Where to stay in the lakes region? Which town as a good base?

Posted by Laurie (Michigan) on 06/23/19 02:45 AM

We'd like to stay for three nights in the lakes region, and are open to suggestions! We'd like to be in a place that isn't too touristy, and be able to explore by boat. I've got a reservation for Stresa, but am still thinking about which lake would be best. We can make changes if needed. We just have to return to the airport in Milan, so Stresa seemed a good choice based on recommendations here. Or, Lago d'Orta?

I'm hoping travelers can share experiences in this region. We've never been there!

Thanks,
Laurie

Posted by Ken

Vernon, Canada

06/23/19 05:25 AM

32392 posts

Laurie,

Stresa is a good location as a "base" as it's a beautiful city and offers a number of good day trip possibilities, including to Switzerland. While there you could tour the Borromeo Islands by boat, take the cable car to Mount Mottarone or explore some of the nearby towns. Stresa is also a convenient location for getting back to MXP.

If you have the time, you could also have a look at Varenna, which is in the mid-lake area of Lago di Como. While there you could explore various towns along the lake and some of the beautiful and elegant Villas.

Posted by Suki

06/24/19 12:56 AM

11651 posts

Stress to Varenna not as easy as it looks by car.

Posted by Kent

US Pacific Northwest

06/24/19 01:09 AM

10344 posts

Lake Como, home basing in the mid-lake towns of either Varenna (hard to book these days in the summer) or across the lake in Menaggio. Take the public ferries out on the lake to get the post-card iconic views.

Posted by Donna

Sunriver

06/24/19 03:50 PM

1321 posts

"not too touristy" don't go to the lake region. If it wasn't for tourism there wouldn't be much of a reason for the towns - small as they are - to exist, but the smaller the town the less "touristy" it will be. Of course that means fewer restaurants, less ease of access, probably no "attractions". We love Bellagio and Stresa. If you are taking the train then Varenna is the logical choice to me, but it depends from which direction you are coming to the lake region.... could be Menaggio

Posted by Laurie OP

Michigan

06/25/19 12:47 AM

488 posts

Thank you all! We would be coming from Milan, after being in Torino. I'm just weighing all options! I like the options (mountain, islands) around Stresa, and the possibility of going to Locarno - but I'm not sure how feasible that part of the trip is. I know we will plan to travel by ferry to actually be out on the lake while there. For our limited time, it seems like we need to pick one lake, or else we will be spending a lot of time traveling between the two (Stresa and Bellagio, for ex.)

I know the level of "touristy" is variable and subjective...I think that is why I'm leaning away from Varenna in the middle of the summer. I hope that isn't a mistake! We're seeking beauty and places to hike and walk, and also be on the water, and hoping not to be in a spot that is swarming with visitors.

Any ideas about Lago d'Orta, maybe for a day trip from Stresa?

Thanks again,
Laurie