I need advice, please. We are doing a two Centre holiday so we are somewhat pressed for time. We will be taking a train from Lucerne Switzerland through the Alps where we were then planning to go to Lake Como and area. However, the Train ends in Locarno and looks lovely as well. Since we only have three days to explore that area before heading to Milan for our flight to the next part of our trip, Would you suggest staying put and exploring Lucano and vicinity or moving on to Lake Como area?

I can't compare the two, as I haven't been to Lake Como, but I can say I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Locarno. I stayed in Ascona when there, and I visited Bellinzona, the Valle Verzasca, Rasa, the Isole di Brissago, and Lugano while in that area (in addition to Locarno and Cimetta).

I hope that helps!

"The train ends in Licarno..."

I don't where you're getting this info, but you can train to the town of Como with a change in Bellinzono, Arth or Lugano. From Como, ferry to your final destination.

so, visit whichever lake offers what you're most interested in. You can reach Malpensa from either lake although it's easier/faster from some towns than others.

it certainly does, thanks!

it certainly does, thanks!

True ... but I think there are trains that go from Lucerne to Locarno without going through Lugano. I could be wrong! And even if correct, that information might be irrelevant to the OP....

IMO Locarno is much nicer and OFFER MUCH MORE POSSIBILITIES than Varenna/Bellagio and Co.

Trains from Lucerne over the scenic Gotthard route end in Locarno.
Trains from Lucerne through the 40 miles long Gotthard tunnel (1 hr faster) end in Lugano.
Both pass through Bellinzona (with 3 mediieval castles) where a change between the 2 train categories is easy.

Lugano too is a very nice place, with direct trains to Milan city (coming from Zurich or Locarno) and to Milan Malpensa airport (coming from Bellinzona).
Trains between Locarno and Lugano every 30 minutes.
Trains Lugano - MXP every hr
Trains Locarno - Milan C every hr

very informative thanks!

I haven't been to Locarno, but I agree that Lugano Is very nice. I liked it better than Bellagio/Varenna.

I also haven't been to Lago Maggiore, but I've been told it was very nice. Relatives of ours used to go there often before they became parents.

We've been to both areas and they're both good options. You don't say what time of year you're traveling, which to me, makes all the difference in the world. For example, I'd personally avoid the hot spots around Lake Como (Varenna, Bellagio) like the plaque in the high season. We visited in October and were really put off by the crowds.

But, it really depends on what you want to see and do.

We spent five nights in Locarno a few years ago and found it a great base from which to explore the area. For an idea of what can be done from Locarno (and to see some photos), you might want to take a look at my trip report; the Locarno section begins on Oct 8, post 58:

Swiss Sojourn

We've also been to Lake Como a few times - there's a lot to choose from there as well. We visited Bellagio as a day trip from Chiavenna on one trip; for photos and a description of the area, you might want to take a look here, Oct 3, post #99:

Doing what we do in Switzerland and Northern Italy

This past December we based in Bellano on Lake Como for five nights, here's some photos and details of what can be done from the area; the Bellano section begins on Dec 11, post #63:

A Month along the Fringe: Northern Italy with a Bit of Switzerland

Good luck with your decision.

Cardada, 15 min by gondola from Locarno

Brissago Isalnds, 45 min by ferry from Locarno

I believe Cardada is also known as Cimetta, which I mentioned above?

Ascona, 10 min by city bus from Locarno

Castle of Locarno

Locarno city center

Sanctuary of Madonna des Sasso, 5 min by rope railway from Locarno

Mountain village of Bosco Gurin, 80 min by bus from Locarno

Castle of Bellinzona, 20 min by train from Locarno

Last Supper. Church of Ponte Capriasca, 1 hr by train and bus from Locarno