Day trips to Lugano, Locarno and Lake Como
Updated: 2 days ago
Lugano and Como are each about an hour from the villa by car, Locarno a little more.
Lugano (about 1 h 05)
Lugano sits on Lake Lugano, just over the Swiss border. Walk the lakefront and Parco Ciani, then take a funicular for the view: Monte San Salvatore from Paradiso (about 12 minutes; runs from about March to early November) or Monte Brè from Cassarate (all year except a few weeks in January–February).
Locarno and Ascona (about 1 h 15)
Locarno and Ascona are at the Swiss, northern end of Lake Maggiore. The road via Luino and the east shore takes about 1 h 15; the Laveno–Intra car ferry and the west shore via Cannobio take a little longer but make a good round trip. In Locarno, see Piazza Grande (home of the film festival every August) and the Madonna del Sasso sanctuary above the town, reached by funicular. Ascona has a lakefront promenade, and boats run to the botanical garden on the Brissago Islands (usually open from mid-March to early November). On summer weekends there is also a day cruise from Laveno to Locarno and Ascona (navigazionelaghi.it).
Como (about 1 h 05)
Como is on a different lake, Lake Como, reached by motorway (toll). The fastest route usually uses the A36 Pedemontana, which has no toll booths: pay online at apl.pedemontana.com or in the Pedemontana Lombarda app within 15 days. See the cathedral and the lakefront, and take the funicular up to Brunate (7 minutes; normally runs daily) for views over the lake. Fast boats from Como reach Bellagio in under an hour; ordinary boats take much longer.
Practical tips for Switzerland
Bring a passport or ID card.
Switzerland uses Swiss francs.
A Swiss motorway vignette (CHF 40) is needed only on Swiss motorways and expressways (green signs). To do without one, set your sat-nav to avoid motorways.
More day trips: Stresa and the Borromean Islands · Lake Orta and Arona
Opening times and timetables change each season; please check the official sites before you go.
Stay at Villa Lago Maggiore
Our whole villa in Arolo, across the lake from Stresa, sleeps up to 10, with a private heated infinity pool and lake views. See also distances from the villa.
