The Municipality of Ispra is located in the Province of Varese, on the eastern shore of Lake Maggiore, in a hilly area, halfway between Sesto Calende and Laveno, approximately at the height of Lake Monate, along the road (SS629) and Milan – Luino – Pino Tronzano railway. The municipal area has an extension of 10.20 square kilometers.

The municipalities bordering Ispra, proceeding clockwise from north to south, are Brebbia, Travedona Monate, Carezzate, Angera and Ranco, all belonging to the Province of Varese.

The area in which Ispra is located is between 193 m. above sea level and the altitude of 311 m. above sea level.

The main inhabited center of the municipality is located at the foot of the two rocky hills that characterize Ispra: Monte del Prete with the adjacent Monte dei Nassi. In the territory there are also some hamlets, of which the main one is Barza. Significant, among other places, is Quassa with the Villa Ghedini and, to the north east, the Cascine.