We are planning a four generation family stay in June 2024 on the Italian Lakes. An 80 year old couple, a 50 year old couple, a 30 year old couple and a six month old baby! We think we will book an Airbnb for three weeks-with all of us together for one of the three weeks and extended stay on each end of the together week for each couple. Looking for recommendations on which town (Stresa or Varenna) is more walkable, and family friendly, and any tips on staying in a villa.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15874 posts
Stresa is very walkable and easily reached by train from Milan or Milan Malpensa airport (by bus or via train from the station in Gallarate, near the airport).
Varenna is also very walkable. And so are the towns of Bellagio and Menaggio, just a short ferry ride across the lake from Varenna). All 3 towns are served by frequent midlake boat service.
Finding a villa in town may be a challenge. Most of those tend to be out of town and often require a car. However you might consider an apartment large enough to accommodate your family. Those are more likely to be available in the town. Stresa (on Lake Maggiore) and Menaggio (on Lake Como) are larger towns, so you might have more choices there. You might also be able to find accommodations in other towns nearby. Many are connected via bus or ferry or train to one another.
Posted by
San Diego, California, USA
1040 posts
Hello lrsheahan, and welcome to the boards,
Varenna is fairly walkable but be aware that it is built on the side of the hill and falls to the lake so you end up with some pretty steep stairs/paths made out of local stone versus modern concrete.
Example: https://c8.alamy.com/comp/2G8XYHM/varenna-italy-july-22-2021-narrow-streets-in-varenna-is-a-famous-village-on-como-lake-2G8XYHM.jpg
Now no one is in a hurry and most have handrails but I think you should be aware.
Varenna also has some villa experiences at the southern end of town: One just gardens and one with gardens and a small tourable villa as well - the gardens of Hotel Villa Cipressi and just down the road is Villa Monastero.
All in all I think Varenna could be a good option but also check that you can book early enough to get everyone in one place because the town is small and in demand. You will also need to go through Milan to get there but the train access is constant and easy.
Whatever you choose have a great trip,
=Tod
Posted by
OP
2 posts
A picture is worth 1000 words, thanks for that! Super advice thank you.