Stresa holidays

On the edge of Stresa you'll find the LOV beach bar. There's a stony beach area, nine-hole minigolf course and bar, as well as sunbeds and umbrellas to rent. It's quieter than some of the other beaches in Stresa, so head here to grab a drink from the bar and sit back and relax on a lounger with a top view of the lake.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 over 65s get discount from Monday to Friday with ID, but just so you know, this discount is only in Italy.

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).

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.

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 townhouses. Just 13km south of Stresa is Meina, a laidback 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.

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 getting back to Stresa is easy – just hop on the bus or train. 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.