Stresa Overview

Stresa (STREH-zah; pop. 5000) retains much of the manicured charm that lured visitors like Queen Victoria, in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Hydrangeas and Art Nouveau hotels line the waterfront, giving the small town a romantic, old-fashioned feel. Stresa is very much a resort town, albeit one that caters emphatically to those in their silver years. Those looking for bronzed and uninhibited coeds playing beach volleyball or doing tequila shots late into the night should look elsewhere. Families and the elderly come here for a trip to the Borromean Islands or for a ride up the funicular with options to bike or hike back down. The real draw, however, is in an evening walk along the lake.

• Transportation and Practical Information

Stresa lies 1hr. from Milan on the Milan-Domodossola train line. (Ticket office in lobby open M-Sa 6:10-10:45am, 11am-4:15pm, and 4:30-7:20pm; Su 7-10:45am, 11am-4:15pm, and 4:30-8:10pm.) Trains run ...more

• Accommodations and Restaurants

The pristine   Albergo Luina , V. Garibaldi 21, centrally located and on the water, has vast, welcoming rooms with TV, bath, and phone. From the train station, walk to the waterfront and head right ...more

• Sights and Activities

Turn right out of the tourist office and follow the waterfront all the way to Vle. Lido to reach the Stresa-Alpino-Mottarone Funivia, P. Lido 8, which allows visitors to explore Mottarone’s (1491m) ...more