Hello, we are planning Lake Maggiore in September. the thinking was that the Summer would be too hot, but mostly also too crowded with tourists. But now I am wondering if September will be too quiet. We don't want it empty either. We are thinking of staying in Stresa or Ascona or somewhere in between depending on hotel availability. What does everyone think about September for timing ?
Posted by
San Francisco
191 posts
We stayed in Stresa last September. That’s not off-season anymore. The place was hopping! Book a few dining reservations ahead of time, and enjoy one of our unexpectedly favorite spots! We had lovely weather by the way.
Posted by
171 posts
We also stayed in Stresa last September, for 4 nights right at the end of the month. The weather was perfect, 70s, sunny, and blue sky every day. Everything was open, ferries seemed to be still running on a regular schedule, and there were people around but nothing overwhelming as far as crowds. No problems getting dinner reservations on short notice in Stresa.
Posted by
Corvallis OR
7168 posts
We stayed in Stresa 20 years ago in September, and even back then September was still a popular tourist month for the Italian lakes and it was definitely not too quiet. It may be a bit more crowded now and possibly even warmer than it was back then but I'd choose September again.
Posted by
1608 posts
I was also in Stresa in mid-September. The weather was lovely but the weekend was packed and a number of large and lavish weddings were occurring. But the weekdays were wonderfully quiet. I talked to one of the shopkeepers and got the impression that she wouldn't be shutting down for the winter until sometime in October. Things essentially stay open as long as Isola Bella is open.