Discover the magic of Provincia del Verbano-Cusio-Ossola in Piemonte, Italy—a sparkling blend of lake life, alpine trails, and charming villages that come alive in every season. This corner of Italy is a playground for active travellers who love holidays with friends, where mornings begin with a coffee on a sun-warmed balcony and afternoons are spent exploring boat-lined shores, rugged trails, and candlelit dinners along the water. If you’re planning vacation rentals or holiday rentals, this region has a wide range of House and accommodation options, from lakefront villas to cozy mountain chalets, ready to be booked for your next adventure. Whether you prefer a stylish apartment with a view of Lake Maggiore or a secluded cottage in the Ossola valleys, you’ll find the perfect base for your next trip. For easy access to a curated selection of accommodations in the area, searchandstay.com is a great starting point to compare prices, locate a vacation rental, and lock in your stay.
Why Verbano-Cusio-Ossola is ideal for vacation rentals and holiday rentals
The province sits at the intersection of lake life and alpine scenery, offering a unique backdrop for friends’ getaways and energetic solo explorations. Vacation rentals here emphasize flexibility, comfort, and social spaces—think open-plan kitchens, multiple bedrooms for groups, terraces with lake breezes, and proximity to both waterfront promenades and forested trails. Holiday rentals across Verbania, Stresa, Cannobio, and Domodossola come in a range of styles: lakefront apartments with panoramic balconies, rustic hillside cottages with private gardens, and contemporary villas that invite sunlit gatherings. For those who love to cook and entertain, a house with a well-equipped kitchen or a dedicated outdoor dining area is a big plus for group stays.
Staying in a well-chosen accommodation this region makes it easy to pair leisurely mornings with action-packed afternoons. You can swap a slow coffee on the terrace for a hike through alpine meadows, a boat trip to the Borromean Islands, or a sunset drink at a lakeside dock. The area is also well-suited for romantic weekends, active itineraries with friends, and cultural explorations, all while offering a comfortable home base for longer stays. When you search for vacation rentals or holiday rentals, you’ll notice how the best properties emphasize location, access to nature, and local experiences—key factors in turning a trip into a memory worth sharing with friends.
Top towns for vacation rentals and house accommodations
Each town around Lake Maggiore and in the Ossola valley has a distinct vibe, making it easy to tailor a group trip to your mood and tempo. Here are some standout bases for a vacation rental in this region:
- Verbania – The backbone of Lake Maggiore’s northern shore, Verbania offers a broad choice of vacation rentals with lake views, along with lovely promenades, botanical gardens, and easy access to boat trips to the Borromean Islands. A Verbania vacation rental is perfect for groups who want easy days by the water and convenient access to grocery stores, cafes, and markets.
- Stresa – A classic gateway to Borromean Islands and the lake’s western shore, Stresa is ideal for stylish holiday rentals, elegant villas, and sun-drenched terraces. It’s a lively hub with waterfront dining, scenic walks, and frequent water-taxi options to the islands, making it a go-to for social trips with friends.
- Cannobio and Cannero Riviera – Colorful, charming towns with lakeside lanes and cozy houses that feel authentically Italian. Vacation rentals here often feature balconies with views across the water and easy access to waterfront strolls, small beaches, and authentic osterie.
- Omegna – Located on the northern shore near Lago d’Orta, Omegna serves as a quieter, more intimate base for groups seeking a slower pace and close proximity to both the lake and surrounding hikes. The rental options here range from modern apartments to traditional houses with plenty of outdoor space.
- Domodossola – The gateway to the Ossola valleys and Formazza, Domodossola provides access to mountain routes and alpine landscapes. Vacation rentals in this town are ideal for hikers and nature lovers who want a home base with easy day trips into the valleys and more rugged trails.
- Santa Maria Maggiore and other Ossola valley villages
- Premia, Formazza and the Val d’Ossola – For true mountain scenery, look for chalets or farm stays in these areas. These houses offer direct access to hiking, snow sports in winter, and the chance to experience traditional Ossolese hospitality.
Experiences on the water: Borromean Islands, ferries and private cruises
One of the highlights of a vacation rental stay in this region is the chance to explore the Borromean Islands. A short boat ride from Stresa or Verbania delivers you to Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori—each offering a distinct blend of gardens, architecture, and shopping lanes. My friends and I love arranging a private or semi-private boat charter from a lakeside dock to optimize our day: a quick dip in crystal-clear coves, snacks served on deck, and a guide who can share local stories about the islands’ history. If you prefer a DIY approach, hop on a public ferry and spend the afternoon island-hopping, followed by a sunset dinner at a lakeside trattoria that serves fresh perch and risottos that echo the lake’s flavors.
To maximize convenience, choose a vacation rental near the lakefront or with a nearby marina. That way, your group can easily launch your own boat rental or join a guided excursion. When you search for holiday rentals with a water view, you’ll often find properties with direct access to small docks or private terraces where you can unwind after a day on the water.
