Free walking tours in Stresa and what to see

Must-sees

Stresa is on the western shore of Lake Maggiore, in Piedmont, facing the Borromean Islands. Its lakeside promenade, with gardens and grand Belle Époque hotels, recalls the days when it was a destination for the European aristocracy. The old town is small, with pedestrian streets, squares with terraces and the church of Saints Ambrose and Theodore. Boats to the islands leave from the landing stage.

The islands are the main reason to come. On Isola Bella is the Palazzo Borromeo, with baroque halls and terraced gardens running down to the water. Isola dei Pescatori keeps a village of alleys and fishermen's houses, with restaurants on the shore. A little further away, Isola Madre has a large botanical garden. Baveno and Verbania, very close, complete the views of the gulf.

Free tours and guided visits

Stresa has no regular free walking tours. What is mainly on offer are sightseeing boats to the Borromean Islands, with tickets for one, two or all three islands, letting you get off and visit them at your own pace. If you prefer to go independently, there are also private boat trips around the islands and boat hire with a skipper to explore Lake Maggiore.

How long to spend

Half a day is enough for the town and one of the islands, but to see Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori at leisure a whole day is best. With two or three days you can add Isola Madre, stroll around Baveno or Verbania and take a boat trip to other shores of the lake.

Where to stay

The most convenient option is to stay in Stresa, on the lakeside promenade or in the centre, near the landing stage. There is everything from grand historic hotels to simple pensioni and apartments. If you want somewhere quieter, Baveno and Belgirate are very close and have hotels facing the lake. And if you fancy something different, you can also sleep on Isola dei Pescatori.