Feriolo, a hamlet of Baveno, is one of the most distinctive stretches of lakeside promenade on Lake Maggiore, with its beaches, rustic houses and flower-filled balconies overlooking the Borromean Gulf.
An ancient and strategic past
The origins of Feriolo are very ancient: numerous archaeological finds dating back to prehistoric times have been discovered in the area, while the remains of the ancient castle on the promontory opposite the village bear witness to the strategic importance of the site in Roman times, when it served as a transit station for troops heading towards the Alpine passes. In more recent times, products from the Val d’Ossola, especially timber, charcoal and hay, were loaded onto boats in Feriolo and transported to the rest of the lake.
The tragedy of 1867
A dramatic episode marks the history of the village: on 15 March 1867, during the construction of the new small harbour, a landslide struck part of the settlement, which sank into the waters of the lake. There were sixteen victims, and only six bodies could be recovered: a tragedy that still forms part of Feriolo’s collective memory today.
The lakeside promenade, yesterday and tomorrow
Feriolo’s lakeside promenade, one of the places of the heart listed by FAI, is now at the centre of a redevelopment project worth almost €2.5 million, aimed at restoring harmony and prestige to one of the most beloved views of the Borromean Gulf.
Feriolo, between Baveno and the lake
Feriolo is just a few minutes from Baveno and the Borromean Islands, in one of the most evocative areas of Lake Maggiore. To learn more about the village’s history, refer to Baveno Turismo.
From Feriolo, it is also easy to reach the Ossola hinterland, with its vineyards: another opportunity for a tasting away from the lake.
A microclimate favoured by the lake
Like other towns on the Borromean Gulf, Feriolo also benefits from a particularly mild microclimate, which encourages the growth of Mediterranean plants along the lakeside promenade and makes for a pleasant walk even in spring and autumn, when the lake’s more tourist-oriented destinations are less crowded.
A renewed future for the lakeside promenade
The redevelopment works under way in Feriolo aim not only to restore the area’s decorum, but also to improve its accessibility for residents and visitors, with new spaces designed for resting and contemplating the lakeside landscape, while respecting the historic identity of this corner of the Borromean Gulf.
A beach for the whole family
Feriolo has a public sandy beach with gently sloping seabed, waters of good bathing quality and features that make it particularly suitable for families with children. The area also has well-equipped campsites, B&Bs and small family-run hotels, many of them directly overlooking the lake: an accommodation offering that makes Feriolo a convenient base for those visiting the Borromean Gulf, especially between May and September.
A greener future for the lakeside promenade
The redevelopment project under way also includes an expansion of the green areas along the promenade, with the aim of making Feriolo even more welcoming for those seeking direct contact with the lake’s natural surroundings, without giving up the tourist services that have made this hamlet one of the Borromean Gulf’s favourite destinations for families on holiday over the years.
A final thought also goes to those who experienced the tragedy of 1867 over the years: the memory of that event remains a silent reminder of the importance of safety in major public works, an issue that remains relevant even more than a century and a half later.
A small yet great corner of the lake, to be enjoyed in every season.
Sand, history and views, all in one hamlet.
Sun, sand and history: Feriolo in three words.
One final thought for Feriolo: few other places on the Borromean Gulf manage to blend history, nature and beach life so well in such a compact space.
