Stresa

Stresa, Lake Maggiore, Italy

Stresa is the most popular resort on Lake Maggiore thanks to its wonderful lakeside position overlooking the Borromean Islands, its wide array of hotels and all set beneath the nearby alpine peaks.

ABOUT

View of Isola Bella from Stresa.
Copyright: stockitalia/alamy

Stresa is a picturesque town on the western shore of Lake Maggiore, in the Piedmont region of northern Italy.

Stresa is known for its Belle epoque charm, grand villas, and stunning lake views, it’s a popular destination for those seeking beauty, history, and tranquility.

The author Ernest Hemingway set part of his 1929 novel Farewell to Arms in the Grand Hotel des les Borromes.

The Borromean islands, Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori are all within easy reach od Stresa, with a regular boat service .

Things to see in Stresa

Villa Pallavicini, Stresa

Parma1983, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

THINGS TO SEE

Visit the Borromean Islands

Isola Bella: Home to the opulent Palazzo Borromeo
Isola Madre: A quieter island with exotic gardens and a historic palace
Isola dei Pescatori: A charming fishing village with narrow lanes and a more authentic, rustic atmosphere.

Villa Pallavicino Park
A 19th-century estate turned into a botanical garden and wildlife park, with peacocks, alpacas, and panoramic lake views – great for families.

Mount Mottarone
Take the Stresa Alpino Mottarone cable car (when operational) or drive to the summit for 360 degree views of the Alps and the lakes. Great for hiking in summer and skiing in winter.

Stresa Old Town
Wander cobbled streets, visit the Church of Sant’Ambrogio, browse boutique shops, enjoy gelato, and dine on the waterfront.

BORROMEAN ISLANDS

ISOLA BELLA

Home to the opulent Palazzo Borromeo and its spectacular Italianate gardens filled with fountains, statues, and peacocks.

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ISOLA MADRE

Isola Madre is the largest of the Borromean Islands, famous for its lush botanical gardens and 16th-century palazzo.

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ISOLA DEI PESCATORI

Isola dei Pescatori is inhabited year-round, with just a few dozen residents who continue the traditional fishing way of life

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LOCATION

Location

Stresa location on Lake Maggiore

Stresa is on the western banks of Lake Maggiore, almost opposite the town Verbania.

The town is well connected by the ss33 road and is close to the A26 autostrada/motorway network.

SPORT, WALKS & CYCLING

IN THE STRESA AREA

Image: OutdoorActive

WATERSPORTS

Water-skiing, boat rental and sea plane flights are available.

CYCLING

There are a number of road and mountain biking routes in the area, both easy and more demanding. For more information view the Komoot cycling page for Stresa here for road cycling and this page for mountain biking.

WALKS AND HIKES

Short, easy, hikes and longer ones around Stresa are listed on this Komoot hikes around Stresa page.

Information

FERRY INFORMATION

Stresa is connected to the rest of Lake Maggiore by the lake ferry service and with frequent trips to the Borromean Islands.

In summer, it is possible to travel all the way to Locarno in Switzerland from Stresa.

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Hotels

A selection of the most well-reviewed hotels in Stresa include the following

Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees & SPA

*****

This majestic property in Art Nouveau style includes indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a spa.

Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees & SPA offers elegant rooms with LCD TV and marble bathroom with spa bathtub. Some rooms have views of the grounds and the Alps, some overlook the lake and the islands.

The Grand Hotel’s spa center is complete with indoor swimming pool, hot tubs and saunas. Beauty treatments and massages are available.

The restaurant serves regional cuisine, and guests can dine on the terrace in summer. The hotel also has a stylish piano bar. Breakfast is a generous buffet, served daily.

REVIEWS

Magnificent hotel. Beautiful breakfast terrace and dining room.Gorgeous Hemingway bar. Fabulous indoor and outdoor pools and spa. Excellent massage.

Spectacular hotel. Spa is amazing. Facilities are clean and complete with all your needs. Breakfast choices are vast and buonissimo!

information from Booking.com

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Hotel La Palma

****

Hotel La Palma enjoys picturesque views over Lake Maggiore. Located directly on the lakefront, it is surrounded by a garden and provides free parking.

With classic decor and wooden floors, rooms offer free WiFi, an LCD TV with satellite channels and a balcony. Many rooms include multi-functional shower and many overlook the lake and Borromean Islands.

The hotel features a swimming pool right by the lake, and a panoramic terrace with Sky bar and a large hot tub.

On the 6th floor you can find a fitness area and the free wellness center, including a sauna, Turkish bath and salt cave, as well as sensory showers and a relaxation area.

REVIEWS

Fabulous location and facilities, great staff. The infinity pool looking over the lake is stunning.

Beautiful swimming pools (near the lake and on the roof) with wonderful views. Nice room. Tasty breakfast. Professional and smiling staff at the reception and nice cleaning ladies.

The hotel and the town of Stresa far exceeded our expectations. We will definitely be back.

information from Booking.com

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Sempione Boutique Hotel

****

Sempione Boutique Hotel in Stresa offers a 4-star experience with a sun terrace, bar, and free WiFi. Guests enjoy private check-in and check-out services, a lounge, and a elevator.

Rooms feature air-conditioning, private bathrooms with walk-in showers, tea and coffee makers, and free toiletries. Additional amenities include balconies with lake views, sofa beds, and mini-bars.

This hotel has high guest ratings.

REVIEWS

From the moment we checked in we felt completely at home! Wonderful attentive Staff, nothing was too much trouble. Wonderful location and the rooftop terrace is beyond beautiful.

Really smart, clean, peaceful hotel. Lovely rooms with balconies. Brilliant breakfasts on their roof terrace with unbeatable views of the lake and nearby islands. Super friendly staff.

Lovely terrace, lovely people, comfortable room, great breakfast. Lifetime best stay in Italy.

This boutique hotel has everything! Rooftop terrace to have breakfast or to enjoy an Aperitif. Everyone was extremely nice and will do anything for you to make your stay enjoyable. Location was perfect for a stroll along the lake or to catch a ferry to the islands.

information from Booking.com

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