Nestled in the northwestern corner of Piedmont, Provincia del Verbano-Cusio-Ossola is a landscape of crystal-clear lakes, snow-dusted mountains, and vibrant towns that come alive with every season. This is where the Alps meet the Italian lakes, where lake breezes mingle with pine-scented forests, and where vacation rentals and holiday rentals offer more than a place to stay — they’re gateways to authentic Piemonte experiences. If you’re planning a penthouse-style getaway or a luxurious penthouse accommodation with sweeping views, this region delivers. It’s a destination built for social, experience-focused travelers who want to mix outdoor adventure with culture, local dining, and effortless access to memorable activities. For those using the web to book, searchandstay.com is a great resource to discover vacation rentals and penthouse stays in this area, with options that suit families, couples, and groups looking for a high-design, high-comfort base in Piemonte and Italy at large.
Why this part of Piemonte is perfect for vacation rentals and penthouse stays
Verbanio-Cusio-Ossola isn’t a single city but a collection of lakeside towns and alpine valleys connected by winding roads that open onto dramatic vistas. A penthouse with a terrace here isn’t just a place to sleep — it’s a front-row seat to Lake Maggiore’s mirror-like surface, the Borromean Islands, and the jagged silhouette of the surrounding Alps. You’ll find vacation rentals and holiday rentals ranging from intimate lofts in town centers to expansive penthouse accommodations perched above lakefront promenades. The appeal is clear: easy access to boat tours, markets and cafés, and a doorstep to hiking, biking, and winter sports, all wrapped in the warm hospitality of Piedmontese communities.
Within the province, several towns stand out for their beauty, culture, and convenience for guests seeking penthouse accommodation with spectacular views or central access to activities.
- Verbania — The provincial capital on the western shore of Lake Maggiore, Verbania is a hub of gardens, lakeside walks, and a lively old town. A penthouse here offers panoramic water views, easy access to the Borromean Islands, and proximity to artisan shops and cafés.
- Stresa — A classic gateway to Lake Maggiore’s Borromean Islands, Stresa is famed for its lakeside promenade and elegant villas. Penthouse accommodations here often feature expansive terraces, ideal for sunset aperitifs and social evenings with friends and family.
- Baveno and Cannobio — These towns offer a more relaxed pace with charming streets, waterfront cafés, and viewpoints that rival any postcard. A penthouse in this area puts you just steps from boat docks and scenic trails.
- Omegna — Located on the northern shores of Lake d’Orta nearby, Omegna provides a quieter base with easy day trips to other pearls in Piemonte and Lombardy. Great for travelers who want a cozy, high-design penthouse feel with lake vibes.
- Domodossola — In the Ossola Valley, this town is a gateway to alpine trails and the Val Grande National Park. A penthouse here blends modern comfort with rugged natural beauty — ideal for explorers who also crave city-like convenience.
- Santa Maria Maggiore and the Val Formazza — For true mountain immersion, this area offers dramatic scenery and mountain culture. Look for penthouses with fireplace-ready living rooms and mountain-facing balconies.
When choosing a penthouse in this part of Piemonte, travelers look for certain features that pair luxury with the region’s outdoor lifestyle. The right penthouse accommodation destinations offer:
- Panoramic lake and mountain views with floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive terraces.
- Open-plan living spaces that invite social stays—comfortable seating for groups, dining areas for shared meals, and integrated kitchens with high-end appliances.
- Outdoor living spaces including rooftop terraces, pergolas, or garden decks for sunrises over the lake or golden hour with the Alps in the background.
- Modern amenities such as fast Wi-Fi, smart home controls, in-unit laundry, and secure parking in popular towns.
- Well-equipped kitchens with high-quality cookware, local ingredients, and options for private chefs or guided cooking experiences.
- Connectivity to experiences — easy access to boat trips, hiking trails, bike rentals, and cultural activities.
The Verbano-Cusio-Ossola area is a playground for travelers who want to blend relaxation with adventure. From penthouse terraces that frame the water to guided itineraries that reveal the hidden corners of Piemonte, here are some top experiences to pair with your stay.
Lake Maggiore and Borromean Islands boat excursions
One of the essential experiences is a boat tour to the Borromean Islands — Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori. Each island offers a unique charm: ornate gardens, historic villas, and a village feel on the fishers’ island. You can arrange private boat charters or join small-group tours that maximize photo opportunities and time with a local guide who can explain the gardens’ design, the island history, and the best seasonal blooms. For penthouse guests, a sunset cruise from Stresa or Verbania is a once-in-a-trip moment that pairs perfectly with a lakeside dinner back in town.
Hiking, mountain biking, and Val Grande National Park
For nature lovers, the Val Grande National Park — one of Europe’s wildest areas — delivers rugged trails, remote valleys, and opportunities to spot wildlife. Day hikes can be tailored for all levels, and experienced guides can lead multi-day treks for hardcore explorers. In winter, cross-country ski routes and snowshoeing transform the slopes into a serene winter playground. If you’re staying in a penthouse with a big balcony or terrace, mornings spent skyward with a strong coffee and a plan to tackle a day’s trail can set the tone for an unforgettable adventure.
Mottarone cable car and alpine panoramas
The Mottarone cable car out of Stresa takes you high above the lake for a dramatic panorama: the lakes, the Alps, and on clear days, a view across to the Matterhorn. At the summit, there are restaurants, a playground for kids, and short walks that allow for postcard-perfect photos. It’s a family-friendly activity that also suits groups celebrating a special occasion in a penthouse with plenty of space to share stories and plan the next day’s itinerary.
