Ghiffa
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Latest page update: 26 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Ghiffa
Ghiffa has only a modest number of hotel-style properties, as this stretch of Lake Maggiore is characterised more by villas, residences and lakeside road hamlets than by a large accommodation scene. Travellers who want established hotels with fuller facilities will find a wider and more reliable selection in Verbania, just a short drive away and one of the main bases on the western shore.
In Verbania, Grand Hotel Majestic is the most prestigious option, offering elegant lakefront rooms, landscaped gardens and consistently strong guest feedback for comfort and service (€€€€). Hotel Pallanza provides a well-reviewed stay with a historic façade, welcoming hospitality and a convenient position on the waterfront (€€€). For a smaller and more characterful alternative, Hotel Belvedere on Isola dei Pescatori offers lakeside charm, friendly service and easy ferry access to Stresa and the mainland (€€€).
In Verbania, Grand Hotel Majestic is the most prestigious option, offering elegant lakefront rooms, landscaped gardens and consistently strong guest feedback for comfort and service (€€€€). Hotel Pallanza provides a well-reviewed stay with a historic façade, welcoming hospitality and a convenient position on the waterfront (€€€). For a smaller and more characterful alternative, Hotel Belvedere on Isola dei Pescatori offers lakeside charm, friendly service and easy ferry access to Stresa and the mainland (€€€).
Where is
Where is Ghiffa?
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The lakeside town of Ghiffa is situated in the Verbano Cusio Ossola Province, on the shores of Lake Maggiore. It has a population of around 2,300 residents and is located 159 kilometres north east of Turin, the regional capital of Piedmont.
It has a Lake Maggiore ferry port, while nearby places of interest include Verbania, Villa Taranto, Oggebbio and Cannero Riviera. |
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Comune di Ghiffa
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Province: Verbano Cusio Ossola
Region: Piedmont Population: 2,255 (in 2024 - source) Size: 14 km² Elevation: 201 metres Transport options: ferry Close by: Verbania, Villa Taranto, Oggebbio, Cannero Riviera Recommended accommodation: Hotel San Gottardo (8 km) |
What People Ask About Ghiffa
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Discover
Discover Ghiffa
Ghiffa is a town in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, set on the western shore of Lake Maggiore just north of Verbania. The settlement rises from the lakeside into wooded hills, combining a small historic centre with villas and gardens overlooking the water. Its mild climate and elevated position make it a well-regarded residential and holiday area.
The most notable site is the Sacro Monte di Ghiffa, part of the UNESCO World Heritage group of Sacri Monti in Piedmont and Lombardy, consisting of chapels and a sanctuary set within a natural reserve above the town. The parish Church of Santa Croce and lakeside promenades add to the local heritage. Road connections link Ghiffa with Verbania and the lakeside road towards Cannero Riviera and Switzerland.
The most notable site is the Sacro Monte di Ghiffa, part of the UNESCO World Heritage group of Sacri Monti in Piedmont and Lombardy, consisting of chapels and a sanctuary set within a natural reserve above the town. The parish Church of Santa Croce and lakeside promenades add to the local heritage. Road connections link Ghiffa with Verbania and the lakeside road towards Cannero Riviera and Switzerland.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Ghiffa
- Lakeside Promenade and Public Beach run along the shore of Lake Maggiore, with shaded paths, benches, and access to small pebbled beaches. The promenade offers views across the lake to the Lombard shore and connects to lakeside cafés and seasonal mooring points. It’s a quiet, scenic area ideal for walking and swimming.
- Sacro Monte di Ghiffa is a UNESCO-listed pilgrimage complex located on a wooded hill above the village. It includes a sanctuary, chapels, porticoes, and panoramic viewpoints over the lake. Built between the 17th and 18th centuries, it is surrounded by walking trails and remains a site of both religious and cultural interest.
- Church of Santa Croce stands in the village centre and dates to the 17th century, with later additions. It features a modest façade and an interior with frescoes and carved altars. The church remains active and is located close to the main road and lakeside path.
