Holidays
  • HOLIDAYS
    • View Holidays Homepage
    • Beach Holidays
      • Adults Only Holidays
      • All Inclusive
      • Beach
      • Family Holidays
      • Long-Haul Holidays
      • Luxury Holidays
      • Spa Holidays
      • Sports and Activity
      • View all beach holidays
    • Lapland
    • Villas
    • Weddings
  • hotel only
  • HOTEL ONLY
  • Deals
  • DEALS
    • View Deals Homepage
    • Summer Holiday Deals
      • Summer Holidays 2022
      • Summer Holidays 2023
      • School Holiday Deals
      • View All Summer Holiday Deals
    • Winter Holiday Deals
      • Winter Holidays 2022
      • Winter Holidays 2023
      • Christmas Holiday Deals
      • Easter Holiday Deals
      • View All Winter Holiday Deals
    • Last Minute Deals
    • Free Kids Place Finder
    • Destination Deals
      • Spain Holiday Deals
      • Greece Holiday Deals
      • Mexico Holiday Deals
      • View All Destination Deals
    • Holiday Type Deals
      • All Inclusive Holiday Deals
      • Luxury Holiday Deals
      • Family Holiday Deals
      • View All Holiday Deals
    • Discount Codes
  • Destinations
  • DESTINATIONS
    • View Destinations Homepage
    • Europe
      • Albania
      • Austria
      • Bulgaria
      • Croatia
      • Cyprus
      • Czech Republic
      • Denmark
      • Estonia
      • France
      • Germany
      • Gibraltar
      • Greece
      • Hungary
      • Iceland
      • Italy
      • Jersey
      • Lapland
      • Luxembourg
      • Malta
      • Monaco
      • Montenegro
      • Netherlands
      • North Macedonia
      • Norway
      • Poland
      • Portugal
      • Romania
      • Slovenia
      • Spain
      • Switzerland
      • Turkey
      • View All Europe Destinations
    • Central America
      • Costa Rica
      • Mexico
      • View All Central America Destinations
    • Africa
      • Cape Verde
      • Egypt
      • Gambia
      • Kenya
      • Mauritius
      • Morocco
      • Senegal
      • Seychelles
      • South Africa
      • Tanzania
      • Tunisia
      • View All Africa Destinations
    • Caribbean
      • Antigua
      • Aruba
      • Barbados
      • Cuba
      • Dominican Republic
      • Grenada
      • Jamaica
      • St Lucia
      • Trinidad And Tobago
      • View All Caribbean Destinations
    • North America
      • Canada
      • United States Of America
      • View All North America Destinations
    • Asia
      • China
      • India
      • Indonesia
      • Israel
      • Japan
      • Jordan
      • Maldives
      • Sri Lanka
      • Thailand
      • United Arab Emirates
      • Vietnam
      • View All Asia Destinations
    • Where’s hot when?
    • Popular Destinations
      • Algarve
      • Benidorm
      • Cancun
      • Crete
      • Dubai
      • Florida
      • Gran Canaria
      • Ibiza
      • Lanzarote
      • Madeira
      • Majorca
      • Tenerife
  • Extras
  • EXTRAS
  • TravelInformation
  • Travel Information
  • AccountAndBooking
logo
Shortlisted holidays
  • Shortlist( )
  • Travel Information
  • Account & Booking
  • HOLIDAYS
  • HOTEL ONLY
  • DEALS
  • DESTINATIONS
  • EXTRAS

HOLIDAY SEARCH
List
    See all destinations
    See departure airports for
    See what dates we fly to this route
    see what dates this destination is available
    Flexible by +/-3 days
    7 nights
    Clear search
    Child ages (on return date) Edit ages
    • Home
    • Destinations
    • Italy
    • Lake Maggiore
    • Stresa
    Share

    Stresa Holidays

    • Overview
    • Things To Do
    • Travel Advice
    • Show Gallery

    Holidays to Stresa combine all the natural beauty of a mountain valley escape with Italy's proud pastimes of wining, dining and shopping.

    Lost in the lanes

    When it comes to location, Stresa's got it made. Tucked between northern Italy's mighty mountains and the sparkling waters of Lake Maggiore, it's well-placed for adventure and unbeatable views. That's if you can tear yourself away from the traditional restaurants, wine bars and cobbled piazzas of town.

    The great outdoors

    You don't have to brave a brisk dip to explore the lake – ferries operate between Stresa and Pallanza, and it's worth the trip just to spy on those picturesque Borromean Islands.

    Sights near and far

    Stresa impresses with its own churches, statues and villas – and the nearby Borromean Islands have palaces to boot. If you really want to indulge in ancient history, hop on the train to Milan. This northern city's brimming with landmarks and museums, not to mention cosmopolitan eateries and trendy cocktail bars.

    Out and about

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

    • Boat trips
    • Botanical gardens
    • Rooftop bars

    Show more Show less

    At a glance

    • Marvel at grand villas by the lakeside
    • Sample a glass or two of the regional wines
    • Hop on a ferry across the bay to Pallanza

    Top things to See and Do in Stresa

    • BEACHES
    • SHOPPING
    • NIGHTLIFE
    • FOOD & DRINK
    • GETTING ABOUT
    • WALKING
    • 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 shops, 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.

    • On foot

      Stresa has a lovely lakeside promenade, with the blue waters on one side and a collection of grand hotels and villas on the other. The town is full of cobbled streets, so it may not be the best choice for those with walking difficulties.

    • Ferries

      Ferries run from Stresa to each of the neighbouring towns, the Borromean Islands, and across to places like Verbania on the other side of the lake. Daily Rover tickets can save you money if you’re island-hopping, and fast services are more expensive. Over 65s get discount from Monday to Friday with ID.

