Where to stay outside of Milan?

Posted by Ladydee (Illinois) on 05/16/15 03:23 PM

My family and I are flying into Milan from Chicago, and have 4 nights to spend before continuing on to Taormina, Sicily. I am looking for a destination within about a 60 to 90 minute radius (could be any direction, really) of the airport to spend a few days.

I will give some specifics to help narrow down any advice you may have. Its my husband, myself and two girls, 18 and 20. I have been to Bellagio and LOVED it, but maybe a little too quiet for the girls. So I wouldn't mind a similar locale, but just a slightly larger with more things to do. We are not heavy into museums, etc., but do like some culture. We like light shopping, nice dining, sightseeing, relaxing at the pool.

The accommodations are of primary importance. I like a very nice, upscale hotel with all the amenities and a nice view.

Please help... any input would be appreciated as I try to zero in on a region.

Posted by Roberto da Firenze ⚜

San Francisco Bay Area (USA)

05/16/15 04:31 PM

16243 posts

Given your interests and location requirements I would go to Stresa on Lake Maggiore in the direction opposite to the city of Milan coming from the airport. The beautiful lake is next to the Malpensa airport and I like it even better than lake Como.

I would also consider renting a car for those 4 days to give maximum flexibility and also because it's cheaper and convenient for a family of four. The drive from the airport to Stresa is about 40 min on a freeway except for the last few miles.

While there you can visit the Borromee islands, Orta San Giulio on nearby lake Orta, Cannobio, Locarno (CH) just across the border, the Centovalli railroad.

If one day or afternoon/evening you want to go to the big city (Milan) the train ride from Stresa is short (~1 hour). Don't drive into Milan as the traffic on the tangenziale (beltway) is always bad.

If you don't want a rental car you can reach Stresa by bus shuttle:
http://www.safduemila.com/alibus-2015-malpensa.lagomaggiore.html

Or also by train. The faster way by train is to take a taxi or the shuttle bus to the town of Gallarate, next to the airport (10 min by taxi). Then from Gallarate you take a train to Stresa (~30 min).
Train schedules available below:
www.trenitalia.com

Posted by Ladydee OP

Illinois

05/16/15 06:09 PM

41 posts

Thank you! Stresa had crossed my mind also :)

Posted by Ken

Vernon, Canada

05/16/15 07:08 PM

32405 posts

I would also highly recommend Stresa for the reasons that Roberto mentioned. From what I've seen, there's a good variety of "upscale" hotels along the lakefront, and you should have no trouble finding one that meets your criteria.

I would also highly recommend the day trip to Locarno via the scenic Cento Valli Railway. That trip involves a trip by "regular" train to Domodossola, and then transfer to the Cento Valli, and you can return by boat in the late afternoon or early evening. When in Locarno, you can tour Piazza Grande where the famous Locarno International Film Festival is held (Aug. 5-15 this year), have a look in some of the posh shops such as Bucherer Jewellry (in case you're in market for a CHF 10K Rolex Watch), visit the impressive Madonna del Sasso Franciscan Monastery, spend some time (and money) in the Casino or take a trip via Cable Car to Cardada above the city for some incredible views! There's a Restaurant / Hotel next to the top Cable Car station where you can enjoy a fine meal on the outdoor patio.