We're hoping to get to northern Italy next summer and fancy the Lake Maggiore area as a base. Any recommendations for small(ish), quiet sites by the lake would be welcome.
Here is a camp site suggestion for your stay in Italy. Camping Orchidea....www.campingorchidea.it
We have used this site several times on our way home from Venice. To be fair it was about 3 or 4 years back. The site is easy to get to and the main drive is quite wide. some pitches are small but we were OK with our twin on the larger ones. We did not put up the awning though. There is quite a nice bar and restaurant and a small 'beach' area where the water is very shallow for children. However, our little girl did not like it as the 'bottom' was a bit squishy as she called it. The toilets have been improved and there was a new block (4 years back) when we were there. the site is right on the lake and I think boates can be launched. You can walk into the village of Feriolo in 5 mins and there are other places to see in the area including Baveno and Stresa. The location probably means you will arrive via the Simplon Pass, which is the way we retuned home. I have not done the pass north to south but south to north is quite good, if a little narrow in places but again we were fine with the big outfit. It seems to level off near the top and at times I was into 5th gear. There is also lots of parking at the top for a look around or a coffee break but do ensure you have a jumper as it can be cool as you are at 0ver 6000 feet. Hope this helps.
Camping Solcio takes some beating. A little cramped but on the lakeside (extra charge) it is beautiful and south-facing. Facilities are modern, spotless, and free. There is a bar/restaurant/bar meals. Reception speaks good English.
Only downside is main Switzerland/Milan railway line is about half a mile away and 200ft higher so can sometimes be a tad noisy but you quickly get used to it.
Upside is you can drive a couple of miles down to Arona, leave your car free and safe in the station carpark, and get the train to Milan - cost about _8 return.
North to Stresa which is beautiful flower-bedecked small town.
Hi John, We stayed at a very pleasant little site at Baveno, Camping Parisi, I think it was called, it dosnt have pool, bar etc but is within easy walking distance of resterants, bakeries supermarket, and the jetty where you can pick up the essential ferries for the trips around the lake. It is only 2 star but has bigger pitches than are normal in Italy!
I agree with JimF. My wife and I stayed in Camping Parisi for a week in late June this year. We were lucky enough to get a pitch on the lake front and enjoyed the best views for the 5 weeks we were in Italy, including stays at Lakes Como and Garda. The facilities are reasonably new and in very good condition. It is not much to look at on entry but well worth a visit.
Thanks for the suggestions. We've booked via C&CC at Valle Romantica - just outside Cannobio. Although it's not on the lake, it seems to be what we'd be looking for. If anyone's been there and can give us their opinion, that'd be great.
Thanks for the suggestions. We've booked via C&CC at Valle Romantica - just outside Cannobio. Although it's not on the lake, it seems to be what we'd be looking for. If anyone's been there and can give us their opinion, that'd be great.
I do not know the site you have booked on, but we did , a few years ago, travel from Verbania up to Locano and I seem to remember that the road was slow and quite narrow in places. So take care, but enjoy your stay.
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