Cicognola is a free access beach and a personal favourite, largely because of the great views extending all the way to Monte Rosa on the horizon. This extensive, sunny beach, the last one on the lake before Lago Maggiore turns into the Ticino river, comprises the usual mix of sand, fine stones and grass, with plenty of tiny shells scattered around last time we visited.

 

Popular with locals – both humans and birdlife – the 150 metre grassy expanse is large enough to ensure it rarely gets too crowded. It's great for sunbathing and sloshing around, maybe less so for swimming as the water is sometimes affected by lake weed. Cicognola also usually scores worse than other Lago Maggiore beaches in terms of water quality.

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Feeling hungry? Head to the restaurant in the neighbouring campsite and sample their delicious pizzas.

There is a spacious, shady car park which is sometimes manned and in such case you are expected to buy a ticket. The shower is near the car park.

 

Seaplanes and X Mas torpedo boats

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Look out for a dilapidated concrete platform on stilts on the opposite shore. This seemingly insignificant structure was once a major seaplane landing stage. The park next to it has a darker past: as the training ground for the locally built Fascist X Mas torpedo boats during the war.

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Dormelletto

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There are two popular beaches in Dormelletto: La Rotta and Pirolino.

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Directly opposite Dormelletto railway station, La Rotta is one of the easiest Lago Maggiore beaches to reach by public transport.

Paradoxically, ease of access had – until recently - been its main drawback as hordes of rowdy out-of-towners descended en masse and caused havoc for other users. However, ever since a 2 Euro entrance charge was introduced, troublemakers have stayed clear and the beach is now clean, tidy and tranquil.

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The area comprises a sunny expanse of well-tended lawn sloping gently to a small fairly sandy beach as well as a patch of reed-beds at the water’s edge, this is a great place for nature lovers to spot birdlife including ducks, swans and herons which often perch on the floating jetties scattered about. Facilities include sunbeds, a playground and boat rental from a nearby firm. The beach area is managed by the family running the bar/restaurant. There’s also plenty of shade.

 

Pirolino

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Well-established Pirolino, a huge expanse of flat lawn offering an abundance of amenities and sports activities, has long been Dormelletto’s main beach.

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As is customary on the lake, you can sunbathe on the grass but have to pay to use the facilities (sunbeds and parasols).

Much of the action takes place on dry land rather than in the lake as the water is shallow and the lake bed shelves so gradually that you almost feel you could walk across to the far shore, especially if the water level sinks during a summer drought. In short, fine for splashing around but maybe not the best place for swimming.

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As Pirolino offers beach volley and other sports, it is understandably very popular with a young crowd.

The well-organised beach bar goes by the name of Bondi. 

 

Dog beach

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Pirolino also boasts what is probably the largest official dog-friendly beach on Lago Maggiore, separated from the main area by a wooden fence. Last time we visited the dog beach, it comprised fine white sand, though beaches are subject to constant change.

 

Parking

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There is usually plenty of parking behind the beach

 

Public Transport

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La Rotta is 3 minutes on foot from Dormelletto railway station.