VAN-COMPARATOR Guide
The Italian lakes by campervan from Milan: Como, Maggiore and Orta
Rent a campervan in Milan for the lakes route: which shores to pick, motorhome stopovers, the narrow-road traps of Lake Como, and real costs.
Milan is southern Europe's best base for a lakes tour by campervan: Como is 50 km away, Lake Maggiore 80 km, and little Lake Orta just beyond. Three very different moods in under 200 km.
Lake Como: gorgeous, but not for big rigs
The western shore (Como–Menaggio) is narrow, with stretches carved into the rock: beyond 6 m, driving becomes a workout. In a compact van or a mini-camper (€45–90/day), it is a delight. Sleep around Colico or Domaso at the north end of the lake, where the campsites and stopovers with a view are concentrated.
Lake Maggiore: the easiest driving
Wide roads, plenty of stopovers between Stresa and Verbania, and the ferry pier for the Borromean Islands steps from the parking areas. This is the best leg for a semi-integrated or A-class motorhome. The Swiss shore (Locarno) is 40 minutes away: remember the motorway vignette (about CHF 40) if you cross the border.
Lake Orta: the quiet finale
Little known to foreign visitors, Orta San Giulio is a half-day visit from the mixed car park above the village. Ideal for the last night before returning the van in Milan, with time for an espresso on the lakefront square before the drive back.
What it costs
- Campervan in Milan: €85–130/day in summer on Yescapa, Goboony, Roadsurfer or Indie Campers; compare — gaps often exceed €25 a day for equivalent models.
- Italian stopovers ("aree di sosta"): €10–25 a night, usually with services.
- A 4–5 day loop: about 350 km, €60–80 of fuel.
Watch out for the ZTL (limited traffic zones) in Milan and Como: pick up and return the van on the outskirts, never in a historic centre. Our motorhome stopovers guide explains how Italian-style aree di sosta work. Best window: May–June and September, when the shores empty out and daily rates slip back under €100.