Stresa—an elegant resort on Lake Maggiore that you'll fall in love with

Whether you come here for a long weekend or as part of a sightseeing vacation on Lake Maggiore, Stresa will enchant you with its atmosphere.

Stresa is one of the most prestigious resorts on Lake Maggiore. Elegant historic hotels, well-maintained promenades lined with palm trees, and cafés overlooking the lake and the surrounding mountains create a unique setting that feels both peaceful and vibrant.

Another major advantage is its excellent location. From Stresa, you can easily reach the famous Borromean Islands, take a cable car up into the mountains, or visit other towns around the lake.

What to See in Stresa

The lakeside promenade

One of the most beautiful spots is the several-kilometer-long promenade running along the shore of Lake Maggiore. It offers magnificent views of the lake, the islands, and the surrounding Alpine peaks. You’ll find plenty of cafés, restaurants, parks, and benches here where you can enjoy the true atmosphere of the Italian dolce vita.

In the evening, the promenade transforms into a popular spot for strolls, when the lake’s surface takes on the hues of the setting sun.

Historic Center

The center of Stresa itself consists of narrow streets, small squares, and shops selling souvenirs, fashion, and local specialties. There are also traditional pastry shops and restaurants where you can sample fresh fish from the lake or typical Piedmontese specialties.

Parco Pallavicino

On the southern edge of town, along the shore of Lake Maggiore toward Belgirate, lies Parco Pallavicino— a vast park covering about 20 hectares with a botanical garden and a zoo section home to more than 50 species of mammals and birds. Here you’ll find, for example, zebras, kangaroos, llamas, deer, and Tibetan goats. In addition, you’ll also find Villa Pallavicino, originally the private residence of the Pallavicino family, one of the most prominent Italian families of the 19th century.

Parco Pallavicino is part of the Terre Borromeo tourist circuit, along with Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Rocca di Angera.

The Borromean Islands—Stresa’s biggest attraction

Just a few minutes by boat from the harbor lie the famous Borromean Islands (Isole Borromee), which are among the most visited sites on Lake Maggiore.

The most famous of the islands is Isola Bella, home to the Borromeo family’s magnificent Baroque palace. The grounds feature stunning terraced gardens filled with exotic plants, statues, fountains, and white peacocks roaming freely.

In contrast to the opulent Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori has retained its original fishing village character. Narrow streets, small restaurants right on the water, and a peaceful atmosphere make it the ideal spot for lunch or a romantic stroll.

The largest of the islands is Isola Madre, known primarily for its botanical garden with a wealth of exotic trees, flowers, and rare plants. Thanks to its mild climate, species from all over the world thrive here.

Take the cable car up to Monte Mottarone

Nature lovers shouldn’t miss a trip to Monte Mottarone. This mountain, nearly 1,500 meters high, offers panoramic views not only of Lake Maggiore but, on a clear day, also of several other Alpine lakes and the peaks of the Alps. You can reach the summit by car or via hiking trails. The area is also popular among cyclists.

Beaches and Swimming

Although Stresa isn’t a typical beach resort, it offers several well-maintained swimming spots. Both the pebble and grassy beaches have a gentle slope into the water, and thanks to the lake’s clean waters, they’re suitable for families with children. During the summer months, you can rent a paddleboard, kayak, or motorboat to explore the beauty of Lake Maggiore directly from the water.

What to Try

Piedmontese cuisine is among the best in all of Italy. In Stresa, be sure to try fresh fish from Lake Maggiore, homemade pasta, risotto, local cheeses, the dessert panna cotta, and traditional Piedmontese wines.

In addition, many restaurants offer the chance to enjoy dinner with a direct view of the lake.

Tips for Day Trips from Stresa

If you’re spending several days in Stresa, there are plenty of interesting day trips to take:

• visit the town of Verbania and its botanical garden, Villa Taranto,

• take a trip to the town of Baveno,

• take a boat tour across the entire Lake Maggiore,

• visit Locarno, Switzerland,

• explore the mountain villages in the surrounding area.

When is the best time to visit Stresa?

The most beautiful time of year is from April to October. Spring entices visitors with the blooming gardens of the Borromean Islands and pleasant temperatures. Summer is ideal for swimming, boat rides on the lake, and evening strolls. Fall offers a more peaceful atmosphere, colorful scenery, and great conditions for excursions.

Practical Information

Stresa is located approximately 90 kilometers from Milan and is easily accessible by car or train. Thanks to regular boat service, it’s an ideal starting point for exploring the entire Lake Maggiore.

Few places can combine the beauty of a lake, a historic atmosphere, magnificent gardens, and views of the Alps quite like Stresa. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway for two, relaxation by the water, or an active exploration of northern Italy, you’ll find it all right here in one place.