My husband and I are still planning our vacation for May of next year. 3 or 4 nights of our vacation will likely include either the Italian lakes region (Como?) or the Swiss lakes region (Lugano). Both look beautiful, so I was wondering which is preferred. We both like beautiful scenery, quaint towns, good restaurants and cafe's, and general sight seeing. Any preferences?

Thanks!
Tracy

Tracy, How about the Ticino region of Switzerland where you get the best of both worlds? My favorite place is at the very end of Lago Maggiore. Locarno, Ascona, Gerra Gambarogno (sp?). I think of them as Italy lite... all the good things about Italy (the food, the wine, the enthusasiatic warm people) but with Swiss punctuality and cleanliness. My favorite hotel is Albergo Navegna, in Minusio. It's right on the lake, has a wonderful restaurant, and comfortable rooms. From there you can tour the Centovalli (just beautiful!), Bellinzona and it's three castles, and take a boat ride to the Italian side of the lake (Stressa).

Check it out. You won't be sorry.

Why not both--they are very close.
One of my favorite places to stay is on the north shore of Lago Lugano at San Mamete--called Stella d'Italia. The local ferry boat stops at their dock for trips into Lugano, and Menaggio on the west shore of Lago Como is only a :30 drive. Great little family hotel with wonderful food.

We stayed in Varenna last May and loved it. You can ferry to many other places on the lake and also take the train. Try Hotel Milano for wonderful food and accomodations.

I was based in Lugano while I studied in grad school. One of the most beautiful places that I visited was the Ponte Dei Salti near Lavertezzo. Built in the 17th century, it is a double arc stone bridge that spans the narrow river there. The water has worn grooves in the stone over the centuries, and leaves perfect spots to cool a bottle of wine or a melon while you explore the bridge (or jump off of it into the frigid water below, although there are warnings posted about the dangers of doing it).

Question for cnote. How much of that wine do you have to drink before you can jump off into those freezing waters?

Personally I prefer Lake Como, but I'm prejudiced - I live here: http://www.straughan.com/italy/travel/lake_como.htm

They are both wonderful places, but I would lean slightly toward Lugano, perhaps staying in one of the smaller spots like Morcote or Gandria. Of the two main cities on the lakes, I liked Lugano better than Como.
Whichever you pick, I bet you'll be happy. There are so many attractive things about them both...it's a win-win choice!