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There are great many things to do in Italy, and so are in Stresa.
“Experience a picturesque haven of tranquility and beauty as the charming town of Stresa becomes your portal to a treasure trove of activities and sights to behold.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Stresa:
1. Isola Bella
Isola Bella is a small island located on Lake Maggiore in Stresa, Italy.
The island is known for the magnificent palace built in the 17th century by Carlo III Gonzaga, the Bishop of Mantua, and its beautiful gardens.
What to see or do: Take a stroll through the stunning gardens and admire the intricate landscaping, which includes ornate water features, grottoes, and exotic plants.
Visit the palace, which boasts ornate and lavish interior decoration, showcasing the wealth and opulence of the noble owners who inhabited the island.
Take in the beautiful views of the lake from every corner of the island.
Don’t miss: The Sala degli Specchi, or Mirror Room, which is a breathtaking room filled with mirrors and chandeliers. The Terrazza dei Cannoni, a panoramic terrace that offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
The Teatro Massimo, or the Grand Theater, which is the only theater on the lake and hosts many performances annually.
Insider travel tips: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and to enjoy the gardens all to yourself. Consider taking a guided tour to learn more about the island’s history and architecture.
Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes as the terrain can be uneven in places, especially in the gardens. Finally, be sure to try the local Stresa cuisine in one of the island restaurants for a truly authentic experience.
2. Isola Madre
Isola Madre is the largest of the three Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore in Northern Italy.
What to see or do: The island boasts a stunning botanical garden, which is home to exotic plants, rare birds, and beautiful peacocks. Visitors can walk around the gardens, take in the stunning lake views and explore the palace.
Don’t miss: The botanical garden is the main highlight of the island and is a must-visit for nature lovers. Don’t miss the chance to see the different species of plants and animals.
Insider travel tips: Visitors should wear comfortable walking shoes, as the gardens and palace require a lot of walking. The island is only accessible by boat, and visitors should check the ferry schedule before planning their visit.
On weekdays, the island is less crowded, and visitors can have a more relaxed time exploring the gardens.
3. Villa Pallavicino Park
Villa Pallavicino Park is a beautiful lakefront park in Stresa, Italy, featuring stunning views of Lake Maggiore and a variety of flora and fauna.
What to see or do: Take a leisurely stroll through the lush gardens, filled with exotic plants and trees from all over the world. Marvel at the many peacocks wandering around the park and the colorful parrots in the aviary.
Children will love the petting zoo, where they can interact with farm animals, as well as the playground.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the park is the elegant Villa Pallavicino, a 19th-century mansion with frescoed halls and an impressive collection of antique furniture.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the villa to learn about its fascinating history.
Insider travel tips: – Plan to spend at least a couple of hours in the park to fully appreciate its beauty and all it has to offer.
4. Funivia Stresa-Alpino-Mottarone
A cable car ride that takes visitors from Stresa to the top of Mount Mottarone, offering stunning views of Lake Maggiore and the surrounding Alps.
What to see or do: Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Italian Alps during the 20-minute ride in the cable car.
At the top, visitors can take a walk around the alpine gardens or enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants while taking in the panoramic views.
Don’t miss: The view from the top of Mount Mottarone is not to be missed. On a clear day, visitors can see seven lakes and the surrounding snow-capped peaks of the Swiss and Italian Alps.
Insider travel tips: For the best views, go on a clear day and plan your visit for sunrise or sunset. There are also hiking trails at the top of the mountain for those who want to explore the area further.
5. Piazza Cadorna
A lively square located in the heart of Stresa, a picturesque Italian town on the shores of Lake Maggiore.
What to see or do: Take a stroll through the square and soak up the lively atmosphere, surrounded by colorful buildings, charming boutiques, and restaurants. Stop by the historical Cadorna Palace, now home to the town hall.
From the square, you can also take the cable car up to Mottarone, a nearby mountain, for breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding Alps.
Don’t miss: The clock tower in the center of the square, which provides a great photo opportunity. Also, check out the lively market that takes place on Fridays.
Insider travel tips: For a relaxing day trip from Stresa, take a ferry to the Borromean Islands, just off the coast.
And if you’re looking for a great spot to watch the sunset, head to La Palma Beach Bar, located just a few minutes away from Piazza Cadorna.
6. Stresa Waterfront
Stresa Waterfront is a picturesque area along the shores of Lake Maggiore in the town of Stresa, Italy.
What to see or do: Take a stroll along the waterfront promenade, enjoy the stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains, and admire the beautiful gardens and villas nearby.
Don’t miss: The opportunity to take a boat tour of the lake and visit the nearby Isola Bella and Isola Pescatori islands. Also, make sure to visit the historic Piazza Cadorna and the stunning Stresa-Isolabella cable car ride.
Insider travel tips: Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. Stop at one of the many cafes or restaurants along the waterfront to try the delicious local cuisine.
And don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the breathtaking views.
7. Chiesa di San Vittore
Chiesa di San Vittore is a beautiful church located in the heart of Stresa, a charming town on Lake Maggiore in northern Italy.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the stunning Baroque architecture of the church, with its intricate frescoes, ornate marble altar, and towering bell tower.
The interior is adorned with beautiful statues and artwork, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the church is the stunning 16th-century painting of the Last Supper by Giulio Cesare Procaccini. It is one of the largest paintings of its kind in Italy, and it is a sight to behold.
