Lake Maggiore or Lake Como?
 

My mom and I are spending about two weeks in Italy (Rome and North of Rome) and want to visit the Lakes region for a couple of nights. I am torn as to which lake to visit. Any sugegstions? Note, we are going to be going from the Lakes region to Milan for our flight back to the States, so not sure if that is a major impact. Thanks!

Will you have a rental car?

I wasn't planning on it, since will be coming from Cinque Terre. But, if it's worthwhile, I prob could get a car when I got to the Lakes area? Thoughts?

I'd go for Maggiore.
We have visited Stresa several times and have never hired a car.
We just take the boat everywhere.
You could take the train from Stresa to Milan and I think that there is also a shuttle bus.

I've never visited Lake Maggiore. From what I understand, public transport is better from there to Milan Malpensa. But when I was debating about which location to choose for the Lakes (apart from the airport transfer issue), the consensus seemed to be that Lake Como was more beautiful, with more varied locations to visit.

I recently returned from a trip to Liguria and Lake Como, where we based in Menaggio for four nights. I think this was an excellent location. We did have a car, though. For our day trips in the area we used both the car and the lake ferries.

At the end of our stay we drove from Menaggio to Malpensa for our flight home. This was a very easy drive of about 90 minutes. Another option is to drop the car in Como and take public transport to the airport. OR, a taxi service form the Lakes to Malpensa which costs in the range of 160 euro.

I am currently writing a report about our trip and will bring this to the top for you...the Lake portion is at the end of the report..

I've only visited the Stresa area of Lake Maggiore, but IMO it doesn't compare with Lake Como. JMHO ...

Steve

Thanks everyone for your feedback. Another aspect is... we will be there in late April- is this a factor at all? Any advice on places to stay in Stresa or Lake Como, depending on where we end up?? Thx!

I agree 100% with MissPrism. we loved bith lakes, but the view of the lake, Isola Bella and the gardens of Vill taram\nto are unique!
We had not a car and we were glad about this.

Como is more spectacular but Maggiore will be easier logistics for you--both are wonderful. Late April can be very iffy at both---good luck !

You might want to state an approximate price range so people can give you good hotel recommendations.

Again, with a car, the drive to Malpensa from Lake Como's western shore is a snap. So if you decide on this option, take a look at hotels in the Menaggio, Lenno, Tremezzo area..

I did not have a car for Lake Como (stayed in Bellagio) and didn't find the need for one since the ferries take you everywhere but did have a car for Lake Maggiore (stayed in Baveno outside Stresa). If you choose Lake Maggiore rent a car so you can go to Lake Orta (Orta San Guilio) which is just lovely. The town has frescoed buildings and an island with a beautiful church.

Between Stresa and Lake Orta you'll pass Sacro Monte with 20 chapels showing the life of St Francis. The chapels are located in a wooded area with paths between each chapel. There's also a stunning view of of the island off Orta San Guilio.

Of the two lakes I perferred Como for its beauty.

Since Adrienne mentioned Orta, here is a photo gallery of Orta and Maggiore:
http://www.slowphotos.com/photo/show...y.php?cat=4173

We visited both lakes last trip and I would certainly say that Lake Como has it over Lake Maggiore by miles in terms of the wow factor.

However, we enjoyed Stressa and I can recommend a hotel and a good restaurant if you end up staying at Lake Maggiore.

Schnauzer

Lake Como is only spectacular WHEN the weather is very clear with blue sky which was the case the first time I visited. The second time we went it was so dull and disappointing that we decided to leave after one night. The last time we visited it was sunny but somewhat hazy, so it was OK but not spectacular by any means, until our last day when the light haze disappeared...wow!...everything suddenly appeared more brilliant.

Lake Maggiore's appeal is different and not as weather dependent (except for rain). The lake is huge so there is a sense of adventure when you hop on the boat hopping from island to island and towns on both sides of the banks. There are more towns and islands to explore. You don't need a car at all unless you want to visit nearby Lake Orta.

We have visited 5 of the Italian lakes and Como is the one to which we most often return though we love Orta as well (it's just smaller and has less to do for a longer stay.) Actually they are all beautiful and one of our favorite trips was two weeks traveling among them. Nonetheless, if you want beauty, convenience and ease of transport Como is the best IMO and Menaggio or Varenna are probably the best bases depending upon whether you want to drive (or hire a car) or train to Malpensa. Enjoy.

Lake Como is more scenic because of the steep mountains rising from the shores.

Lago Maggiore offers much more in arts, culture and architecture. Isola Bella is breathtaking and many other places are worth visiting, too.

I would stay at Lago Maggiore (Stresa or Baveno) and make a daytrip to Lake Como from there.

Another aspect: If you want to go swimming, Lago Maggiore is much warmer than icy Lake Como.