Stresa
Stresa overlooks the Lake Maggiore shores, in an unique scenographic context.
From its shores it is possible to admire the Borromean Islands (Isola Madre, Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori) and this is the reason why Stresa is known as “The Lake Maggiore Pearl”.
A few steps far from Villa Virginia, you can reach the Stresa center, with its manicured gardens and characteristics alleys, where you can dine in one of the restaurants, taste excellent ice creams in one of the historical cafes or buy typical products in its boutiques.
Isola Madre
Stresa is the operational base where all lake excursions depart from. You can start your tour from the largest of the islands in the Borromean Gulf: Isola Madre.
Gustave Flaubert called it “the most voluptous place seen in the world” since with its botanical heritage, strong exotic imprint and the colorful animals variety, represents a suspended Eden on the water.
On the island, you could visit “Palazzo Borromeo”, an example of Italian architectural value.
Isola Bella
The Baroque style in its full expression, is the main character in the Island. Here you can visit Palazzo Borromeo, with its 20 living rooms, a great journey experience full of art and history.
In the gardens you will find the most representative island’s monument: the Massimo Theater.
You can book a private visit to discover the Main residence wonders, for a unique experience.
An aperitif will be served on the Torre della Noria terrace, with a stunning view on the Lake Maggiore sunset.
Isola dei Pescatori
It is the smallest of the Borromean Islands and the only one to be inhabited during the whole year. Here you can find a picturesque atmosphere, typical of fishing villages, where time seems to be stopped. Walking along the alleys that bring you to the main square, you will find delicious fresh fish restaurants and small craft shops, where ceramics are still worked.
Villa Pallavicino
With its 18 hectares park, you will find a magical atmosphere in a perfect match of botanical and faunal richness. Over 50 different animal species coexist in the park, including mammals and birds.
Rocca di Angera
It is a fortress located in a strategic military position which dominates Lake Maggiore from above.
In its rooms, it hosts the largest doll and toy museum in Europe.
Mottarone
From the top of this mountain, at 1400 meters above sea level, you can enjoy a breathtaking 360 degree view of the surrounding area. It is known as “The two lakes mountain”, due to its position between Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta. This mountain can be lived all year round by nature and sports lovers.
Arona
Arona is a town on the Lake Maggiore shores, a few kilometers far from Stresa. The San Carlo Borromeo statue, the most representative attraction, is a 35 meters statue which has been, in the past, the tallest one in the world for above two centuries. You can visit inside the statue and reaching the top of it, you can have an outside view from the holes corresponding to the saint’s eyes.
Orta San Giulio
It is a small town on Lake Orta shores and it’s part of the circuit of the most beautiful with a strong historical and artistic interest villages in Italy.
Milan
It’s an hour drive far from Stresa. The most significant symbol of the city is Duomo, which is located in the heart of the centre. For luxury and fashion lovers, a shopping session is a must among Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, Via Gesù and Via Borgospesso, where all the most important fashion brands are located.
Switzerland
One hundred kilometers north far from Stresa you can cross the Italian borders to visit the most beautiful Swiss cities. The most characteristics are Lugano, Locarno and Bellinzona.
Food & Wine
Stresa and its surrounding area is not only famous for its artistic, natural and landscape beauties but also for its chance to be visited through your five senses, taste particularly.
The main product of this Piedmont area is certainly rice, which can be tested in many varieties, but also cold cuts, honey, cheese and fish, desserts, such as Margheritine biscuits from Stresa and Brutti ma Buoni from Novara. Fine wines in this area such as Nebbiolo, Vespolina and Uva Rara in this area deserve a special mention.
Even the aperitif is one of the most characteristics, enjoying a Crodino, the best known alcohol free drink in Italy or also the famous Campari, created by a special recipe made by Gaspare Campari, in Novara.
Shopping
About 60 km far from Stresa you can have a shopping day in Vicolungo Outlet with more than 300 Italian and International pregious brands.