We traveled to Varenna last May and really enjoyed it. Would like opinions on other lakefront towns on some of the other lakes of Italy. Would probably be staying anywhere from 3 to 5 nights. Thank you in advance.
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
9050 posts
We enjoyed our stay in Stresa-Lake Maggiore and would happily return
It’s closer to MXP than Milan so you can easily get to/from flights if flying in or out there
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
17610 posts
Lake Maggiore: Stresa
Lake Garda: any town on the north half of the lake. I like Malcesine, Riva, Limone, but many also like Garda (town), Salò, Torbole, and many others.
Posted by
Idaho, USA
9497 posts
Stresa is my favorite spot on any of the Italian Lakes. I’ve stayed there at least four times. If you’re coming from Malpensa, reserve the Alibus ahead of time which will pick you up at the airport and take you directly to Stresa. One of the stops is in the center of town at the ferry dock. Hotels are there, too. Last time I splurged & stayed at the Hotel Regina before going out to Isola Bella.
I usually stay a few nights in the town center - a perfect place to get over jet lag. I move to Isola Bella - 5-minute ferry to stay my last night each time at Boutique Hotel Elvezia with a balcony room to enjoy the peaceful setting after a nice dinner at their restaurant. It’s an amazing experience to almost have this tiny island to yourself after the visitors have finished going through the beautiful Borromeo villa & formal Italian gardens. I’ve strolled, sketched and just savored the time!
There’s more to do - just look up “things to do”on TripAdvisor. I won’t list them all here.
Posted by
OP
23 posts
Thanks for this great info!
Posted by
Abruzzo Mountains
1180 posts
Subaru or Mazda, not Honda or Toyota...I really like Lago d'Orta and Lago d'Iseo. Not everyone's cup of tea but a bit quieter and at least as pretty if not more...