One of the largest cities located on the Italian shores of Lake Maggiore is Stresa, which is located in the Piedmont region at a distance of 90 km northwest of Milan. Its population is about five thousand people. Since the beginning of the last century, the tourism industry has been the main source of income for citizens.
Like other coastal resorts, the city of Stresa in Italy attracts tourists with stunning landscapes, natural, historical and architectural monuments. We suggest you get to know this city better.
A bit of history
The first mention of Stresa in Italy appeared in annals dating from the 10th century. In the XV century, it was already a fishing village belonging to the Visconti family. Later, the settlement became the property of the Borromean clan. Thanks to the efforts of representatives of this one of the richest families in the country, who in the 17th century acquired and began to ennoble Isola Bella, to unite nearby villages, from a small fishing village, Stresa turned into a prestigious holiday destination for European aristocrats.
They built numerous villas of extraordinary beauty here. By the beginning of the 20th century, the flood of tourists forced the local authorities to begin the construction of luxury hotels such as Regina Hotel, Grand Hotel, Hotel Royal. Around the same time, a tunnel through the Alps was built, and there were even more willing people to visit Stresa.
One of the legendary guests of the city was the great Ernest Hemingway, who wrote here in 1948 part of his novel “Farewell to Arms”. The X International Conference dedicated to the memory of the great writer was held in 2002 in the city. In Stresa (Italy), the International Festival of Classical Music - Settimane Musical is held annually. Thousands of fans come here from all over the world.
Sights of Stresa in Italy
The colorful and very vibrant resort of Stresa, nestled between the picturesque mountains and the lake, offers guests many interesting attractions and visits to memorable places. The town itself is a tourist attraction. It is ennobled by several landscaped gardens, and the old quarters have retained authenticity.
Luxury villas have always been famous for Italy. In Stresa, they shine like pearls against the backdrop of a blue lake and snow-white mountains.
Alpinia Garden and Mount Mattarone
If you want to appreciate immediately all the beauty of Stresa in Italy - climb Mount Mattarone using the funicular. You can land on two levels. The first is the Alpinia Botanical Garden, which attracts not only with a collection of rare plants, but also with stunning views of the surrounding area.
The garden presents unique collections of northern alpine species of plants and trees, and therefore there is no such riot of colors, as in the town itself. Nevertheless, the collection of rare plants here is huge.
The second level is the snowy peaks of Mattarone, from where a panoramic view of the resort town of Stresa in Italy opens, a photo of which we posted in this article. In clear weather, you can even see Switzerland from here. There are open and closed cabins on the lift. Going upstairs, do not forget the light jacket - here the temperature is several degrees lower than below.
Lake Maggiore
This attraction must be visited if you happen to visit the resort of Stresa in Italy. Lake Maggiore, the second largest in the country, is located on its northern borders, on the border with Switzerland. The Italian part of the lake is in Lombardy and Piedmont, and the Swiss - in the canton of Ticino.
Manjore is located in a tectonic basin formed by an ancient glacier. The name of the reservoir is translated as "a large lake." Its dimensions are really impressive: length - 66 km, width - up to 10 kilometers, depth - exceeds 372 meters.
Monastery of Santa Catarina
The attraction is recognized as a historical monument of Stresa in Italy. The unique monastery complex is located on a cliff that hangs over the lake, so you can get here only by water. From the city pier of Stresa, sightseeing boats go here throughout the day.
The monastery was founded in the XII century and is well preserved to this day. It can be viewed not only from the outside, but also from the inside. A chapel of the 12th century is open for visitors, in which the original interior decoration and the famous painting of Italian masters have been preserved.
Villa Pallavichino
This building and the park surrounding it will delight city guests not only with picturesque views of the lake, but also with the opportunity to see the various animals that live here. You will be pleasantly surprised to see peacocks and flamingos, toucans and eagle owls, llamas and zebras, kangaroos and horses. The park is open for visitors daily from March to November.
