Suna is a small village on the northern shores of Lake Maggiore and a hamlet of Verbania. It is situated a 30 minute drive from the bustling lakeside town of Stresa and just a 15 or 20 minute walk from Verbania-Pallanza, In fact, Suna is now effectively joined with Verbania via a series of beautiful villas and gardens. It’s certainly an authentic village to choose as a base for a holiday in the Italian Lakes.
What to see and do in Suna, Lake Maggiore
This charming village is worth a visit for its picturesque views alone. Standing at the lakeside in Suna and looking across the water, visitors can admire both Isola Madre and Isolino San Giovanni (the islet of San Giovanni).
However, Suna is arguably most commonly known for its unique collection of engravings. Head to the 12th century Oratory of Santi Sebastiano e Fabiano which overlooks the lake to discover the so-called ‘Nine men’s morris’ engraving (Gioco del Mulino). This represents a board for the ancient game also known as ‘Mill’ or “Merels’ or ‘Ninepenny marl’ in English. This appears not only on the steps as you head into the church but also at its entrance and on a pillar inside. The game itself is a strategy game for two players dating back to Roman times. There are dozens more examples of the engraving to be found in Suna’s courtyards and streets so look to see how many you can find. Most of the examples average 30cm by 30cm in size.
There are other engravings to be discovered in Suna too. For example, on the doorway of a courtyard in Via Brofferio and on a door lintel in a courtyard in Via dei Partigiani, there are some interesting tree-shaped engravings.
Also worth a visit in Suna is the older 16th century Church of Santa Lucia and the 17th century Palazzo Cioja. This was once a municipal seat and is a rare example of a 17th century aristocratic building that was not renovated in the 19th century like so many others on Lake Maggiore were.
Of more interest to many, however, is probably Suna’s lido. Situated just a short walk from the heart of the ancient village, the lido has two large swimming pools, a restaurant and bars as well as complimentary beach access. Since it’s south-facing, it will enjoy plenty of sunshine. Not surprisingly, it can get busy at weekends in July and August.
Where to stay in Suna, Lake Maggiore
Casa Belva is a beautiful 3 bedroom luxury Italian Lakes villa situated within walking distance of the lakeside village of Suna. Perched on the hillside above the village, visitors can walk through the garden to a hidden gate to easily reach the lakeside. That’s if they can tear themselves away from the private pool and gym that they have to enjoy!
How to get to Suna, Lake Maggiore
By aeroplane: The nearest airport is Milan Malpensa. This is less than an hour’s drive from Suna. If you’re landing at Milan Linate, the journey will take an extra half an hour. Milan Bergamo is another half an hour further again.
By car: Suna is easy to reach by car. If coming via the A26, take the exit for Stresa and Baveno and then continue on the SS33 and then the SS34 to reach Suna.
By train: The nearest train station is at Verbania – Pallanza but this is 6 km from the heart of Suna. The journey from central Milan to Verbania – Pallanza will typically take 75 minutes. Buses do then run between the train station and the lake front.
By bus: The Alibus bus network goes directly from Milan Malpensa airport to Verbania-Suna (stopping at a number of other towns and villages on the lake en route). This runs every day between April and October each year and offers exceptionally good value. 2023 prices for the Alibus from Milan Malpensa to Verbania – Suna is 17 euros. The journey time from Milan Malpensa terminal 1 to Verbania – Suna is 1 hour and 22 minutes. It is slightly less than this from terminal 2.
Check out all the Italian Lakes villas and apartments near Suna available from Italian Lakes villa rental specialists, Bookings For You.