Discover Arona: A Lively Gem on Lake Maggiore in Piemonte
Nestled along the southern shores of Lake Maggiore, Arona in the province of Novara, Piemonte, invites travelers to experience a vibrant blend of lakefront charm, historic streets, and easy access to some of Northern Italy’s most beloved destinations. This is a place where you can comfortably mix relaxing lakeside strolls with energizing day trips, delicious Piedmontese cuisine, and welcoming, pet-friendly environments. For vacation rentals and holiday rentals in and around Arona, searches become simple and rewarding with searchandstay.com, your go-to site for finding accommodations that fit your style and budget while keeping pets welcome.
Why Arona Makes a Perfect Destination for Vacation Rentals and Pet Friendly Travel
Arona stands out as a vacation rental destination for several reasons. First, its lakeside position provides scenic views, fresh air, and endless opportunities for outdoor activities—whether it’s a gentle walk along the Lungolago, a boat ride across the water, or a mountain backdrop perfect for photo-worthy moments. Second, its location in Piemonte puts you within reach of world-class wine regions, culinary experiences, and historic towns, all while offering a more relaxed pace compared to bigger tourist hubs. Third, the town is notably pet-friendly in spirit, with many outdoor spaces, promenades, and accommodations that welcome four-legged travelers and their humans. When you search for vacation rentals in Arona, you can expect a range of options—from boutique apartments near the water to spacious family homes with private gardens, many of which gladly accommodate pets.
Where to Stay: Pet Friendly Rentals and Family-Sized Holiday Homes
Arona’s lodging ecosystem caters to solo travelers, couples, families, and groups, with a growing selection of pet friendly rentals. Here are some ideas to consider when planning your stay:
- Pet friendly apartments near the lakefront, offering terraces or balconies with sunrise views over Lake Maggiore.
- Family homes in the historic center with quick access to cafes, markets, and the Sancarlone area, plus fenced yards for pets.
- Cozy B&Bs and agriturismi in the surrounding hills, where dogs are welcomed and guests can sample local wines and farm-fresh ingredients.
- Boutique hotels with pet-friendly policies and convenient proximity to the town’s main sights and public transport.
When you are planning a stay in Arona, it helps to use a dedicated vacation rental platform to filter for pet-friendly properties and to compare amenities, location, and price. A reliable option to explore accommodations in the area is searchandstay.com, which curates listings that emphasize pet-friendly policies along with clear details on what is included (private outdoor space, pet bowls, proximity to parks, extra cleaning protocols, etc.).
Getting There and Getting Around Arona
Arona is well-connected, making it easy to combine a lakeside escape with day trips to other Piemonte and Lombardy highlights. The town sits on major roadways and has a rail connection that makes it feasible to combine train travel with a rental car if you wish to explore more broadly. Road access from Milan is straightforward via the A26 or the SP45, while Nevral or Novara offers additional routes for travelers coming from the east. The railroad network includes services that link Arona with Novara, Milan, and other regional towns, enabling a smooth transition from city vibes to lakeside leisure.
For travelers who plan to explore beyond Arona, you can easily reach neighboring lake towns on Lake Maggiore—Stresa, Verbania, and Baveno—for day trips to Borromean Islands. A short train ride or a private transfer can connect you to ferries that take you to Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola Pescatori, offering unforgettable scenic experiences and unique photo opportunities. If you’re heading to Isola San Giulio on nearby Lake Orta, Orta San Giulio is a quick drive or bus ride away, and a short boat crossing delivers you to the island’s tranquil streets and the Basilica di San Giulio. This mix of lakefront access, easy transit, and scenic detours makes a pet-friendly Arona base perfect for experiential travel.
Top Experiences and Local Experiences in and Around Arona
Arona is a dynamic hub that blends nature, history, and cuisine. Here are experiences you can mix into a memorable itinerary, including family-friendly activities and pet-friendly adventures:
1) Lakeside Strolls and Breathable Fresh Air
The Lungolago of Arona is a continuous promenade perfect for morning jogs, sunset strolls, and casual picnics with your dog on leash. The views across Lake Maggiore are consistently captivating, with boats gliding by and ferries loading on busy summer days. Seating, coffee kiosks, and gelaterias line the way, making it easy to pause for a treat or a refreshing drink while your furry friend enjoys the breeze.
