Pallanza in the following video.
Text of the video
Hi everybody! We are in Pallanza Verbania on Lake Maggiore. In front of us, we see Villa Giulia. Villa Giulia was built in 1847 by Bernardino Branca, the inventor of Fernet. It was his son who dedicated the villa to his wife Giulia. This is why it is called Villa Giulia.
In front of us is the Milano restaurant and behind the bell tower of the church of San Leonardo. The statue placed on the column of the port acts as a hydrometer and shows the levels of the historic floods of Lake Maggiore.
Here is the stump of the great centuries-old tree to which many Pallanzesi was particularly fond of, felled by the storm that occurred precisely on the date shown on the plate. The small island that is only a few tens of meters from the shore of Pallanza is the Isolino di San Giovanni. The islet of San Giovanni is not as famous as the other Borromean Islands but it always has its charm.
The history of the Isolino di San Giovanni is linked to the famous conductor Arturo Toscanini, who chose it as a place to stay in peace, in the company only of a close circle of friends. We continue our walk admiring the beautiful flowering trees and the romantic panorama of Lake Maggiore.
In Pallanza Lago Maggiore there is still a lot to see… our walk continues in the next video!
Content guide
Content guide
- 00:00 Initials
- 00:10 Villa Giulia Pallanza
- 01:11 Milano Pallanza restaurant
- 01:27 Walk to the marina
- 02:19 Statue placed on the port column
- 03:24 View of the bars and hotels on the lakefront of Pallanza
- 04:08 Walk on the pier
- 04:46 Island of San Giovanni Verbania
- 05:50 Monument dedicated to General Cadorna
- 07:00 Covered avenue
- 07:31 View of the Isola Madre Lake Maggiore
- 07:44 Stump of the great old tree
- 08:20 Walk towards flowering trees
- 09:29 Swan, Isolino San Giovanni and Cadorna monument
- 09:38 More videos
City Hall
One of the most characteristic historic buildings of Verbania overlooks Piazza Garibaldi: the town hall. The town hall of Verbania is a large historic building, supported by arches which form beautiful porticoes underneath and its view of the lake makes it perhaps the most important symbol of Pallanza.
From under its porticoes you can see the lake in tranquility and relaxation, finding shelter both from the sun on hot summer days and from the rain. Under its arcades, there are both benches and some bars. You can therefore also come here for a breakfast, a snack or an aperitif.
In the historical photos of Pallanza taken in Piazza Garibaldi this building is always present and I like to imagine how many conversations and how many different people have been right here. A true piece of history of Verbania and Lake Maggiore.
If you want to take a nice photo of the town hall of Verbania and the Pallanza lakefront, one of my favorite spots is from the Cadorna monument: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jyGWH6MzNp3nXS4g9.
Square, gardens and fountain
Looking at the town hall they notice another large area of the square on the right. Here we have other historic buildings that overlook the square together with hotels, bars and restaurants. These bars and restaurants usually place their tables outside in this square where you can enjoy some delicacies or simply have a relaxing drink.
To enrich and make this square even more special there is a magnificent large tree that shelters and gives shade to those who sit under its branches and then, for the joy of adults and children we also have a fountain, also home to some cute fish.
Cadorna Mausoleum
Still in Piazza Garibaldi but on the lakeside side we have a huge gray monument. This is the monument dedicated to General Cadorna. Following the death of General Luigi Cadorna, this monument was erected with the aim of welcoming the general’s body and commemorating the fighters of the First World War. It was then inaugurated in 1932.
I must say with sincerity that I personally don’t love this monument located right on the lakefront, but it still gives us the opportunity to discover and remember that General Luigi Cadorna, a leading figure during the First World War, was born right here in Verbania Pallanza.
From the square of this mausoleum we also have a beautiful view of the lakeside of Pallanza and it is a fixed stop to take a nice photo both during the day and in the evening.
Isolino San Giovanni
In the stretch from the lakeside of Piazza Garibaldi you can notice a small island that is only a few tens of meters from the Pallanza shore. This is the small island of San Giovanni owned by the Borromeo family. The islet of San Giovanni is not as famous as the other Borromean Islands and cannot be visited but it always has its charm.
The history of the Isolino di San Giovanni is linked to the famous orchestra conductor Arturo Toscanini, who chose it as a place to stay in peace, in the company of only a close circle of friends.
Pallanza marina
The small port of Pallanza, in addition to being very characteristic and an excellent place to take beautiful photos, has a very interesting statue to see. In fact, the statue placed on the column of the port acts as a hydrometer and reports the levels of the historical floods of Lake Maggiore.
Church of San Leonardo
I mention the church of San Leonardo among the things to see here in Verbania in order to take the opportunity to talk about its bell tower. The ringing of the bell tower marks the life of the Pallanzesi, becoming a very familiar sound.
The bell tower of Verbania Pallanza is also clearly visible from afar and when you are on the boat or on the other side of the lake and you look towards Pallanza you can recognize and locate Verbania Pallanza thanks to its bell tower.
