Thinking of taking a trip to the Italian Lakes but not sure where to stay? We’ve partnered with Bookings For You, who specialise in self-catering properties in the Lake Maggiore and Lake Como regions, to provide you with some travel inspiration. Based in the UK, Bookings For You provides an excellent level of service (we say that based on our own personal experience) paired with an abundance of local knowledge. They have a huge variety of properties on offer and can assist in finding villas and apartments that best suit needs, taste and budget. Plus they know the lakes well which is useful when it comes to making the most of a trip!
Situated in Italy’s northeast, the Lake Maggiore and Lake Como regions cater for all ages with plenty on offer for everyone. There are a wealth of activities for young and old alike from beaches, lidos and lakes to hiking, cycling and sightseeing. We’ve stayed in Bookings For You properties a few times now, including in Lake Maggiore, so we know how varied their villas and apartments are. Whether you’re travelling on a budget, in need of some luxury or looking for family-friendly accommodation, there is a superb collection of properties on offer – you’ll find a taste in this post.
Best for luxury – Casa Belva
Well, we all love a bit of luxury and Casa Belva provides exactly that with the private pool providing spectacular views across Lake Maggiore. This stunning 3 bedroom villa, which sleeps 6, is furnished with designer pieces and even has its own gym to work off that delicious Italian cuisine! What’s more, Casa Belva is walking distance from the beach, the town centre and restaurants/bars. Nearby activities including a waterpark, zoo and cycling plus skiing in the winter.
Best on a budget – Apartment Belgirate
If you’re on a budget, Apartment Belgirate, also in Lake Maggiore, is a great option. This three-bedroom apartment in Stresa, which sleeps up to eight, is still in a good location as you’re just across the street from the lake. The apartment is great value for money with a small private beach area. Nearby activities include watersports, hiking and a waterpark.
Best for families – Villa Sereni
Villa Sereni is set in a quiet hamlet on the Eastern bank of Lake Maggiore with stunning views across the lake. A luxury villa set across 3 floors, all with balconies, it sleeps 6 to 8 people. It’s just a five-minute drive to the lakeside and only 3 miles to Luino with the Swiss border (where you’ll find Locarno and Lugano) five miles away. If you’re travelling as part of a larger group (of up to 12-16 people), neighbouring Villa Caruso can also be rented. Activities nearby include a zoo, waterpark and cycling.
Best for foodies – Villa Ranco
If you’re a foodie who loves to eat out, Villa Ranco in Lake Maggiore is a great option – there’s a Michelin star restaurant (and two other restaurants) nearby. The villa itself is furnished to a high standard, in a modern contemporary style, and set across two floors with three bedrooms and bathrooms. All rooms have lake views across to picturesque towns with activities nearby include hiking, watersports and snorkelling.
Best for large groups – Villa Collina
With 5 kingsize bedrooms, Villa Collina can comfortably sleep 16 people. This detached villa has five bathrooms, a private pool and is ideal for large groups of friends or families. Split across 3 levels, there’s a spacious living area and a generous kitchen – there is even a wine room! Villa Collina is walking distance from restaurants and bars with various activities available close by.
Best for water babies – Villa Poseidon
If you love being surrounded by or in the water, Villa Poseidon on the shores of Lake Maggiore is a good option. This contemporary 3 bedroom villa also has direct access to the lake itself and you can walk to Portovaltravaglia (200 metres away) along the beach. The villa is air-conditioned, sleeps up to six and has 2 bathrooms. There’s a jacuzzi and superb lake views with the beach, village, town centre and restaurants/bars. Activities include watersports, the zoo and hiking.
Best for multi-generation holidays – Villa Massino
Villa Massino is a 3 bedroom villa which is split into a 2 bedroom and 1 bedroom property providing the grandparents with some privacy in addition to enjoying time with the family. Situated in the hillside village of Massino Visconti, this property sleeps up to eight and has stunning views of the lake. Split across 2 levels, there’s an open plan living space with a well-equipped kitchen and dining area. The remaining space is set across the first floor with a New England kind of feel – there’s even a wood-burning stove for the winter months! During the summer, you can take advantage of the BBQ area and admire the views across the lake. Restaurants are around 20 minutes walk away.
Best for sports lovers – Apartment Como
Apartment Como is walking distance from a lakeside restaurant and boat stop which has a pool and a tennis court. The apartment itself is gated and comprises of two spacious bedrooms, each of which has its own dressing area. With French style furnishings throughout, there are plenty of homely touches. Comfortable sofas and armchairs in the seating area with a formal dining area for six adjacent to the fully equipped kitchen. The apartment is in the grounds of an ancient villa and has a large terrace area where guests can enjoy the views across the pool gardens, the lake in the distance. Access to the pool and the tennis court is via a short path from the terrace. Mezzegra is ten minutes walk away where there is a pretty lakefront piazza, family-friendly café bars, a bakery, greengrocer, two supermarkets and a park.
We loved our time in the Italian Lakes and we’re itching to explore more of the region. There is literally something for everyone, regardless of whether you’re there as a family or as a group. Here are just some of the things you can do in the Lake Maggiore region. To find out more about Bookings For You, head over to their website.
Disclaimer: This is a collaborative post with Bookings For You. To see more of properties in the Italian Lakes, have a look at their website (properties are available in other regions such as Tuscany, Umbria and Puglia).
