Finalizing the broad brush stages of September 2015 trip and would appreciate thoughts on staying in Stresa without a car. I have noticed some accommodations outside Stresa (Baveno) and wondered if getting to and from the train station will be an issue. We hope to do the day trip to Locarno and the lake/island boat tour plus 2 more enjoying Stresa and beach - just relaxing before an afternoon departure from Malpensa for the States. Before booking hotel/B&B need to know how we will get around. Also any thoughts on hotels would be great. Thanks in advance.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16894 posts
Baveno is served by the same trains that serve Stresa and it has boat service connecting to Stresa via the islands, so it sounds like workable location.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15268 posts
Stayed here in July. No complaints and perfect location in front of the dock and next to the quaint and lively historical center (a pedestrian zone). They have a decent restaurant inside too. I had a car and parking was available at the nearby luxury Regina Palace Hotel garage, with which the hotel had an arrangement for guest parking. There are plenty of accommodations is Stresa.
http://www.milansperanza.it/
I had a car but the Stresa station was 10 min walk from the hotel (about 1/2 mile). I saw several taxis in town too.
To Malpensa by train, you would take the train to Milan and get off at Gallarate, next to Malpensa airport. Then from Gallarate to the airport is a 5 min drive by taxi or bus.
Another option is the Alibus from Stresa directly to the airport.
http://www.safduemila.com/alibus-2014-malpensa.lagomaggiore.html
Either way you can be at the airport in less than 50 min (if you have a rental car it's about 40 min).
I've driven through Baveno many times but never stayed there. I think Stresa has more nightlife (although it's primarily a retirees' destination so don't get too excited)
Posted by
2 posts
If you are looking for a luxury transfer, booktaximilan gets you from Stresa to Malpensa airport for 119€ with a Mercedes E Class private taxi ;-)
Posted by
OP
Manheim, PA, USA
82 posts
Thanks for the replies. I will check out Stresa and Baveno hotels a little bit more, but it appears it would be doable if we left the car in Tuscany. I feel like I can relax a little - just booked air last night, and I always stress over those dates/prices. Now that I pulled the trigger we can investigate all the fun aspects of planning our trip (and daydream about "sunny Italy" while facing frigid Northeast US temps). Thanks again!
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15268 posts
If you have a car in Tuscany already, you could drive to the lake and keep the car until you return it at the airport when you fly out. The drive is easy (all freeway) and with a car you can more easily visit Lake Orta and Orta San Giulio (and also Cannobio) from Stresa. Also from Stresa to the airport by car it's a short 35-40 min.
Something to consider. In terms of cost it's not much more than traveling by train if it's 2 or more of you traveling together.