Visit Verbania Italy: Discover Villas and Lake Maggiore

Sitting right on the shores of Lake Maggiore, visit Verbania and discover a town that balances lakeside calm with plenty to see and taste. Stroll the promenades, wander through lush gardens, or hop over to the Borromean Islands for a quick adventure. Between historic villas, colorful markets, and easy day trips, there’s always something to do. Add in local food, lakeside cafés, and the chance to join nearby Piedmont wine tours, and Verbania becomes more than just a stop on the lake, it’s a perfect base to soak up the best of this Alpine-meets-Italian setting.

Visit Verbania: Best things to see and do

Wander through the gardens of Villa Taranto

The Giardini Botanici Villa Taranto is Verbania’s showstopper. Spread across 16 hectares, it’s home to over 20,000 plant species, from azaleas and dahlias to rare trees and tropical flowers. Scottish captain Neil McEacharn designed it with fountains, terraces, and winding paths that keep every corner interesting. Add in lake views from the Castagnola Promontory, and it’s one of the best botanical gardens in Italy.

Visit the historic Villa Giulia

On the lakefront in Pallanza, Villa Giulia is a 19th-century villa turned cultural hotspot. Once a Lombard mansion, it now hosts exhibitions, concerts, and local events, with its gardens doubling as a favorite hangout. The lake views from here are some of the best in Verbania, especially at sunset.

Walk to the old town of Verbania Pallanza

Stroll the streets of Verbania Pallanza, where pastel façades, lakeside cafés, and a laid-back historic center set the tone. Browse small artisan shops, grab a table by the water, or step into the frescoed Oratory of San Remigio. It’s the part of town that shows off Verbania’s easygoing lakeside vibe.

Visit the Church of the Madonna di Campagna

The Church of the Madonna di Campagna is one of Verbania’s standout religious sites, built in the Romanesque style and later enriched with Baroque details. Its frescoes and ornate interior make it a beautiful stop, while the quiet setting near the lake adds to its charm. It’s a small but striking piece of Verbania’s heritage.

Stroll along the lakefront promenade

Start at Pallanza’s lakeside promenade and follow the path lined with terraces, gardens, and sweeping views over Lake Maggiore. Along the way you’ll catch sight of Isola Bella and Isola Madre, making it one of the best free walks in Verbania. Come at golden hour for photos that capture the town at its best. Visit Lake Maggiore Italy and enjoy our best tips!

Appreciate the architecture of the Basilica of San Vittore

In Intra, the Basilica of San Vittore mixes Romanesque foundations with Baroque flair and stands as one of Verbania’s key landmarks. Step inside to see its frescoes and chapels, or just take in the calm atmosphere that makes it a central part of local life.

Visit Verbania: Best things to do around

Explore the tranquil Lake Orta

Just under an hour’s drive southwest from Verbania, the lakeside town of Orta San Giulio is a romantic escape renowned for its artistic soul and spiritual ambiance. The village looks over the peaceful Lake Orta and is famous for the fresco-adorned Basilica of San Giulio and the sacred Sacro Monte di Orta. The narrow alleys and elegant piazzas evoke old-world charm, making this a must-visit for those exploring beyond the shores of Lake Maggiore.

Stroll along the romantic Stresa

Just 25 minutes by car from Verbania (or a short ferry hop across Lake Maggiore), Stresa is one of the lake’s most elegant towns. Its waterfront promenade is lined with villas, gardens, and azaleas in bloom, all set against views of the Borromean Gulf. Landmarks like the 19th-century Villa Ducale and 17th-century Palazzo Borromeo highlight the town’s aristocratic past, while the Villa Pallavicino park adds a mix of gardens and wildlife. For a cultural stop, visit the former home of conductor Arturo Toscanini or explore the landscape museum.

Explore the Borromean Islands

Hop on a ferry from Verbania and explore the Borromean Islands in the gulf of Lake Maggiore. Isola Madre impresses with its botanical park, peacocks, and rare plants. Isola Bella is all about its Baroque palace and dramatic terraced gardens. For something more down-to-earth, Isola dei Pescatori serves up fresh fish and local dishes in a tiny fishing village that hasn’t lost its charm.

Visit historic Domodossola and its alpine surroundings

45 minutes north of Verbania, Domodossola shifts the vibe from lakeside calm to alpine scenery. The historic center is all cobbled streets, painted facades, and a mix of Romanesque and Baroque buildings. A highlight is the Sacro Monte Calvario, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with chapels and panoramic views over the valley. It’s a great day trip if you want to trade lake breezes for mountain air while still staying in the heart of Northern Italy.

Cross the border to Locarno

Just under an hour from Verbania, Locarno welcomes you to the Swiss side of Lake Maggiore. The town is famous for its sunny climate, the lively Piazza Grande, and the annual Locarno Film Festival. You can ride the funicular up to the Madonna del Sasso Sanctuary for sweeping views of the lake, or simply enjoy the blend of Swiss order and Italian flair in its cafés and promenades. It’s an easy cross-border trip that adds a whole new flavor to your Lake Maggiore adventure.

Dive into the best things to do in Locarno Switzerland, to complete your Lake Maggiore journey!

Good to Know before visiting Verbania, Italy