Martin van Groenigen
Camping in Italy has been the ultimate holiday destination for many Dutch and Flemish people for years. It makes sense: the campsites here are often large and offer something for everyone, but are also – especially if you stay in northern Italy – easily accessible for a holiday by car or train. This time, we have listed 3 campsites on Lago di Mergozzo (Lake Mergozzo) plus 6 other great places to stay for you. Who knows, you might pitch your tent there this summer!
Lake Mergozzo
We start this article with a cliché fun fact. Did you know that the water in Lake Mergozzo ranks in the top 3 cleanest waters in Italy? They even claim that it is the cleanest lake in all of Europe!
So you can take a dip here without being afraid of crazy dust, dirty algae or other strange things. What a relief! In earlier times - when the water level was higher - Lake Mergozzo was part of the Lake Maggiore.
People who are afraid of fishing should look for a campsite with a swimming pool. Lake Mergozzo is very popular with pike, trout, migratory salmon and much more. Nice to fish, but you have to throw the fish back.
The Lago di Mergozzo is therefore a real Tip, as the Germans would say and therefore a good alternative to the much larger Lago Maggiore, with many beautiful accommodations nearby. Are you the type for a camping, a hotel or rather a holiday home? Below we help you on your way with a few attractive suggestions! But don't tell anyone, eh?
The charming village of Mergozzo
The village of Mergozzo is beautifully situated. Here you can stroll along the promenade, which consists of 2 squares, Piazza Cavour and Piazza Vittorio Veneto. Between the squares stands a 400-year-old elm, which seems to be very much alive.
On the edge of the squares you will find a number of cozy bars and restaurants with a view of the water. From the squares you can also choose to view the rest of the village through the narrow alleys. Everywhere you will find beautifully restored houses and plenty of flowers. You can visit the Archaeological Museum and several churches.
1. Continental Village Campsite – Fondotoce di Verbania
The best-known, largest and most popular campsite on Lago di Mergozzo is Camping Continental Village. You will undoubtedly encounter many Dutch people here because it is a favorite! There are open pitches for tents, motorhomes and caravans, bungalows and even high-quality apartments.
All this with the advantages of a large campsite: large swimming pools, a choice of restaurants and, last but not least, the many activities for juniors. In addition to all that, Camping Continental itself has built a small sandy beach right on Lake Mergozzo. So if you want to exchange the pool for a dip in the fresh and clean lake, you can dry up on the beach afterwards.
This is the place to be for a real family holiday where the kids won't be a handful. From the May holidays onwards, there is entertainment in Dutch. There are also various pool tables, pinball machines, and arcade games, not to mention fast Wi-Fi at the central building.
View Camping Continental Village
2. Camping La Quiete – Fondotoce di Verbania
A quiet campsite with an appropriate name, for those who don't feel like the hysteria of a Village or another water paradise. There is therefore no swimming pool, but if you are at one of the cleanest lakes in Italy you may also have to ask yourself whether you need one.
What does the campsite have to offer? Peace, shade, view of the majestic Alps, large pitches for your tent, caravan or camper and a special dog beach! In addition, a football field, children's play area (I repeat: without swimming pool), and a restaurant and bar. So plenty to do!
3. Campsite Lago delle Fate – Mergozzo
Another small, quiet site that is ideal for families with smaller children, according to the site's website. The site is within walking distance of the quaint village of Mergozzo, so it's ideal if you don't feel like spending 7 days on the lake.
According to the reviews, the pitches on the campsite are small but nice and the view is sublime. The sanitary facilities and showers are clean and well-maintained, the staff is friendly and there are also places for when you come by motorhome. What more could you want from a lakeside campsite?
Other accommodations on Lake Mergozzo
Lake Mergozzo is, compared to Lake Maggiore or Lake Garda, a small one. There are only 3 campsites located on the lake, which is more than enough to make a choice. It is also possible to spend the night a bit further from the lake. There are plenty of agriturismos, hotels and B&Bs in the area.
That is why we have listed a few more for you! Maybe also nice if you are passing through and looking for a place to stay in the far north of Italy.
4. Hotel Casa della Capra
Located on Lake Mergozzo, this hotel is small but nice. It's run by an Italian-Brazilian family so expect one lump of coziness and warmth. During the season Brazilian gardening courses (with very exotic plants) are also organized, but we can imagine that you are not waiting for that during your summer holiday.
The hotel is right on the lake (you just have to cross a road) for a swim here and there. The view from the conservatory is truly fantastic and there is also an excellent chef in the kitchen. This hotel is especially suitable for cyclists thanks to its central location, but also if you want to enjoy the surroundings of the lake for a short time and are looking for the perfect place for quality time as a family or as a couple this hotel is the place to be.
The location is rated with a 9,6 by guests of booking.com!
5. Casa Castagna 1620
Are you looking for authentic Italy in the north of the Boot? Search no longer. At Casa Castagna they know how it should be. Big plates of tagiolini, the ragù comes out fantastic in the test and everything (if possible) is made and grown by the owners themselves. In short: attention is paid to you and the rest.
The hotel is located in the center of Mergozzo, right on the lake. It is a small city hotel, so don't expect sunbeds by a hyper-deluxe swimming pool, but just enjoy some cozy Italian.
The owners of the hotel are – according to the reviews – treasures of people and ensure that you are pampered 24/7 (or however long you stay there). Something with vacation should be vacation. If you want to sit in the pleasant center of Mergozzo and stroll along the boulevard, then this hotel is really a winner!
People who have booked through booking.com rate this hotel as 'exceptionally good'.
Other nice places to sleep around Lago di Mergozzo
- Hotel Two Palms: can be done in an old one James Bond movie† From the outside it looks like a stately building, but inside you are soon welcomed by the Italian warmth (sometimes literally).
- Fiorlago: a small wooden house, located in a botanical park in the hills around Lake Mergozzo. The treehouse vibes make for a very different kind of Italy vacation. Dogs are welcome!
- B&B Il Picchio: pleasant B&B in a beautiful location (near the town of Mergozzo). Large, peaceful garden and all kinds of delicious homemade delicacies for breakfast.
- Glamping Il Borgo delle Artic: nice bungalow park for families. Fully equipped with swimming pools and shops. Well located on a busy road that you can't just cross or walk along the sidewalk. So you are dependent on the car.
Do you have any good tips for Lago di Mergozzo? Let us know!
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