Long story short: our planned itinerary, mid-way, will present two possibilities for a stop-over of about 4 nights for a vacation from our vacation, a stop-and-chill stay with little on the itinerary each day, except relaxing. One is Varenna on Lago di Como, and the other is Lugano just over the Swiss border. Which is most beautiful, relaxing, ideally suited to such a stop? Grazie!
Posted by
Alta Loma, CA, USA
1446 posts
Haven't been to Lugano but have been to Varenna and loved it! It's very quaint and relaxing. We stayed in the Albergo Milano hotel in a room with a beautiful lakefront view and loved just sitting on our balcony & watching the activity on the lake. You can easily catch the ferries to different towns on the lake, stroll around and enjoy the scenery. We loved visiting the other towns on the lake and then returning to quiet little Varenna in the afternoons.
Posted by
Costa Mesa
348 posts
We been to Lugano. Twice. Stayed at Stell d'iltalia. THe hotel is great run by the same family for 100 years. On the lake aske for a lake view room. We did a day trip to Varrena by bus and ferry for the day for the cooking class.
Posted by
Boise, ID, USA
2302 posts
They're both wonderful but very different in size. I'd have to say Varenna is more relaxing. Lugano is a city - but a beautiful one!
Posted by
Costa Mesa
348 posts
That is why we stayed on Lake Lugano. It is between Lugano, Switzerland and Lake Como
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32353 posts
Gio, That's a difficult question, as both locations are wonderful and would be great places to "chill out" for a few nights. Which place to choose might depend on what you might plan on doing during your time there. Varenna is much smaller and tends to more "informal". The options there are touring other places on the lake such as Bellagio, touring the elegant Mansions or just relaxing and trying to find the best Gelato spot. Lugano (including Paradiso) is a much larger and somewhat "upscale" city (it's the third most important financial centre in Switzerland), so there's a much wider variety of activities (including a Casino). While there you might enjoy one of the boat tours to the end of the lake which take several hours, hike or boat to some of the restaurants along the lake at Gandria or take the Funicular to Mount San Salvatore for a wonderful view of the area (walk to the top of the Church for the best view). Is there any way you could manage an extra day or so? Perhaps you could spend a few days in both locations? Buon Viaggio!
Posted by
AL, USA
45 posts
Varenna was one of the loveliest places in the world I have ever been. It was kind of unreal. I only wish that we could have been there longer. We stayed at the Eremo Guardia. (sp?)
We walked to and from the town from the hotel but that is NOT a hike for the faint of heart. It was so worth it for us though....
Posted by
Orlando
166 posts
We have been to both. However, for a relaxing 4 nights I would recommend Varenna on Lake Como. Two of RS recommended properties have lake front balconies which make a beautiful place to relax. You can then take the ferry to all the other little villages on the lake if you want, Wonderful restaurants in Bellagio for dinner.