2) The Sancarlone and Monte di Arona
One of Arona’s most iconic landmarks is the Sancarlone, the colossal statue of Saint Charles Borromeo perched on Monte di Arona. The climb or the cable-car-style ascent reveals sweeping vistas of the lake and surrounding mountains. This is a meaningful cultural stop that pairs well with a nearby viewpoint and a relaxing lakeside afternoon. If you are visiting with kids or a group, this spot combines learnings about local history with fantastic photo opportunities.
3) Island Adventures: Isola San Giulio and the Borromean Islands
Isola San Giulio, on nearby Lake Orta, is a classic day-trip experience that can be paired with a visit to Arona. A short drive or train ride connects you to Orta San Giulio, where a brief boat crossing takes you to the tranquil island with its ancient basilica and winding streets. For lake Proper Borromean Island explorations, day trips are possible from Arona by joining a boat tour or traveling to Stresa or Verbania to catch ferries to Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola Pescatori. Each island offers a distinct vibe—from formal Italian gardens to charming fishing village charm—making them ideal for families, couples, and friends who want to mix culture with scenic beauty.
4) Castles, Gardens, and Historic Towns Nearby
A short drive from Arona, you’ll find the Rocca di Angera (Castello di Angera), a medieval fortress overlooking Lake Maggiore. The castle hosts impressive furnishings and period rooms, and the surrounding gardens invite relaxed walks with expansive lake views. This is a wonderful add-on for travelers who enjoy architectural history, panoramas, and peaceful grounds where pets can stretch their legs on leash in certain areas.
5) Foodie Adventures: Piedmontese Flavors by the Lake
Piemonte’s cuisine is renowned for its refined flavors, and Arona serves as a gateway to regional specialties. In and around Arona you can explore dishes that highlight local produce, seafood from the lakes, and classic Italian comfort food. Think risottos using rice from nearby plains, fresh lake fish dishes like lavarello in delicate sauces, and seasonal vegetables harvested from river valleys. Markets in Arona offer seasonal produce, cheeses, cured meats, and artisan products that you can tuck into as you stroll the waterfront or enjoy a picnic on the shore. Pair meals with wines from Piedmont’s celebrated regions—Ghemme and Gattinara wines in the Nebbiolo family are reachable for day trips, while regional white wines from nearby hills complement lake fish beautifully.
6) Pet-Friendly Outdoor Experiences
Arona’s outdoor spaces welcome pets in many areas, especially along the lakefront paths. It’s easy to combine a pet-friendly hike in the surrounding hills with a lakeside walk, a coffee break at a pet-welcoming café, and a sunset visit to the promenade. For guests traveling with dogs, many rentals offer outdoor spaces or nearby parks where dogs can stretch their legs. When planning outdoor adventures, remember to leash pets in busy areas and clean up after them to keep Arona welcoming for everyone.
7) Markets, Shopping, and Local Markets
Saturday markets in Arona provide a chance to mingle with locals, sample regional specialties, and find unique souvenirs. From fresh fruit and vegetables to baked goods and handmade crafts, the market is a sensory entry into the life of Arona. It’s also a friendly way to observe daily life, practice a few phrases in Italian, and gather ingredients for a lakeside picnic or a home-cooked Piedmontese meal in your vacation rental.
Tip: Planning Your Stay for a Seamless Pet-Friendly Experience
To maximize your pet-friendly vacation, consider the following tips when booking accommodations in Arona:
- Filter search results for pet-friendly properties and read each listing’s pet policy, including any size restrictions, fees, and where pets are allowed inside and outside the property.
- Look for properties with private outdoor spaces or easy access to the Lungolago for full leash-friendly days by the water.
