Lake Maggiore- best place to stay?

The small city of Bellinzona, which is where the rail lines to Lugano and Locarno diverge, has 3 castles. I don't know how visitable they are, but I think Google will give you a quick answer.

Locarno is the origin point for both the Centovalli train trip and the Valle Verzasca postbus route, so I think you'll want to be not terribly far from Locarno. Do some checking on the driving route to the Locarno train station from your chosen lodging to be sure it isn't too awkward since you'll be making two roundtrips.

I've always visited the Borromean Isles from Stresa, which is pleasant to walk around, but there may be boat access from other lake towns.

Sightseeing on the lake by boat is another possibility and a good way to rest ones legs. However, my experience has been that if an hour on a lake boat is pleasant, 4 hours is most definitely not four times as good. I.e., it can get boring after a while.

The Villa Taranto in Verbania seems to have a nice garden, but I've never been there.

Stresa is a favorite among many here on this forum, and it's a good home base for taking the Centovalli railway to Locarno (via Domodossola), visiting the Borromean Islands, and many other lakeside towns.

You could also visit Orta San Giulio and Isola San Giulio on Lake Orta which is nearby.

I've not been there yet but I've been doing some research now for an upcoming trip. I will be staying in Baveno.

Edit to add...

You may be interested in visiting the beautiful Santa Caterina del Sasso Church.

I loved my stay at Lake Orta on the RS Village Italy tour.
Lake Maggiore - I really enjoyed Stresa.

Over my lifetime I have stayed in Stresa, Cannobio, Luino, Locarno, Bellinzona, Verbania Intra, Omegna. I have reached the conclusion that Stresa area (Baveno is next to it) is probably best overall, both logistically and in terms of amenities. I love Cannobio, it's really quaint village and a must, but some find it too small (I like that myself) and somewhat far for the islands and lake Orta.
Verbania, which encompasses Intra and Pallanza, is a bit too big for me to call it quaint. The Swiss side, Locarno and Ascona area, are also a bit too big too be called villages, it's really a small city overall, but what I hate the most about the Swiss side is that prices magically double when you cross the border. Bellinzona is not on the lake.

I didn't mean to suggest Bellinzona was a lake town but that its castles might perhaps appeal to young children. But the point about everything being more expensive on the Swiss side of the lake is a key one!

Thanks so much everyone. I think Stresa might be the place to stay. Any tips on where specifically? Also, will we need a car to do all of those things I mentioned above? For example, to visit Valle Verzasca and for the Centovalli railway, both bus/trains leave from Bellinzona?? How easy would it be to get from Stresa to Bellinzona and in peak time (July). Also, would it be worth taking one of those places off our list to visit Lake Como? Or worth saving for our next trip in the future? Thanks again...

jane,

My suggestion would also be Stresa, as it's a wonderful and scenic town. As you'll have a car, be sure to choose a hotel that offers parking. I assume you're aware of the usual caveats for driving in Italy such as the compulsory I.D.P.'s and avoiding ZTL areas?

The easiest way to make the trip from Stresa to Locarno in the Cento Valli Railway is to take the train from Stresa to Domodossola, which is where you'll connect with the FART Railway. The station for that is underground, so you won't find the Centovalli on the regular tracks. In July it might be prudent to get reservations. For the return from Locarno to Stresa, use the boats (will probably be a Hydrofoil / Aliscafo). You don't need (or want) a car for that day trip.

As Ken indicated, the Centovalli rail line connects Locarno, Switzerland with Domodossola, Italy. When I was last there, there wasn't much of anything in Domodossola. Don't plan a meal there without doing internet research first. A car will not help you there except to get you to one end of the rail line or the other.

The Valle Verzasca bus leaves from near the Locarno train station (or did when I last took it, many years ago). I suppose one could drive the route rather than taking the postbus. I can't tell you whether the drive would be tricky; I just sat on the bus and enjoyed the view.