- Villa del Pascià and Public Park is a 19th-century lakeside residence with surrounding gardens, now open to the public. While the villa is not accessible, the park includes walking trails, picnic spots, and a play area. It provides a green space just north of the historic centre.
- Hiking and Nature Trails on Monte Cargiago begin from near the Sacro Monte and lead into the forested hills above Ghiffa. Routes pass viewpoints, chapels, and chestnut woods, and are suitable for moderate walkers. Some trails link with other villages and panoramic ridges of the Alto Verbano area.
Tours and Activities
Ghiffa Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Ghiffa Photo Gallery
Lake Maggiore Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations
1. Isola Bella
2. Villa Taranto
3. Isola Madre
4. Verbania
5. Stresa
6. Laveno-Mombello
7. Santa Caterina del Sasso
8. Isola dei Pescatori
9. Luino
10. Baveno
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit on Lake Maggiore
1. Isola Bella
2. Villa Taranto
3. Isola Madre
4. Verbania
5. Stresa
6. Laveno-Mombello
7. Santa Caterina del Sasso
8. Isola dei Pescatori
9. Luino
10. Baveno
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit on Lake Maggiore
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Ghiffa
By Rail: Ghiffa does not have its own train station. The nearest station is in Verbania-Pallanza, about 7 kilometres away, on the Novara–Domodossola line operated by Trenitalia. From Milan, the train to Verbania-Pallanza takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes, while from Domodossola the journey is about 40 minutes. From Verbania-Pallanza, Ghiffa can be reached in roughly 15 minutes by car or local bus.
By Road: Ghiffa is located on the western shore of Lake Maggiore, just north of Verbania. From Milan, the distance is about 95 kilometres, with a driving time of around 1 hour and 30 minutes via the A8 and A26 motorways. From Novara, the journey is approximately 70 kilometres and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Parking is available along the lakefront and in designated areas near the Sacro Monte di Ghiffa.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Ghiffa is located on the western shore of Lake Maggiore, just north of Verbania. From Milan, the distance is about 95 kilometres, with a driving time of around 1 hour and 30 minutes via the A8 and A26 motorways. From Novara, the journey is approximately 70 kilometres and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Parking is available along the lakefront and in designated areas near the Sacro Monte di Ghiffa.
Nearest International Airports:
- Milan Malpensa Airport: About 70 kilometres from Ghiffa, with a drive of around 1 hour and 10 minutes. The nearest airport, offering extensive European and intercontinental services.
- Milan Linate Airport: Approximately 120 kilometres away, with a driving time of about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Serves mainly domestic and European routes.
- Turin Caselle Airport: Roughly 160 kilometres from Ghiffa, taking about 2 hours by car. Provides domestic and European services.
Private Transfers
Ghiffa Private Transfers
A private transfer is the most convenient way to travel to or from Ghiffa, giving you a direct service without the need to organise public transport or drive the lakeside roads yourself. You’ll be collected from your chosen location and driven by a local, professional driver, ensuring a reliable and comfortable journey.
From Ghiffa, the nearest hub is Milan Malpensa Airport, which can be reached in about 1 hour 15 minutes, a distance of 80 km. Milan Linate Airport is around 1 hour 45 minutes away at 115 km, while Turin Caselle Airport can be reached in roughly 1 hour 50 minutes, covering 130 km. A transfer to Milan city centre usually takes 1 hour 40 minutes with a journey of 100 km. For longer trips, Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport is about 2 hours 30 minutes away, a distance of 180 km.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
From Ghiffa, the nearest hub is Milan Malpensa Airport, which can be reached in about 1 hour 15 minutes, a distance of 80 km. Milan Linate Airport is around 1 hour 45 minutes away at 115 km, while Turin Caselle Airport can be reached in roughly 1 hour 50 minutes, covering 130 km. A transfer to Milan city centre usually takes 1 hour 40 minutes with a journey of 100 km. For longer trips, Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport is about 2 hours 30 minutes away, a distance of 180 km.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
