My husband and I are planning to stay three nights in Stressa. We would also like to stay a few days on Lake Como. We won't have a car. What are our options?
Posted by
OP
Purdys, NY, USA
2 posts
We would be flying into Milan and staying in Lake Maggiore. I forgot to mention that we want to go into Switzerland, probably staying overnight,and then to Lake Como for a few days. We really didn't want to backtrack and go back to Milan if we don't have to. Any suggestions on where to stay in Switzerland, near the Italian border and then how to get to Lake Como?
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32353 posts
Gina,
This is a relatively easy question to answer (I know, as I did the same thing last year).
The trip from Stresa to Lago di Como will take a few hours (as mentioned in the previous reply). You'll have to return to Milano Centrale (about 1 hour) and then take the train to Lago di Como (again about 1 hour). I'm assuming you'll be staying in Varenna?
The trip to Switzerland is also very easy from Stresa. One option would be to take the beautiful and scenic Cento Valli railway to Locarno, which is in the Canton of Ticino. You'll travel by "regular" train to Dommodossola, where you transfer to the Cento Valli.
Locarno is an incredibly beautiful city (at least IMHO). There are some fairly "high end" stores there. You could also have a look at the historic Madonna del Sasso Monastery which is above the town (access by Funicular).
For an incredible view of the lake and town, take the Cable Car to Cardada. It's a bit pricey but wonderful for hiking, etc. There's a nice restaurant next to the Cable Car terminal with a patio that overlooks the town and lake. It's great to sit there on a sunny afternoon having a "cool one" or a fine hot meal, while watching the Paragliders sail by only a few metres from the patio.
There's also a metal "lookout" that's built over the edge of a cliff (not for the faint of heart, as it seems to sway a bit in the wind), but again provides a fantastic view.
You could make the trip from Locarno to Lago di Como by train (probably via Bellinzona and Milano), however you might also consider taking a Ferry or Aliscafo (Hydrofoil) from Locarno back to Stresa, and then use the regular train to Milano.
If you use the ticket Kiosks at Milano Centrale, it should only take a few minutes to buy your tickets for Varenna. Note that the rail line is the one to Tirano, and the destination is Varenna-Esino. DON'T forget to validate!
Happy travels!