Blurent Rental company category:Economy
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Autocaravan VagamondoLocation Details on Blurent DocumentationView map
Hiring a campervan in Verbania Pallanza means setting off from the Piedmont shore of Lake Maggiore, facing the Borromean Gulf and its islands. Capital of the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, the town brings together the old villages of Pallanza and Intra, separated by the Castagnola headland and the gardens of Villa Taranto. Little Lake Mergozzo, Lake Orta, the wild forests of Val Grande and the Alpine valleys of the Ossola all begin less than half an hour away. Our partner company Blurent offers its vehicles here.
Pallanza, sheltered in the curve of the gulf, has one of the most peaceful promenades on the lake: you hit the road without crossing any big city, and the Swiss border is only about thirty kilometres away along the shore.
1 rental partner
Where to pick up your vehicle in Verbania Pallanza?
Road trip ideas
Road trips from Verbania Pallanza
1 West shore, Valle Cannobina and Centovalli
- Verbania
- Ghiffa
- Cannero Riviera
- Cannobio
- Valle Cannobina
- Malesco
- Centovalli
- Intragna
- Locarno
- Brissago
- Verbania
The lakeside road heads north through Ghiffa and its UNESCO-listed Sacro Monte, then Cannero Riviera, facing castle ruins perched on two islets, as far as Cannobio and the Orrido di Sant'Anna gorge. You then climb the Valle Cannobina to Malesco before crossing into Switzerland through the Centovalli and Intragna towards Locarno, returning via Brissago and the lakeshore.
- Distance
- about 150 km
- Recommended vehicle
- Campervan or compact camper van
2 Lake Mergozzo, the Ossola and the Simplon Pass
- Verbania
- Mergozzo
- Vogogna
- Domodossola
- Varzo
- Simplon Pass
- Brig
- Verbania
A few minutes to the west, Lake Mergozzo, with its clear water and no motorboats, is perfect for a first swim. The Toce valley then leads to the medieval village of Vogogna and its castle, then to Domodossola, overlooked by its Sacro Monte Calvario. Via Varzo and the Gondo gorge, the Simplon road climbs to the pass before descending to Brig, in the Valais.
The pass road, wide and fitted with galleries, is generally open all year round.
- Distance
- about 220 km
- Recommended vehicle
- All types of motorhomes
3 Lake Orta, Valsesia and Monte Rosa
- Verbania
- Omegna
- Orta San Giulio
- Pella
- Madonna del Sasso
- Varallo
- Alagna Valsesia
- Verbania
Via Omegna, at the northern tip of Lake Orta, the eastern shore runs down to Orta San Giulio, its island and its Sacro Monte dedicated to Saint Francis. You reach the opposite shore via Pella and the viewpoint of Madonna del Sasso, perched on a granite cliff, then the Valsesia via Varallo, up to Alagna, a Walser village at the foot of the southern face of Monte Rosa, renowned for its white water.
The centre of Orta San Giulio is closed to vehicles: park in the car parks at the top of the village.
- Distance
- about 250 km
- Recommended vehicle
- Campervan or camper van
Weather and seasons
When to go in Verbania Pallanza?
Best time
Spring and September
April to June, September
highs 18 to 26 °C, lows 8 to 18 °C
The best time to leave from Pallanza: in April and May, azaleas, rhododendrons and tulips bloom in the gardens of Villa Taranto and the islands, and in June the high-altitude roads of the Ossola clear. September offers water that is still pleasant and quieter shores. Showers are frequent in spring: keep a few flexible days.
High season
July and August
July to August
highs 28 °C, lows 20 °C
The hottest and busiest season: the beaches of Fondotoce, lakeside campsites and the island boats are in high demand, especially around 15 August. Late-afternoon thunderstorms are common. To find cooler air, head up to the high pastures of Val Vigezzo, Val Formazza or the Simplon.
