Guidebook for Verbania

Hilary Belle
Guidebook for Verbania

Food Scene

Super basic, unfussy, family-run honest trattoria about 5 minutes from the house. Great prices, especially at lunch. It's a mix of locals and tourists.
Osteria La Gallina Che Fuma
1 Via Filippo Turati
Super basic, unfussy, family-run honest trattoria about 5 minutes from the house. Great prices, especially at lunch. It's a mix of locals and tourists.
LITERALLY THE BEST PIZZA I'VE EATEN IN 20 YEARS IN ITALY. The ONLY bad thing is that it's IMPOSSIBILE to get a table. They only do dinner, 7:30 or 9:30pm seating, so please please please call them and book in advance because it is so delicious.
19 người dân địa phương đề xuất
Fiore di Latte Pizzeria
5 Via G. Verdi
19 người dân địa phương đề xuất
LITERALLY THE BEST PIZZA I'VE EATEN IN 20 YEARS IN ITALY. The ONLY bad thing is that it's IMPOSSIBILE to get a table. They only do dinner, 7:30 or 9:30pm seating, so please please please call them and book in advance because it is so delicious.
Good lakefront dining right in the main square of Mergozzo. Not super cheap, but very nice food. You can also just have a drink or a coffee.
10 người dân địa phương đề xuất
Ristorante La Pagul
4 Vicolo XI
10 người dân địa phương đề xuất
Good lakefront dining right in the main square of Mergozzo. Not super cheap, but very nice food. You can also just have a drink or a coffee.
Not right on the lake, but a nice restaurant serving lots of locally sourced food. The owner is the brother Chef Marco Sacco, who runs Piccolo Lago, our next door neighbor at the Lake House. Good, casual, but just the right amount of sophisticated.
6 người dân địa phương đề xuất
La Quartina
20 Via Pallanza
6 người dân địa phương đề xuất
Not right on the lake, but a nice restaurant serving lots of locally sourced food. The owner is the brother Chef Marco Sacco, who runs Piccolo Lago, our next door neighbor at the Lake House. Good, casual, but just the right amount of sophisticated.
Our neighbor at the Lake House. Two Michelin Stars. Very special place. Obviously the food and service is divine and the setting... well, it's positioned right beneath us at the house, so...unbeatable. When you want to splash out.
15 người dân địa phương đề xuất
Piccolo Lago Restaurant
87 Via Filippo Turati
15 người dân địa phương đề xuất
Our neighbor at the Lake House. Two Michelin Stars. Very special place. Obviously the food and service is divine and the setting... well, it's positioned right beneath us at the house, so...unbeatable. When you want to splash out.
Great, sophisticated, Italian cuisine just above the beach at Feriolo, 10 minutes from the house. The owner also has a restaurant right on the beach of Feriolo, lakefront, but I can't remember the name. Very good quality and service.
Hotel Serenella
5 Via 42 Martiri
Great, sophisticated, Italian cuisine just above the beach at Feriolo, 10 minutes from the house. The owner also has a restaurant right on the beach of Feriolo, lakefront, but I can't remember the name. Very good quality and service.
In the cute little town of Feriolo, 10 minutes by car on lago Maggiore, this is a restaurant I go to a lot. The same owners as Serenella and Verbano on Isola dei Pescatori.
9 người dân địa phương đề xuất
Vistaqua
11 Via Giuseppe Mazzini
9 người dân địa phương đề xuất
In the cute little town of Feriolo, 10 minutes by car on lago Maggiore, this is a restaurant I go to a lot. The same owners as Serenella and Verbano on Isola dei Pescatori.
THE gelato destination in the area. The gelateria in the town of Mergozzo is mediocre, all the real locals go here! Just a mile out of town but with ample parking and lots of seating. Do it.
6 người dân địa phương đề xuất
Bar Gelateria Aurora
1 Via Cominazzini
6 người dân địa phương đề xuất
THE gelato destination in the area. The gelateria in the town of Mergozzo is mediocre, all the real locals go here! Just a mile out of town but with ample parking and lots of seating. Do it.
This is a locanda run by two of my friends, Felipe and Patricia, who are Brazilian and speak perfect English and Italian. They have a great restaurant with a lovely garden just a mile down the road and also can organize bike trips as Felipe is a passionate cyclist.
9 người dân địa phương đề xuất
Casa della Capra
25 Via Pallanza
9 người dân địa phương đề xuất
This is a locanda run by two of my friends, Felipe and Patricia, who are Brazilian and speak perfect English and Italian. They have a great restaurant with a lovely garden just a mile down the road and also can organize bike trips as Felipe is a passionate cyclist.