Pallanza-Suna lakefront
One of Verbania’s strong points is its beautiful lakeside promenade. Both locals and tourists love walking along this lakeside promenade both during the day, when you can admire the beauty of the Borromean Gulf and the Alps that surround it, and in the evening, when it gets dark and the lights of the hotels on the opposite shore magically turn on creating a real wonder.
The lakeside walk in Verbania Pallanza is very long, it reaches up to Suna and then continues beyond. If you are not familiar with these places it is not a problem. All you need to know is that starting from Piazza Garibaldi in Verbania Pallanza going towards Suna or from Verbania Suna going towards Pallanza you can take a beautiful long walk.
Some of the places you will see during this walk are:
- The garden where you can sit and lie down with a lake view. YouTube short video: https://youtube.com/shorts/j2VrKcPW_GI?si=baNDSay2QuAt-ANK or https://youtube.com/shorts/2w8A7-ktrIY?si=Wc2iLsAN8nKV5lx1
- tennis where they play next to the lake
- The garden where there are picnic tables by the lake. If you want to see it, look at these part of the video: https://youtu.be/RO_f8Qjuzgg?si=QGgejyMOtOHF3yeU&t=67.
- the swimming pool with lake view
- Suna beach
- the old pier of Suna where there is now a bar inside which is clearly called the Imbarcadero bar.
- Il caratteristico lungolago di Suna.
Walking along the lakeside of Pallanza is truly pleasant.
Suna lakefront
Suna is an area with a history behind it that has recently found a new life. It retains its old look but with a more current touch. Suna is appreciated for its beach and its clubs frequented mainly by a young audience.
To see the Suna lakefront and to learn some historical information relating to this area of Verbania Pallanza, watch the following video: https://youtu.be/RWFmfkBD0hI.
Villa Giulia Pallanza
The name of Villa Giulia was given by the old owner Giuseppe Branca (the producer of the famous Amaro Fernet Branca) in honor of his wife Giulia in 1880. After several changes of ownership, the Villa Giulia is now owned by the Municipality of Verbania which, in addition to its park is open to the public and uses it to organize exhibitions and shows.
In the park, you can walk along gravel paths surrounded by majestic trees of different types and beautiful flowers of various colors. There are also benches where you can sit and admire the splendid views of the lake.
Villa Giulia overlooks the part of the lake that forms the Borromeo Gulf where there are four islands with palaces of the Borromeo family and the whole forms an unforgettable spectacle. In the garden, there is also a bar where you can sip a drink immersed in an environment reminiscent of fairy tales.
Inside the beautiful Villa Giulia, very pleasant and interesting events and shows are often organised, open to the public. Yes, Villa Giulia with its garden is certainly a pearl of Verbania Pallanza and Lake Maggiore.
If you want to see some images of Villa Giulia, watch the following video: https://youtu.be/mDsjkX8cvi0.
Gardens of Villa Taranto
The Gardens of Villa Taranto are famous throughout the world for their beauty. In 2016 they were declared the most beautiful gardens in the world, even beating the gardens of Versailles.
At the gardens of Villa Taranto you can admire different types of plants and beautiful flower gardens. Entrance to the gardens of Villa Taranto is subject to a fee.
Isola Madre or Mother Island
Isola Madre, already owned by the Borromeo family from around 1500, is now worth a visit, especially for its garden. Today Isola Madre is a unique botanical garden for rare plant essences from all over the world.
If you want to see the gardens of The Mother Island watch the following video: https://youtu.be/mIvJ5MN9TwY.
In spring-summer, you can appreciate the beauty of the gardens of Isola Madre already from the boat as you see in the following short video: https://youtube.com/shorts/MOpRUZIe9Tk?si=o8Zw0iGqmlW4aFZm. The vegetation that covers it is always something beautiful to admire.
It is important to know that access to Isola Madre is only possible with the purchase of the ticket. In fact, when you get off the boat you will immediately find the entrance gate.
This is in fact a substantial difference compared to other Borromean Islands such as Isola Bella, in which there is the palace and gardens to be visited with an entrance ticket but also a free area with stalls, bars, and restaurants.
Intra Piazza Ranzoni, city center and Lakefront
Intra includes the most commercial part of Verbania. The center of Intra is full of shops and a great place to go shopping. Piazza Ranzoni is the ideal point from which to start to visit Intra. Two of Intra’s main pedestrian streets start from here, very characteristic and full of shops.
The lakeside promenade of Intra is also very pretty. The walk is not as long as that of Pallanza-Suna but always pleasant. If you want to see some images of Intra watch the following video: https://youtu.be/-RqXAFOFCGc.
You can see the Intra lakefront from above in the following part of the video: https://youtu.be/vBA9LsT90UQ?si=I-a-uF6OTb5BZ0gX&t=205. This video was shot in 2021 when a large Ferris wheel was positioned near the Intra pier. But now this wheel is no longer present here in Intra.
