Stresa is the most picturesque town on Lago Maggiore, because of it overlooking three luxurious islands owned by the archbishop Borromeo family and because of it lying on the foot of imposing Monte Mottarone.

There's a 19 euro train ticket from Geneva to Stresa, so I would definitely rely on the railways if I were you!

The northern part, owned by Switzerland, and the eastern part of the lake, unfairly called "the poor side of the lake", are also picturesque... but if it's your first visit then I would start with the western side. Especially the 3 islands, as you'll find fancy palaces and caves, banana trees and white peacocks.

Cheers!

Hi!

I come from Lago Maggiore! I am from Cannobio, a village just before the italian swiss border, next to Ascona, Locarno (film festival in august!!). As Andrea said, the train is the easiest way to get there, especially if you are going to spend a weekend. there is direct train to Stresa, you will find a nice accomodation there, in hotels or pensions and even B&B. from Stresa you take the boat to the islands Bella (nice gardens and palace) , Madre and Pescatori (on Pescatori there used to be a good restaurant for fhish (of course!)) as well as Pallanza (beautiful botanicla garden Villa Taranto) and Intra. in Stresa you can take the gondola to Mottarone a great view of the surrounding area! Arona is closed to Stresa, a nice walk by the lake for a yummy gelato!

; )

Next time visit Cannobio and Ticino!!!

Samuela

How do you get this 19 EUR train ticket? The Swiss railways website quotes 58 CHF for the direct train to Stresa.

Sounds like a great weekend trip!

to get nice prices better go to the train station or an office of CFF, ask for Smart Price!

the earlier you reserve the cheaper the ticket can be!

; ))

Samuela

hi there!

coming from the region... from the swiss part... very nice either!

My personal advice:

you take the direct train to Stresa, you have a day visit there, you take to boat to Locarno the day after.... May is sunny and already warm!

once in Locarno, you can hire a car, (I advice to do it!) you can then go to Ascona (just great) and then visit the Cetrum of Monti della Verità (more and more internationally recognized for place of international conferences on meditaiton, peace, and political one) where you can have a visit in the real japanese House of Tea! (also there is a local green tea producer where japanese Tea Masters comes once a year to taste and value it).

then the great (if you like nature) valle Maggia and Valle Verzasca (you can do a thrilling bunjing jumping... the same jump made by 007 in Goldeneye)!

There you can try all kind of traditional South Alps dishes! the Alpine cheese!

YOu can try some wine caves.... you will find some great surprises!

Then within 15km by Locarno, you can visit the Unesco-protected castles! and going to the South of Ticino (40 min.)

to the Mount San Giorgio, another Unesco protected site with prehistoric animals discovered....

drop me a mail if you wanna have more information on specific queries ok?

here a hint...

http://www.ascona-locarno.com/default.jsp

this is the touristic information centre, surely helpful.

have a nice trip and have  a good evening :-)

E.

Thank you everyone for your helpful replies!  My parents and I will be taking the train to Stresa and touring the surrounding areas from there. 

you are very welcome! I hope you will enjoy Lake Maggiore and have luck with the weather!

here a link which could be useful

http://www.verbania-turismo.it/verbania_ville.asp

bye! I wait your feedback after your holidays!!!

Samuela