BORROMEAN ISLANDS
Isola Bella with its palace and terraced gardens, Isola Madre with its botanical garden and the fishermen's island, Isola dei Pescatori – by ferry straight from Pallanza.
ON THE QUIET SHORE OF PALLANZA
Casa Pallanza is at Via Vittorio Veneto, a one-way street with a wide footpath and cycle path along the lake – hardly any traffic, plenty of peace. In a few minutes on foot you are in the old town with its churches, small shops, cafés and restaurants.
In the evening, stroll along the lakeside promenade to Piazza Garibaldi. Ferries leave from the Pallanza landing stage for destinations across the lake.
CASA PALLANZA IN GOOGLE MAPSCentre, promenade, ferry landingon foot
Villa Giulia parkon foot
Intra · Villa Taranto gardensa few minutes
Mottaroneapprox. 50 min
Milan Malpensa Airportapprox. 1 hr
Milanapprox. 100 km
Turinapprox. 150 km
ON THE LAKE
Islands, gardens and old villages – by ferry from Pallanza or by bike along the shore.
VILLA TARANTO
One of the most beautiful botanical gardens on the lake, just a few minutes away. Around Pallanza there are many more 19th-century villas and parks.
STRESA & LAVENO
By ferry from Pallanza: Stresa with its Belle Époque promenade, and Laveno across the lake on the eastern shore.
INTRA, CANNOBIO, ARONA
Boutiques and cafés in Intra, the old town of Cannobio to the north, Arona at the southern end of the lake – all lovely day trips.
IN THE MOUNTAINS
The valleys begin right behind Pallanza – for hiking in summer and skiing in winter.
VAL GRANDE NATIONAL PARK
Almost 12,000 hectares – one of the largest untouched wilderness areas in Italy. Ideal for long hikes, easy to reach from Pallanza.
MOTTARONE
The local mountain between Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta, with views of seven lakes and the Alps. Hiking in summer, skiing in winter – about 50 minutes by car.
FONDOTOCE NATURE RESERVE
Reeds, birds and footpaths at the mouth of the river Toce, right next to Pallanza – perfect for a quiet afternoon with children.
VALLE D'OSSOLA & VALLE ANTRONA
Mountain valleys with villages, alpine pastures and waterfalls, north-west of the lake.
SKIING IN WINTER
Mottarone (approx. 50 min), Domobianca (approx. 1 hr), San Domenico (approx. 1 hr) and Macugnaga at the foot of Monte Rosa (approx. 1¼ hrs).
MILAN & TURIN
For a city day: Milan Cathedral (approx. 100 km) or the palaces of Turin (approx. 150 km).
FROM US, PERSONALLY
OUR FAVOURITE TIPS
ON THE WATER
By SUP to the fishermen's island
Our favourite day: in the morning, paddle from our own jetty to Isola dei Pescatori, have lunch at one of the trattorias by the water and paddle back at a leisurely pace in the afternoon.
HIKING
From Cannero to Cannobio
Very doable, even with children (with a few steeper steps): above the lake through chestnut woods and the car-free village of Carmine Superiore. About 2½–3 hours, approx. 7.5 km. Head back by boat (Navigazione Lago Maggiore, seasonal) or simply by bus.
WITH CHILDREN
Bucket cable car & summer toboggan
Take the car ferry from Intra to Laveno and ride the open gondolas of the cable car up Sasso del Ferro. Or try the Alpyland summer toboggan run on Mottarone.
EATING OUT
By the water in Pallanza
Within walking distance: Il Burchiello and Ristorante Milano with terraces on the lake, and Osteria del Riccio in the old town. For a special evening: Piccolo Lago on Lake Mergozzo.
A MUST FOR US
Pistachio ice cream in Pallanza
Don't miss the pistachio ice cream at Gelateria K2 up in Pallanza – for us the best on the lake. Right next door is our favourite bakery, Spiga d'Oro for breakfast.