Insider travel tips: – The church is located just a short walk from the main promenade in Stresa, so it’s easy to fit into a day of sightseeing.
8. Villa Ducale
Villa Ducale is a charming boutique hotel nestled in the hills above Lake Maggiore in Stresa, Italy.
What to see or do:
Don’t miss:
Insider travel tips:
9. Giardino Botanico Alpinia
Giardino Botanico Alpinia is a beautiful botanical garden located in the charming town of Stresa, Italy.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy a peaceful stroll through the garden while taking in the stunning views of Lake Maggiore and the surrounding Alps.
The garden has over 1000 species of plants, including alpine and subalpine varieties, as well as exotic species from around the world.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the Japanese garden, designed by landscape architect Jun Takeda, which features traditional Japanese elements such as a tea house, a waterfall, and a small bridge over a pond.
Insider travel tips: Consider visiting in the spring or summer when the garden is in full bloom and the weather is ideal for a leisurely walk.
Also, don’t forget to take a tour or hire a guide to learn more about the fascinating plant life in the garden.
10. Santo Stefano Church
A beautiful 16th-century church located in the heart of Stresa, Italy.
What to see or do: Admire the stunning Renaissance architecture and incredible frescoes inside the church. Take a moment to reflect and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Don’t miss: The impressive Bell Tower which offers breathtaking views of Lake Maggiore and the surrounding area.
Insider travel tips: Make sure to dress appropriately, as the church is a place of worship. Also, check the opening hours before you go as they may vary throughout the year.
11. Chiesa Santa Maria delle Grazie
Chiesa Santa Maria delle Grazie is a beautiful Roman Catholic church located in Stresa, a picturesque town in the Italian region of Piedmont.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the stunning architecture of the church, which dates back to the 15th century and features a striking Renaissance facade.
Inside, one can see beautiful frescoes and artwork.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the church is the magnificent painting of the Last Supper by Giovanni Battista Caccia, a 17th-century artist. It is a masterpiece that must not be missed.
Insider travel tips: It is advisable to dress appropriately and conservatively while visiting the church. Visitors should also check the opening timings of the church in advance.
Once there, it’s worth taking a stroll around the charming town of Stresa and enjoying the beautiful views of Lake Maggiore.
12. Parco della Villa Pallavicino
Parco della Villa Pallavicino is a stunning 20-hectare park located in Stresa, Italy. It is home to breathtaking botanical gardens, diverse wildlife, and a charming villa.
What to see or do: Take a stroll through the lush gardens and admire over 100 species of trees, including exotic varieties from all over the world.
Be sure to also visit the animal area, which is home to a wide range of animals, including llamas, zebras, giraffes, kangaroos, and many more.
Don’t miss the beautiful pond, which is filled with colorful water lilies.
Don’t miss: Make sure to visit the villa and see the impressive art collection and antique furniture. The villa’s interior is incredibly well-preserved and offers an insight into the luxurious lifestyle of Italian aristocracy.
Insider travel tips: – The park is quite large, so wear comfortable shoes and plan to spend at least half a day here.
13. Palazzo Borromeo
Palazzo Borromeo is a stunning palace located on the Isola Bella island in Lake Maggiore, Italy.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the grandeur of the palace’s architecture, including the ornate stone facade and beautiful gardens. The palace is also home to an impressive collection of art, furniture and portraits.
Don’t miss: The famous Teatro Massimo, a miniature theater with seats for only 80 people, is located inside Palazzo Borromeo. Don’t miss a chance to experience a performance here.
Insider travel tips: Make sure to take a stroll through the palace’s terraced gardens, filled with exotic plants and flowers. To avoid long lines and crowds, consider visiting in the offseason or arriving early in the day.
And don’t forget to bring your camera for some amazing photo opportunities.
14. Roccetta Fiorita
Roccetta Fiorita is a charming park located in the town of Stresa, on the western shore of Lake Maggiore in northern Italy.
What to see or do: The park is home to a wide variety of beautiful flowers and plants, including azaleas, hydrangeas, and rhododendrons, which bloom in a riot of colors between April and July.
Visitors can take a leisurely walk around the park’s well-maintained trails, which wind through the lush greenery and offer stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of Roccetta Fiorita is the Pergola of Wisterias, a picturesque tunnel covered in fragrant flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer.
Another must-see attraction is the ancient stone tower that stands at the center of the park, which dates back to the 12th century and was once used to protect the town from invaders.
Insider travel tips: – The best time to visit Roccetta Fiorita is between April and July when the flowers are in full bloom.
15. Parco della Fantasia
Parco della Fantasia is a charming amusement park located in the town of Stresa, Italy, overlooking the breathtaking Lake Maggiore.
What to see or do: Visitors of all ages will enjoy exploring the park’s various themed areas, rides, shows, and attractions. Don’t miss the water park which has several slides, splash pads, and a wave pool.
Experience thrilling rides like the roller coaster and spinning teacups or enjoy a gentle ride on the Ferris wheel. There are also various live shows and performances featured throughout the day.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the park is the panoramic view of Lake Maggiore from the top of the Ferris wheel – it’s truly breathtaking.
Additionally, the water park area is a great way to cool off on a hot summer day.
Insider travel tips: – To save on admission, purchase tickets online in advance.
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