Visiting Villa Pallavichino, you can visit the zoo, botanical garden and enjoy the lake scenery. The flora of the villa is represented by seasonal plants - numerous rhododendrons and oleanders, magnolias and other flowering plants.
Villa Taranto
Villa Taranto, located in the vicinity of Stresa, is famous not only for its exquisite architecture, but also for the botanical gardens surrounding the magnificent structure. Gardens can be visited from March to November. The English landscape of the park is complemented by interspersed elements of the Italian style. Here is a huge collection of plants and flowers that have been brought from all over the world.
The villa often hosts exhibitions and various social events, the famous tulip festival takes place. Villa and gardens of Taranto are decorated with magnificent fountains, hanging and terraced gardens, flower boulevards.
Borromean Islands
It may take a day to explore this Stresa attraction. It is most convenient to get acquainted with the many monuments of the islands - to go on a trip on one of the sightseeing boats cruising between them. You can land on any island, and then catch the next boat and continue your journey. In winter, navigation on the lake ceases.
The Borromean archipelago consists of five separate islands. The most popular among tourists are Isola Pescatori, Isola Bella, Isola Madre. The islands are very tiny, and you can explore them in a quiet walking mode. Despite their very modest size, they have suspended gardens and palaces, park areas decorated with sculptural compositions, and strange plants grow.
City market
It should be attributed to the sights of Stresa in Italy the market of this city. It works only once a week, usually on Friday, right in the center of the city. Merchants bring here various goods, from national sweets to quality products of local brands, and their cost is 2-3 times lower than in stores.
Where to stay
The vast majority of Stresa hotels in Italy are designed for a small number of guests, which creates an atmosphere of privacy on vacation. Only a few hotels in the city are designed for 50 or more guests. Pay attention to such parameters as the availability of additional options (breakfast, parking, luggage storage, view from the windows of the rooms), distance from the lake, and also look at the reviews of tourists who have already stayed here. In addition, it should be clarified whether the city tax is included in the price (1.5 euros per day) or must be paid separately.
La Palma 4 *
Conveniently located, the hotel is surrounded by a picturesque garden by the lake. Guests are offered rooms of various categories: superior, classic, suites and junior suites. Guests can use the outdoor pool at any time, and spend their free time on the terrace with lake views. On the upper floors of the hotel there is a sauna and a fitness center. Free private parking is available at the hotel.
Hotel Residence La Luna Nel Porto 3 *
This small but very cozy hotel is located near the Stresa Marina. Sightseeing boats to the Borromean Islands depart from here and you can breathe fresh air in the evening while strolling along the promenade. The hotel offers rooms of different levels of comfort, designed for two and three guests. They are modernly decorated, furnished with comfortable furniture and all necessary appliances. All rooms have a balcony or terrace with beautiful views of the garden or lake. In the evenings, you can spend time in the hotel bar, in the garden or on the terrace.
Hotel Royal 3 *
This family-friendly hotel is within walking distance of Lake Manjore. All of its rooms have scenic lake or garden views. The hotel accepts children from 1 year old, pets are allowed. The hotel has an outdoor pool, a wonderful garden, a cozy restaurant, and free parking.
B&B Campino 4 *
The hotel offers excellent accommodation in Campino. It is somewhat removed from the lake. In the mornings, the hotel serves buffet breakfast, and guests can walk in the garden. All this is included in the price.
Villa Rubino 4 *
The magnificent hotel is located in an old villa. On its territory there is a terrace for relaxation, as well as a large shared lounge area. In cozy and comfortable rooms, the interior of which is not repeated, everything is provided for guests to relax - comfortable furniture, necessary appliances, daily wet cleaning.
Stresa in Italy: tourist reviews
Most travelers who have been to this resort town are happy with their trip. Even experienced travelers, who know that Northern Italy is all unusually good, admit that Stresa is magnificent. The town pleases its guests with the opportunity of a wonderful holiday, with many attractions. Tourist infrastructure is well developed in Stresa: in the town you can stay in hotels of various categories of comfort, see interesting sights, and take a tour of the picturesque Lake Maggiore.