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Ranco

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About Ranco

Ranco is a charming village in a plum spot on a headland jutting out into Lake Maggiore. It’s just to the north of Angera, on a narrow stretch of lake, with a rocky shoreline and a picturesque opposite bank. Ranco is known for being peaceful, and we recommend the best places to stay in Ranco to those looking for a lakeside escape or retreat, or a quiet base for exploring Lake Maggiore’s larger centres. Our picks in Ranco include a really excellent restaurant with rooms, and a beautiful hotel with a fantastic restaurant. 

As well as being a peaceful retreat for guests, Ranco is primarily still a fishing town, and one of our favourite hotels has its own fishing boat, which guests are welcome to go out on. A peaceful atmosphere is often inducive to relaxing pursuits like fishing, and walking, and cycling, and Ranco makes a great base for all these activities.

Ranco’s appeals are more in its natural surroundings, than man-made ones, but it does have a rather excellent transport museum, the Ogliari Museum of Transport, which has a surprisingly large collection of locomotives, trams, stagecoaches, train carriages and underground cars.

However as with all destinations in the Italian lakes, the town is especially busy during the peak summer months. So if you want to guarantee your room in one of the best places to stay in Ranco in July or August, get organised and book well ahead.

The Best Places to Stay in Ranco

For Foodies

  • Il Sole di Ranco is a peaceful, lakeside hotel, with wonderful views and a gourmet restaurant. The decor is traditional in the 14 rooms and suites, but it’s unfussy, and the atmosphere is very relaxed. The restaurant is known for its fresh fish, caught in the lake, of course, and serves meals outside on a sunny terrace when possible. They also run cooking classes.

For a Peaceful Escape

  • Albergo Belvedere is a great little restaurant, with 12 simple, colourful rooms, all with lake views. The renowned restaurant is known for its local specialities, and of championing local produce, and has a fantastic terrace with panoramic lake views for when the weather is good, but guests are also able to request private, candlelit dining. The Albergo also has its own fishing boat if you’re interested in getting out on the water. Romantic, but also great for families.

Prefer a self catering Apartment or Villa?

  • If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

  • The closest international airports to Ranco are Milan Malpensa, which is about half an hours drive away, and Milan Linate, which is an hour away by car. If you’re travelling by train there are plenty of large local stations to go via, including Milan, but also Zürich and Bern.
  • If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
  • Summer is the most popular time to visit Lake Maggiore. It’s not as popular as Lake Como or Lake Garda, but it’s still much loved by Italian families, and everyone who appreciates bluey-greeny natural beauty, and woodsy walking trails. If you’re not restricted by school holidays, it’s worth considering May through June, and September and October to visit the region, because it’s especially green and verdant in spring, and beautifully copper golden come autumn. You’ll get some rain in both of these windows, but you’d be unlucky to have so much that it spoils your trip. Easter and Christmas are always wonderful celebrations in Italy, but it does get chilly on the lake.

Still not sure where to stay?

Weather

Monthly Weather in Ranco

Best Hotels in Ranco

  • Albergo Belvedere VA, Lake Maggiore 12 rooms from £111

    Romantic Break  -  Special private candlelight dinners under the stars can be arranged on request.
    Families  -  Great for families, extra cots for children below 3 years can be provided.
    Views  -  Right by the Lake Maggiore with all rooms offering wonderful views.
    Fishing  -  A perfect base for anglers the hotel has their own fishing boats and can take you out for the day
    Air conditioningRestaurantGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking

    A quaint little restaurant with rooms in a stunning location with views of Lake Maggiore. The simple and stylish rooms offer a laid back atmosphere. The renowned restaurant serves local food and boasts a terrace with panoramic views. A charming base for local explorers or more active types. See More

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  • Il Sole di Ranco Ranco Varese, Lake Maggiore 14 rooms from £156

    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    Foodies
    Swimming Pool  -  Oudoor pool
    Cooking classes  -  Check for timings.
    Air conditioningTennisRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Relais & Chateaux

    Lovely lakeside hotel and gourmet restaurant. Romantic views over Maggiore, elegant understated bedrooms and suites, pool, excellent food served on the terrace, lots of fresh fish from the lake. A gourmet choice for families and total relaxation. See More

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