The nicest town on Lake Maggiore
 

is Stresa better than Pallanza Verbania ?

Calady: P-V has the lovely Taranto Gardens. If you want quiet,it's P-V...crowds, than Stresa is for you. In either case, try to see the gardens.

stu

Stresa is the hub of activity and boat connections.
I agree about the Villa Taranto--do not miss it.

I would stay in Stresa and visit from here Vila Taranto with its beautiful gardens.
From Stersa is very easy to visit Isola Bella with the nice palace and gardens.

Stresa is, IMHO, very over-run with tourists. They're used to it, and cater to them. I liked staying in Bevano, however. Easy to catch a ferry to the Borromeo Islands, easy to catch a ferry to Stresa, nice "small town" feel, a few little shops and banks, all in all, v. nice.

BC

I loved Stresa - a band was playing nightly on the lakeside promenade - the town is not too big, etc. And it has great train links -one reason i stay there. And the 3 fabulous Borromean Islands are lovingly just off shore -each has a different surprise on it!

Hi C,

We very much enjoyed staying at "La Bussola" in Orta San Giulio.

You might find my trip report helpful.

Ira Returns From 22 Loverly Days in Europe - Sep, 2009
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-in-europe.cfm

((I))