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Portezza, Paradiso or Lugano for a colourful, quaint week in June?

Hi, we're seeking experience and advice from Italian lake lovers! We've loved Ascona on Maggiore and Malcesine on Garda ( the colour, the cobbled streets, the size, feel and magnificent views) and are now seeking a comparable large village/small town on Maggiore or Lugano (or Iseo) to follow a week in Cannobio in June. Prefer Italian budget but Swiss towns are beautiful.... Open to both.

Does any Lugano lake town (Portezza?) compare with Ascona or Malcesine? Morcote looks perfect but i'm told is too small for a whole week. Especially after a week in already small Cannobio.

Is there somewhere on Iseo that would fit the bill?

No car - coming by train from London, so bus, train and boat connections useful. Stresa looks busy with its main road by beach and massive hotels.

Thanks so much for insights - I've learned a lot from these forums and really appreciate the honesty and attention to detail!

Posted by
11606 posts

Stresa’s “ massive hotels” are actually historic
and add a lot. Not a negative.
Our Italian friends stay in Ranco on Lake Maggiore and Saló on Lake Garda. We followed their advice and enjoyed both towns, few if any visitors from the USA.
We much preferred Saló to Malcesine.