15 Best Things To Do In Stresa: The Ultimate Guide, Italy 2024

If you’re interested in visiting Lake Maggiore, you might have already heard of Stresa; it was one of my favourite towns on the lake, and I hope you’re going to love it too. It might not seem like it, but there are lots of fun things to do in Stresa, all of which I’m sharing with you today!

We spent two weeks in our campervan, driving around the beautiful lakes and mountains of Piedmont. We visited Stresa and a number of other nearby towns, but I really enjoyed Stresa’s upbeat vibe. It’s a pretty town, with magnificent villas and beautiful views over the water.

Even though it’s one of the largest towns on Lake Maggiore, it’s still relatively small. However, there are many fun things to do in Stresa that are going to keep you smiling throughout your holiday. 

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The Best Things To Do In Stresa For The Ultimate Lake Maggiore Experience: Activities, Attractions + Town Guide

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Is Stresa Worth Visiting?

Before I crack on with the best things to do, I wanted to go over why I think Stresa is worth visiting. We spent the night in Stresa, opting to visit the Borromean Islands during the day and enjoying half a day of exploring the town’s main sites. Overall, it was a fantastic addition to our Piedmont road trip.

It’s a quaint town adorned with magnificent Art Nouveau buildings and baroque gardens that are jaw-droppingly gorgeous. They line the waterfront and are set amongst the breathtaking vistas of Lake Maggiore; it’s the perfect spot for a peaceful stroll. 

In fact, Jack and I found the Punto Panoramico (Google Maps) one of the prettiest places to enjoy the lake views, including those of the Borromeo Islands!

The town oozes luxury, a throwback from when Lago di Maggiore was the most popular lake to visit in Italy. Since the 19th century, Stresa has been celebrated for its elegance and sophistication, although today, it’s a little more lively.

We enjoyed the tranquil atmosphere around the waterfront but venture further into Stresa’s historical centre, and the town is a bustling hub of entertainment. There are countless cafes and restaurants to enjoy an aperitivo, delicious ice cream parlours, souvenir shops and plenty of artisan stores to browse through.

⭐ Pro tip >> Evenings in Stresa are amazing, and if you’re lucky enough to enjoy a clear sky, the sunset from one of the rooftop bars is a must-visit!

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Stresa, Lake Maggiore Activity Map

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Things To Do In Stresa, Lake Maggiore

Time for the goodies! I’ve put together all the best things to do in Stresa to help you plan your trip. 

1. Visit The Borromean Islands

Most people who visit Stresa do so to visit the Borromean Islands; they are the number one attraction in Stresa, and for a good reason…the Borromean Islands are gorgeous! 

They are a set of three islands, privately owned by the Borromean Family since the 16th century and open to visitors. The main island, Isola Bella (the beautiful island, in translation), with its grand palace and Italian-style terraced gardens, is the most visited. You can easily catch a motorboat over from Stresa.

However, I recommend you to visit all three islands – you can do this in one day if you start early – and enjoy all three islands: Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola Pescatori.

Isola Madre features a peaceful English-inspired botanical garden, a modest palace surrounded by colourful blooms, and a 150-year-old Kashmir Cypress. Isola Pecatori is fascinating in its own right. The fishing village turned tourist attraction has rows of market stalls, shops and restaurants, ideal for taking a break.

2. See The Sacred Sites

There are a number of religious sites near Stresa that are worth visiting; however, I’ve noted three of the top sites below. 

SANT’AMBROGIO CHURCH

The Church of Saint Ambrogio (Google Maps) is directly on the lakeside of Stresa. It’s not the most flamboyant of churches in the region, but it is one of the most visited in Stresa. It’s been externally renovated and is well-kept, although, from the outside, there isn’t much to look at. Nevertheless, it’s worth a visit if you enjoy religious art, as there are holy statues and interesting paintings inside. 

If you like, drop a couple of euros into the donation box and light a candle.

CHURCH OF SAINTS JOSEPH AND BLAISE

For external views, head to the Church of Saints Joseph and Blaise (Google Maps), which sits on higher ground and has lovely views over Lake Maggiore. From the outside, the church is also much prettier, featuring a honey-coloured Neoclassical stone façade with two sculptures of musician angels.

