When the moment arrives to decide where to spend summer on Lake Maggiore, one faces a choice that goes beyond simply booking accommodation: it involves selecting which version of the Italian dolce vita one wishes to experience. Crystal-clear waters reflecting the Alps, wisteria perfuming the terraces of historic villas, sunsets painting Liberty-style facades pink: each village offers its own interpretation of lakeside elegance. For those wishing to discover the best towns on Lake Maggiore, choosing the right location becomes crucial. From Stresa’s historic drawing rooms to Cannobio’s timeless authenticity, each destination tells a different story of luxury, nature and Italian lifestyle.
Stresa: The Jewel of Lake Maggiore for a Luxury Summer
Stresa needs no introduction for those familiar with Italian elite tourism. Overlooking the Borromean Islands like a privileged box seat for an unrepeatable natural spectacle, this town has built its reputation on the ability to combine elegance with accessibility. Its Liberty-style villas dotting the lakefront tell stories of European aristocrats and intellectuals who over the centuries have chosen these shores for their summer sojourns. Proximity to Milan and Switzerland makes it perfect for those desiring an exclusive refuge without sacrificing international connections. Here summer unfolds through aperitifs with views of the islands, private boat excursions and evening strolls along a lakefront that seems designed specifically to slow down time. Available properties range from apartments with panoramic terraces to historic villas with centuries-old gardens, all sharing that patina of prestige that only Stresa can confer.
Baveno: Elegance and Tranquillity Among Period Villas
A few kilometres from Stresa, Baveno offers a sophisticated alternative for those seeking the same environmental quality with a slightly more discreet atmosphere. The period villas characterising its urban fabric belong to that Belle Époque era when Lake Maggiore became the preferred destination of European aristocracy. The architecture speaks through turrets, loggias and windows that capture every nuance of lakeside light. Many properties feature swimming pools immersed in private parks, a luxury that allows alternating days on the water with moments of absolute relaxation. The town centre restaurants maintain that discreet quality characterising places frequented by those who truly know the territory. Summer in Baveno flows with rhythms designed for those who appreciate whispered rather than ostentatious elegance, where every detail contributes to creating an experience of refined tranquillity impossible to replicate elsewhere.
Belgirate: The Discreet Charm of Lakefront Properties
If Stresa represents elegant sophistication and Baveno perfect balance, Belgirate embodies the very concept of reserved exclusivity. This small village south of the lake has managed to preserve an intimate atmosphere that attracts those wishing to escape tourist circuits without sacrificing quality. Lakefront properties with private beaches represent the norm here rather than the exception, offering that direct water access which transforms every morning into a privilege. Villa gardens descend gently towards the lake, creating scenarios where cultivated nature dialogues with the wild nature of surrounding mountains. Summer in Belgirate means silent awakenings with only the sound of waves, lunches in the shade of century-old pergolas and dives from private jetties when the sun reaches its zenith. Those choosing this village seek that absolute privacy which allows experiencing the lake as a personal rather than shared experience.
Verbania: Between Nature and Culture for an Unforgettable Summer
Verbania distinguishes itself as Lake Maggiore’s cultural centre, where summer acquires an intellectual dimension beyond the aesthetic. The celebrated botanical gardens of Villa Taranto offer a unique experience, with thousands of plant species transforming each visit into a journey across continents. Yet Verbania is not merely nature: museums, art galleries and a calendar of summer events make this location ideal for those wishing to alternate lakeside relaxation with cultural stimulation. Villas with extensive parks allow recreating on a private scale that fusion between nature and culture characterising the entire town. Property architecture ranges from neoclassical to 1930s modernism, offering solutions for every aesthetic sensibility. Choosing Verbania means embracing a summer where each day can combine a morning among rare orchids and an afternoon swimming in azure waters, with evenings dedicated to concerts or temporary exhibitions.
Lesa: Investors’ Choice for Modern Villas
Lesa represents the contemporary evolution of lakeside luxury, where modern architecture dialogues with the landscape without nostalgia. Here concentrate newly built or completely renovated villas interpreting comfort according to 2025 standards: integrated home automation, energy efficiency, fluid spaces eliminating boundaries between interior and exterior. Investors have identified in Lesa fertile territory for high-profile property projects, attracted by prices still competitive compared to Stresa and significant appreciation potential. Modern properties offer infinity pools with lake views, terraces equipped for entertainment and finishes privileging natural materials revisited in contemporary style. Those choosing Lesa seek that perfect synthesis between local tradition and present-day comfort, where summer unfolds with all the advantages of technology without sacrificing the charm of natural scenery.
Cannobio: Authentic Village With Exclusive Properties
At the lake’s northern extremity, almost touching the Swiss border, Cannobio preserves that Italian authenticity which elsewhere risks disappearing under tourist pressure. Its weekly market, animating the lakefront promenade for centuries, maintains that genuine character where residents and visitors mingle without evident distinctions. Exclusive properties here often take the form of renovated historic palaces overlooking the square or villas with private jetties allowing one to reach Switzerland by boat. The atmosphere recalls fishing villages that have managed to evolve without betraying themselves, where summer flows according to Mediterranean rhythms made of long breakfasts, lunches lasting until afternoon and evening walks when the heat subsides. Cannobio attracts those seeking discreet rather than ostentatious luxury, where true exclusivity consists in living as though one had always belonged to this place.
How to Choose the Perfect Location for Your Luxury Summer
Choosing the ideal location depends on a combination of factors extending well beyond simple budget. Those prioritising international connections and a complete service offering will find the natural solution in Stresa. Families seeking ample private spaces and a rich cultural context will appreciate Verbania or Baveno. Investors with medium-term vision will look to Lesa, whilst those desiring absolute privacy and intimate atmosphere will orient towards Belgirate or Cannobio. The distinction between property for personal use and investment profoundly influences choice: more touristic locations offer higher rental yields, whilst more reserved villages favour capital appreciation over time. Summer on Lake Maggiore can assume a thousand different nuances: what matters is recognising which resonates with one’s own idea of beauty, comfort and lifestyle.
