Hello!
We were hoping to visit the Italian lakes region after flying into Milan for a couple of days. My daughter uses a wheelchair (she also walks with crutches). Are there any recommendations for towns that may be more accessible? We don’t have to walk everywhere, we can also hire taxis or Ubers (if they exist).
We are heading to Barcelona after but hoped to visit this beautiful area. Also worried about weather as I hear May can be rainy. (Traveling mid May 14-16 approx).
Open to all suggestions.
Thank you!
Jennifer
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17563 posts
Which lake did you have in mind? Many people think of Lake Como and the town of Varenna, as recommended by RS, ut that town is on a hillside and has lots of steps. it would not be wheel-chair friendly at all.
On the other hand, Stresa on Lago Maggiore appears to offer a more level waterfront area, with lots of hotels, and access to the ferry for visiting the islands or just going for a cruise. It is an easy train trip from Milan, or you can travel directly to Stresa from Malpensa airport by scheduled bus service. That might be simplest.
We have not been there, but I know many forum members have and recommend the town. Hopefully they will see your post and chime in to offer suggestions.
Posted by
white plains, ny, usa
4167 posts
Stresa would , indeed , be a good choice Here is a view of the lakefront promenade -https://www.google.com/maps/@45.8847629,8.5390738,3a,75y,343.86h,92.34t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sYT1xgjR6FqPkQEpfMkcPlg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17563 posts
That is a great street view, Steven. They can “walk” up the street and then spin the photo around to see the hotels along the other side..
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Thank you both for your responses. I have read a little about Stresa on this forum. I may be completely incorrect but it looks more provincial and not as scenic than Bellagio and Varennna. I may be completely wrong. I’d love to hear more from others who have visited. Would also know if there are gardens that can be visited also.
If anyone has accommodation, restaurants, things to do suggestions that would be great!
Thank you!!!
Posted by
OP
7 posts
My Italian friend also recommended Cernobbio in Como and Sirmione and Riva del Garda in Garda. Any thoughts about these?
Posted by
11609 posts
An Italian friend recommended Salò on Lake Garda’s SW side, It is mostly flat,has a nice shopping area and a lakefront promenade. We did not see Americans there, rather Italians and Germans. Very nice, upscale town. We also stayed in Malcesine, wonderful mountain view’s but much has a more touristy feel to it.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17563 posts
What do you mean by “more provincial”?
Riva del,Garda and other towns at the north end of Lago di Garda are beautiful, but not easy to reach by public transport from Milan. It would take much longer, and require more transfers between modes of transport, than going to Stresa (or Varenna).
Sirmione is at the southern end of Garda, not on the train line but accessed by ferry. We found the views across the lake from there less beautiful than further north. Also the town streets are very crowded with visitors. It would be difficult to negotiate the crowded pedestrian street with a wheelchair or crutches.
Did your friend consider the fact that you might be traveling with a wheelchair and crutches for your daughter when she made these recommendations?
Posted by
white plains, ny, usa
4167 posts
Cannobio is really a winner , On our last visit to Stresa , we took the boat up the lake and spent a day there , positively charming ! EDIT - I misread Cernobbio for Cannobio on Lago Maggiore , but my comment about Cannobio still stands , Sorry !