Stresa
The town of Stresa is considered the pearl of Lake Maggiore. Not by chance, in such a narrow area you can admire many different types of territory, able to satisfy the desires of all tourists: Stresa is very unique: it is characterized by stretches of coastline, insular parts, hilly and mountain sections.
The town overlooks Lake Maggiore near the gulf, where are located the three spectacular Borromean Islands (Isola Madre, Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori). The mountain section includes the ski resort of Mottarone, the alpine pastures below the eastern slope of the mountain and the Alpinia Botanical Garden.
Stresa city center is characterized by little and stretch streets, where you can taste a special artisan ice-cream in a historical café or buy typical products in the shops.
Stresa lakefront, ideal for long relaxing walks, is lined with rows of palm trees that accompany the shores of the lake; on the other side, you can admire the historical residences and the lush Art Nouveau hotels surrounded by greenery.
All these peculiarities, together with the sweetness of the climate and the beauty of the landscape and the architecture here harmoniously fused, attract every year thousands of tourists and make the locality one of the most popular Italian destinations.
Isola Madre
The navigation service Isole Lago Maggiore has in Stresa the operating base from where all the lake excursions depart.
It is also known for the Palazzo Borromeo, a splendid architectural example of Italian culture. From the large windows, you can see the whole panorama of the gulf, a view that, like few others, fills the eyes and the heart of the visitor.
Isola Bella
Isola Bella, the essence of the Baroque, combines art, history, botany, food and wine and shopping. On this island, you can see all the beauty of nature, in some ways almost uncontaminated and genuine.
The Teatro Massimo is the most important monument of the garden of Isola Bella. Statues, obelisks and fountains integrate perfectly with the vegetation of the ten spectacular terraces that form a truncated pyramid, on whose top stands the statue of the Unicorn, heraldic symbol of the Borromeo family.
Isola dei Pescatori
The Isola Superiore, also called Isola dei Pescatori, with its little more than 300 meters long and about 100 meters wide, boasts the charm of a typical fishing village.
The Isola dei Pescatori is the only one island of the Borromee archipelago that is stably populated by a small group of fifty people. The village is characterized by a small square enclosed by narrow and winding alleys leading to the promenade. The patron saint of the island is San Vittore to which the parish church is dedicated. On August 15th, during the procession, the statue of the patron saint is traditionally transported by boat around the islands.
Villa Pallavicino
Villa Pallavicino, with its 18 hectares of park is the place where the botanical and fauna wealth live in harmony. It is an oasis of peace for visitors but especially for the 50 species of mammals and birds that live here along with some wild specimens.
Rocca di Angera
A unique example of an entirely preserved medieval fortress, the Rocca di Angera stands majestically on a spur of rock that dominates the Lombard shore of Lake Maggiore, in a strategic position for military control. Today it houses the Doll and Toy Museum, the largest in Europe.
Mottarone
From Stresa Lido you climb up to the peak of Mottarone (1492m), from where you can enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree view of the surrounding area. From the Maritime Alps to the Monte Rosa massif, from the imposing Swiss peaks to the Po Valley and the seven lakes: Maggiore, d’Orta, Mergozzo, Varese, Comabbio, Monate, Biandronno.
The mountain is frequented all year round by those who love nature. The countless trails and trails, on foot, by bike or on horseback, make this an ideal place for a day trip in the name of the open area and the typical flavors of the mountain. In winter the Mottarone Park offers ski and snowboard slopes.
Arona
Easy to reach from Stresa, Arona is a picturesque town on the shores of Lake Maggiore, known for its lakeside promenade and its narrow pedestrian streets, where people love to go shopping and stroll on sunny days enjoying an artisan ice cream.
Above Arona you can visit the statue of Saint Charles Borromeo – commonly called San Carlone – is the second highest statue in the world (after the Statue of Liberty in New York).
Another panoramic visit not to be missed, is the Rocca di Arona where you can enjoy the splendid panoramic view of the lakes of the territory.
About half an hour’s drive from Arona you can reach the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso which is without doubt one of the most evocative scenarios of Lake Maggiore.
Orta San Giulio
Time seems to have stopped in Orta and in San Giulio Island: looking towards the lake, the medieval charm of Orta is added to the charm of the enchanted island of San Giulio, the home of the Basilica and the cloistered Benedictine monastery that emerges between water and heaven.
Milan
About an hour ride away from Stresa you can reach Milan, the world capital of fashion and design.
Among the main attractions: The Cathedral, the symbol of the city, in Gothic style and the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, which houses the fresco “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci, the Teatro alla Scala, the Castello Sforzesco.
For shopping lovers, the so-called «fashion district» concentrates the largest number of clothing stores of the most popular brands, ateliers and showrooms throughout the city.
Switzerland
Going north about a hundred km from Stresa you can cross the Italian borders to visit the most beautiful cities in Switzerland. Among the most characteristic and nearby are: Lugano, Locarno and Bellinzona.
Food & Wine
Not only artistic, natural and scenic beauties will accompany you on the tour to discover Stresa and its surroundings. This is in fact a territory to be enjoyed using all five senses, including the palate!
The main product of this area of Piedmont is certainly the rice that can be enjoyed here in all its many varieties. But also, charcuterie, honey, cheese and freshwater fish. To move on to dessert we include the famous biscuits of Novara, the Brutti ma Buoni biscuits, the Daisies from Stresa and much more.
Special mention should be made of the fine wines of the area: Nebbiolo, Vespolina and Uva Rara.
Shopping
About 60 km from Stresa you can go shopping at the outlet of Vicolungo, choosing from over 300 prestigious brands of Made in Italy and international fashion. 150 boutiques of women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, household items and wellness ideas.