SANTA CATERINA DEL SASSO

Unfortunately for us, we didn’t visit the Santa Caterina del Sasso (Google Maps), only finding out about it after we’d left, but that doesn’t mean you should miss out! 

The Santa Caterina del Sasso Hermitage is a fascinating historical site on Lake Maggiore. Built into the cliff in the 12th century by a shipwrecked merchant as a tribute to St Catherine, the present structures date back to the late 13th to early 14th centuries. 

The Hermitage was once occupied by Augustinian monks, Ambrosian Hermits, and Carmelites, but it is now run by Oblate Benedictines. It comprises three buildings, including the church, and features a bell tower with an open belfry and double lancet windows made of Angera stone.

⭐ Pro tip >> To reach it, you’ll need to climb down 240 steps from the car park above, or it’s accessible from the lake via an 80-step staircase. This small group boat tour passes by Santa Caterina del Sasso so you can view it from the water.

SACRO MONTE SAN GIULIO

Across the mountain is the smaller but nonetheless beautiful Lake Orta, which is home to the Sacred Mountain of Saint Giulio (Google Maps). If you’re looking for a day trip, head over to Orta San Giulio and explore this religious site alongside the picturesque town and Isola San Giulio. 

This is one of the best day trips from Stresa!

3. Visit The Weekly Market

Italy is famous for its markets, and the towns surrounding Lake Maggiore, including Stresa, feature some of the best markets in Piedmont.

Stresa’s weekly market (Wochenmarkt in Stresa Lago Maggiore) is held every Friday from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm at Piazza Capucci (Google Maps). There’s a huge selection of textiles with fruit and veg stands and local meats/cheeses towards the back. If you’re visiting on a Friday, it’s worth a visit. 

⭐ Pro tip >> In the summer months, watch out for blueberries, wild white raspberries and blackberries from the slopes of Mottarone. If you’re visiting in the autumn, you’ll find a fantastic selection of sell cured meats.

4. Stroll Along Punto Panoramico 

One of our favourite things to do in Stresa, as it was quite romantic as a couple visiting, was to wander along Punto Panoramico (Google Maps). It’s a small stretch of lakeside promenade in a park-like setting with the best views of the Borromean Islands and the surrounding mountains. 

⭐ Pro tip >> To access the Punto Panoramico, you’ll need to walk north along the waterfront from central Stresa to Via Gilberto Borromeo. Walk along Via Gilberto Borromeo for 150m, and you’ll find a small turn on the right onto the promenade.

5. Head To Mount Mottarone

⭐ FYI: The Mount Mottarone Cable Car has not been in operation since 2021 after a fatal accident. The only way to access the mountain is by car or hiking. There is a €10 road toll (as the road is owned by the Borromeo family) to reach the very top).

STRESA TOWN TRAIL L1

We had planned to join the L1 Trail and hike from Levo (a village halfway up the mountain from Stresa) to the very top of Mount Mottarone; however, due to the weather (and a slight hangover…), we changed our minds and skipped this trek. 

It probably would have been incredible to hike through the forest and enjoy the unbeatable scenery of the lakes, but it wasn’t the best conditions. If you’re there on a dry day and up for a full day’s trek, the L1 trail from Stresa is for you! 

What to take hiking?

THE ALPINE GARDENS

The Alpine Gardens (Google Maps), established in 1934 by Igino Ambrosiani and Giuseppe Rossi, is a must-visit spot on the L1 trail. This beautiful garden overlooks Lake Maggiore and specialises in sub-Alpine and Alpine plants, including campanula, herbaceous thistles, wormwood, and dianthus. 

The garden covers an area of 431,000 square feet and has a natural balcony that provides breathtaking views of the lake. In addition, you can enjoy a nature trail on the east side of the garden.

HEAD TO ALPYLAND

One of the most fun things to do while visiting Stresa is a trip to Alpyland (Google Maps) for an exhilarating, fun-fuelled day of bobsleighing down the mountain. The 1,200-meter rail track features a 360° panoramic view of the Alps, towns and surrounding lakes.

