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Comune in Piedmont, Italy
Photo: Markus Bernet, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Stresa is a small town (population 5,000) on the south side of the Borromean Bay, a western arm of Lake Maggiore in Piedmont, Northern Italy. The Borromean Islands (Isole Borromee) are a group of three small islands, Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori (also called Isola Superiore) and Isola Madre, and two islets in the Borromean Bay and together totalling just 20 ha in area. They are very picturesque, especially the ornate palaces and gardens of Isola Bella and Isola Madre.
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Giardino Botanico Alpinia
Alpine and subalpine plants in 4 hectares. Not the most impressive garden, but has good views. Can be reached by car. Can also be reached by the cable car. The toilet is of the squat type.
Consists of a four-story Lombard Baroque palace and an Italianate garden.
The village has charming houses and narrow streets. Its permanent population of 50 people is occupied in fishing and tourism. The Church of San Vittore still has its original apse with a lancet window dating from the 11th century. There are numerous restaurants, specialising in fish dishes. It's not a private island, so there's no entry fees or opening hours.
Palazzo (grand residence) and a botanical garden that is less formal than that of Isola Bella.
Gardens and zoological park in 20 hectares. Near the entrance there is a series of archways of cypress trees. Around the park there are magnolias, rhododendrons, camellias, azaleas, a great Lebanon cedar, and exotic plants in the greenhouses. Has a cafe. The villa is not open to the public.
Museo dell'Ombrello e del Parasole
Exhibits 150 parasols and umbrellas, showing changes from the 19th century to the present. Also shows the history of the umbrella makers of the Gignese area.
A return ride offers fantastic views, and a one-way ride and hike or bike back down to Stresa is even better. Mountain bikes can be rented at the Stresa cable car station if you don't have one. Temporarily closed in May 2021 following an accident.
An ice cream bar. It makes great ice cream in many flavours.
Albergo Ristorante Il Verbano
Specialising in fish dishes.
A few steps from the old town centre, beaches, the railway station and Congress Hall.
Luxury holiday apartment with splendid view of Lake Maggiore and the Borromeo Islands.
Three star hotel with swimming pool, restaurant, near the pier where you can embark on the ferries which take you to the Borremean Islands.
Four star hotel on the lakeside road not far from the railway station and the town centre.
Modern luxury villa rental with pool and superb view on Lake Maggiore.
Supermarket.
Wine shop.
Wine shop.
Wine shop.
By bus
F. runs the Alibus from both terminals of Malpensa Airport through Stresa, terminating at Verbania, seasonally Apr-Oct. Services are 2–3 hours apart.
By car
Follow the directions for the A26 Genova - Gravellona Toce motorway. Take the A26 motorway towards Gravellona Toce. Keep in the direction of Gravellona Toce until the Carpugnino exit.
By boat
Navigazione Laghi provides ferry services around Lake Maggiore, from Arona in the south to Locarno at the northern end in Switzerland.
There are two taxi ranks, one at the railway station and the other at the ferry terminal. Bicycles can be rented and the roads are developed if you have a car.
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Ferno (VA) · International · MXP
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