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Travel Guide of Stresa in Italy by Influencers and Travelers


Stresa is a town and comune of about 5,000 residents on the shores of Lake Maggiore in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, about 90 kilometres northwest of Milan.


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The Best Things to Do and Visit in Stresa


TRAVELERS TOP 10 :



1 - Isola Madre

Isola Madre, at 220 m wide and 330 m long, is the largest island of the Isole Borromee archipelago which falls within the Italian part of the Alpine Lake Maggiore, in the Province of Verbano Cusio Ossola, Piedmont.

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Isola Madre things to do in Stresa



2 - Isola Bella

Isola Bella is a small island near Taormina, Sicily, southern Italy. Also known as The Pearl of the Ionian Sea, it is located within a small bay on the Ionian Sea; it was a private property owned by Florence Trevelyan until 1990, when it was bought by the Region of Sicily, being turned into a nature reserve, administrated by the Italian branch of the World Wide Fund for Nature.

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Isola Bella things to do in Stresa



3 - Tours & Sightseeing | Lago Maggiore Boat Tours

Set sail from the charming town of Stresa and journey across the shimmering waters of Lake Maggiore, hopping off at the gorgeous Isola Madre, Isola dei Pescatori, and Isola Bella. With entrance tickets to Isola Madre and Isola Bella included (and zero entry fees for Isola dei Pescatori!), there's no excuse not to uncover the hidden treasures of these islands at a leisurely pace.

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Tours & Sightseeing | Lago Maggiore Boat Tours things to do in Stresa



4 - Sasso del Ferro

   8 km away

Sasso del Ferro is a mountain of Lombardy, Italy. It has an elevation of 1,062 metres above sea level. At its base sits the town of Laveno-Mombello, from which the mountain is served by a funicular cable ride to the top.

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Sasso del Ferro things to do in Stresa



5 - Parco Pallavicino

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Parco Pallavicino things to do in Stresa Parco Pallavicino things to do in Stresa



6 - Sightseeing | Stresa

Throughout the holiday season, Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori will show off to the public with "Islands of Light," a unique cruise to view the islands as you've never seen them

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Sightseeing | Stresa things to do in Stresa



7 - Santuario Madonna della Croce

   7 km away
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Santuario Madonna della Croce things to do in Stresa



8 - Trattoria Imbarcadero

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Trattoria Imbarcadero things to do in Stresa



9 - Ispra

   11 km away

Ispra is a comune and small town on the eastern coast of Lake Maggiore, in the province of Varese.

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Ispra things to do in Stresa Ispra things to do in Stresa



10 - 28802 Mergozzo

   12 km away

Mergozzo is a comune in the Province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola in the Italian region Piedmont, located about 120 kilometres northeast of Turin and about 9 kilometres northwest of Verbania.

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28802 Mergozzo things to do in Stresa



11 - San Giulio Island

   15 km away

San Giulio Island or St. Julius Island is an island within Lake Orta in Piedmont, northwestern Italy. The island is 275 m long, and is 140 m wide.

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San Giulio Island things to do in Stresa



12 - 28041 Arona

   16 km away

Arona is a town and comune on Lake Maggiore, in the province of Novara. Its main economic activity is tourism, especially from Milan, France and Germany.

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28041 Arona things to do in Stresa



13 - Cannobio

   22 km away

Cannobio is a town and comune on the river Cannobino and the shore of Lago Maggiore in Piedmont, Italy.

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Cannobio things to do in Stresa



14 - Varese

   24 km away

Varese is a city and comune in north-western Lombardy, northern Italy, 55 kilometres north-west of Milan. The population of Varese in 2018 has reached 80,559. It is the capital of the Province of Varese. The hinterland or exurban part of the city is called Varesotto.

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Varese things to do in Stresa Varese things to do in Stresa



15 - Basilica

   26 km away
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Basilica things to do in Stresa



16 - Via Locarno

   26 km away
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Via Locarno things to do in Stresa



17 - Lake Maggiore

   27 km away

Lake Maggiore or Verbano is a large lake located on the south side of the Alps. It is the second largest lake in Italy and the largest in southern Switzerland.

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Lake Maggiore things to do in Stresa



18 - Pino sulla Sponda del Lago Maggiore

   27 km away

Pino sulla Sponda del Lago Maggiore is a former municipality of Italy, now frazione of the municipality of Maccagno con Pino e Veddasca in the Province of Varese.

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Pino sulla Sponda del Lago Maggiore things to do in Stresa




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Pictures and Stories of Stresa from Influencers

Picture from Eleonora Albasi who have traveled to Stresa


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Why should you visit Stresa ?


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How to visit Stresa ?

Why traveling there?


Stresa, a charming town located on the shores of Lake Maggiore in Italy, is known for its stunning landscapes, historical architecture, and exquisite Italian cuisine. It's an ideal destination for those who appreciate natural beauty, tranquility, and cultural richness. You can explore the Borromean Islands, enjoy leisurely strolls along the lakefront promenade, or simply relax in one of the many picturesque gardens.

How to get there?


The easiest way to reach Stresa is by train. Direct train services from Milan Central Station to Stresa are available multiple times a day, taking approximately 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can also drive to Stresa from Milan which takes around 1 hour 20 minutes via the A8 and A26 motorways. If you're flying, the closest airport is Milan-Malpensa Airport, a 45-minute drive from Stresa.

What to book in advance?


To ensure a smooth trip, it's recommended to book your accommodation and any guided tours in advance. If you plan to visit the Borromean Islands, advance tickets for the public ferry can be purchased. Also consider booking a table at popular local restaurants during peak travel season.

What are the costs?


The cost of visiting Stresa can vary depending on your preferences. Budget travelers can expect to spend around 50-70 Euros per day, whereas those looking for a more luxurious experience might spend 150 Euros or more per day. The average cost for a meal at a mid-range restaurant is around 15-25 Euros, while ferry tickets to the Borromean Islands cost around 10-20 Euros.

What are the best things to do?


Visiting the Borromean Islands, especially Isola Bella with its magnificent palace and gardens, is a must. Take a cable car ride up to Mottarone for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding lakes and mountains. Spend an afternoon exploring the charming old town, or enjoy a boat tour on Lake Maggiore.

Where to eat?


For an authentic Italian dining experience, visit "Il Vicoletto" which serves up traditional dishes using local ingredients. "Ristorante Last Hall" offers a more modern interpretation of Italian cuisine with a focus on seafood. For pizza lovers, "Pizzeria Mamma Mia" is a must-visit.

Where to stay?


For luxury accommodation, the "Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees" offers opulent rooms and stunning lake views. "Hotel La Palma" is another great option with a rooftop pool and panoramic restaurant. For budget travelers, "Hotel Elena" offers comfortable rooms at a more affordable price.

Off the beaten path


For a unique travel experience, consider a hiking trip in the Val Grande National Park, one of the wildest areas in Italy. It's a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the stunning views of Lake Maggiore. Remember to pack a picnic and wear comfortable shoes!















   Where to Stay in Stresa


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