October and November
October to November
highs 13 to 19 °C, lows 7 to 12 °C
Chestnut trees turn russet on the slopes of Val Grande and the valleys, but October is the wettest month of the year on the lakeshore. The palaces and gardens of the Borromean Islands, like Villa Taranto, generally close at the end of autumn: check their dates before planning your trip.
Winter
December to March
December to March
highs 9 to 14 °C, lows 2 to 5 °C
Winter stays mild on the shore, sheltered by the mountains, but nights are chilly and many campsites close. Camellias bloom from late winter in the parks of Pallanza. For snow, the Ossola ski resorts, such as San Domenico above Varzo, are about an hour's drive away.
Climate in Verbania Pallanza, month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 9 °C | 2 °C | 69 mm | 7 h/day |
| Feb | 11 °C | 3 °C | 87 mm | 7 h/day |
| Mar | 14 °C | 5 °C | 162 mm | 8 h/day |
| Apr | 18 °C | 8 °C | 182 mm | 10 h/day |
| May | 21 °C | 12 °C | 229 mm | 10 h/day |
| Jun | 26 °C | 18 °C | 220 mm | 12 h/day |
| Jul | 28 °C | 20 °C | 222 mm | 13 h/day |
| Aug | 28 °C | 20 °C | 219 mm | 12 h/day |
| Sep | 23 °C | 17 °C | 191 mm | 10 h/day |
| Oct | 19 °C | 12 °C | 294 mm | 7 h/day |
| Nov | 13 °C | 7 °C | 172 mm | 6 h/day |
| Dec | 10 °C | 3 °C | 87 mm | 6 h/day |
Averages 2016–2025 computed from Open-Meteo data (ERA5 reanalysis).
Practical tips
Everything to know before hitting the road
The Intra ferry to Laveno
From Intra, a few kilometres from Pallanza, a ferry carries vehicles to Laveno-Mombello, on the Lombardy shore. The short crossing avoids the long detour around the south of the lake, via Arona and Sesto Calende. The fare depends on the length of the vehicle; sailings are less frequent out of season, so check the timetable before you set off.
Narrow shore road to Cannobio
The road along the shore north of Verbania runs through Ghiffa, Oggebbio and Cannero Riviera between low walls, tight passages and villages built right on the water. It is passable by motorhome but calls for patience in summer, when buses and cyclists share it. The roads of the Valle Cannobina and to Cicogna, in Val Grande, are only suitable for small vehicles.
Parking in Pallanza and Intra
The lakeside car parks of Pallanza and Intra are paid, often height-restricted or closed to motorhomes. Choose the signposted areas on the outskirts, then walk to the promenade. On Saturdays, the big Intra market takes over the lakefront and slows traffic throughout the district.
Val Grande is explored on foot
Val Grande National Park, just north of Verbania, is one of the largest wilderness areas in the Alps: no road crosses it and its old alpine hamlets are deserted. Leave the vehicle at its gateways, in Cossogno, Premosello or Malesco, for demanding hikes with no supplies along the way.
What travellers ask
Your questions about a road trip in Verbania Pallanza
Where can I pick up a campervan in Verbania Pallanza?
Our partner company Blurent has a depot in Verbania, Autocaravan Vagamondo. The exact pick-up address and appointment time are in your booking confirmation. For a wider choice of vehicles, other partner companies offer departures from Varese, about an hour's drive away, and from Como, on the other great Lombard lake.
How much does it cost to hire a campervan in Verbania?
The price depends on the season, the length of hire and the type of vehicle, from campervan to family motorhome. July, August and long spring weekends on Lake Maggiore are the most popular periods. Run a search with your dates to get real prices, mandatory fees included, that you can book straight away.
Can I return the vehicle in another city?
Castiglione Olona and Varese, less than thirty kilometres away as the crow flies, as well as Como and Lecco, are other departure cities of our partner companies: a way to end your trip on the Lombard lakes. Enter the return city when you search; any one-way fee is then included in the displayed price.
How do I visit the Borromean Islands from Pallanza?