Parks & Nature

http://www.lagomaggiorecanyoning.it/ They will organize trekking and canyoning trips, suitable for (just about) all ages and fitness levels. A great, fun, exciting way to explore all the rivers and valleys around Lago Maggiore, and a fantastic way to see the region by an expert guide - and get some exercise!
Lago maggiore canyoning Mountain Guides
http://www.lagomaggiorecanyoning.it/ They will organize trekking and canyoning trips, suitable for (just about) all ages and fitness levels. A great, fun, exciting way to explore all the rivers and valleys around Lago Maggiore, and a fantastic way to see the region by an expert guide - and get some exercise!
Lovely gardens with many animals and a petting zoo in an incredible setting on the grounds of a stately villa.
35 người dân địa phương đề xuất
Villa Pallavicino
4 Piazza Marconi
35 người dân địa phương đề xuất
Lovely gardens with many animals and a petting zoo in an incredible setting on the grounds of a stately villa.
It's the highest, lakefront peak, about 1500meters, right above Stresa. You can catch the Funivia (chairlift) right near Stresa and it will take you all the way to the top. It's lovely for hiking and walking or picnics in the summer. There's also an "Alpine Rollarcoaster" called "Alpyland" at the peak.
267 người dân địa phương đề xuất
Mottarone
267 người dân địa phương đề xuất
It's the highest, lakefront peak, about 1500meters, right above Stresa. You can catch the Funivia (chairlift) right near Stresa and it will take you all the way to the top. It's lovely for hiking and walking or picnics in the summer. There's also an "Alpine Rollarcoaster" called "Alpyland" at the peak.
This sweet little trail departs from the center of Mergozzo, and takes you all along Montorfano, the little turtle-shaped mountain you see directly in front of the house. The trail is mainly flat and good for all levels. It'll take you about an hour there and back and is mainly all in the shade, so great for either hot or rainy days. You can either take snacks, or there's a little cafe' (very simple) near the " town" (a few houses and a lovely 12th Century church) of Montorfano.
Sentiero Blu per Montorfano
Viadotto Mergozzo
This sweet little trail departs from the center of Mergozzo, and takes you all along Montorfano, the little turtle-shaped mountain you see directly in front of the house. The trail is mainly flat and good for all levels. It'll take you about an hour there and back and is mainly all in the shade, so great for either hot or rainy days. You can either take snacks, or there's a little cafe' (very simple) near the " town" (a few houses and a lovely 12th Century church) of Montorfano.
A day trip by car to Macugnaga will take you through beautiful little villages and windy roads. Once to Macugnaga you can take the cable car up to the top of Monte Rosa (bring a jacket, it will be chilly!) - which is the second highest peak in the Alps. It's a really lovely panorama, very characteristic of the mountains surrounding Lago Maggiore.
38 người dân địa phương đề xuất
Macugnaga
38 người dân địa phương đề xuất
A day trip by car to Macugnaga will take you through beautiful little villages and windy roads. Once to Macugnaga you can take the cable car up to the top of Monte Rosa (bring a jacket, it will be chilly!) - which is the second highest peak in the Alps. It's a really lovely panorama, very characteristic of the mountains surrounding Lago Maggiore.
Cute island, nice place for lunch. I really suggest ristorante VERBANO, for the view and the food. If you can, avoid on the weekends and book in advance in the garden.
98 người dân địa phương đề xuất
Isola Pescatori station
98 người dân địa phương đề xuất
Cute island, nice place for lunch. I really suggest ristorante VERBANO, for the view and the food. If you can, avoid on the weekends and book in advance in the garden.
This is a really nice trip, you park in Stresa and take the Funivia up to the top of Mottarone. Great views and just a gorgeous spot, especially if you want to cool down, it's always a bit cooler up there so bring a sweatshirt!
34 người dân địa phương đề xuất
Cáp treo Stresa Mottarone
8 Piazzale Lido
34 người dân địa phương đề xuất
This is a really nice trip, you park in Stresa and take the Funivia up to the top of Mottarone. Great views and just a gorgeous spot, especially if you want to cool down, it's always a bit cooler up there so bring a sweatshirt!

Everything Else

A lovely day spa with tons of pools and thermal baths in Locarno Switzerland. The setting looks like a James Bond movie. Worth a trip, and the 45 minutes drive (maybe more in summer, could be traffic-y) is lovely. When you want to treat yourself. You can also get to Locarno by boat from Lago Maggiore!
58 người dân địa phương đề xuất
Termali Salini & Spa Locarno
7 Via Gioacchino Respini
58 người dân địa phương đề xuất
A lovely day spa with tons of pools and thermal baths in Locarno Switzerland. The setting looks like a James Bond movie. Worth a trip, and the 45 minutes drive (maybe more in summer, could be traffic-y) is lovely. When you want to treat yourself. You can also get to Locarno by boat from Lago Maggiore!
This is a 5 minute drive from the house, with stables for horses right on the Natural Park of the Toce River and where horse lovers can go riding for an hour or two. http://www.whiteroseranch.com/index.html
White Rose Ranch
Via ai Casoni
This is a 5 minute drive from the house, with stables for horses right on the Natural Park of the Toce River and where horse lovers can go riding for an hour or two. http://www.whiteroseranch.com/index.html