I did something really similar in New Zealand, and it’s probably the activity I wish we hadn’t missed the most. The track is open all year round, making it a perfect destination for both summer and winter fun, suitable for adults and children from 4 years old.

6. Have Fun On The Lake

There’s no better attraction at Stresa than the lake itself! Lake Maggiore is the second-biggest lake in the Italian Lake District and has numerous activities to make a day out on the lake one of the best things to do in Stresa.

DAY AT THE LIDO

For us, there’s no better way to enjoy the stunning Lake Maggiore than spending a day at a Lido or free beach. Stresa doesn’t boast the best beaches, but nearby in Baveno, you have Lido Beach Club Baveno (Google Maps). It’s a lovely gem only a 5-minute drive from Stresa, and with a private beach, it’s perfect for resting, swimming, and dining.

WATER SPORTS

The main activities on Lake Maggiore include canoeing, windsurfing, SUP boarding and water skiing. There are numerous companies offering these activities, and many of the Lidos will have their own boats for hire. However, the closest company to Stresa is Club Nautico Stresa.

SUNSET CRUISE FROM STRESA

Take a sunset cruise around Lake Maggiore and admire the beautiful Borromeon Islands from the water on a private tour from Stresa. It’s got to be up there as one of the best things to do in Stresa for an epic end to a fantastic holiday. 

⭐ Pro tip >> This tour is suitable for small groups, and you’ll end your cruise with a sunset tour of the famous Isola Bella, where you can see the Borromeo Palace, Italian gardens, and terraces.

7. Enjoy A Round Of Golf 

I’m not a fan, but Jack doesn’t mind playing and sometimes disappears with his friends. He didn’t visit the golf course at Stresa, but we have heard it is a good one and worth a visit with stunning scenery.

Golf Club des Iles Borromées (Google Maps) is about 10 minutes from Stresa and features a natural and scenic course located 500 meters above sea level with southerly exposure. It offers exceptional views of the Swiss Alps and four lakes. The course is open throughout the year, except for January, and closed on Mondays, except from May to September.

8. Plan A Visit During Festival Time

Stresa holds many festivals during the warmer months, and if you’re lucky to be there while one is happening, make sure you make time to visit. @stresafestival.

Here’s a quick list of the most popular festivals in Stresa:

• Saint Elisabetta Festival – June
• Jazz Ascona – Late June to early July
• Lake Maggiore Opera Festival – Until early July
• Fireworks Festival – July to August
• Settimane Musicali of Stresa – July to September
• The Spirit of Woodstock Festival – Late July to early August
• Locarno International Film Festival – August
• San Vito Feast Day – August

9. Relax With An Al Fresco Aperitivo

What’s an Aperitivo, you ask? The Italian custom of aperitivo is a pre-dinner drink meant to stimulate your appetite before the main meal. The term is derived from the Latin word “aperire”, which means “to open,”. 

It’s a very Italian tradition and has been part of Italian culture for centuries. Generally, snacks are served with your aperitivo amongst friends and family in the early evening hours. 

⭐ Pro tip >> Head to the Sky Bar at La Palma Hotel for a captivating view of Lake Maggiore and an impressive collection of spritz. Although the cocktails are expensive for Italy,  about 10€ a spritz, it’s totally worth the experience.

10. Head To Park Villa Pallavicino 

Another attraction we missed, although for us, it wasn’t an absolute must-visit as we had previously been to Villa Taranto Botanical Gardens in Verbania (which is a must-visit). Park Villa Pallavicino (Google Maps), which is owned by the Borromeo Family, would be an ideal attraction in Stresa if you’re visiting with a young family, as it features a beautiful garden and petting zoo.  

The 19th-century villa is surrounded by landscaped parkland and just a 10-minute walk along the lakefront from Stresa. However, there is free parking right in front of the park for visitors. 

⭐ Pro tip >> I’ve read there is a lot of uphill walking, so be sure to wear the right shoes. You’ll find a nice shady cafe onsite with freshly made sandwiches and paninis, too.

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Things To Do In Stresa When It Rains

None of us like those rainy days when we’re on holiday, but it can happen, especially if you’re visiting Stresa in spring or autumn. If you happen to be in Stresa when it’s raining, below are a few things to do so that you don’t waste a complete day!

