Lago di Maggiore
Discussion
We are dropping down from Suisse to Malgesso on the edge of Lago id Maggiore about 20km West of Varese. The route planner drops us down to Bellinzona, then south to Lugano, over Lago di Lugano, Malnate and across through Varese.
Does anyone know if it is massively longer/slower (too much so) to come down the edge of Lago di Maggiore on the 394 Corso Europa and in via Laveno-Mombello and Cittiglio? It looks a far nicer drive.
Thanks
Does anyone know if it is massively longer/slower (too much so) to come down the edge of Lago di Maggiore on the 394 Corso Europa and in via Laveno-Mombello and Cittiglio? It looks a far nicer drive.
Thanks
My in-laws live very close to Laveno and so I know quite a bit about that whole area of Lago Maggiore and Lago di Lugano. Whenever myself and my wife go over we always go for a drive around there and into Lugano.
The second option that you gave is by far the nicer and scenic route. As for if it will be longer, it will be due to the roads down towards Lago Maggiore being narrower rural type roads.
Your first option has 'nicer' roads, in the sense of wider dual carriageway style, but in taking it you sacrifice a very nice scenic, twisty drive for a potentially quicker easier drive which takes you through Varese, which although pleasant is just like any town, which I'd almost liken to Cambridge (if you have ever been there).
Actually, Varese used to be known for being the centre for the leather shoe industry, but although times have changed there are still loads of shoe shops. There is also a balcony at the central square where Mussolini gave a speech during WWII. You may not care to stop there and just drive though, but just thought I'd let you know anyway.
If you go the scenic way, a brief stopover in Laveno for ice-cream and a stroll around is a tip from me. If you have enough time there is a funicular there that takes you up to the top of a mountain that gives you an amazing view of the lake. Also if you take a stroll by the lake you may find the submerged nativity scene.
Out of interest, how come you are going to Malgesso?
The second option that you gave is by far the nicer and scenic route. As for if it will be longer, it will be due to the roads down towards Lago Maggiore being narrower rural type roads.
Your first option has 'nicer' roads, in the sense of wider dual carriageway style, but in taking it you sacrifice a very nice scenic, twisty drive for a potentially quicker easier drive which takes you through Varese, which although pleasant is just like any town, which I'd almost liken to Cambridge (if you have ever been there).
Actually, Varese used to be known for being the centre for the leather shoe industry, but although times have changed there are still loads of shoe shops. There is also a balcony at the central square where Mussolini gave a speech during WWII. You may not care to stop there and just drive though, but just thought I'd let you know anyway.
If you go the scenic way, a brief stopover in Laveno for ice-cream and a stroll around is a tip from me. If you have enough time there is a funicular there that takes you up to the top of a mountain that gives you an amazing view of the lake. Also if you take a stroll by the lake you may find the submerged nativity scene.
Out of interest, how come you are going to Malgesso?
Hello Olly.
We actually did that drive last Tuesday (10th) and did the scenic run down by the lake
We were en-route from the Alps to Castiglioncello on the Tuscan coast for a few days and were stopping in to stay with a fellow PHer who lives in Malgesso. We had a very pleasant evening on the lake and dinner on one of the islands
We stopped off at Rapello for lunch which was lovely, although the tunnels (and I never thought I would ever say this), were a bit of a pain after a while. Had we been in the Testarossa we would no doubt be deaf now!
We actually did that drive last Tuesday (10th) and did the scenic run down by the lake
We were en-route from the Alps to Castiglioncello on the Tuscan coast for a few days and were stopping in to stay with a fellow PHer who lives in Malgesso. We had a very pleasant evening on the lake and dinner on one of the islands
We stopped off at Rapello for lunch which was lovely, although the tunnels (and I never thought I would ever say this), were a bit of a pain after a while. Had we been in the Testarossa we would no doubt be deaf now!
Sorry I was late with the post! Glad that you had a good time and that you did end up doing the lake route. It is a nice part of Italy around the lakes and my wife now misses it after being away for more than 10 years now.
You are right about the tunnels they can get a bit tiresome after a while as there are just so many.
You are right about the tunnels they can get a bit tiresome after a while as there are just so many.
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