Arts & Culture

About a 15-minute drive from the house, directly opposite Stresa, the three Borromean Islands lie in a wide gulf surrounded by mountains. The islands take their name from the aristocratic Borromean family, who took ownership of the land in the 16th and 17th centuries. Only the best architects and gardeners were called on by the famous members of the family—themselves art lovers and botanists—to breathe life into their ambitious projects. Hop on a ferry and spend the day exploring all three for a lovely, nearby, day trip.
311 người dân địa phương đề xuất
Borromean Islands
311 người dân địa phương đề xuất
About a 15-minute drive from the house, directly opposite Stresa, the three Borromean Islands lie in a wide gulf surrounded by mountains. The islands take their name from the aristocratic Borromean family, who took ownership of the land in the 16th and 17th centuries. Only the best architects and gardeners were called on by the famous members of the family—themselves art lovers and botanists—to breathe life into their ambitious projects. Hop on a ferry and spend the day exploring all three for a lovely, nearby, day trip.

Entertainment & Activities

Haven't ever done this, and I personally never will, but hey, why not suspend yourself from a metal cord and go FLYING above a canyon? http://www.lagomaggiorezipline.it/ Not for people like me, who are terrified of heights but for those who like a thrill, go for it!
80 người dân địa phương đề xuất
Lake Maggiore Zipline
Località Alpe Segletta
80 người dân địa phương đề xuất
Haven't ever done this, and I personally never will, but hey, why not suspend yourself from a metal cord and go FLYING above a canyon? http://www.lagomaggiorezipline.it/ Not for people like me, who are terrified of heights but for those who like a thrill, go for it!
Every summer, the town of Stresa hosts a Music Festival in the area. Here's the link to the 2018 program: http://www.stresafestival.eu/?lang=en
9 người dân địa phương đề xuất
Stresa Festival - Settimane Musicali Di Stresa
38 Via Giosuè Carducci
9 người dân địa phương đề xuất
Every summer, the town of Stresa hosts a Music Festival in the area. Here's the link to the 2018 program: http://www.stresafestival.eu/?lang=en
A nice, large swimming pool with some water slides and a climbing wall area. Good for kids and adults who want to splash around in a pool for a few hours.
45 người dân địa phương đề xuất
AquadventurePark Lake Maggiore
18 Strada Cavalli
45 người dân địa phương đề xuất
A nice, large swimming pool with some water slides and a climbing wall area. Good for kids and adults who want to splash around in a pool for a few hours.
Once you've gotten atop Mottarone (on the Funivia, or you can drive - very windy roads but pretty) treat yourself and your kids (ages 4+) to a "bobsled rollar coaster" ride at "Alpyland". Really fun even for someone scared of heights (like me!)
53 người dân địa phương đề xuất
ALPYLAND
53 người dân địa phương đề xuất
Once you've gotten atop Mottarone (on the Funivia, or you can drive - very windy roads but pretty) treat yourself and your kids (ages 4+) to a "bobsled rollar coaster" ride at "Alpyland". Really fun even for someone scared of heights (like me!)

Getting Around

This is a wonderful day trip if you want to get a view of the surrounding valleys and mountain towns but don't feel like driving. This railway line takes you all the way from Domodossola to Locarno, the Swiss tip of Lago Maggiore, passing through dozens of little towns you might otherwise not see. For info write info@vigezzinacentovalli.com
33 người dân địa phương đề xuất
Ferrovia Vigezzina-Centovalli (trụ sở Ý)
Piazza G. Matteotti
33 người dân địa phương đề xuất
This is a wonderful day trip if you want to get a view of the surrounding valleys and mountain towns but don't feel like driving. This railway line takes you all the way from Domodossola to Locarno, the Swiss tip of Lago Maggiore, passing through dozens of little towns you might otherwise not see. For info write info@vigezzinacentovalli.com
Hey, you're on the lake: why drive when you can use a ferry boat? Here is the online site for the Lake Maggiore Ferry Service! http://www.navigazionelaghi.it/risultati.aspx?lake=Maggiore
22 người dân địa phương đề xuất
Navigazione Lago Maggiore
2 Piazzale della Vittoria
22 người dân địa phương đề xuất
Hey, you're on the lake: why drive when you can use a ferry boat? Here is the online site for the Lake Maggiore Ferry Service! http://www.navigazionelaghi.it/risultati.aspx?lake=Maggiore

Sightseeing

It's about 30 minutes by car, and the least famous lake in the Lake District (obviously after "our" Lake Mergozzo). Very charming and romantic. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187854-d585256-Reviews-Lake_Orta-Orta_San_Giulio_Province_of_Novara_Piedmont.html
140 người dân địa phương đề xuất
Hồ Orta
140 người dân địa phương đề xuất
It's about 30 minutes by car, and the least famous lake in the Lake District (obviously after "our" Lake Mergozzo). Very charming and romantic. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187854-d585256-Reviews-Lake_Orta-Orta_San_Giulio_Province_of_Novara_Piedmont.html