Stresa is a picturesque town overlooking Lake Maggiore , in a particularly suggestive position. It is also located near the Gulf of the scenic Borromean Islands and, thanks to the presence of lake waters, it enjoys a mild climate and landscape and architectural beauties that blend in a truly harmonious way. All this, and much more, make it an attractive destination for a large number of tourists who have frequented this little gem since the second half of the nineteenth century. The Lungolago di Stresa lends itself to relaxing walks: on one side the view of the lake, on the other the numerous historic residences and luxurious hotels in Art Nouveau style, surrounded by lush greenery.
If you are planning to visit it, here is a guide on Stresa : what to see, where to eat and what to do in the evening on the Piedmontese shores of Lake Maggiore.
What to see in Stresa
1 – Lungolago
The Lungolago di Stresa is a peaceful promenade flanked by the waters of Lake Maggiore on one side and by the Liberty-style villas on the other.
It is an orderly and particularly romantic path at sunset , full of flowers and particular views, to be tackled without haste, stopping every now and then on a bench so as not to miss a single detail of the landscape. On the lakeside there are also many bars and cafes where you can have a snack or a snack, for a sweet break.
- How to get there: on foot from the historic center, there is no city bus service but the location is small enough to be easily approached on foot – Get directions
- Hours: always accessible
- Ticket cost: free
2 – Funivia Stresa Mottarone
Stresa and Lake Maggiore are places of great charm, full of wonderful landscapes, especially when viewed from above.
Mottarone is one of the most beautiful natural balconies in Italy and in the world, from its summit you can enjoy a splendid view that includes the Po Valley, the summit of Monte Rosa and the seven lakes (Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta, Lake Mergozzo, Lake Varese, Lake Comabbio, Lake Monate and Lake Biandronno).
The Stresa-Alpino-Mottarone cableway leads from the “Lido” station of Stresa to the top of the mountain. Mottarone is also perfect for practicing outdoor sports : winter, trekking, paragliding and mountain biking,
- How to get there: starts from Piazzale Lido; reachable in 10 minutes on foot from the train station or the historic center – Get directions
- Timetables: departures every twenty minutes between 9:30 am and 5:40 pm. Times and departures often vary according to the days and the season, we advise you to consult the exact timetable based on the day on the official website
- Ticket price: full return cost € 17.00, reduced return ticket (4-12 years) € 8.50
- Recommended cards, tickets and tours: Stresa, Alps and Lake Maggiore: half day tour
3 – Parco Pallavicino
The Pallavicino Park extends for 18 hectares and is located on the lakefront of Stresa, towards Belgirate. The park includes flora and fauna, which coexist in harmony : over 50 species of mammals and birds are housed here, including some wild specimens saved by the forester. The special climatic conditions of the area also allow the botanical heritage to be particularly rich, a quality well shown in the Flower Garden.
The Villa that houses the park was born as a private residence in 1855, then transformed in 1956 by the Pallavicinos into a wildlife museum open to the public .
- How to get there: Via Sempione Sud 8; 800m walk from Stresa station – Get directions
- Hours: from 20 to 31 March and from 1 to 23 October from 9:00 to 16:00; from 1 April to 30 September from 9:00 to 17:30; from 24 October to 1 November from 9:00 to 15:30
- Ticket price: full € 11.00, reduced € 7.00
4 – Alpinia Botanical Garden
Located in Alpino, a hamlet located at 800 meters above sea level in the Municipality of Stresa, the Alpinia Botanical Garden is a real natural balcony that offers a beautiful panoramic view of Lake Maggiore in close contact with nature.
In its approximately 40,000 square meters, the Garden hosts over 100 different species of plants , most of them alpine but also from the Caucasus, China and Japan. In the garden there is also a source of natural water coming from the top of the Mottarone, very pure and refreshing especially in the summer months.
- How to get there: in via Alpina 22; from Stresa with the panoramic cable car (Lido di Carciano – Alpino – Mottarone) getting off at the intermediate stop in the Alpine area, or along the road that climbs to the top of Mottarone. By car from Stresa follow the road signs that lead to Gignese, at the traffic light in the village turn left and take the direction to Alpino, go all the way following the signs – Get directions
- Hours: every day from 9:30 to 18:00
- Ticket price: full € 4.00, reduced € 3.50
5 – Chiesa Sant’Ambrogio
Photo by MarkusMark. It is a religious building with a typical Greek cross plan, with a neoclassical facade, built in 1790 on a project by the abbot Giuseppe Zanoia da Omegna. The altar on the right houses the mortal remains of San Vitaliano martyr : in 260, just ten months and twenty-eight days, he was killed by the anti-Christian ferocity of the Romans. In 1833 Pope Gregory XVI agreed to transfer his remains from the Roman catacombs to the parish church of Stresa, where he has been venerated as protector of children since 1835. In this church, moreover, in August 1912, the funeral of Elizabeth of Saxony
was celebrated in the presence of Queen Margaret., Duchess of Genoa, who had lived in Stresa for fifty-five years.
