Lesa​

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Latest page update: 26 May 2025

By: Dion Protani

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Where to Stay

Where to Stay in Lesa

Lesa has a modest but appealing selection of established hotels, reflecting its quieter stretch of Lake Maggiore between Meina and Belgirate. Most accommodation lies close to the lakeside road or the small harbours, giving visitors easy access to ferry services, waterfront walks and the nearby resorts to the north and south. The best-reviewed options focus on comfort, lake views and relaxed surroundings suited to a slower pace.
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Among the leading choices, Hotel Capri offers a well-kept, welcoming base with steady guest satisfaction for its lakeside setting and convenient position for exploring the area (€€). Hotel Atlantic provides another dependable stay, appreciated for its clean rooms, friendly service and easy access to the promenade and local amenities (€€). For those seeking a higher level of comfort, Relais Casali della Cisterna just outside Lesa offers elegant villa accommodation with lake views, refined interiors and consistently strong reviews for hospitality and atmosphere (€€€€).

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Where is

Where is Lesa?

The lakeside town of Lesa is situated in the Province of Novara, on the shores of Lake Maggiore.

It has a population of around 2,200 residents and is located 132 kilometres north east of Turin, the regional capital of Piedmont. 

It doesn't have a Lake Maggiore ferry port but it does have a train station. Nearby places of interest include Belgirate, Stresa, Meina, Baveno, Isola Bella, Isola Madre. 

​The recommended accommodation is the Relais Casali della Cisterna in Belgirate.

Lesa, Lake Maggiore

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Comune di Lesa

Province: Novara

Region: Piedmont

Population: 2,149​ (in 2024 - source)

Size: 13 km²

Elevation: 198 metres

Transport options: train

​​Close by: Belgirate, Stresa, Meina, Baveno, Isola Bella, Isola Madre

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What People Ask About Lesa

Is Lesa worth visiting?

Yes, Lesa is worth visiting for its lakeside promenade, quiet atmosphere, and access to Lake Maggiore. It’s a small town with historic villas and views across the water to the Lombardy shore.

What can you do in Lesa?

You can walk along the lakefront, visit the Church of San Martino, and relax at small beaches or public gardens. Lesa is also a good starting point for boat trips and lakeside cycling routes.

How do you get to Lesa?

Lesa has its own train station on the line between Milan and Domodossola. It’s also accessible by car via the SS33 road and by boat services on Lake Maggiore during the tourist season.

What is Lesa known for?

Lesa is known for its elegant lakeside villas, connections to writers like Alessandro Manzoni, and its peaceful setting between Arona and Stresa. It’s a popular stop for those exploring the western shore of Lake Maggiore.

When is the best time to visit Lesa?

The best time to visit Lesa is from May to September, when the lakefront is most active and boat services are running. Spring and early autumn are also pleasant for walking and sightseeing.

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Related links

​Things to see in Piedmont

Lake Maggiore

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Discover

Discover Lesa

Lesa is a town in the province of Novara, positioned on the western shore of Lake Maggiore between Arona and Stresa. Its setting combines lakeside promenades with hillsides rising behind, where villas and gardens overlook the water. The town developed as a popular summer destination, with elegant residences and hotels reflecting its role in lake tourism.
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The parish Church of San Martino, the Oratory of San Sebastiano, and several historic villas stand out among its landmarks. Lesa has also been associated with notable literary and cultural figures who stayed here during the 19th and 20th centuries. Road and ferry connections link the town with Stresa, Arona, and other settlements along Lake Maggiore, while rail services are available from nearby stations.

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Things to Do

Things to Do in Lesa

• Lakeside Promenade and Small Harbour form the heart of the village, with tree-lined paths, benches, and access to the waterfront. The promenade offers views over Lake Maggiore and connects to cafés, gelaterias, and the mooring area for boats and private vessels. It’s a quiet, scenic spot used by locals and visitors alike.
  
• Church of San Martino is the main parish church, located just inland from the lake. Rebuilt in the 18th century, it features a Baroque façade, frescoed interior, and a bell tower visible from the surrounding streets. The church is active and remains central to local festivals and religious processions.
  
• Villa Cavallini and Public Park lie on the northern edge of the village, surrounded by gardens and shaded paths. Though the villa is privately owned, its grounds are open to the public and used for walks, picnics, and seasonal events. The area includes views of the lake and access to quieter parts of the waterfront.
  
• Municipal Beach and Swimming Area is located close to the centre and includes both free and managed sections with sunbeds and snack bars. The beach has shallow water suitable for families and offers facilities such as showers and changing rooms in summer. It is a popular spot during warm months.
  
• Walking and Cycling Path to Belgirate follows the lakeshore southwards and provides a flat, scenic route between the two villages. The path runs alongside gardens and villas and is suitable for casual walks or short bike rides. Signposts mark distances and points of interest along the way.
  

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Tours and Activities

Lesa Tours and Activities

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​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

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How to Get to [Place Name]

How to Get to Lesa

By Rail: Lesa has its own small train station on the Novara–Domodossola line, operated by Trenitalia. Regional trains connect the town to Novara in about 50 minutes and to Domodossola in roughly 1 hour and 10 minutes. From Milan, trains to Lesa take around 1 hour and 20 minutes, usually with a change at Arona. The station is located close to the lakefront and town centre.

By Road: Lesa is situated on the western shore of Lake Maggiore, between Arona and Stresa. From Milan, the distance is about 80 kilometres, with a driving time of around 1 hour and 20 minutes via the A8 and A26 motorways. From Novara, the journey is approximately 50 kilometres and takes about 1 hour. Parking is available along the lakefront and in designated areas near the centre.

Nearest International Airports:
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• Milan Malpensa Airport: About 35 kilometres from Lesa, with a drive of around 40 minutes. The closest airport, offering extensive European and intercontinental connections.
• Milan Linate Airport: Approximately 95 kilometres away, with a driving time of about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Serves mainly domestic and European routes.
• Turin Caselle Airport: Roughly 135 kilometres from Lesa, taking about 1 hour and 40 minutes by car. Provides domestic and European services.

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Private Transfers

Lesa Private Transfers

A private transfer is the most reliable way to travel to or from Lesa, giving you a direct service without the need to arrange train changes or manage the local roads yourself. You’ll be collected from your chosen location and driven by a local, professional driver, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey.

From Lesa, the nearest hub is Milan Malpensa Airport, which can be reached in about 50 minutes, a distance of 40 km. Milan Linate Airport is around 1 hour 15 minutes away at 85 km, while Turin Caselle Airport can be reached in about 1 hour 30 minutes, covering 120 km. A transfer to Milan city centre takes around 1 hour 20 minutes with a journey of 75 km. For those travelling further afield, Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport is about 2 hours 10 minutes away, a distance of 170 km.
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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.

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