Five motorhome Aires di Sosta near the Italian lakes
5 Revealing Facts About Exploring the Italian Lakes with a Motorhome
Curb your expectations
Don't expect to peacefully drive around the lakes enjoying the view. This is Italy, the lakes are a major tourist destination. Most parking is both private and pay.
In May 24 we drove both the SR229 along Lago d'Orta and the SS340 along Lago de Como and Lago di Lugano. We did not suffer overload from ore inspiring views, but did see lots of vehicles, a sprinkling of chaos, unfathomable speed limits and several tight squeezes. Pro tip, avoid weekends, holidays and rush hours.
Park or camp during your visit
Have a campsite or motorhome stopover, called Area Camper Sosta in Italy, organised in advance. This will provide a good base for exploring the area, make sure it has public transport nearby. The best views and easiest travel is from the ferry boats that navigate the large lakes, lake Como and Lake Maggiore, to get around. www.navigazionelaghi.it
Visit the lesser known lakes
There are plenty of small lakes to visit. Whilst Lago de Como and Lago di Maggiore are large, there are plenty of smaller lakes such as Lago di: Monate, Comabbio, Varese, Pusiano, Annone and Garlate. All these smaller lakes are nestled near the larger lakes and can be explored on foot or by bike.
Spend a Euro, to spend a penny!
We did not find any free public toilets in northern Italy. In busy tourist places expect to pay €1 and €2. Pro tip Buying an expresso and using the toilet is better value for money.
Eat Gelato
Gelato is not just for tourists, Italians love it too. Even the smallest town will have a Gelato shop, and larger towns will have several. 20 flavours is not uncommon and you can choose from a cone, a cup, or a take away container. Effectively it is priced per flavour/scoop. Expect to pay €2-€4 for a two flavour option. Oh, it is exceptional.
Five motorhome Aires di Sosta near the lakes
Motorhome stopover - Como
N45°48.174' E009°05.491'
1.8km from lake Como.
€2/hr; Pay at machine
3 designated motorhome bays with Service Point in section of car park. 4 elec points, pay per Kwh.
Designated motorhome parking - Orta San Giulio
N45°47.859' E008°24.896'
€5/hrs; €20/24hrs midnight-midnight
10 designated camper bays on outskirts of Pretty Village.
See Borgomanero below.
Area Sosta Camper - Lecco
N45°49.861' E009°24.494'
3.5km to Lake Como and Lecco ferry stop.
Free; Max 72hrs
15 designated motorhome bays and Service Point in section of car park also used by HGVs. Overlooking road to Lago di Garlate. Cycle path through lakeside park.
Motorhome Aire Premosello
N45°59.694' E008°19.890' 11km from Lago di Mergozzo.
Free
Pleasant, large parking area with Service Point in the foothills of the Alps.
Area Sosta Camper Borgomanero
N45°41.646' E008°27.390'
Free; Max 48hrs
Designated parking for 3 motorhomes and Service Point in segregated area of car park. Service Point and 4 electric points pay by card. Train station 1.2km, with trains to Orta S Giulio on Lago di Orta and Arona on Lake Maggiore.
7 Day Campervan Road Trip
This blog was created as a part of our 7 day road trip. View our road trip blog here