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There are great many things to do in Italy, and so are in Verbania.
Verbania is a treasure trove of pleasures waiting to be unearthed – from mesmerizing gardens blooming with colorful flowers to pristine beaches basking in the sun’s warmth, this Italian paradise beckons you to indulge in a world of enchantment and wonder.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Verbania:
1. Villa Taranto
A botanical garden in Verbania, Italy, with over 20 hectares of greenery and plants.
What to see or do: Enjoy a relaxing stroll through the various themed gardens, featuring plants and flowers from around the world. Admire the impressive fountains and water features scattered throughout the property.
Be sure to visit the Japanese garden, with its peaceful pond and traditional architecture.
Don’t miss: The seasonal displays, including tulips and dahlias in the spring and summer months, and a stunning array of autumnal foliage in the fall.
Insider travel tips: Plan to visit in the morning when the gardens are less crowded. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera to capture the beauty of the gardens.
If you’re driving, be aware that parking can be limited, so arrive early or use public transportation.
2. Botanic Gardens of Villa Giulia
The Botanic Gardens of Villa Giulia is a stunning botanical garden nestled in the lakeside town of Verbania.
What to see or do: The garden is home to over 20,000 plant species, including rare and exotic plants from around the world. Visitors can wander through the garden’s diverse landscapes, from a lush tropical forest to tranquil water gardens.
The garden also has a vast collection of camellias and azaleas that bloom in the spring.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the stunning views of Lake Maggiore from the garden’s terraces and the villa’s balcony.
The villa itself is a beautiful example of 19th-century architecture and houses a small museum showcasing the history of the villa and its botanical collection.
Insider travel tips: – Plan to spend at least a couple of hours exploring the gardens.
3. Isola Bella
Isola Bella is a small island located in the Borromean Gulf of Lake Maggiore in northern Italy.
What to see or do: The main attraction on the island is the stunning Borromeo Palace, which contains beautiful terraced gardens and a rich collection of artwork.
Visitors can also explore the island’s quaint streets and visit its quaint shops and restaurants.
Don’t miss: The magnificent Italianate gardens of the Borromeo Palace are a must-see, featuring intricate fountains, sculptures, and colorful blooms.
Insider travel tips: – Visit the island early in the morning to avoid the crowds and get the best views of the gardens.
4. Isola Madre
A beautiful island located on Lake Maggiore in northern Italy known for its stunning gardens and historic architecture.
What to see or do: Take a stroll through the stunning botanical gardens filled with rare plants, flowers, and trees from around the world. Admire the beautiful Renaissance palace and its intricate decor, including tapestries, paintings, and furniture dating back to the 16th century.
Don’t miss: The peacocks that roam freely throughout the island, adding a touch of magic and charm to the already enchanting atmosphere.
Insider travel tips: Visit early in the morning or in the late afternoon to avoid the crowds. Bring a picnic and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the island.
Make sure to also explore the nearby Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori for even more island adventures.
5. Funivie del Lago Maggiore
A cableway system that takes passengers from the city of Verbania to the top of Monte Mottarone, offering stunning views of Lake Maggiore and the surrounding Alps.
What to see or do: Take a 20-minute ride to the summit for panoramic views, go hiking or mountain biking in the surrounding nature reserve, or enjoy seasonal activities such as skiing and snowboarding during the winter months.
Don’t miss: The breathtaking views from the summit of Monte Mottarone, which offer a 360-degree perspective of the Alps and Lake Maggiore.
Insider travel tips: Try to visit on a clear day for the best views, and wear comfortable shoes for hiking or exploring the nature reserve.
If you plan on skiing or snowboarding, check the local weather forecast and ski conditions before visiting.
It’s also worth noting that the cableway system can get busy during peak tourist season, so consider visiting in the early morning or later in the day to avoid crowds.
6. Giardini Botanici dell’Isola Madre
Giardini Botanici dell’Isola Madre is a botanical garden located on Isola Madre, one of the Borromean Islands in Lake Maggiore, Italy.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore lush and beautiful gardens featuring a wide variety of exotic and rare plants from around the world. There are over 1,000 species of plants, including camellias, rhododendrons, magnolias, and azaleas.
The gardens also have a small museum featuring botanical illustrations and artifacts.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the garden is the ancient wisteria vine that is over 200 years old and covers an entire pergola.
It blooms in May and June and creates a breathtakingly beautiful floral canopy.
Insider travel tips: The gardens are only accessible by boat and visitors can take a ferry from Stresa, Baveno, or Pallanza.
Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds, as the gardens can get quite busy during peak hours.
Wear comfortable shoes as there are many stairs and uneven paths throughout the garden.
7. Church of San Leonardo
The Church of San Leonardo is a historic church located in the town of Verbania, on the shores of Lake Maggiore in Italy.
Built in the early 16th century, the church is known for its beautiful artwork and stunning sculptures.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the church’s interior, which features an impressive collection of works by local artists. Among the must-see pieces are the frescoes by Bernardino Lanino, a prominent Italian painter of the Renaissance period.
There is also a beautiful altar, ornately decorated with gold leaf and intricate carvings.
Don’t miss: The church’s most famous attraction is the marble statue of St. Sebastian, a masterpiece by the Italian sculptor Anton Maria Maragliano.
The statue depicts the Christian martyr, believed to have been killed by arrows during the Roman Empire, tied to a tree and pierced with arrows.
Insider travel tips: The Church of San Leonardo is best visited during the day, when natural light illuminates the frescoes and the beautiful sculptures.