The Fisherman Island and the Beautiful Island
Laveno and the Sasso del Ferro Cable car
The Laveno cable car or better known as the cable car for the shape of its cabins is a beautiful panoramic cable car that takes you comfortably to the Sasso del Ferro. The Sasso del Ferro is the mountain that lies just behind Laveno. The Sasso del Ferro enjoys a privileged position as it is a beautiful observation point of Lake Maggiore and the surrounding area.
Stresa
Stresa Italy – Stresa is a gorgeous town on Lake Maggiore. It has beautiful gardens, luxury hotels and a beautiful view of the Borromean Islands.
Stresa can be a good place to relax drinking your cocktail and enjoying the lake view but in Stresa and in nearby, there is also a lot to visit. Let’s see together the Top 5 places you should visit. See also Stresa Italy Lake Maggiore Top 5 things to do
Hermitage of Santa Caterina
A very characteristic place of Lake Maggiore is the Hermitage of Santa Caterina. This Hermitage which seems to be set in the rock is located not far from Laveno. To visit the hermitage it is only necessary to pay the cost of the boat because the entrance is usually included in the boat ticket.
Even from Verbania Pallanza, it is possible to reach the Hermitage by boat. From Pallanza, take the boat, get off at Stresa, and with the same ticket purchased in Pallanza, take the boat to the Hermitage. Since you have to change the boat in Stresa, this is an excellent opportunity to take a walk along the lakeside of this luxuriant location. In fact, when you arrive in Stresa from Pallanza, you are not obliged to take the next boat to the Hermitage.
Some boats go to Santa Caterina directly. See the following timetable. The red times are direct.
However, if you go in the afternoon, I advise you to consider the timetables as there are fewer boats carefully.
Taking the boat to the Eremo da Pallanza, for about 12-13 euros per person, take a beautiful panoramic tour of Lake Maggiore. Steps for Isola Madre, for Baveno, see Isola Pescatori, Isola Bella and Stresa from the lake.
Mottarone
Mount Mottarone is unique! From the top of Mottarone you can have an amazing view of 7 lakes:
- Lake Maggiore
- Lake Orta
- Lake Mergozzo
- Lake Varese
- Lake Monate
- Lake Camabbio
- Lake Biandronno
See also the following post: Mottarone Stresa Lake Maggiore
Verbania Beaches
Here are the main beaches of Verbania:
- Suna Beach
- Arena Beach
- Rowing Beach
Suna Beach
In the same area we have the swimming pool beach, the lake swimming pool and the free beach. This beach is certainly perfect in summer when it is possible to lie down and sunbathe but it has its beauty in every season.
In fact, it is beautiful and relaxing just to sit on the steps and admire the view… and the nice friends who come to visit you, such as ducks and swans.
Watch the following video where you can see the Suna beach area towards the end of winter: https://youtu.be/xS6BFW_y8TU.
In spring the flowers that cover the wall behind Suna beach bloom and form a beautiful display of pink and purple flowers. Here they are in the following short video shot in April: https://youtu.be/oeSJDCkX1eU?list=PLdxCRxIz6YuvspXQGgjnPszvhADeh34xv.
Here is the Suna beach in May when no one yet swims but the plants are already green and lush and the beach is preparing to welcome the bathers who will soon arrive to enjoy this beautiful beach with a unique view of the mountains. To see Suna beach in May watch the following video: https://youtu.be/5ukmsTA7Ru0.
However, in summer Suna beach is at its best. It welcomes locals and tourists who love to come here to sunbathe, swim or simply enjoy this place in tranquility. If you want to see Suna beach in summer, watch the following video shot in August: https://youtube.com/shorts/wfy_nowflqs?si=kM8KMMoc5iyxRSfx.
Places to see near Verbania
Here are some magnificent places to see near Verbania. Verbania is in fact surrounded by beautiful places worthy of being visited, explored and admired.
- Mottarone: Mottarone Stresa Lake Maggiore: the view of 7 lakes
- Macugnaga
The temperature in Verbania and Verbania what to do in…
Verbania is an amazing place to visit in all the periods of the year. In summer you can swim, in spring the gardens reach their utmost beauty, in winter the mountains around are often covered by snow.
Every period of the year has its characteristics and according to the temperatures you can do different activities. Let’s see together what are the temperature in Verbania and what to do in the different periods of the year.
What is the temperature in Verbania in September?
The temperatures in Verbania in September are pretty good. In the first half of the month, they are like in August when you can swim at the beach. The temperature in Verbania in the first half of the month can be between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius. In the second half, the temperature can be between 20 and 26 degrees.
I can show you this example of how people were dressed on September the 15th 2023: https://youtube.com/shorts/aXB489PCjhs.
Verbania what to do in September
Verbania is a fantastic place to visit in September. It’s quiet and relaxing because there are fewer people than in August. Someone still stays on the beach and in the water. September is also an excellent time to walk to do your passeggiata along the lakeside and also visit the beautiful places you can find here.
What is the temperature in Verbania in September?
The temperatures in Verbania in September are pretty good. In the first half of the month, they are like in August when you can swim at the beach. The temperature in Verbania in the first half of the month can be between 25 and 30 Celsius degrees. In the second half, the temperature can be between 20 and 26 degrees.
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