8 days in Lake Maggiore (Italy & Switzerland) Itinerary

Locarno's Mediterranean climate, palm trees, and 2,300 hours of sunlight per year make this city the warmest in Switzerland.

Get out of town with these interesting Locarno side-trips: Lucerne (Lucerne Station, Chapel Bridge, &more) and Lake Lugano (in Lugano). The adventure continues: take in the dramatic natural features at Aletsch Glacier, cool off at Lido Locarno, head outdoors with Cimetta, and take in the exciting artwork at OnArte.

For reviews, where to stay, ratings, and tourist information, read Locarno online sightseeing planner.

Geneva to Locarno is an approximately 4-hour car ride. You can also do a combination of flight and train; or do a combination of train and tram. In October in Locarno, expect temperatures between 20°C during the day and 10°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 20th (Tue) early enough to go by car to Stresa.

Stresa is a town and comune of about 5,000 residents on the shores of Lake Maggiore in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, about 90km northwest of Milan. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Stresa: Rocca Borromeo (in Angera) and Lake Orta (in Orta San Giulio). There's much more to do: shop like a local with Palazzo Borromeo, explore the different monuments and memorials at Piccolo Cimitero, take in the pleasant sights at Vetta di Mottarone, and pause for some serene contemplation at Chiesa Santi Ambrogio e Theodolo.

To see maps, where to stay, photos, and more tourist information, you can read our Stresa online itinerary planner.

You can drive from Locarno to Stresa in an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. In October, daytime highs in Stresa are 21°C, while nighttime lows are 9°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Sat) to allow time to drive back home.