Outdoor adventures: mountains, trails and waterfalls
Pinpointing a single anecdote from Verbano-Cusio-Ossola is impossible—the landscape invites you to shape your days around sunlit trails and shaded glades. Mottarone, the mountain just above Stresa, offers a cable car ride that rewards you with sweeping views of Lake Maggiore and the surrounding Alpine panorama. It’s a fantastic spot for a late-afternoon hike or a sunset photo session, and the mountaintop cafe is perfect for a quick drink and a snack before heading back down for a lively dinner with friends.
Closer to the Ossola valleys, you’ll find an array of trails that suit different moods. The Formazza Valley (Val Formazza) is famed for its broad, easily navigable paths, glacial streams, and dramatic alpine scenery. The nearby Toce waterfall (Cascata del Toce) near Baceno is a must-see, with a powerful cascade that promises dramatic photos and a refreshing break on hot days. For a more rugged adventure, head into the Antrona Valley or Devero Valley for a day of ridge hikes, rocky outcrops, and pristine lakes tucked into the limestone and pine forests.
Culture, cuisine and local experiences
Staying in a vacation rental in this region makes it easy to dive into Piedmont’s culinary heart. Fresh lake fish, such as pesce persico (perch), appears on many seasonal menus, paired with risottos and locally grown vegetables. In the Ossola valleys, you’ll discover farms offering handmade cheeses, honey, and preserves—perfect for a relaxed market morning when your group is stocking up for a picnic by the water.
Plan a food-focused day that includes a visit to a local market, a coffee break in a sunlit piazza, and a wine-tasting session featuring Piedmont’s distinctive varietals. Even though the province sits near the lake, the culinary culture is deeply rooted in Piedmont’s broader traditions, where wines from nearby hills—Nebbiolo-based wines and lighter reds—often pair with river fish and mountain cheeses. If you’re visiting in late spring or early autumn, you’ll enjoy seasonal festivals, local fairs, and live music in intimate squares that add a festive note to your vacation rental stay.
Seasonal itineraries and tips for a vibrant stay
Spring and early summer are ideal for hiking, boat trips, and balcony lunches with a breeze off the lake. Summer invites long days by the water, with opportunities for stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, or simply soaking up the sun from a lakeside terrace near your vacation rental. Autumn brings cooler air and rich harvests; it’s a great time for food-focused getaways and tranquil hikes through golden leaves. Winter in this region can be magical too, especially with a stay in a mountain chalet or a cozy apartment with a fireplace, perfect for après-ski lounging after a day in nearby cross-country trails or towns with festive lights.
Regardless of season, the best approach is flexible: choose a House or accommodation with a good combination of private outdoor space, a kitchen, and a comfortable living area. For families, look for properties with multiple bedrooms and easy access to grocery stores and family-friendly activities. For groups of friends, prioritize locations with social spaces—kitchens that can host a cooking night, decks or terraces for aperitifs, and proximity to launch points for day trips by boat or car.
Practical planning tips
- Best bases for travel: Verbania, Stresa, Cannobio, Cannero Riviera, Omegna, Domodossola, and Santa Maria Maggiore all offer strong vacation rental options with different vibes and access to both lake and mountain activities.
- Transport: Fly into Milan airports (Malpensa or Linate) and connect by train or car to the lake region. Car rental is convenient for exploring valley towns and remote hikes, though many towns offer reliable bus networks and water-taxi services on the lake.
- Accommodations: Look for vacation rentals with flexible check-in/check-out, kitchens, outdoor spaces, and easy parking if you’ll be traveling with a group. House-style accommodations with multiple bedrooms and private outdoor areas are ideal for groups of friends.
- Booking tips: In peak season, book several months in advance, especially for lakefront properties near Stresa and Verbania, as these remain popular among travellers seeking a scenic holiday rental experience.
Planning your stay with SearchandStay
To find the perfect accommodations in the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola area, turn to searchandstay.com. This platform aggregates vacation rentals, holiday rentals, and house accommodations across the region, helping you compare options, read reviews, and secure a great price for your vacation rental. Whether you’re after a luxury lakeside villa for a long weekend with friends or a cozy hillside apartment with a view for a solo adventure, SearchandStay streamlines the process of choosing a place that matches your vibe, budget, and calendar. Start your search today at searchandstay.com and discover a curated selection of properties that put you steps away from the water, mountains, and authentic Piedmontese experiences.
Final notes for your Verbano-Cusio-Ossola getaway
Provincia del Verbano-Cusio-Ossola rewards travellers who balance lake adventures with mountain explorations. A well-chosen vacation rental acts as your home base—an inviting space to gather with friends after a day of exploring, cooking up a feast with local ingredients, and planning tomorrow’s adventures. Whether you’re booking a sleek apartment in Verbania, a sunlit villa in Stresa, or a cabin tucked into the Ossola valleys, you’ll find that your stay here blends outdoor excitement with relaxed Italian charm. And with SearchandStay, you’ll have a reliable tool to locate the right House or accommodation for your needs, making it easier to plan a memorable holiday in Piedmont’s lake-and-mountains playground.