    • Trains

      Stresa, along with each of the towns down the west of Lake Maggiore has a railway station, which runs a local service around the lake. From Stresa, you can also catch the train straight to the cosmopolitan city of Milan (1-2 hours).

    • Buses

      The main bus stop is opposite the ferry port in Stresa. Buses run through each town, heading south to Arona and north to Verbania. Services are limited on Sundays and bank holidays.

    • Walking

      Nestled in the secluded Borromean Bay, overlooking the Borromean Islands, Stresa is perfect for pottering around during your holiday. The promenade stretches right along the front of town, and the maze-like cobbled streets are lined with traditional town houses. Just 13km south of Stresa is Meina, a laid-back village that's perfect for an afternoon of wandering. For a little variety, journey 2km to the quieter town of Baveno for a range of more challenging walks up to the town of Oltrefiume.

    • The Chestnut Route

      Head into the hillside behind Stresa and down to the commune of Belgirate, for a trek through the shaded trees, with views out across the lake. The well-signposted route can be completed in either direction, and ends with a gentle ferry trip back to Stresa. It'll take around three hours to complete the 11km trip, which is a moderate walk with a few steeper sections, so walking footwear is recommended.

    SIMILAR DESTINATIONS

    • Naples

    • Llucmajor

    • Achensee

    • Puerto del Carmen

    • Vila Baleira

    • Campofelice di Roccella

    • Boukari

    • Ixia

    • Santandria

    • Sunny Beach

    Where we go in  Stresa

    • Hotel Regina Palace

      PPPPP Plus
    • Hotel Milan Speranza Au Lac

      PPPPP Plus
    • Hotel Grand Bristol

      PPPPP Plus
    • Hotel Astoria

      PPPPP Plus
    • Hotel Flora

      PPPPP Plus
    • Hotel Grand Des Iles Borromees

      PPPPP Plus
    • Hotel Boston

      PPPPP Plus
    • Hotel La Palma

      PPPPP Plus
    • Hotel Lido La Perla Nera

      PPPPP Plus
    • Hotel Della Torre

      PPPPP Plus

    Popular holidays

    • Family holidays in Stresa
    • Luxury holidays in Stresa
    • All inclusive holidays in Stresa
    • Last minute holidays in Stresa
     
     

    BOOK NOW! Call us on: 0203 636 1310

    To top

    Our top deals tailored to you, straight to your inbox Sign up for offers

    Shop Finder Ask a question? Contact us

    We're part of TUI Group - one of the world's leading travel companies. And all of our holidays are designed to help you Discover Your Smile.

    Registered address: Wigmore House, Wigmore Lane, Luton, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom, LU2 9TN

    • Holiday Types
    • Mid/Long haul
    • Short haul
    • Popular Destinations

    Holiday Types

    All-Inclusive Holidays Summer 2022 Holidays Summer 2023 Holidays Winter Holidays Adult Only Holidays Family Holidays Sunshine Holidays Cheap Holidays Last Minute Holidays Beach Holidays Package Holidays Late deals Luxury Holidays Discount Codes

    Mid/Long haul

    Egypt Holidays Goa Holidays Sri Lanka Holidays Caribbean Holidays Florida Holidays Cape Verde Holidays Jamaica Holidays Thailand Holidays Aruba Holidays Turkey Holidays Mexico Holidays Barbados Holidays St Lucia Holidays Vietnam Holidays Dubai Holidays New York Holidays

    Short Haul

    Portugal Holidays Cyprus Holidays Malta Holidays Morocco Holidays Bulgaria Holidays Spain Holidays Italy Holidays Croatia Holidays Greece Holidays Crete Holidays Rhodes Holidays Corfu Holidays Dubrovnik Holidays Paphos Holidays Fuerteventura Holidays Iceland Holidays

    Popular Destinations

    Tenerife Holidays Madeira Holidays Ibiza Holidays Costa Del Sol Holidays Zante Holidays Gran Canaria Holidays Kefalonia Holidays Benidorm Holidays Lanzarote Holidays Majorca Holidays Cuba Holidays Algarve Holidays Sharm El Sheikh Holidays Santorini Holidays Austria Holidays Switzerland Holidays

    More from Holidays

    About First Choice MyFirstChoice app Cookies Notice Manage Cookie Preferences Privacy Notice Terms & Conditions Ways to Pay Accessibility Affiliates Press Inspire Me TUI Group TUI UK Discount Codes Holiday Brochures Travel After Brexit

    Travel Aware
    Travel Aware - Staying Safe and Healthy Abroad

    The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and National Travel Health Network and Centre have up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad.

    See gov.uk/travelaware and follow @FCDOtravelGovUK on Twitter and Facebook.com/FCDOtravel - for the latest general FCDO travel advice, including coronavirus travel guidance, security and local laws, and passport and visa information.

    See gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice - for FCDO travel advice about individual destinations.

    Sign up for FCDO travel advice email alerts, so you automatically receive the latest travel advice updates and travel requirements for the destinations you want to know about.

    See Travel Aware page - for travel advice from First Choice.

    See travelhealthpro.org.uk - for current travel health news.

    The advice can change so check regularly for updates.

    All the flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Some of the flights on this website are also financially protected by the ATOL scheme, but ATOL protection does not apply to all flights. This website will provide you with information on the protection that applies in the case of each flight before you make your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.caa.co.uk. ATOL protection does not apply to the other holiday and travel services listed on this website..

    DESTINATIONS IN Stresay