In season, the public lake boats leave from the Pallanza pier for Isola Madre, the closest, then Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori. No vehicles can reach the islands: leave the motorhome at the aire or campsite. Isola Madre, with its botanical garden and peacocks, can be visited in half a day.
What is there to see in Verbania itself?
The botanical gardens of Villa Taranto, on the Castagnola headland, are the main sight, from spring to autumn. The Pallanza promenade faces the islet of San Giovanni, where Arturo Toscanini spent his summers, and runs past the park of Villa Giulia. Further west, Suna keeps a quiet little harbour and colourful façades.
Verified customer reviews
They rented in Verbania Pallanza with CoolDrive Nomad
4.3
818 reviews
Good and quick communication, easy to book and easy to follow all the instructions.
C.
Italy · Sep 2025
Trustpilot
Cooldrive was very attentive and very responsive in all situations. We received valuable assistance in the steps to be taken. I highly recommend it.
P.
Italy · Jul 2025
Trustpilot
The person answered my questions before I confirmed the booking. The van matched my order well with extras. During my trip, I had a little issue that had nothing to do with Cooldrive. I appreciated that the person took the time to call me back. No bad surprises, only good ones. Highly recommended.
Q.
Italy · Sep 2024
Trustpilot
Frequently asked questions
FAQ — Campervan and motorhome hire in Verbania Pallanza
What licence do I need to drive a motorhome in Italy?
A European category B licence is enough for motorhomes, campervans and camper vans under 3.5 tonnes, in Italy as in neighbouring Switzerland. With a licence issued outside the European Union, an international driving permit is generally required as well. The minimum age and years of driving experience are set by the rental company and shown in the offer conditions.
Where can I stay overnight with a motorhome around Verbania?
Campsites are mostly grouped in Fondotoce, between the mouth of the Toce and Lake Mergozzo, with waterside pitches, as well as in Cannobio and around Lake Orta. Elsewhere, the aree di sosta, equipped for water and waste disposal, welcome motorhomes; many lakeside municipalities ban overnight parking outside these places.
Can I drive into Switzerland with the hired motorhome?
Yes, if the offer allows Switzerland and the insurance covers it: check this before you leave. Swiss motorways require a vignette for vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes, whereas main roads such as the Simplon or the lakeshore road to Locarno do not normally require one. As the country is outside the European Union, customs checks remain possible.
Do I need winter tyres for the Ossola and the Simplon?
In Piedmont, winter tyres or chains on board are compulsory on many roads during the cold season, generally from mid-November to mid-April, especially towards Domodossola and the valleys. In Switzerland, drivers must have equipment suited to the conditions. Ask the rental company whether the vehicle is equipped before a winter departure.
How do I get to Verbania from Malpensa airport?
Milan Malpensa airport is about an hour's drive away via the A26 motorway, which runs along the south of the lake. Coaches link the airport to the towns of Lake Maggiore, and regional trains serve Verbania station, away from the centre, near Fondotoce. With luggage, a taxi to the pick-up point remains the simplest option.
When should I book a campervan in Verbania?
With only one partner company on site, the number of vehicles is limited: book several months ahead for July, August and the Easter, 25 April and 1 May holiday weekends, which are very popular on Lake Maggiore. In October and early spring, a few weeks are often enough to find a vehicle.
About us
Why start a campervan trip from Verbania Pallanza
Verbania Pallanza puts your trip right by the water from the start: no city to cross, no drive to reach the lake. Yet within a day the scenery changes completely, from the gardens and islands of the Borromean Gulf to the forests of Val Grande, from the intimate shores of Lake Orta to the stone villages of the Ossola. Italian-speaking Switzerland and the Valais round off the programme without long transfers, making for short but very varied trips.
Blurent, our partner company on site, offers its vehicles here, and Varese, Castiglione Olona or Como, other departure cities of our partner companies, open the way to a one-way trip towards the Lombard lakes. From April to September, the climate is best suited to life on board, provided you leave some margin for the showers that are frequent on this shore backed by the Alps.