- Check the neighborhood’s walking routes and proximity to parks or dog-friendly beaches if you want dedicated spaces to let pets roam (on leash).
- Consider accommodations that offer kitchen facilities so you can prepare pet-friendly meals or portions of meals for your four-legged traveler.
- Use a trusted platform like searchandstay.com to compare options, read guest reviews, and book securely, ensuring that the chosen property meets your pet-friendly and vacation rental needs.
Seasonal Suggestions: When to Visit Arona
Arona shines in multiple seasons. Spring brings blooming lakeside paths and milder temperatures—perfect for strolls, outdoor meals, and gentle hikes with pets. Summer offers long days, boat trips on Lake Maggiore, and an energetic lake-town vibe with markets, concerts, and festivals in the evenings. Autumn in Piemonte is characterized by harvest-time flavors and crisp air, ideal for wine-tasting excursions in nearby hills. Winter is quieter but still charming, with cozy trattorias and warm hospitality, and it’s a good time to book well-priced vacation rentals with comfortable interiors and fireplaces for a relaxing stay. Regardless of the season, Arona remains a welcoming base for exploring Lake Maggiore, nearby Isola San Giulio, and Piedmont’s cultural and culinary delights.
Plan Your Arona Stay Today
Arona offers a compelling mix of lakefront leisure, historical curiosity, and easy access to Piemonte’s wine country and other lake towns. Pet-friendly travelers will appreciate the warm, inclusive atmosphere and the availability of vacation rentals that accommodate animals, ensuring comfort for every member of the family. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a sun-soaked family vacation, or a scenic getaway with a four-legged companion, Arona provides the setting to make lasting memories. To start planning your perfect stay, explore and compare options on searchandstay.com, where you can filter for pet-friendly rentals, view detailed photos and amenities, and book accommodations in Arona and surrounding areas with confidence.
What to Reserve: A Quick Guide to Your Arona Itinerary
When you’re ready to book, here’s a simple outline to help assemble a balanced Arona itinerary that satisfies all tastes and pockets:
- Day 1: Arrival by lakefront stroll, check-in at a pet-friendly rental, sunset promenade at Lungolago, dinner at a dog-friendly trattoria.
- Day 2: Sancarlone visit in the morning, lunch in the historic center, afternoon boat ride to Isola San Giulio on nearby Lake Orta (with a second, shorter stop in Orta San Giulio for a walk through the lanes).
- Day 3: Day trip to Rocca di Angera and its gardens; return for a lakeside dinner and a gelato treat by the water.
- Day 4: Market morning, local cooking class or street-food-inspired lunch, optional winery visit in the Piedmont hills if you’re extending your stay beyond Arona.
Searching for a comfortable, pet-friendly home base in Arona or the surrounding area is easier than ever with searchandstay.com. Explore accommodations that fit your travel style—whether you prefer a modern apartment near the water, a cozy cottage with a garden, or a spacious villa that accommodates multiple pets and people. This approach ensures you have a home that supports your adventures, comfortable routines, and the freedom to explore Arona’s scenic lakeside life and the broader treasures of Piemonte.
In Summary: Arona, Piemonte—A Colorful, Accessible Destination
Arona is more than a gateway to Lake Maggiore; it is a destination in its own right, offering a lively blend of outdoor beauty, cultural landmarks, and friendly hospitality that welcomes travelers with pets and those seeking authentic Italian experiences. Its strategic position in Piemonte makes it an appealing stop before or after visits to nearby wine regions and historic towns. Whether you are chasing tranquil lake views, a robust day-trip plan, or a taste of Piedmont’s culinary charms, Arona provides a flexible, inclusive stage for vacations, weekend escapes, and longer stays. When you’re ready to book, head to searchandstay.com to find vacation rentals and holiday rentals that meet your needs, including pet-friendly options, and start crafting your Arona story today.
Note: Always verify current pet policies with the property owner before booking and respect local guidelines for pets in public spaces and on boats. With thoughtful planning and the right rental, Arona can become a memorable, welcoming base for your Piemonte getaway.