- How to get there: via Principessa Margherita 1; a 10 minute walk from Stresa train station – Get directions
- Hours: from 8:30 to 20:00
- Ticket cost: free
6 – Isole Borromee
An archipelago of lakeside islands rich in flora and fauna, the Borromean Islands were also loved by Ernest Hemingway and the royals of England . The archipelago consists of Isola Bella, with the seventeenth-century Palazzo Borromeo and its spectacular gardens, Isola dei Pescatori, Isola Madre with a splendid botanical garden full of rare plants, the Isolino di San Giovanni and the rock of the Marghera.
The islands are named after one of the noble families(the Borromeo) who chose Lake Maggiore as a favorite place for their holiday. They therefore had villas with magnificent gardens built, and still today they are the owners of Isola Bella, Isola Madre and the two castles of Cannero rocks. Isola Madre and Isola Bella can be visited every day, from the end of March to the end of October, through the Navigazione Lago Maggiore ferries.
- How to get there: by ferries Navigazione Lago Maggiore from Piazzale Lido – Get directions
- Timetables: departures are made approximately every half hour from 9:00 to 18:00
- Ticket price: the return fares departing from Stresa (Piazzale Lido) for groups of more than 6 adults are: Isola Bella € 6.00, Isola Pescatori € 8.00, Isola Madre € 11.00, Isola Bella and Fishermen € 10.00, Isola Bella, Madre and Pescatori € 13.00
- Recommended cards, tickets and tours: Borromean Islands: hop-on hop-off boat tour from Stresa From Stresa: private boat tour of the Borromean Islands
7 – Villa Ducale
This is the oldest stately home in the town , in fact there is evidence of its existence as early as 1771. Built by the Bolongaro family of Stresa on the lakefront, it was inherited by the last descendant of the family to the philosopher Antonio Rosmini in 1848 , who lived there in the last years of his life, also hosting Alessandro Manzoni. The Villa was later the favorite vacation spot of Princess Elisabeth of Saxony , wife of Ferdinand, Duke of Genoa and second son of King Carlo Alberto.
The park of the villa, the museum and Antonio Rosmini’s room can be visited every day, except Saturdays and Sundays, from 9:00 to 11:45 and from 15:00 to 17; 0045.
- How to get there: Corso Umberto I 15; on the Lungolago promenade, a ten minute walk from the train station – Get directions
- Hours: Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 12:00 and from 15:00 to 18:00
- Ticket cost: free
8 – Historic
center The historic center of Stresa is small, cozy but well cared for and tidy. Piazza Cadorna is one of the main meeting places for citizens and tourists, it overlooks numerous commercial activities such as local craft shops, shops with typical products, ice cream parlors and restaurants.
This square is also an excellent starting point for exploring the narrow streets of the historic center, which offer postcard views with their decorated houses and small characteristic arches.
- How to get there: 5 minutes walk from the train station – Get directions
- Hours: always accessible
- Ticket cost: free
9 – Isola Bella
Although all the Borromean Islands deserve a visit, if you find yourself in the position of having to choose one, this is Isola Bella, the second largest in area (and 320 meters long and 180 wide) and almost entirely occupied by Palazzo Borromeo and its park .
Charles III Borromeo started construction work on the palace for his wife Isabella d’Adda in 1632, works that had to be interrupted towards the middle of the 17th century due to the spread of the plague in the Duchy of Milan. They resumed thanks to the sons of Charles III, Cardinal Giberto III but especially Vitaliano VI, who entrusted the completion of the works to the famous architect Carlo Fontana.
The palace is imposing, in Baroque style with Mannerist nuances and houses precious tapestries with Flemish tapestries. And the park, however, to steal the show, it is an Italian garden with ten terraces superimposed on a severed pyramid, statues, fountains, rare and exotic plants and flowers.
- How to get there: by ferries Navigazione Lago Maggiore from Piazzale Lido – Get directions
- Timetables: departures are made approximately every half hour from 9:00 to 18:00
- Ticket price: from Stresa Piazzale Lido for groups of more than 6 adults Isola Bella € 6.00, Isola Bella and Pescatori € 10.00, Isola Bella, Madre and Pescatori € 13.00
- Recommended cards, tickets and tours: Isola Bella: hop-on hop-off boat tour from Stresa
10 – Isola Madre
The Isola Madre is the largest of the Borromean Islands and is not inhabited . It is located in the center of the Borromean Gulf and is mainly occupied by gardens. These are, in fact, the main attraction of this island: they are some of the oldest botanical gardens in Italy , with a microclimate particularly favorable to the development of wisteria, rare subtropical plants, exotic flowers and colorful birds including parrots, Chinese pheasants or peacocks.
The park is spread over several terraces, the visitor can also admire a bicentennial Kashmir cypress and a Jubaeae Spectabilis palmover 125 years of age. In addition to the gardens, there is a palace on the island with the famous Dolls Room, the Seasons Room and a room dedicated to the exhibition of ancient puppet theaters.
