Stresa holidays
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Holidays to Stresa will take you to a place of classic villas and elegant, palm tree-lined promenades, sitting proudly in the Borromean Bay on the western shore of Lake Maggiore.
Extravagant history
While the history of the town dates back to Roman times, Stresa became especially popular as a hotspot for European elites and aristocrats in the 19th century. Take a look around and you’ll get a strong sense of this grand legacy, from the elegant piazzas, churches and cobbled streets in the old town to the lush setting of Villa Pallavicino Park – a must-visit while you’re here. And you can’t visit Stresa without a trip over to the stunning Borromean Islands – whether it’s the Baroque palace on Isola Bella or the exotic botanical gardens of Isola Madre, your camera is sure to be busy.
Beauty from above
If you’re after some top-notch views, lace up your boots and hit one of the scenic trails up to Mottarone, with the summit at 1,491m. From Stresa, trails L1 or L5 take about three to four hours and wind through shady woods and open meadows. You can also jump on the bus up to Mottarone. At the top, you’ll be treated to sweeping views over both Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta – and on a clear day, even Monte Rosa in the distance. Want to end on a high? Head to Alpyland and ride the twisting and curving 1.2km bobsled track – you won't forget the 360-degree spectacle in a hurry.
Discover more
Stresa has a train station, giving you easy access to cosmopolitan Milan and other towns on the western side of the lake, including neighbouring Baveno and sleepy Meina. There's also a regular ferry service that runs from Stresa across to pretty Pallanza, on the other side of the bay - a large town full of lush gardens and parks. You can catch another ferry from here to the northern and eastern shores of the lake in high season.
Out and about
Here are some ideas of things to do when staying in Stresa:
• Boat trips
• Botanical gardens
• Rooftop bars
Popular hotels in Stresa
Top things to see and do in Stresa
Beaches
Shopping
Nightlife
Food & drink
Getting about
Walking
Average Weather in Stresa
Top Hotels in Stresa
Facts about Stresa
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