Hello Fodorites. Next September my husband are looking forward to a guided hiking trip in the Valsesia. This will be my first return to Italy in too many years, and my husband's first time there. We're in our early '60's and fairly active. We'll spend 4 nights in Milan, then meet the shuttle at Malpensa and go to Alagna for 6 nights for the hike, and following the hike we've decided to spend 4 nights in the Lakes. I've booked the 5th night at the Villa Malpensa the night before our flight home ( thanks for the suggestion on this forum). My question is which town? At the moment we have a booking at an apartment ( which we would prefer at this point in the trip) affiliated with Albergo Milano in Varenna ( Lake Como), but there's also a possibility of staying on Lake Maggiore at the Hotel Elvizia, which is on an island just off Stresa. Both look lovely. We would like some independence at this point, and a mix of restaurants and preparing food for ourselves sounds good ( Varenna). However, Lake Maggiore ( Hotel Elvizia) is about an hour closer to Alagna where we'll be coming from ( we might book a private transfer), and easier to get to get back to Malpensa using Alibus. I can't seem to find an apartment with lake views on Lake Maggiore within our budget, and we also won't have a car which is a consideration. Both options cost about the same, although we would have a kitchen in Varenna. Getting to Malpensa from Varenna involves 1 transfer, which isn't bad, and we'll have time because we'll only fly the next day. Suggestions from those who are familiar with either the towns or hotels? Is the trip to Malpensa from Varenna easy despite the transfer? I suspect that either choice is great but would appreciate some input from those who have been there. Thank you!

Welcome back!
So you don't plan to go to Turin any longer?

Go to Varenna if you prefer to stay among Americans, go to Stresa if you prefer to stay among Italians (no language problems, however).
There are tons of available apartmentts in and around Sresa in September 2026. You may have a look at
booking.com
vrbo.com
airbnb.com

Hotel Elvezia is at Isola Bella, a well known daytrip destination with a beautiful palace and a beautiful botanical gardens.
In high season, the site is extremely busy during the day. It's always quiet between late afternoon and late morning.
During the day, the Island can be reached by local ferries (Stresa - Pallanza - Intra).
In early morning (before 8am) or evening, you will have to take a taxi boat.

I prefer Stresa and the Islands to Varenna. But that's just my personal opinion.


Isola Bella

Thanks neckervd. No, we decided to save Turin/The Langhe for another trip when we have more time for the area. I appreciate your input about the lakes.

""Go to Varenna if you prefer to stay among Americans, go to Stresa if you prefer to stay among Italians (no language problems, however)."""
Totally wrong. We stayed at Varenna for 10 years in a row, always 2 weeks, and we never met any Americans. Varenna is the most beauttiful town/village around Lake Como. From there you have the best connection by ferry around the lake, but also by train up north and down south on the eastern side of the lake.
If you have questions about Lake Como, please ask.

Thank you for responding. I expect that there will be a lot of other people regardless of where we go given the popularity of both destinations!

I do have a question about wineries on Lake Como. There seems to be one near Colico (Azienda Agricola Del Risti) that we could get to by train or ferry. Does anybody know it, or have any other suggestions for winery visits accessible from Varenna by train, ferry or short taxi ride ( or combination of those)? A smaller to medium family-run winery visit would be nice, and could be a way of getting away from the crowds. 😉

Isole Boromee are one of the most beautiful spots in the Lake District, though I am wondering if people spend four nights there....

Oh that looks stunning Isola Bella

Thanks for responding shelemm. Yes, Isole Boromee does look gorgeous! Like you said though, 4 nights might be long there. There are certainly apartments available in Stresa, but since we already have one booked in Varenna I think that’s where we’ll go. Como looks wonderful, and getting around by train, bus or ferry sounds fun. Lake Maggiore on another trip though (hopefully!).

I would not say that 4 nights (which are only 3 full days) is too long. We stayed at the lake every year for 2 weeks and got not bored. With only 3 full days you can only visit the most important destinations. So you'd have to decide what is important for you.

@miwunk I think the poster meant staying 4 nights on Isole Boromee. I have no doubt that 4 nights on Lake Maggiore would be wonderful.

Joan, you might to be right. Maybe I didn't understand right. But ok, 4 nights on Isola Boromee really is too much.