Things to do in Stresa

Top Things to Do in Stresa

Things to Do in Stresa


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Top Attractions in Stresa

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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.

What travellers are saying

  • Paige
    Birmingham, AL6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    OH MY WORD!!! Do not miss the palace or the grounds. We’ve traveled the world and we were shocked that we had never heard of Palazzo Islo Bella! Give yourself three hours to shop, tour, see the palace, and the unreal gardens!!
    Written 17 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Annabel
    4 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    My dad and I went to this park on the last day of our holiday. The gardens were beautifully manicured and there were lots of different animals to see. The paths were covered by trees and provided shade which was lovely. Being elevated it gave a great view of the lake and was only a short walk from our hotel.
    Written 11 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • NDMEdinburgh
    Edinburgh, UK383 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A bit of a giggle and reasonable value. I imagine that since the cable car from lake maggiore has closed the visitors have reduce - so get some signage for those of us that came by car! Basically you get to the top of the mountain (probably via the private toll tour if you came from Stresa) and then park and go up the final section to the masts by foot. But until you get there you don’t know it’s still open. It’s a weird ‘not rollercoaster’ where you can control the speed. If you are up to see the views worth having a go
    Written 16 May 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Tom H.
    Besancon, France16 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I would have given Stresa five stars but we went in August in the midst of a heat wave. I would go back in the fall or spring. We stayed in a lovely AB&B in the hills overlooking the lake. The walk down to the lake was beautiful with wonderful vegetation. We took a taxi back up. The lake is lined with swimming areas and the water temp and clarity were excellent. We took a boat to two of the three islands. Lots of shops, restaurants, and tourists. Prices were reasonable and the food was good. I find the Italians to be some of the world’s most pleasant people.
    Written 6 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Cambridge Guru
    Cambridge, UK886 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We decided to have a drive to the top of the mountain en route to Lake Orta.
    The roads are good, and while you have to pay 10 euros to enter the main area, it was worth it for the walks and the views.
    There were lots of tourists and traffic in evidence but is well worth the trip to the peak.
    The road to Orta was much quieter and I didn't spot a pay station on that side of the mountain. ;-)
    Written 2 September 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Igor D
    Valencian Community, Spain1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    You have unique chance to see best examples of coffee machines and coffee mills from middle of XIX century. The owner of the shop is very good expert and spend time with you. The shop situated in historical and pedestrian area of Stresa, near port. This visit better to organize after visit of Boromeo islands on Maggiore lake.
    Written 17 October 2014
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • David M
    Brandon, FL315 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    My wife and I spent a day on the island and completely explored this small, lovely island in Lago Maggiore. We stopped in this church - beautiful and historic. Stop in if you are walking around in Isola dei Pescatori.
    Written 1 September 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • CDM49
    Amarillo, TX6,266 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    While out walking the local area we came across this lovely church. Went in for some peaceful quiet time. Atmosphere is very quiet and pleasant. Outside didn’t inspire us but the inside did. Quite impressive.
    Written 15 July 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Brian8008
    Chester, UK377 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Go by the cable car, the views on the way up are stunning. Lots of lovely walks and fantastic views. If you decide to walk back down, it is very steep and not a good surface.
    Written 2 September 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Derek S
    Glasgow, UK32 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Went here on our first night in resort.
    The restaurant was beautiful, view spectacular and the food amazing .
    A bit pricey but you only get what you pay for
    Definitely revisit and strongly recommend it to all
    Written 9 July 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Joy T
    Sheffield, UK23 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    It’s a lovely walk from Stresa to Belgirate mostly on quiet paths with nice views over the lake westwards. We offer a few bits of advice for an October hike. If enquiring about transport back by train don’t bother with the rather brusque Tourist Office but go across the road to the Bureau de Change where they sell train tickets but helpfully recommend the more frequent and pleasant buses. Be aware that the route is a bit more challenging than suggested in guidebooks; there’s a long climb up from Stresa and a steep descent into Belgirate. Wear stout boots - some of the paths are loose stone, easy to turn an ankle over. Take plenty of water. Use lots of insect repellent. Then enjoy!
    Written 13 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ElsieF499
    London, UK57 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    I walked up to the gardens from Stresa (2h45 mins) via the VL1 hiking route. The gardens were nothing special, mostly rockeries with wild flowers, plus some grassy areas. Perhaps because it is so hot and dry, there wasn’t much colour and everything looked very parched. But the views!!!! The long, sweaty walk up hill in 30 degree heat was worth it for the views. Go to enjoy the views and you will be delighted, if you go expecting a beautiful garden you will be disappointed.
    Written 10 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Stresa


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