Susan

I'm torn between the two for a 4 day/3 night visit prior to going to Florence. This is a short visit to relax and gear up for a 3-week trip. So, leisurely exploring villas and gardens by lake ferries and short walks is perfect. <BR> <BR>I've been to Lake Como and loved it, but my travel companion hasn't been to either Lake. <BR> <BR>If you have been to both, which would you choose to return to for a short visit? <BR> <BR>Any and all input is welcome.

micia

Susan: I think the reason no one is answering this question is because you asked a hard question. <BR>I thought about it a moment as well, and cannot decide to tell you which one is best. <BR>You will find what you are looking for or need at both. <BR>I really like each one the same.

Ray

I would choose Como and stay in Cernobio. The ferry is easily accessable and the towns surrounding the lake offer greater contrast. Ride the funicular for a great view and have lunch at the top.

Ellen

I thought the towns accessible on Lake Como are very scenic (Bellagio, Varenna etc.). Lake Maggiore to me was not quite as lovely but I very much enjoyed taking the ferry to the Borromean Islands. I used Stresa as a base and touring the three islands takes a full day. I left Stresa without being able to see all I had wanted to see. I believe you can take the ferry from Stresa to a town in Switzerland whose name I cannot recall. <BR>Ellen

K

We have been to both lakes and both are beautiful but my husband and I came to the conclusion that if we had to pick one that we liked best it would be Maggiore.

BOB THE NAVIGATOR

Hello Susan, What time of year and are you driving? I have been to both several times. I assume you will be landing in Milan and this is your first stop. The combination of Maggiore and Lago Orta could be your best option. I love the Lakes--hard to go wrong.

Susan

Thank you to everyone who responded. Micia, I agree that it was a tough question, but hoped that it generate more information to use in our decision. And, actually knowing that you liked both equally is helpful, too. <BR> <BR>Ray, I had considered Cernobio but couldn't find much information. And, as Ellen suggested, we considered staying in Stresa, but are thinking about Switzerland in 2003 (kinda far ahead, I know) so maybe we should keep Maggiore until then? <BR> <BR>Bob, you are right ... MXP is our touchdown spot. We weren't going to drive, but if it's better we could rent a car. Oh, and we're going in the end of May. <BR> <BR>Thank you for to everyone for replying!

GAC

I've been to both and will return to both. Maggiore is larger and the views more majestic. The Borromean Islands are magical, and the lakeside promenade in Sresa is very elegant. Como is more intimate and the views "prettier". Near Stresa, don't miss the marvellous Hermit's Nest of Santa Caterina del Sasso, dating from the 13th century. For three nights of R/R visiting lakeside villas/gardens, I would go to Lake Como and stay at Varenna, the most charming and intimate of the towns in the Centro Lago (Menaggio and Bellagio being the other two). In Varenna, I would stay either at the refined Hotel Du Lac or at the more modest but equally scenic Hotel Milano (the latter has no A/C). From Malpensa to Varenna, take the bus to Milano Centrale, then a direct train to Varenna. Schedules and fares: www.fs-on-line.com. There are also six direct buses from Malpensa to Como City Monday through Saturday (1 hr. drive). Schedules: www.sptcomo.it

Julie

I think this is the second or third time this question has been posed here within the last couple of weeks. Responders agree, both lakes are wonderful. I come down on the side of Como and have returned there 4 or 5 times, going again in a couple of weeks. We stay at the Grand Hotel Menaggio and love it. It's right by the ferry stop which goes to Bellagio and Varenna. Another good place in Menaggio is the Grand Hotel Victoria, slightly older and with higher ceilings than the Mennagio, the latter of which also having a pool right on the lake so you can view the mountains and lake from it while the Victoria's pool is in their garden behind the hotel and not on the lake. The Florence in Bellagio also looks great and has a fine restaurant. It's recommended by many. If you do take a car, the fun of staying in both Orta (we like the San Rocco there, again a great pool right on the lake) and Stresa, may push you in the other direction. Whatever you do, you can't go wrong. Do a search on this site for Lake Como and for Lake Maggiore. You should be able to find all of those previous replies on the topic. There's a lot of great info available. Enjoy

GAC

The Grand Hotel Menaggio and the Grand Hotel Victoria are the best properties in Menaggio. I opted for the latter because it is a bit more secluded and private, with less road noise and much less pedestrian traffic. I found the former to be much too close to the ferry landing (i.e. very public), and the marvellous pool described in the previous posting is separated from the public dock by a wooden fence over which tall people can peer onto the sunbathers! If you choose the G.H. Menaggio, don't stay in the rooms facing the back: they look out over a very busy street. At the Victoria, all rooms are fine (the ones in back look out over the pool to the mountain). Both hotels are superior four-stars, and the rates comparable, but I find the Victoria to be more elegant and regal, as well as quieter. The Victoria also stays open all year.

micia

Susan, <BR> <BR>So glad people started responding. <BR>I didn't want to choose between the two lakes, but thought if I made a post it would bring this back to the top and people would see it again and you would get some replies. <BR>Hope it helps you in making a decision. <BR>Where every you go, I'm sure you will really enjoy it. Have fun.