Stresa

Travel Guide

Stresa showing a small town or village, a sunset and a river or creek
Borromeo Palace and Garden showing a small town or village, heritage elements and a river or creek
Stresa which includes a river or creek and a small town or village
Stresa featuring a park and wildflowers
Funivia Stresa-Alpino-Mottarone showing rides and tranquil scenes

Be charmed by this beautiful lakeside town filled with architecture, history and botany. Venture to offshore islands, appreciate the tranquility and enjoy the views.

Wander along the shoreline of Stresa and be transported to a bygone age. Soak up the belle époque atmosphere and admire the luxury villas and art nouveau mansions. The town is an upscale place, where you can sip wine in outdoor cafés, dine in excellent restaurants or discover some of the region’s most stunning views.

Stresa is located on Lake Maggiore along the Gulf of Borromeo. In this charmingly pretty town a long promenade offers lake views. A maze of cobbled streets forms the old center and breathtaking countryside envelops it all. Begin by wandering through the town and observing local activities. Stop for coffee in little squares such as Piazza Cadorna.

Few people visit Stresa without making the trip to the Borromean Islands. The three islands of Bella, Madre and Isola dei Pescatori are a treasure trove of botanical gardens, palaces and old fishing villages.

Take the cable car up Mount Mottarone, which rises behind Stresa. Stop at the midway point to wander around the stunning Alpinia Botanical Gardens, where over 1,000 alpine and subalpine plant species create a magical garden with a view. Continue to the very top of the mountain to experience one of the region’s most staggering 360-degree vistas. In addition to viewing the Borromean Islands, gaze across the Alps and see seven distinct lakes.

Just over 1 mile (2 kilometers) from Stresa is the 19th-century palace Villa Pallavicino, with a huge park and zoo. Watch zebras, kangaroos and black swans amid lush landscaped gardens. Bring your camera for the wonderful views here too.

Stresa is located 30 miles (50 kilometers) from Milan Malpensa Airport, 60 miles (100 kilometers) from Milan Linate Airport and 80 miles (130 kilometers) from Milan Bergamo Airport. A train line runs directly from Milan to Stresa. Get around the town on foot or hop in a taxi. Alternatively, ferry across the lake to other top sights and towns.

Grand Hotel Bristol
Grand Hotel Bristol
4 out of 5
C.so Umberto I, 73, Stresa, VB
$203 nightly
The price is $230 total per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
$230 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star golf hotel in Stresa. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (507 reviews)
"Wonderful views and"

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2025

Grand Hotel Bristol
Hotel La Palma
Hotel La Palma
4 out of 5
Corso Umberto I, 33, Stresa, VB
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$267 nightly
The price is $300 total per night from Jul 15 to Jul 16
$300 total
Jul 15 - Jul 16
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Stresa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (790 reviews)
"Nice hotel with excellent staff"

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Hotel La Palma
Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees
Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees
5 out of 5
Corso Umberto I, 67, Stresa, VB
$284 nightly
The price is $321 total per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
$321 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Stresa. Enjoy free WiFi, free valet parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (987 reviews)
"Great location. Wonderful breakfast. Helpful staff. Incredibly decorated. Deluxe. Fantastic view of the lake and the 3 islands."

Reviewed on Jun 25, 2025

Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Villa Valesca
Villa Valesca
Via Sempione Nord 7, Stresa, VB
Stay at this aparthotel in Stresa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Villa La Palazzola and Carciano Ferry Terminal ...
Villa Valesca
Detached villa with wonderful views of Lake Maggiore
Detached villa with wonderful views of Lake Maggiore
Stresa
Book a stay at this golf vacation home in Stresa. Enjoy a beach locale, a water park, and a garden. Popular attractions Villa Pallavicino Park and Stresa Ferry ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (102 reviews)
"This was such a lovely place with breathtaking panoramic views. It has a serenity that is welcoming after a day of touring. It is a perfect location and excellent for taking day trips to Lake Orta, Switzerland, Lake Como, etc. Everything you need is available and the hostess, Gabriella, is delightful. ..."

Reviewed on Jun 6, 2025

Detached villa with wonderful views of Lake Maggiore
Between lake and sky. A romantic and elegant nest with an enchanting view
Between lake and sky. A romantic and elegant nest with an enchanting view
STRESA
Book a stay at this family-friendly apartment in Stresa. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Villa La Palazzola and Carciano ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (61 reviews)
Stunning views
"Laura is an excellent host, friendly, helpful and informative and speaks good English. The property has stunning views of lakes and mountains from inside and the balcony. It is mostly nicely decorated and well equipped. There is occasional noise from trains and other apartments, but this wasn't a ..."

Reviewed on May 12, 2025

Between lake and sky. A romantic and elegant nest with an enchanting view
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Stresa

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
20
5 - Excellent 77%
4 - Good
5
4 - Good 19%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

This is an excellent base for exploring Lake Maggiore. Easy to take the ferries to islands and towns along the lake. Less than an hour to return a car to Milan airport. Take the train to Locarno Switzerland and return by boat if you have a full day.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Nice Lungo Lago with gorgeous views of the Lake, Isola Bella and the mountains.

5/5 - Excellent

AshrafSamir

A great place for a relaxed vacation of 4-6 days

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

It's a very special place this was my 4th visit; I'll be back..

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful little town! All Italian!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Great for a close weekend of sun, water and good Italian food/wine.

Cities near Stresa