We are flying into Milan's Malpensa airport next which I noticed is not far from Lake Maggiore. We would only have a few hours to explore Lake Maggiore before we move on, but we are renting a car Keeping in mind summer crowds is it insane to try to catch at least a little time at the lake? ; if not which stops would you recommend?
Larry
Where are you planning to go next?
Lake Maggiore would be great to spend a few nights, especially because it's only 40 min from the airport and you don't have to drive long distances while jet lagged (which I don't recommend for your own safety).
I like to spend 3 nights (or at least 2), after I arrive at MXP (when I fly there), before driving down the 4 hours to Tuscany. That gives me time to get used to the time difference in a nice relaxing place.
I recommend Stresa.
Thanks - next time I definitely would stay for longer at one of the lakes. But we are heading up into the mountains this time so we really only have hours rather than days. So looking for guidance on how not to get into bad traffic and how to use our limited time efficiently
The major town on Lake Maggiore is Stresa but much closer to the airport and highly recommended to us by Italian friends is Ranco in the SÉ part of the lake. Lovely town with nice dining options. Highly recommend it!
I agree. Stay in Stresa, very nice village on the lake. Have an aperitif in a restaurant-bar right on the lake and then walk, just crossing the main lake street, through the city centre with many restaurants and shopping opportunities!
If you need to drive jet-lagged (I don't recommend) I would skip the lake and make the drive as short as possible. Stresa will only relax you and make you even more tired...
I really like Stresa, but the highlights for me are time on the islands in front of Stresa. You don’t have time to do them since you would need to catch ferries out to them & between them.
As much as I love that area (have stayed there three different trips), I would skip it and head to your destination.