Historic towns and cultural experiences
Stresa, Verbania, and Cannobio are not just scenic; they’re cultural hubs with villas, gardens, markets, and seasonal festivals. In Verbania’s many botanical spots and lakeside promenades, you’ll find artisan crafts and regional foods that make for memorable evenings. Cannobio’s old town has a pedestrian-friendly center with cafés and small museums that offer a window into local life. Private walking tours or food-focused experiences — such as guided tastings of tagliatelle with mushroom ragù or local cheeses — can be arranged to complement your penthouse-lounge evenings.
Seasonal flavors and culinary experiences
Piemonte is renowned for its food culture. In this province, you can savor tajarin (thin eggs noodles), risottos with lake fish, polenta-based dishes, locally produced cheeses, and seasonal mushrooms. Look for private cooking classes in or near your penthouse stay, or book a guided tasting that pairs wine from nearby regions with regional specialties. Markets in Verbania and Cannobio offer fresh produce, regional sweets, and handmade goods that you can bring back to your accommodation to share with fellow guests or new friends you meet along the way.
To make the most of your penthouse stay in Provincia del Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, keep these practical pointers in mind:
- Best time to visit — Spring and early fall offer mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and comfortable conditions for outdoor activities. Summer brings warm days ideal for lakeside days and boat trips, while winter opens the door to snow sports in the surrounding valleys.
- Getting there — The region is most accessible from Milan’s airports (Malpensa and Linate) and Malpensa’s rail connections. A combination of train travel to Verbania-Pallanza or Stresa and a short taxi or ride-share can drop you right at your penthouse door. For more remote towns, a car offers the most flexibility, especially if you’re planning day trips to mountain passes and hiking routes.
- Getting around — In towns like Verbania and Stresa, walking is pleasant and practical. For lakeside trips and visits to Borromean Islands, boats are the natural transport option. If you’re staying in a more secluded valley, a car or a private transfer can be a time-saver.
- Booking ahead — Vacation rentals and penthouses here can be in high demand during peak seasons and around holiday periods. Use a trusted booking platform to compare penthouse features, terrace sizes, and proximity to the water or mountain trails. For a curated search with a focus on penthouse accommodations, consider visiting searchandstay.com to explore options in Provincia del Verbano-Cusio-Ossola.
- Local etiquette — Italians in Piemonte take hospitality seriously. A relaxed, friendly approach goes a long way. When staying in a penthouse, ask hosts for tips about private tours, the best seasonal restaurants, and quieter local corners that aren’t always listed in guidebooks.
Here’s a suggested itinerary that balances luxurious penthouse downtime with active exploration:
- Arrival and sunset on a lakefront terrace with a welcome prosecco and a view of the Borromean Islands.
- Day 2: Boat trip to Isola Bella and Isola Madre, followed by lunch in Stresa and an afternoon stroll along Verbania’s lakeside promenade.
- Day 3: Hike part of the Val Grande National Park or a guided nature walk, ending with a cozy evening in a penthouse lounge.
- Day 4: Mottarone cable car to the summit for panoramic photos, then a traditional Piedmontese dinner back in town.
- Day 5: Market morning in Cannobio, private cooking class in the afternoon featuring tajarin and local cheeses, and a relaxed night near your penthouse terrace.
- Day 6: Day trip to Domodossola and the Ossola Valley, exploring artisan shops and a late lunch with river views.
- Day 7: Final morning on the terrace, packing memories and planning a return trip to renew the experience in another penthouse accommodation.
Beyond the obvious lake and mountain activities, consider these additional experiences that enrich a stay in this region:
- Private vineyard and winery visits in nearby hills for tastings of Nebbiolo and other regional varieties.
- Photographic walks focused on sunset light over the lake and the Alps.
- Guided historical tours of villas and gardens in Verbania and Stresa, including private tours of gardens that were once private estates.
- Traditional Italian cooking sessions featuring locally sourced ingredients, with the option to have the meal served on a penthouse terrace.
When you’re ready to plan a penthouse-level escape in Provincia del Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, a combination of reliable listings and local knowledge helps you uncover the best options. Look for high-quality penthouse accommodations that offer:
- Certified guest reviews and responsive hosts
- Clear photos showing terrace size, living area, and kitchen setup
- Proximity to water, trails, and town centers for easy day trips
- Flexible cancellation policies and clear check-in instructions
For a curated selection of vacation rentals and penthouse accommodations in this area, you can browse and book on searchandstay.com. It’s a resourceful way to compare options, confirm amenities like lakefront terraces, and choose a stay that suits your travel style and group size. Whether you’re booking a chic penthouse with a lounge-ready deck for a social week with friends, or a quieter, luxe penthouse with sweeping lake views for a romantic winter escape, this region delivers.
Provincia del Verbano-Cusio-Ossola is a destination where every stay can be tailored to your priorities—whether you want non-stop activity, serene lakeside downtime, or a mix of both. The landscape invites you to wake up with sun on the water and end the day with a glass of regional wine on a private terrace. The towns are welcoming, the cuisine is comforting and refined, and the natural settings are among Italy’s most striking. A penthouse accommodation here isn’t just a place to sleep; it’s a launchpad for experiences that become lasting memories. With the help of trusted vacation rental platforms like searchandstay.com, you can find the perfect home base to unlock the best that this Piemonte corner has to offer.
Whether you’re a couple seeking a romantic view, a family chasing adventures, or a group of friends planning a social getaway, this region makes it easy to blend luxury with landscape. A thoughtful penthouse stay with a sun-drenched terrace and a prime location can set the tone for a remarkable Italian escape in Piemonte, Italy.