This article was adapted from the original video published through her You Tube channel @texastomilandiyitaly
Lake Maggiore
Lake Maggiore is one of the best places to go thrifting in Italy. The variety of antique and vintage treasures? Incredible. The deals? Even better. Every visit brings new surprises, from delicate porcelain sets to one-of-a-kind furniture pieces. If you love vintage shopping, this is a must-visit destination. Let’s take a trip back through my thrifting journey across Verbania, Stresa, and Laveno—three hotspots for antique lovers.
Stop One: Verbania’s Best Thrift Store
Verbania was my first stop, home to a fantastic thrift shop packed with porcelain, vintage furniture, and unique trinkets. As soon as I walked in, I was surrounded by beautiful Italian ceramics. A stunning set of floral teacups immediately caught my eye—delicate and elegant, just the kind of thing I love adding to my collection. Nearby, a vintage teapot with a matching sugar bowl sat perfectly arranged, its intricate details making it hard to resist.
And then there were the little ceramic boxes. I have a weakness for them. Each one had its own charm, a tiny masterpiece with its own story. It didn’t take long before I knew at least one of them had to come home with me.
Favorite finds from Verbania:
- Floral teacups with intricate designs
- A vintage teapot and sugar bowl set
- Beautiful hand-painted ceramic boxes
Unexpected Finds at Stresa’s Outdoor Market
Next up, Stresa, where an unexpected outdoor antique market became the highlight of the trip. We were just passing through when we spotted rows of vintage stalls and had to stop.
The first thing I picked up was a delicate silver brooch shaped like a rose. It had a certain timeless elegance, the kind of piece that could instantly elevate any outfit. Not far from it, I found a handcrafted wooden jewelry box with mother-of-pearl inlay—slightly worn but undeniably beautiful. And then, tucked between stacks of ceramics, a hand-painted Italian plate caught my attention, the type of piece that belongs on display rather than hidden away in a cupboard.
Best finds at the Stresa market:
- A vintage silver brooch
- A wooden jewelry box with mother-of-pearl details
- A decorative hand-painted Italian plate
The market was an absolute dream, filled with history and personality in every piece. It’s the kind of place where you wish you had unlimited luggage space.
Exploring the Vintage Warehouse in Laveno
Laveno was our last stop and completely different from the others. This wasn’t just a thrift store—it was a massive warehouse stacked floor to ceiling with antiques, chandeliers, and furniture. It felt like stepping into a secret treasure trove.
Walking through the aisles, I spotted an antique writing desk with ornate carvings, imagining the letters that must have been written on it over the decades. In another corner, a collection of vintage glass perfume bottles sparkled under the dim lights. Then, there were the gilded chairs—dramatic, regal, and straight out of an Italian palace. I didn’t need them, but I admired them anyway.
Memorable discoveries in Laveno:
- A beautifully carved antique writing desk
- Vintage glass perfume bottles
- Gilded chairs with an opulent, palace-like feel
It was overwhelming in the best way possible, with so many hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
The Final Haul – What I Brought Home
After a full day of vintage shopping, I laid out my finds. The tiny hand-painted ceramic box was, of course, the first thing I wrapped up. Then there was the vintage pepper mill—one of those random but irresistible purchases. The beautiful teacup set from Verbania made the cut, along with a few decorative plates that I knew would find the perfect spot in my home.
What came home with me:
- A hand-painted ceramic box
- A vintage pepper mill
- A floral teacup set from Verbania
- Decorative plates with intricate details
Every piece has its own story, and that’s what makes thrifting so special. If you’re ever in northern Italy, I highly recommend exploring Lake Maggiore’s antique markets—you never know what treasures you’ll find.
🎥 Want to see the full adventure? Watch the YouTube video here:
