Stresa Holidays

Stresa holidays whisk you away to a shoreline of villas and palm tree-lined promenades, all overlooking the Borromean Islands.

Lost in the lanes

Tucked between Italy's lofty mountains and sparkling waters, lovely Stresa's a pretty picture of tapered cobblestone streets and iron-barred balconies. Brimming with cafés, boutiques and pizzerias, there are plenty of lanes to travel and shops to get lost in. Literature lovers will appreciate the Grand Hotel, a past favourite of Ernest Hemingway.

Splendour on display

Stresa's majestic Art Nouveau villas stand proudly along the lakefront promenade. Add the indulgent palaces and colourful terraced gardens of the Borromean Islands just across the lake, and you'll start to think you're a noble returning to your summer residence.

Further afield

If you fancy a shopping trip to sophisticated Milan or seeing the sights on the western side of Lake Maggiore, Stresa's train station is at the ready. You can also take a ferry to the Borromean Islands or elegant Pallanza on the opposite side of the bay.

Out and about

Here are some ideas of things to do when staying in Stresa:

• Boat trips
• Botanical gardens
• Rooftop bars
• Mountain lifts

At a glance

Take the cable car for panoramic views of Lake Maggiore
Visit the opulent Borromeo Palace on Isola Bella
Marvel at 2,000 types of plants in Madre's botanical gardens

Destinations in Stresa

PLACES TO STAY IN Stresa

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The beach club

La Baia Rosa is Stresa’s public pool and beach club. There’s a small free beach area, where you can take your own towel and chair, and another with an entrance fee for the use of sun loungers, parasols, hot showers and changing cabins. There’s also a pool area, which you can pay an additional fee to use. Close by, there’s a snack bar and two restaurants where you can grab refreshments throughout the day.
Pebble beaches

In the centre of Stresa, opposite the Hotel Astoria and Hotel Regina Palace, there’s a small pebble beach that's free to the public. In some areas, sun loungers and parasols are available to rent, and roped-off swimming areas are clearly marked. Nearby, there’s the Lido Blu and Caffe Bar Verbanella where you can get refreshments through the day.
The sandy shores of Feriolo

If you’re looking for a new beach to explore during your holiday, head to Feriolo. It’s two villages north of Stresa and has a large, peaceful sand beach. Sun loungers are not available to rent, so you’ll need to take something to lie on. The tiny town has several charming restaurants along the lakefront, too, for an afternoon wander and a spritz.

Bargain Buys

The Stresa market is not to be missed. It runs every Friday until 1pm, in Piazza Capucci in the centre of the town. You’ll find everything from clothing and souvenirs, to leather goods and local art and crafts. The market moves from town to town around the lake each day, so if Friday isn’t good for you, try a nearby town on another day.
Mid-Range Buys

Stresa has many boutiques as well as chain stores, too. You can buy clothing, jewellery and books, and visit the deli shops to try meats and cheeses. In Gravellona Toce, 8km from Stresa, there are two large shopping centres. The centres are opposite one another and have shops selling jewellery, electronics, clothing, sportswear and much more. Gravellona Toce also has several large supermarkets.
Designer Buys

Some shops and boutiques in the area sell some designer products, but if you’re really looking to treat yourself, take a trip to the fashion capital of Europe – Milan. It’s just 1 hour 10 minutes by train from Stresa train station. Brands such as Gucci, Prada and Versace are just the start of what’s on offer, lining the city’s glitzy shopping streets.

Laid-back evenings

For a more relaxed evening, make your way to one of the best panoramic viewpoints of Stresa – the rooftop Sky Bar in Hotel La Palma. Grab a drink, sit back and admire the stunning views. If you prefer your feet on the ground, treat yourself to an ice cream from L'Angolo del Gelato in the main piazza and take a stroll along the promenade.
Lively evenings

Every Thursday and Saturday from June onwards, head to the lakefront restaurant Verbanella for evening entertainment. From around 8pm, people from all around come to watch live jazz and blues music. Free concerts and events take place throughout the summer, sometimes with firework displays out on the lake, too.

Eating out

Stresa’s lakeside promenade is lined with bars and cafés, which have wonderful views of the Borromean Islands. However, you’ll find cheaper and more traditional restaurants if you head into the backstreets and piazzas. Definitely try some mussiltini – lake fish often served with pasta – if you want to eat like a local.
Pizza with a personal twist at Mamma Mia

In the backstreets of Stresa, you’ll find Ristorante Pizzeria Mamma Mia, serving Italian cuisine at pretty reasonable prices. The staff are really attentive and, if your favourite pizza isn’t on the menu, they’re happy to accommodate your own choice of toppings.
Quieter fine-dining at Il Vicoletto

For a fine dining experience, Il Vicoletto should be on your list. You'll find it in the quieter streets of Stresa, set back off the main road. This restaurant is highly regarded for its extensive menu, helpful staff and freshly prepared dishes. It's a little pricier but worth it, and we recommend you book in advance.
A family touch at Caffé Torino

Serving food in Stresa since 1904, Caffé Torino is perfectly placed in the centre of town. It has a large outdoor seating area and a great selection of typical Italian cuisine, including pizzas, pastas, meat, fish and vegetarian dishes.

SIMILAR DESTINATIONS

Where we go in Stresa

Hotel Regina Palace

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Hotel Milan Speranza Au Lac

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Hotel Grand Bristol

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Hotel Astoria

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Hotel Flora

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Hotel Grand Des Iles Borromees

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Hotel Boston

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Hotel La Palma

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Hotel Lido La Perla Nera

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Hotel Della Torre

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Stresa Holidays

Lost in the lanes

Splendour on display

Further afield

Out and about

At a glance

Destinations in Stresa

PLACES TO STAY IN Stresa

Top things to See and Do in Stresa

The beach club

Pebble beaches

The sandy shores of Feriolo

Bargain Buys

Mid-Range Buys

Designer Buys

Laid-back evenings

Lively evenings

Eating out

Pizza with a personal twist at Mamma Mia

Quieter fine-dining at Il Vicoletto

A family touch at Caffé Torino

SIMILAR DESTINATIONS

Where we go in Stresa

Hotel Regina Palace

Hotel Milan Speranza Au Lac

Hotel Grand Bristol

Hotel Astoria

Hotel Flora

Hotel Grand Des Iles Borromees

Hotel Boston

Hotel La Palma

Hotel Lido La Perla Nera

Hotel Della Torre

Popular holidays

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