Hello,
we would like to spend about 3 days in the Lake Region at the beginning of September. We would like to explore both lakes and may be make a day trip to Lugano. We are flying into Milan Airport and I want to go directly to the Lake Region. Do we need a car to travel from one lake to another? Most of the posts suggest the car will be a liability there, but is there a public transportation between the lakes? how often it runs? how long does it take? Also, if we do rent a car to travel between the lakes, how are the roads in the region? Are they very windy mountain roads or they are not so difficult to drive? how lond does it take for a car to travel from one lake to another? The same question is about Lugano. Can we venture there for a day or half-day without a car? My husband used to drive in Europe, he is ok with it, but if the roads are too challenging I don't want him to get stressed on his vacation. Looking for the advise. Also, what will be a good base to do that?

We had a car so I cant speak to the non-car situation. But I would like to recommend the Hotel La Palma in Stresa.

We stayed on Lake Como and did not have a car. For 3 days I would do it with the ferries. We are now considering going back to lake Maggiore. Anybody have any reviews, comments, suggestions on this area? We are trying to decide if WE NOW need a car if we want to spend a week and drive up from Milan to Lugano. Any itinerary suggestions on where to stop, stay, eat, play in this area besides Lake Como?

Hello, I live on Lake Maggiore. There are trains to travel between the lakes. It may take long, it depends where you want to go. Actually I suggest to rent a car, because some places are not to easy to reach and so you will be free and independent of the transport timetables. Plus you can climb the mountain roads which enjoy fantastic views! Anyway you can move by ferry, it's very nice.
Lake Lugano is as well very nice and there is a train from Miland but drive around the lake is something amazing. From Lugano you can drive along the panoramic road till Menaggio (Lake Como) or on the other way to Luino (Lake Maggiore)

From Miland I suggest this Trip with the Car:
Milano--> Como (visit the lake Como)--> Menaggio-->Lugano (visit Lake Lugano)--> Luino (Lake Maggiore)--> Locarno/ascona--> Cannobbio--> Cannero--> Verbania--> Baveno (visit the islands)-->Stresa--->Lake Orta--> Back to Miland

Lake Como best destinations: Bellagio, Como, Menaggio, Varenna
Lake Maggiore best destinations: Stresa, Cannobio, Verbania, Cannero, Islands, Locarno/Ascona. Orta San Giulio (lake Orta)

If you want to stay in Apartments/House for rent I suggest this Websites
http://www.lagomaggioreapartments.com/
http://www.mycomolake.com/

Thanks Lucy, but note the dates on these posts--over a year ago.