- How to get there: by ferries Navigazione Lago Maggiore from Piazzale Lido – Get directions
- Timetables: departures are made approximately every half hour from 9:00 to 18:00
- Ticket price: from Stresa Piazzale Lido for groups of more than 6 adults Isola Bella, Madre and Pescatori € 13.00
Stresa itinerary in one day
Stresa, on Lake Maggiore, is a small but interesting destination that can also be visited in one day . Start with breakfast at Cafe Savoy, with an average cost of € 4.00. Not far away is the Villa Ducale, get ready to take a real step back in time.
After visiting it , explore the historic center , starting from the Church of Sant’Ambrogio and passing through Piazza Cadorna, one of the main ones in the town.
For lunch, stop at Ristorante Trattoria “Stornello”, with an average cost of € 30.00.
After recovering your energy, enjoy a nice walk along the lakefrontuntil you get to Piazzale Lido. Here you can take the cable car and go to the top of Mottarone, stopping at the Alpinia Botanical Garden . From the top you will admire a truly incredible landscape! This activity will fill your afternoon (alternatively, you can choose to visit one or more Borromean Islands).
After the excursion on Mount Mottarone, go down with the cable car and enjoy the sunset over the lake! For dinner you can stop in Piazzale Lido and enjoy a lake view dinner at the L’idrovolante Cafe restaurant, with an average cost of € 20.00.
One day itinerary at a glance
- Breakfast at Cafe Savoy (average cost € 4.00)
- Villa Ducale – opening hours: from Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 12:00 and from 15:00 to 18:00 – ticket price: free
- Stresa historic center – opening hours: always accessible – ticket price: free
- Sant’Ambrogio Church – opening hours: from 8:30 to 20:00 – ticket price: free
- Piazza Cadorna – opening hours: always accessible: ticket price: free
- Lunch at the “Stornello” restaurant (average cost € 30.00)
- Promenade Lungolago – opening hours: always accessible: ticket price: free
- Mottarone cable car – timetables: departures every twenty minutes between 9:30 and 17:40 – ticket price: full return cost € 17.00, reduced return (4-12 years) € 8.50
- Alpine Botanical Garden – opening hours: from 9:30 to 18:00 – ticket price: full € 4.00, reduced € 3.50
- Dinner at L’Idrovolante Cafe Restaurant (average cost € 20.00)
Where to eat in Stresa
- Ristorante Trattoria “Stornello” : cuisine based on the use of local products or from the Ossola and Piedmontese valleys
Average price per person: € 30.00
Address and contacts: Via Cavour, 35 (Get directions) / tel: (+39) 0323 30444 - Il Vicoletto Restaurant : typical restaurant in the alleys of the historic center with traditional home cooking
Average price per person: € 32.00
Address and contacts: Vicolo del Pocivo, 3 (Get directions) / tel: (+39) 0323 932102 - L’Idrovolante Cafe : lake view restaurant with meat and fish specialties, also available to dine on the outdoor terrace
Average price per person: € 25.00
Address and contacts: Piazzale Lido, 6 (Get directions) / tel: ( +39) 0323 934475
What to do in the evening: nightlife areas and the best clubs
Stresa’s nightlife reflects the elegance and tranquility of the tourist resort of Lake Maggiore. Most of the nightclubs are located in the very small historic center but also in the lakeside area. The fun in Stresa begins at aperitif time, one of the most awaited moments of the day, especially in high season.
- Sky Bar Stresa : located inside the 4-star Hotel La Palma and is the most fashionable and trendy place in Stresa, with its panoramic terrace / Address: Via Duchessa di Genova, 1 (Get directions) / Facebook page
- Lov Lounge Beach : directly overlooking the lake, has a solarium and mini golf, organizes happy hours with DJ sets / Address: Via Sempione Sud, 3 (Get directions) / Facebook page
- Al Buscion : wine, beers and cocktails accompanied by local meats and cheeses of the highest quality, tastings of fine wines and local products / Address: Via Principessa Margherita, 18 (Get directions) / Facebook page
Plan your stay in Stresa: info and useful tips
- How to get there: by car from Milan on the A8 motorway towards Laghi-Sesto Calende-Varese, then the A26 motorway towards Gravellona Toce up to the Carpugnino exit. In Carpugnino follow the signs for Stresa. By train 21 daily trains depart from Milan with a stop in Stresa, with destination Domossola or Geneva / Basel. By bus 2 daily buses leave from Lampugnano underground station to Stresa
- Getting around : the best way to get around Stresa is on foot, taking the cable car to Mottarone or the boats to the Borromean Islands. There is no city bus service
- Where to park : near the lakefront all parking lots are paid at a cost of € 1.50 per hour, € 12.50 all day
- Where to sleep: hotels and b & b from € 67.00 per room – see the offers
- What to see in the surrounding area : Arona (17.4 km), Orta San Giulio (45.5 km), Hermitage of Santa Caterina (49.2 km), Cannobio (99.3 km)