11. Take A Private Cooking Class

Personally, there’s nothing better than some tasty grub and the foodie in me is always seeking out traditional delicacies and recipes to reinvent at home. If I’m in the mood to cook, I can whip up something incredible; however, I have to admit that Jack is the better cook!

Nevertheless, we both enjoy a cooking class and if it’s raining while we’re away, it’s our go-to activity. Therefore, if it’s raining in Stresa, one of the best things you can do is book a cooking class or similar experience.

⭐ Pro tip >> Why not try this dining experience with a local from the comfort of their home in Stresa? The host offers an authentic evening at their home with an exclusive cooking demonstration. Enjoy a glass of wine as you watch your host prepare a variety of classic regional recipes and end with a family-style meal. 

12. Visit Rocca Borromeo in Angera 

Another of the Borromeo Family historic sites and should not missed. Unluckily for us, we didn’t have time to visit before we left for the Valsesia Valley and the town of Varallo Sesia. However, from what I’ve read, I definitely recommend visiting. 

It will be a unique experience in a well-maintained castle with gardens overlooking the lake. A key highlight is said to be the breathtaking view from the tower, which on a rainy day might present a spectacular moody view over the lake! 

The castle is well-preserved with impressive late medieval frescos. There’s also a toy and puppet collection, which sounds a little random to me but appears to be quite interesting. You’ll find an onsite café serving excellent coffee and cake and also a small gift shop.

⭐ Pro tip >> At €14, the entrance is a little pricey, but you can buy a cumulative ticket with Isola Bella and Isola Madre for €35.

13. Enjoy Stresa Shopping

Although you’ll be outside wandering the streets with an umbrella in tow, you can easily explore the historic centre, which is busting with wonderful boutique shops selling clothes, Italian leathers, shoes, local produce and artisan products.

The one place not to be missed is Piazza Luigi Cadorna (Google Maps); the narrow alleys will eventually lead you to Stresa’s main square. Here, there are restaurants, ice cream parlours and wineries to wet your taste buds. 

Since the outside seating is mostly covered and some restaurants have outdoor heaters, even with a small drizzle, you’ll be able to enjoy the energetic atmosphere of Stresa’s unique old town.

14. Explore The Museums

Museums are always the best places to visit on rainy days, and rainy days in Stresa are no different. Below are the best museums to visit while you’re in Stresa.

GIGNESE UMBRELLA MUSEUM

The Gignese Umbrella Museum (Google Maps) is quite a unique place; I think it’s the only one in the world dedicated to umbrellas and parasols. Either way, it has an extensive collection of more than a thousand examples, including curiosities, historically and culturally significant ones, and finely made, beautifully decorated ones. 

It’s a lovely surprise and the perfect thing to do in Stresa when it rains, with a good display and a fascinating journey through the evolution of umbrellas and parasols. It’s not an expensive activity either, and certainly worth the money.

PIETRO CANONICA MUSEUM

If you like art, consider visiting Sala Museo Pietro Canonica (Google Maps). The sculptor donated numerous plaster and marble works to Stresa, prompted by his love of the town, which are exhibited in a museum dedicated to him. It’s a small place and shouldn’t take you longer than half an hour to explore, but it’s free and worth a visit.

THE DUCALE VILLA

Casa Bolongaro, also known as Villa Ducale (Google Maps), is an eighteenth-century neoclassical building located on the lakefront in Stresa. The villa was once home to aristocrats and was a cultural landmark for northern Italy in the 19th century. 

Today, it houses the museum dedicated to Antonio Rosmini, an Italian philosopher, and the Institute of Charity. When we visited, the front lawn displayed a temporary exhibition of paintings from local artists. We didn’t enter; instead, we chose to admire the building from the outside. 

The interior of the villa is decorated with frescoes, painted flower decorations, and intarsia floors. It also houses the International Centre for Rosminian Studies, with an extensive library of over 110,000 books. 

The villa can be visited for free during fixed opening hours.

