Lake Maggiore combines modern facilities with the classical charm of a bygone era, making it one of Italy's finest holiday destinations. The resorts of Stresa and Baveno are situated on the Western shores within the secluded Borromean Bay. Stresa is noted for its majestic architecture and cosmopolitan atmosphere and is often considered to be the Italian "Cote d'Azur". The bustling resort of Baveno offers friendly Italian hospitality, with its lakeside promenades brimming with colourful cafés and shops. Lake Maggiore is a perfect destination from which to explore Italy and Switzerland including Milan, Zermatt and Lake Lugano.
The small and quiet village of Meina (where the Hotel Villa Paradiso is located) is situated 13km from Stresa on the shores of Lake Maggiore. It is an ideal retreat to really get away from it all, with just a handful of bars and restaurants in the centre. This is an ideal spot from which to explore the area so you also have the choice of booking a Lake Maggiore Discovery Package.
Our opinion
• A perfect base for exploring Northern Italy and Switzerland • Travel on the scenic 'Centovalli' mountain railway into Switzerland to Locarno, returning by boat • Visit the famous exotic gardens of Villa Taranto at Pallanza with over 20,000 species of rare plants
Short breaks
If you want to get away from it all, but can't spare seven days, we have three and four night short breaks available on Lake Maggiore at the Hotel Beau Rivage and Hotel Simplon, Baverno and the Hotel Milan Speranza, Stresa.
Transfer time
Milan · 50km · 1 hour
Getting about
There are lake ferries to Baveno and Stresa and the Borromean Islands. Many buses can be caught from the main Verbania station. There is also a cable car and a mountain railway station in the local area.