Visitors should also note that the church has strict dress code rules, requiring clothing that covers the shoulders and legs. Admission to the church is free, but donations are appreciated to help with the church’s maintenance.
8. Chiesa di Madonna di Campagna
Chiesa di Madonna di Campagna is a beautiful church located in Verbania, Italy.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the stunning architecture of the church, which features a beautiful bell tower and intricate stone detailing. Inside the church, visitors can view beautiful religious artwork and frescoes.
Don’t miss: Make sure to take a look at the stunning view of Lake Maggiore from the church’s outdoor terrace.
Insider travel tips: – The church is open daily, but check the hours as they may vary depending on the season.
9. Chiesa della Madonna di Loreto
Chiesa della Madonna di Loreto is a beautiful church located in the town of Verbania, Italy.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the stunning architecture of the church, which dates back to the sixteenth century. The interior is adorned with frescoes and works of art, making it a feast for the eyes.
Don’t miss: Make sure to take a moment to appreciate the impressive altar, which is made of Carrara marble and adorned with intricate carvings.
Insider travel tips: – The church is located in the center of Verbania, so it’s easy to reach on foot.
10. Villa San Remigio
Villa San Remigio is a historic villa located in Verbania, Italy, overlooking Lake Maggiore.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the villa’s stunning gardens, which feature rare exotic plants and a variety of flowers. The villa itself is also open for tours, offering a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the early 20th century.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the panoramic views of the lake from the villa’s terrace.
Insider travel tips: Plan your visit during the spring or summer months to see the gardens in full bloom. Also, consider taking a boat tour of Lake Maggiore to complete your Italian lake experience.
11. Ornavasso Caves
Ornavasso Caves are a natural wonder located in the town of Ornavasso, in the province of Verbania, Italy.
These caves, also known as the “Ice Caves,” were formed over thousands of years by the action of water seeping through the rock and the subsequent freezing and thawing.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a guided tour of the caves and admire the stunning ice formations, stalactites, and stalagmites. The temperature inside the caves is around 6°C, so be sure to bring warm clothing.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the Ornavasso Caves is the impressive “Cattedrale di Ghiaccio” (Ice Cathedral), a large room where the ice formations resemble Gothic arches and columns.
Insider travel tips: – The Ornavasso Caves can only be visited with a guided tour, which is available in Italian, English, and French.
12. Santo Stefano Church
Santo Stefano Church is an iconic church located in the heart of Verbania, Italy.
What to see or do: Visit the church to admire its stunning architecture and beautiful frescoes that adorn the walls and ceilings. Take a moment to appreciate the intricate details of the sculptures, pillars, and stained glass windows.
Don’t forget to look up and see the bell tower that dominates the town’s skyline.
Don’t miss: The beautiful frescoes painted by local artist Francesco Chicco are the main highlight of the church. Take a closer look at the paintings depicting the life of Jesus Christ.
Admire the detailed depictions of the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection.
Insider travel tips: To truly appreciate the beauty of the church, plan your visit during the late afternoon when the sun is low, and the light filters into the church’s interior, creating a beautiful, warm glow.
Moreover, make sure to dress modestly, as it is a religious site. Finally, take a stroll around the church to explore the charming streets of Verbania.
13. Arroccato di Oggebbio
Arroccato di Oggebbio is a small medieval village located in the hills of Verbania, Italy.
What to see or do: Explore the charming narrow streets of the village and admire the ancient stone houses. Visit the Romanesque church of San Giovanni Battista and the impressive bell tower.
Enjoy panoramic views of Lake Maggiore from various viewpoints around the village.
Don’t miss: Take a walk along the Sentiero del Viandante, a beautiful scenic path that runs through Arroccato di Oggebbio and connects various villages in the area.
Insider travel tips: Be prepared to climb up steep and narrow stairs to reach the top of the bell tower, but the stunning views are definitely worth it.
Visit during the summer months to enjoy various cultural and food festivals held in the village. Bring comfortable shoes to walk around the village as the streets can be quite steep.
14. Sacro Monte di Ghiffa
A UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Ghiffa, a small town in the province of Verbania.
What to see or do: The site consists of 14 chapels, each dedicated to a different station of the cross, which can be reached through a path that leads up the hill.
The chapels are adorned with terracotta statues and frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Jesus Christ. Visitors can also enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Maggiore and the surrounding area.
Don’t miss: The Chapel of the Holy Trinity, which is considered the masterpiece of the site, with its magnificent Baroque decorations, and the Chapel of the Crucifixion, which houses a 17th-century crucifix by Gaudenzio Ferrari.
Insider travel tips: Wear comfortable shoes as the path leading to the chapels can be steep and rocky in some parts.
It’s also recommended to visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and the heat of the day.
Visitors can combine a visit to Sacro Monte with a trip to nearby towns like Verbania or Stresa, which offer plenty of restaurants and shops.
15. Palazzo Borromeo
Palazzo Borromeo is an impressive historic palace located in Verbania, Italy.
It was built in the late 17th century as a summer residence for the Borromeo family, one of the most prominent aristocratic families of Italy.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a guided tour of the palace and explore its beautiful rooms, richly decorated with frescoes, stuccoes and antique furnishings.
Some of the highlights include the Throne Room, the Gallery of Mirrors and the Music Room.
Don’t miss: Make sure to check out the beautiful gardens surrounding the palace, with their terraces, fountains and sculptures. The English-style park, designed by Russell Page, is particularly stunning and features magnificent views of Lake Maggiore.
Insider travel tips: – The palace is only open to visitors during the summer months, from March to October, so make sure to plan your visit accordingly.