Ranco is a charming lakeside town on Lake Maggiore with a population of just over 1000 residents. Situated in the province of Varese, it’s situated about an hour from Milan, nestled between the larger lakeside towns of Angera and Ispra.
What to see and do in Ranco
Despite its small size, there is a surprising amount to see and do in Ranco. First and foremost, the Ogliari Transport Museum is found in Ranco, guiding visitors through the history of transport from the beginning of the 19th century to today. Situated in an open air park, the museum was founded by Francesco Ogliari in 1954. He was a writer and university lecturer on transport history and the museum is the culmination of over 40 years of his research and dedication. Rail enthusiasts will love the emphasis that he has placed on trains (you’ll find an 1892 Busseto steam engine here for example), although there are plenty of other modes of transport on display too including a 1921 FIAT petrol-fuelled bus. The museum is also home to a model made by Ogliari of an ideal city which he believed struck the perfect balance between man and his surrounding environment. Entry to the museum is free although there is the opportunity to make a donation at the end of the your visit if you would like to. (Please note that the museum is closed on Mondays and has reduced opening hours in the Winter months).
The lakeside at Ranco is rather picturesque and we would definitely recommend time spent here enjoying a passeggiata. Or, if you’re visiting in the warmer months of the year, make the most of the beaches in and around Ranco – Spiaggia Canottieri and (a little further away) Spiaggia dei Caravalle. Both are rather picturesque and extremely peaceful. Another area where you enjoy lake access is at Sasso Cavallazzo (or Sass Cavalasc). This is where you will also find a giant erratic rock (in other words, a rock that differs from the type of rocks native to this area). The rock is so named since it vaguely resembles the shape of a horses head.
The village also boasts an interesting church – the Baroque Church of SS Martino and Lorenzo. This is home to a number of interesting frescoes, painted by Antonio Candeo and dating back to the early 1900s. Also inside is a chapel where you will find a statue dedicated to the Madonna del Rosario, along with a wooden pulpit dating back to 1928. This is adorned with five panels which depict the Madonna surrounded by saints.
Just a few minutes walk from here at the corner of Via Roma and Via Acquedotto is the Cascina Massari in a district called the Massèe which would once have been very poor. Here you will discover an old bakery oven. This would once have been used by the local residents who lived around these Ranco courtyards. Next to this is the Massari fountain. This is a fountain which uses an old Roman child’s sarcophagus as a basin and which would once have been connected to the old aqueduct.
In more recent history, Ranco would once have been a village of fishermen. Head to La Varga in Ranco to admire the oldest part of the village where you will find the fishermen’s houses.
Finally, keen walkers will love the incredible countryside that surrounds Ranco. We can highly recommend taking a walk uphill to San Quirico at the top of the hill through the locality of San Martino. En route, you will pass the ancient parish church that was once visited by San Carlo Borromeo in 1567 but was subsequently abandoned.
Where to stay in Ranco
Villa Ranco is a fantastic 3 bedroom Italian Lakes villa on the shores of Lake Maggiore. Situated in the heart of the village of Ranco, it is within a short walk of the harbour. Since you can also walk from the villa to Ranco’s restaurants and village store, it is even possible to stay here without hiring a car. It sleeps up to six comfortably and has the added bonus of enjoying direct lake access. With its own jetty, it’s even possible to moor your own boat here.
Where to eat in Ranco
Despite its size, Ranco more than punches above its weight when it comes to restaurants. Il Sole di Ranco is arguably its most famous restaurant, once awarded a Michelin star. It may be more pricey than many of the other establishments in the village but the food is excellent. If you’re on a tighter budget then opt for Ristorante Belvedere instead which has great quality food but at a more reasonable price point. Alternatively, Il Molo di Ranco is an open air lakeside bar close to Villa Ranco which is a great option for light lunches. And last but not least, a short drive away from Ranco is Maremio, a superb fish restaurant.
How to get to Ranco
By plane: The nearest airport is Milan Malpensa. This is only a 30-45 minute drive away dependent on traffic. Alternatively Milan Linate is 60-90 minutes away and Milan Bergamo a bit further on again.
By boat: Ranco boasts its own boat stop with boats regularly taking passengers to and from the other towns and villages on the lake. The ferry timetable can be viewed at Navigazione Laghi.
By car: Since Ranco is quite a sleepy village, we do recommend coming by car if you are staying here for a few days. It will allow you to more easily explore some of the activities that are nearby but outside the village itself.