GemmaIf you’re planning a trip to Italy and want a destination that blends stunning lake views, charming streets, and a slow, relaxing pace, Stresa should be at the top of your list. Nestled on the western shores of Lake Maggiore, Stresa has a timeless charm that makes it perfect for unwinding. From my own personal experience, this town has a way of making you forget your phone, your emails, and sometimes even the idea that time is moving at all.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a longer stay, here are ten things you absolutely need to explore in Stresa to fully soak in its beauty and relaxation.
1. Wander Along the Lakeside Promenade
The first thing you’ll notice when you arrive in Stresa is the serene beauty of Lake Maggiore. The lakeside promenade is perfect for a leisurely stroll, offering views of the water with the Alps as a backdrop. Take your time to wander, stop at a café, and enjoy a coffee while watching the swans glide across the lake.
From my overall experience, this promenade is the perfect place to start your trip—it sets the tone for the kind of relaxed pace you’ll want to maintain throughout your stay. If you enjoy people-watching or simply soaking in the scenery, this is the spot to do it.
2. Visit the Borromean Islands
One of the highlights of Stresa is the Borromean Islands, a group of three small islands just a short boat ride away. Isola Bella, the most famous, features an exquisite palace with lavish gardens that seem almost too perfect to be real. Meanwhile, Isola Madre is known for its botanical gardens, and Isola dei Pescatori offers a quaint village feel with charming restaurants.
Taking a boat trip around the islands is relaxing, scenic, and offers plenty of photo opportunities. The boat ride itself, with the lake shimmering in the sunlight, is almost meditative.
3. Explore Villa Pallavicino Park
If you’re looking for a peaceful place to wander and enjoy nature, Villa Pallavicino Park is ideal. This beautiful park combines a botanical garden with a small zoo, allowing you to enjoy both flora and fauna in a calm, stress-free environment.
From my own personal experience, the highlight is spotting peacocks strolling freely along the pathways while you sip a gelato. It’s a place where you can really slow down and feel at peace with the surroundings.
4. Take a Cable Car Ride to Mottarone
For panoramic views of Lake Maggiore and the surrounding mountains, the cable car ride to Mottarone is a must. The ride itself is relaxing, gradually lifting you above the lake and into the Alps, where the view expands into an endless landscape of lakes and peaks.
Once at the top, you can enjoy hiking trails, a small adventure park, or just sit at a café and take in the scenery. If you’re lucky, the view will include seven lakes on a clear day, making it one of those “pinch me, am I really here?” moments.
5. Discover the Old Town Streets
Stresa’s old town is charming and compact, making it perfect for wandering on foot. Narrow cobbled streets are lined with pastel-colored buildings, boutiques, and gelaterias. Take your time to pop into shops, admire local crafts, or stop at a café for a cappuccino.
What makes the old town special is its atmosphere—it’s lively but not overwhelming. From my overall experience, getting lost in the streets of Stresa is one of the most relaxing things you can do, because every corner seems to offer a new little surprise.
6. Relax at Lido di Stresa
If you’re visiting in the warmer months, Lido di Stresa is a peaceful place to unwind. This lakeside area has sunbeds, shallow swimming areas, and even a small café. The water is calm, making it perfect for a gentle swim or floating while soaking up the sun.
Even if you’re not a swimmer, just sitting by the water with a good book or watching boats glide by can feel like a mini-vacation within your vacation.
7. Enjoy Local Cuisine
One of the best ways to experience Stresa is through its food. Lakeside restaurants and trattorias offer fresh fish, risotto, pasta, and local wines. From my own personal experience, stopping for lunch at a terrace overlooking Lake Maggiore is one of those small joys that makes a trip truly memorable.
Don’t forget to try local specialties like perch filets, polenta, or chestnut desserts. Stresa offers a culinary journey that perfectly complements the scenic one.
8. Visit the Church of Saints Ambrogio and Theodul
For a quiet moment of reflection or simply to admire architecture, the Church of Saints Ambrogio and Theodul is worth a visit. This church has beautiful frescoes and a peaceful ambiance that contrasts nicely with the bustling lakeside promenade.
Even if you’re not religious, spending some time here is a reminder of the rich history and culture embedded in Stresa. It’s a calm and reflective stop that adds depth to your trip.
9. Take a Boat Tour Around the Lake
Stresa is an excellent base for exploring Lake Maggiore. Taking a boat tour is relaxing, allowing you to enjoy the scenery without any effort. You’ll pass charming villages, historic villas, and natural beauty that you can’t fully appreciate from the shore.
From my overall experience, the best part of a boat tour is that you can truly disconnect. The gentle rocking of the boat, the sound of water lapping against the hull, and the panoramic views make it the perfect way to slow down and unwind.
10. Attend a Local Festival or Market
Depending on the time of year, Stresa hosts local festivals, markets, and cultural events. These are not the massive, chaotic events you might find in big cities—they are intimate, fun, and very much part of the local lifestyle.
Exploring a local market is a great way to try artisanal products, enjoy fresh produce, and interact with locals. It’s authentic, enjoyable, and offers a deeper connection to the town than a simple sightseeing trip could.
Final Thoughts
Stresa may be small, but it offers a surprising amount of activities for a relaxing trip. Whether you’re wandering the old streets, enjoying the lake, or exploring gardens and islands, this town invites you to slow down and savor the moment.
From my own personal experience, the true magic of Stresa lies in its ability to make you feel at ease. It’s not about rushing through tourist spots—it’s about enjoying each moment and letting the beauty of the lake, mountains, and town settle into your mind and spirit.
A trip to Stresa isn’t just a vacation; it’s a chance to press pause, breathe deeply, and remember what it feels like to relax. By following this list of things to do, you’ll experience the best of what this lakeside gem has to offer, leaving with memories of a truly restorative trip.
I’m Gemma, a passionate lifestyle blogger sharing my creative world with you. Gemitaliano.com is my little corner of the internet, glad you’re here.