15. Cocktails At Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees

The final thing we recommend doing in Stresa when it rains is to revel in the opulence of the Grand Hotel Del Iles Borromees (Google Maps). It’s Stresa’s most famous hotel, and although the rooms were completely out of budget for us, we did visit for a sneaky cocktail. 

The iconic Hemingway bar, with piano music, was great. The hotel is full of history and quite ornate by design. It’s called the Hemingway Bar as writer Ernest Hemingway set part of his famed novel “Farewell to Arms” in the hotel, which in turn propelled it into popularity.

⭐ Pro tip >> It’s now one of the top places to visit in Stresa. You can find it on the waterfront promenade, and at the very least, be sure to snap a photo from the front of the magnificent neoclassical building.

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Planning Your Trip To Stresa

Are you ready to book your trip? I’ve put together a quick travel guide to help you plan! This includes practical information on getting to and moving around Stresa, ideas on where to stay, where to eat and what to pack.

Helpful Ideas On Where To Stay

Stresa is filled with beautiful accommodations to suit all budgets. You’ll have opportunities to stay in grand lakeside hotels, Airbnb and guesthouses; I’ve suggested a few top-rated options to help you plan.

• Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées & SPA: Check and review prices on Booking│ Book a room on Agoda.
• Hotel Flora: Check and review prices on Booking│ Book a room on Agoda.
• IL CILIEGIO Affittacamere: Check and review prices on Booking│ Book a room on Agoda.

Suggested Tours From/To Stresa

Stresa is the perfect place to base yourself in Lake Maggiore. It’s great for exploring the surrounding area and accessing the attractions; it has a train station on the bus route, and it’s one of the busier locations, so there’s lots of entertainment.

Below are some of the best tours. 

When Is The Best Time To Visit Stresa

Many will agree that the most popular time to visit Stresa is during summer. The summer period runs from June to August. However, I would say the best time to visit Stresa is during the shoulder months before and after summer. 

Spring and autumn draw fewer crowds and are, for me, the best times to visit. The season starts in mid-March/April; this is when the attractions begin opening and the weather starts warming up. They remain open until late October/ early November.

How Many Days Will You Need

Although I recommend at least 5 days in Lake Maggiore, Stresa is quite a small town and the historic centre and main sites can be visited in one full day. You’ll need another full day for the Borromean Islands. 

The majority of the activities I’ve listed are in or near Stresa, so you’ll have to decide which attractions you want to visit and allocate sufficient time. 

For example, you might consider a day of hiking and visiting Mount Mottarone, a day for visiting the Lido, another day for the Borromena Islands, and a day for exploring Stresa. If you’re heading to any of the museums or castles and nearby towns, you’ll need another half day per activity.

⭐ Pro tip >> Keep in mind travel time. It shouldn’t be too much of an issue as the lake is easily accessible, and these things to do in Stresa are close to the town; however, you’ll still need to factor in travel time.

How To Get To Stresa & Getting Around

As I’ve mentioned, getting to Stresa is pretty simple. You have options: Plane, Car, Train, or Private Transfer. It’s well connected by road and rail links.

PLANE

The closest airports to Stresa are Milan (50 km) and Turin (140 km), and even the smaller Bergamo airport (130 km) will get you there in a few hours. Milan airport is actually pretty close to Lake Maggiore as it sits north of Milan. It takes under an hour to drive to Stresa.

If you’re travelling within Europe, there are a number of low-cost airlines flying into Italy. Otherwise, International flights are regularly scheduled, especially to Milan throughout the year.

We like to use Skyscanner to find the best deals. As a price comparison company, they search multiple airlines to find the best flight combinations. I also like to set up Price Alerts to keep an eye on price changes to nab the best deals.

⭐ Pro tip >> For travel between the airport and Lake Maggiore, consider using a private transfer. This is the most comfortable and convenient way to travel straight to your hotel. 

RENTAL CAR/DRIVING

The easiest way to get around Lake Maggiore is to drive. We like to use Discover Cars for our rentals as we’ve had good experiences with them. However, on our last trip to Italy, we were on a road trip, so we had our van. 

The E62 runs directly from Milan to Stresa, but keep in mind that some of the motorways might be tolled. From Turin, you’ll need to jump on the A4, and Bergamo will take you along the E64 through Milan.

