Okay - which would it be? We have only time for a day trip but have heard both have a lot going for them. We will be travelling up from Milan in April 2008 and value your opinions. Cheers Pawsha

For one day i'd head to Stresa and Lake maggiore because though the two lakes are similarly great there are the three famous Borromean Islands lying just off shore from Stresa - boats go constantly to each, and each is different - one Bellagio like old fishing village - one has a palace, etc. Read up on them and their storied history and it would make a swell day trip. Frequent Milan-Stresa trains.

other opinions?

Hi Pawsha - I only know the Italian side of Maggiore - Stresa area - but I don't find it anywhere near as beautiful as Lake Como (- Menaggio/Varenna/Bellagio area)

Just my humble opinion ...

Steve

Based on my limited experience, I definitely agree with Steve James (who knows the areas very very well).

I agree with him too - my opinion was based on fact they had only one day.

Good question !
Stresa has the advantage of easier connections and the Borremean Isles, but Como is more stunning visually. The key word here is April---weather may dictate going at all.

except for weather i'd say you can't go wrong with either though Como may be more pretty

COMO is my advice. I find both lakes enchanting and usually recommend my friends to visit both. Lake Maggiore is very beautiful and the islands are really pretty. However, I find Lake Como more unusual and the scenery more dramatic. It's narrower and the surrounding mountains are much closer. You will very much enjoy the ride on the lake. Bellagio and Varenna are stunning.

Thanks for your input. The travel books and blurbs are of the same opinions all of you are. If only we had more money and time.