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The famous town of Stresa (Italy, 5000 inhabitants, 200 m above sea level) enjoys a splendid location on Lake Maggiore in the Gulf of Borromeo, where it overlooks the eponymous islands, the main attraction in the region.
- Where Is Stresa Italy?
- Stresa’S History
- Why Visit Stresa?
- When to Visit Stresa
- My Favorite Things to Do in and Around Stresa
- Best Restaurants in Stresa Italy
- Hotels in Stresa Italy
- How to Get to Stresa
- Nearby Towns and Attractions
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Stresa is on Lake Mggiore in the Piemonte(Piedmont) region in Northern Italy. It is around an hour and 20 minutes from Milan by car (though just an hour by train) and less than an hour from the border with Switzerland. Stresa is really close to the beautiful and tiny Lake Orta (30 minutes by car), to peaceful Lake Mergozzo (20 mins away) and a bit ...
The Borromeo Family Develops Stresa
In the Middle Ages, this small village was inhabited mainly by fishermen and was the territory of one of Italy’s most important ruling families, the Visconti. Later came the wealthy and powerful Borromeo family and by the 16th century, they were developing the islands and adding many of Stresa’s amazing buildings that make it such a tourist attraction. The Borromeo family is still very much present in the town’s life today.
Stresa Welcomes Tourists
Stresa really began to be known as a tourist destination worldwide from the 19th century onwards. The wealthy British upper class enjoyed Stresa as a rest stop on their ‘Grand Tour’ after visiting the wonders of Rome, Florence, and Venice and before heading on to Switzerland. They were drawn by the temperate climate, gorgeous gardens, stunning villas and palaces, the tranquility of Lake Maggiore, and the surrounding snow-covered mountains that beckoned them toward the Alps.
Stresa’s Famous Visitors
As well as the Italian aristocracy, who built their magnificent residences there to escape from the heat of the cities, Stresa had a string of famous international visitors. Charles Dickensfound the Borromean islands and especially the fanciful palace on Isola Bella, overwhelming: “However fantastic and wonderful Isola Bella may be and is, it is nevertheless beautiful,” he commented. Which is a kind of contorted way of saying that he found it all a bit much but amazing nevertheless! Gustav Fl...
The main draw in Stresa is undoubtedly the Borromean islands: Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori. Each island has its own unique character and all three are a short boat ride from Stresa and can be visited over one or two days. Isola Bella and Isola Madreare owned by the Borromeo, still a prominent noble family in Italy.
Like lots of places in Italy (and in Europe as a whole) the best time to visit Stresa is in the spring and fall. In May and September, there are fewer tourists than in June, July and August. May can be a rainy month, but the payoff is the incredible flowers in bloom (especially azaleas!) Mid-September through Octoberhas cooler evenings but fantasti...
Visit the Islands
You can’t visit Stresa and miss a trip to at least one of the islands. If you only have time for one, visit Isola Bella!
Have an Aperitivo
There are a wealth of bars and outdoor cafés where you can enjoy an al fresco aperitivo. If you want a lakeside terrace, try La Verbanella, otherwise Il Gato Negro and Paulon Divino Caffè offer a courtyard garden and outdoor seating. For a great view over the lake (especially by night) try the rooftop Skybar of Hotel La Palma. Cin cin!
Go For a Stroll
Take a passeggiata (stroll) on the lungolago, or lakefront promenade. There is a pedestrian walkway beside the lake where you can walk with a great view of the islands and Stresa’s grand hotels and villas.
Stresa has all sorts of places to eat, from simple pizzerias and sandwich joints to elegant restaurants serving fresh lake fish. Best for Families – If I’m with kids, especially fussy eaters, I’ll usually take them to Il Papagallo Pizzeria, which has a lovely vine-covered courtyard, or sit outdoors and watch the world go by at Caffè Torino in Stres...
5-Star Hotels
1. Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees– historic hotel. Part of Ernest Hemingway’s novel “Farewell to Arms” takes place here and they even have a Hemingway suite! 2. Villa Aminta– one of the Leading Hotels of the World, with a private lakefront beach. Set slightly outside the town of Stresa but offers a shuttle service into town.
4-Star Hotels
1. Hotel La Palma– a modern hotel with a great rooftop bar and a lakefront swimming pool. 2. Regina Palace – a Belle Epoquestyle hotel near the lake in the center of Stresa.
3-Star Hotels
1. Hotel Primavera– simple hotel in a great location with a very good restaurant (Lo Stornello) attached. 2. Hotel Sempione– a brand-new hotel on the lakefront with a great rooftop bar. The owner, Daniela, really goes out of her way for guests. Check out our general guide to Accommodations in Italy
Car
If you’ve got a rental car (and your International Driving Permit!), you can head to the area on the A26 highway from Milan – take the Stresa/Baveno exit. Or, take the Carpugnino exit and have a spectacularly scenic, if windy and narrow, car ridedownhill into Stresa. The main car park in Stresa is Piazza Marconi (boat dock). You can also find parking near the conference center or free parking at the train station. These car parks get busy in summer, but if you’re prepared to walk just a few m...
Plane
By far the closest and most convenient airport is northern Italy’s largest – Milan Malpensa (MXP). Malpensa Airport is a 50-minute drive from Stresa.
Ferry
It depends where you’re coming from, but ferries on Lake Maggiore can be slow and somewhat infrequent. They’re not the most efficient way to travel, unless of course you’re visiting other towns on the lake (like Verbania-Intra, which has a regular ferry service to Stresa) or you want to just sit back and enjoy the views from the water. All information on sailing times and destinations on Lake Maggiore can be found on the Lago Maggiore ferry website.
I hope you have a lovely time in Stresa! First time to Italy? 10th? Either way, you’ll want to check out our 200+ Essential Italy Travel Tips!
Learn about the history, attractions and tips of Stresa, a charming town on Lake Maggiore in Piedmont. Discover the Borromean islands, the famous visitors, and the best time to visit.
- Clair Rogers
Stresa, Italy. Lake Maggiore—one of the largest lakes in Italy—is known for its Alpine splendor, and the resort town of Stresa is a perfectly elegant place to admire its beauty. A quick trip from Milan, the town features opulent villas, pretty piazzas, and the storied Grand Hotel. Read more.
The town of Stresa, founded in the 10th century, is about half way down the west coast of Lake Maggiore, is within the Piedmont region of Italy (the eastern side of the lake is within the Lombardy region) and the principal resort for visitors to the lake.
Stresa Italy Lake Maggiore - Italy's breathtaking beauty: Stresa Italy, Lake Maggiore in 8K The famous town of Stresa enjoys a splendid location on Lake Maggiore in the Gulf of Borromeo,...
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The beautiful town Stresa is located on the western side of Lake Maggiore, in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, in Piedmont and is one of the most beautiful and popular tourist destinations in northern Italy.
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Places to Visit in Stresa. Check out must-see sights and activities: Palazzo Borromeo, Park Pallavicino, Nature and Wildlife Tours, Churches & Cathedrals. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product. Build your trip.
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