Where would you spend 4 nights in the Lakes area?

Laverenna on the Comer See was our favorite. From there we drove to Grindelwald. Easy to spend 4 nights there with the ferry boats to take you to nearby towns, villas etc. We were at Lake Maggione at the height of Covid and stayed on the Swiss side. We enjoyed the trip, but missed out on things due to Covid. We started and ended our trip from our home in Germany, with overnights on Lake Constance.
How are you traveling? A quick look at train/bus travels the route times seem similar from Bern to Milan, but I've never traveled it.

We are traveling from Bern on 7/4 and need to be in Milan sometime on 7/8.
So, we have 4 nights and would like to spend them on a lake.

Both lakes, Como & Maggiore, are beautiful so do consider available activities for your teens before choosing.
Do keep in mind that both lakes will be crowded in July and you must book your accommodations now.

You mention having 4 nights which translates to 3 full days. I’d recommend visiting one lake instead of wasting time traveling from one to the other.

Are you flying out of Malpensa Airport?
There’s a direct bus from Stresa to Malpensa but must be reserved in advance.

Enjoy your trip!

hey hey mainegirl1223
when you say be in milan on 7/8 is that to spend night or is that the day to fly out from milan airport, if so what time is flight?
how old are the teens? it is summer season and lakes will be crowded, glad you're looking ahead and booking accomodations.
will you have a car or all train travel?
booking.com
put your dates and filters on left side. see what's available and affordable for you. check-in times are usually 2-4pm and check-out times 10-11am, what amenities you want or need, how many beds (make sure about sofa bed if there is one), look at apartments, cancellation policies, read fine print. transportation to get to and leave from
haven't been to lake maggiore but many people like staying in stresa, i would stay put in one place.
thecrowdedplanet.com/ things to do on lake maggiore
getmyboat.com/
best pedal boat on lake maggiore. fun activity for you and your gang.
navigazionelaghi.it
ferry dates & times on the lake
we have been to lake garda, a gorgeous lake with lots to see and do, we stayed in bardolino for a wine festival but further away from milan.
thecrowdedplanet.com/ things to do on lake garda
gardavisit.it
click at top desenzano or pescheira
reason for lake garda, there are some camping resorts, gardaland amusement park, beaches & pools to swim, ferries, bikes, trails to walk, restaurants and shops, wine & olive oils, farmers markets. thinking of your kids and letting the parents relax, just an option
campeggio del garda
belvedere village
campeggio della colombaia
booking.com/ for desenzano and pescheira which are both places with train stations
look at dates, apartments, close to lake. probably very busy since fourth of july weekend. see something book it.
lake como will be very busy with people staying, day trippers. looking at the forum, many posts (80-90%) all want to go to lake como, meaning the "zoo" has arrived, long lines, crowded and full trains, restaurant waiting. many people are new travelers with europe on their lists and follow rick steves. so many of the places mentioned in his book has become so overcrowded, along with cruises with thousands onboard. (cinque terre, amalfi coast, pompeii, switzerland is crazy) many cities are charging an entrance fee, allowing a maximum of people. this is my own opinion that some may agree or disagree.
enjoy and have lots of fun with your gang, hope all works out
aloha

We stayed in Lugano and loved it. Lodgings are, incredibly, substantially less expensive in Lugano than in the Lake Como villages, though food and drink are immensely more. But in my opinion the lake itself is more beautiful, and it's a less touristy vibe. Still pretty touristy, though.

Have a great trip! You really can't go wrong on the shores of any of the three lakes.