Stresa is a resort town on Lake Maggiore, which was once the Mecca of the European aristocracy. On the shore, there are beautiful villas hidden among gardens and parks, and from the marina you can sail to the nearby Borromean Islands.
The charms of Stresa were appreciated as early as in the 16th and 17th centuries. At that time, it was on the list of places visited by artocrats who went on the so-called Grand Tour around Europe. Most of all, adolescent sons who were to get to know life and learn about the world before getting married were sent on these expeditions.
In the 19th century, when a railway was introduced to Lake Maggiore, Stresa became one of the favorite vacation spots of the aristocracy and elite of northern Italian cities. Today, the remnants of those times are beautiful holiday villas surrounded by gardens, and the picturesque, though small, old town. Many of them are open to the public, such as the Villa Pallavicino park. Along the lake there is a promenade from which you can admire the views.
A great attraction of Stresa is the possibility of a trip to the Borromean Islands. Ships belonging to Navigazione Isole Lago Maggiore depart from here. The most popular excursion destinations are the island of Isola Bella with its 17th century palace and Isola Madres with its botanical garden. From Stresa you can also take the cable car to the top of Mottarone, which offers a beautiful view of Lake Maggiore. There is an Alpina garden on the slopes of the mountain and a ski resort in winter.
