Lake Maggiore vs. Beach?

Hi Karen,

You may get more responses if you post this under the Italy section. I can tell you we are going in 10 days and we are planning three nights in Bellagio on lake Como and then we go to Stresa on Lake Maggiore for two nights. For our beach stay we also wanted to be able to day trip to Cinque Terre, but not stay there, so we are staying in Santa Margherita Ligure. Some others on this site also recommended Camogli.

Happy planning.

Karen.

We live in Verbania on Lago Maggiore. Except for Stresa, Lago Maggiore does not get droves of American tourists. Also makes lodging, eating, and drinking less expensive. Ferry to Switzerland for the day, bucket gondola in Laveno, ferry to Stress and tram up mountain, Boramee Islands, swimming in the lake or at lakeside pool, day trip to Zermatt, etc. no need for a car with ferries, buses and trains. We have a blog with posts on lots of Lago Maggiore adventures. Lago Maggiore excursions

We just had friends here for five nights and had a great time vacationing, and it was off season.

Let me know if you have questions.

Karen, do you know when the road up the west side of the lake near Cannobio will reopen during the day?

I highly recommend the gondola trip up to Mottarone and then a meal at the remarkable Viila Pizzini. Definitely a splurge but worth every centissimo. It’s about a 1/2 mile walk from the gondola station to the Villa. Male a reservation. Next time we are in Piemonte we will spend the night there.

I recom Sta Margarita Liguire as a gd beach town. U can also take boat to see surrounding areas.

Another good choice in Liguria is Portovenere.

Thank you for all of your suggestions......Each one sounds intriguing and relaxing!!!