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Lugano or Varenna (or other) - where to stay?

Posted by (Columbus, OH, USA) on

Hi everyone,

I am looking for some resources or experience that would help me make a decision on where to stay in Lugano or Italian Lakes region. I am flipping back and forth between Italian and Swiss guide books and maps, and I’m getting a little frozen analysis-wise. We expect to use a few days for a vacation from the vacation and daytripping into Milan and regionally. Is there a city that you’d recommend we consider staying in? Best connections? We will not have a car, and will rely on trains/busses/boats. We will have a 3 year old and a 5 year old as well. The decision will also help us decide on the length of our Swiss Pass.

We will be coming from Bern or Interlaken.

Thanks😊

Posted by
8889 posts

Italy will be cheaper than Switzerland.
I would choose Stresa. A town (I wouldn't call it a city) on Lake Maggiore. Nice Location. Look up "Borromean Islands".
It is on the rail route from Bern and Interlaken to Milan, so convenient for your needs.

Posted by
32206 posts

Stephanie,

I agree with Chris, Stresa would be a great choice and great "home base" for day tours. Have you got the Rick Steves guidebooks?

When in Stresa you can.....

  • tour the elegant Borromean Islands, which are easily accessed by short boat rides from the downtown area.
  • take the cable car to Mount Mottarone. As I recall, there's an elegant garden about half way up that you can tour. The final lift to the top was via chair lift and I'm not sure if that would be suitable for a 3 and 5 year old. My grandchildren are the same ages and I'm not sure I'd put them on a chair lift.
  • you could also take the scenic Cento Valli Railway which runs from Domodossola to Locarno (CH), and then return in the evening via Ferry. That's easily done as a day trip. That would allow you to have a look at a beautiful part of Switzerland. if you do that, don't forget to take your Passports. If you need more information on what to do in Locarno, post another note.
  • Stresa is an easy train ride from Milan.

Good luck with your planning!

Posted by
117 posts

Thanks for your advice! I will have a look at Stressa, I had not previously considered that.

Yes, I have the RS guidebooks 😊 for both Italy and Switzerland, just difficult to compare and contrast having not been there. Thank you so much!!

Posted by
1 posts

Hi -

I have a similar question to Stephanie's - my husband and I are going to have an extra 3 days in Milan and thinking about heading to the lakes for our time in Italy. With the 3 days and no car, we don't plan on doing too much day tripping except for a possible boat trip to another city, would you still recommend Stressa as a home base or instead Veranna?

Or if you have another recommendation for 3 days that is close to Milan, we are open to other ideas.

Thank you,
Trisha

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