Meina
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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 Meina
Meina has a small but well-regarded hotel offering, suited to its quieter stretch of Lake Maggiore between Arona and Lesa. Most accommodation sits along the lakeside road, giving visitors easy access to the waterfront, ferry services and nearby promenades, while offering a calmer atmosphere than the busier resorts close by. Standards are steady, with established hotels focusing on comfort, views and relaxed lakeside hospitality.
Among the best-reviewed options, Hotel Bel Sit is a standout choice, appreciated for its direct lake access, pool and consistently positive feedback for its peaceful setting and welcoming service (€€€). Hotel Villa Paradiso offers elegant rooms, a garden setting and lake views, earning steady praise for comfort, facilities and its convenient position for exploring the surrounding towns (€€€). For a smaller alternative, Arona Hotel in nearby Arona provides a central waterfront base with well-kept rooms and reliable guest satisfaction, making it a practical option just a short distance from Meina (€€).
Among the best-reviewed options, Hotel Bel Sit is a standout choice, appreciated for its direct lake access, pool and consistently positive feedback for its peaceful setting and welcoming service (€€€). Hotel Villa Paradiso offers elegant rooms, a garden setting and lake views, earning steady praise for comfort, facilities and its convenient position for exploring the surrounding towns (€€€). For a smaller alternative, Arona Hotel in nearby Arona provides a central waterfront base with well-kept rooms and reliable guest satisfaction, making it a practical option just a short distance from Meina (€€).
Where is
Where is Meina?
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The lakeside town of Meina is situated in the Province of Novara, on the shores of Lake Maggiore. It has a population of around 2,400 residents and is located 128 kilometres north east of Turin, the regional capital of Piedmont.
It has a Lake Maggiore ferry port, while nearby places of interest include Lesa, Stresa, Belgirate, Baveno, Isola Bella and Isola Madre. |
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Comune di Meina
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Province: Novara
Region: Piedmont Population: 2,351 (in 2024 - source) Size: 8 km² Elevation: 214 metres Transport options: ferry Close by: Lesa, Stresa, Belgirate, Baveno, Isola Bella, Isola Madre |
What People Ask About Meina
Is Meina worth visiting?
What can you do in Meina?
How do you get to Meina?
What is Meina known for?
When is the best time to visit Meina?
Related links
Discover
Discover Meina
Meina is a town in the province of Novara, set on the western shore of Lake Maggiore between Arona and Lesa. It has long been associated with lakeside villas and gardens, reflecting its development as a holiday destination from the 19th century onwards. The waterfront promenade offers views across the lake towards the Lombardy side, while the hills behind are dotted with residential villas.
Notable landmarks include the parish church of Santa Margherita, smaller chapels within the town, and several historic villas surrounded by parks and gardens. Meina also provides access to lakeside beaches and bathing areas, making it a popular spot in summer. Road connections link the town with Arona, Lesa, and Stresa, while nearby rail stations provide access to Milan and other towns around Lake Maggiore.
Notable landmarks include the parish church of Santa Margherita, smaller chapels within the town, and several historic villas surrounded by parks and gardens. Meina also provides access to lakeside beaches and bathing areas, making it a popular spot in summer. Road connections link the town with Arona, Lesa, and Stresa, while nearby rail stations provide access to Milan and other towns around Lake Maggiore.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Meina
- Lakeside Promenade and Public Park stretch along the waterfront with palm-lined paths, benches, and direct access to the lake. The area includes a small harbour, ornamental gardens, and views across Lake Maggiore. It is a popular space for walking, especially in the early evening, and includes seasonal kiosks and events.
- Church of Santa Margherita stands in the upper part of the village and dates back to the 18th century. The church features a Baroque façade, a bell tower, and an interior with frescoes and a carved wooden altar. It remains active and is used for local religious services and celebrations.
- Villa Faraggiana and Park is a 19th-century residence built in neoclassical style, once owned by a prominent Milanese family. Though not currently open to the public, its exterior and gardens can be viewed from the lakeside. The villa is part of Meina’s architectural heritage and often used in local promotional imagery.
- Museo Meina – Parco dello Storia is housed in the grounds of Villa Faraggiana and offers an interactive museum experience using multimedia and immersive exhibits. The museum explores themes of communication, memory, and local history, with installations suitable for visitors of all ages. It is open seasonally and includes access to part of the park.
- Lakeside Beaches and Swimming Areas include both free-access and managed zones with sunbeds, changing facilities, and snack bars. These areas are within walking distance of the village centre and are suitable for families. Some beaches also offer paddleboat hire and direct lake access for swimming in summer.
Tours and Activities
Meina Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Meina 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 Meina
By Rail: Meina has its own small train station on the Novara–Domodossola line, operated by Trenitalia. Regional trains connect Meina with Novara in about 45 minutes and with Domodossola in around 1 hour and 15 minutes. From Milan, the journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, usually with a change at Arona. The station is located close to the lakefront and within walking distance of the centre.
By Road: Meina is located on the western shore of Lake Maggiore, just south of Arona. From Milan, the distance is about 75 kilometres, with a driving time of around 1 hour and 15 minutes via the A8 and A26 motorways. From Novara, the journey is approximately 45 kilometres and takes about 50 minutes. Parking is available near the lakefront and in car parks around the centre.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Meina is located on the western shore of Lake Maggiore, just south of Arona. From Milan, the distance is about 75 kilometres, with a driving time of around 1 hour and 15 minutes via the A8 and A26 motorways. From Novara, the journey is approximately 45 kilometres and takes about 50 minutes. Parking is available near the lakefront and in car parks around the centre.
Nearest International Airports:
- Milan Malpensa Airport: About 30 kilometres from Meina, with a drive of around 35 minutes. The nearest airport, offering extensive European and intercontinental services.
- Milan Linate Airport: Approximately 90 kilometres away, with a driving time of about 1 hour and 25 minutes. Serves mainly domestic and European routes.
- Turin Caselle Airport: Roughly 130 kilometres from Meina, taking about 1 hour and 40 minutes by car. Provides domestic and European connections.
Private Transfers
Meina Private Transfers
A private transfer is the simplest way to travel to or from Meina, offering a direct service without the need to rely on train schedules or drive the busy lakeside roads yourself. You’ll be collected from your chosen location and driven by a local, professional driver, making the journey straightforward and stress-free.
From Meina, the closest hub is Milan Malpensa Airport, which can be reached in around 45 minutes, a distance of 35 km. Milan Linate Airport is about 1 hour 10 minutes away at 80 km, while Turin Caselle Airport can be reached in roughly 1 hour 30 minutes, covering 115 km. A transfer to Milan city centre takes about 1 hour 15 minutes with a journey of 70 km. For longer trips, Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport is around 2 hours away, a distance of 165 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 Meina, the closest hub is Milan Malpensa Airport, which can be reached in around 45 minutes, a distance of 35 km. Milan Linate Airport is about 1 hour 10 minutes away at 80 km, while Turin Caselle Airport can be reached in roughly 1 hour 30 minutes, covering 115 km. A transfer to Milan city centre takes about 1 hour 15 minutes with a journey of 70 km. For longer trips, Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport is around 2 hours away, a distance of 165 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.