⭐ Pro tip >> If you don’t plan on taking/renting a car, consider using taxis, trains, the public bus or the ferry to move around the lake.

TRAIN

The train is a good choice if you’re not driving. Trainline is an easy company to use to pre-book tickets and search for prices and routes, but not all towns on Lake Maggiore have train stations. However, many of them do; for example, Arona, Stresa, Baveno, Angera and Laveno all have stations.

You can easily get to Stresa from Milan and Turin airport via the train. For Milan, you’ll have to transfer through the central train station, which is a bit of a bummer because you’ll be going back on yourself (Milan Airport is closer to Stresa than Milan city), adding 20 mins to the journey. However, the service runs frequently and is cost-effective.

BUS/FERRY

There is also a good bus network serving Lake Maggiore, which regularly runs through Stresa and connects it to nearby towns. The ferry service is also worth mentioning. Although it can be unreliable and slow, a service does run from Stresa to other ports on the lake. 

Consider using the ferry if you want to visit places like Laveno and Verbania-Intra. 

⭐ Pro tip >> VB Arona Milan line: departure from Milan Lampugnano, stop B5. Or the Verbania–Stresa–Malpensa, which requires advance booking. For info: www.safduemila.com 

WALKING

My favourite way to explore Lake Maggiore was to walk around the towns. The waterfront promenade in Stresa is gorgeous, and you’ll get stunning views of the surrounding mountains; however, most towns have access to the lake and feature similar walkways. 

The historic centre is a winding maze of narrow streets overflowing with shops and cafes, and walking around Stresa’s top sites is the only way to explore every nook and cranny of this amazing place! 

Where To Eat & Drink In Stresa

Looking for the best places to indulge in the best of Piedmont cuisine? Below are a few suggestions located in and around Stresa.

• Ristorante Il Vicoletto (Google Maps): This place has great food, wine, drinks and service, with homemade recipes.
• Cicinin – panini al Metro (Google Maps): This little sandwich shop is a good option if you want to pick up a quick bite; they do the best paninis in Stresa! 
• Ristorante Lo Stornello (Google Maps): The food here was yummy, but the portions were a little small, best for a light meal. Good price and excellent service.
• Torrefazione e Bar Moka Stresa (Google Maps): This bar had a lively atmosphere that we had to stop, and we were so glad we did. They have a superb selection of wines, local prices and a friendly vibe.
• Il Faro e la Luna (Google Maps): A family-run pizzeria with delicious pizza and beer at good prices with a kind host.
• El Gato Negro (Google Maps): A great spot with welcoming staff and a top selection of drinks at affordable prices.

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Is It Safe In Stresa, Italy?

Jack and I felt safe in Stresa, so if you ask us, Stresa is a safe place to visit. We didn’t hear of any incidents or see anything amiss. Occasionally, there might be a case of petty theft, such as pickpocketing, but this is quite rare.

Italy as a whole has a very low violent crime rate, which is great news when visiting the lakes and hiking around; you can feel safe knowing you’re in a safe area.

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Is It Expensive To Visit Stresa?

Stresa is one of the more expensive towns to visit on Lake Maggiore as it’s a popular tourist destination; however, in comparison to other Italian lakes, such as Lake Como and Lake Garda, Lake Maggiore is much more affordable. Stresa offers a range of accommodations and eateries to suit all types of budgets.

Things To Do In Stresa FAQs

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In Summary: Things To Do In Stresa, Italy

As always, I would like to finish with a few final thoughts about visiting Stresa and the best things to do while there. We spent one day visiting the Borromean Islands, which I highly recommend as they are wonderful and the morning exploring the old town, waterfront and gorgeous architecture.

We probably could have done with a full day in Stresa, which is why I suggest a full day to you, but overall, our trip was really enjoyable, and we took full advantage of our time there. In hindsight, I wish we had done the hike to the top of Mount Mottarone (the L1 Trail), and if you get the chance, it’s an activity I’d suggest doing (and let me know how it goes and what you thought). 

While you’re up there, don’t forget to visit Alpyland and have a go on the bobsleighs!