Italian lakes have long been a top destination for international tourists and one of the most popular has been Lake Maggiore, which snakes from northern Italy across the Swiss border.
If you are looking to recharge your batteries, discover art, history and lots of unexpected treasures, you should head to Stresa that is located just an hour away from Milan and Turin and is the best place to stay in order to discover the surroundings.
Stresa offers a variety of hotels to suit everyone, from cyclists on a stopover to long-stay tourists.
The town is known for historical villas, landscapes, wildlife and a romantic lakeside promenade that ensures a charming and relaxing atmosphere.
You should definitely visit the Borromean Islands that are easily reachable by ferry. The islands are bursting with flora and fauna: camellias, white peacocks, exotic birds, tropical flowers. The island ''Isola Pescatori'' offers many restaurants where you can have a romantic dinner by the lake.
The Park of Villa Pallavicino in Stresa is a favorite tourist attraction because of a paradise of flowers and animals to visitors of all ages. The Villa offers a 16 hectare park that is open from March to October.
- BROWSE THE LOCAL MARKET
Luino market is the most famous in the Lake Maggiore area. It has been around for over five centuries. Today you can visit it every Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and you can find stands that sell leather goods, plates, tableware and local fruit and vegetable stalls.
- COCKTAIL HOUR
Everyone who goes to Stresa should treat themselves to an aperitivo at Sky Bar and enjoy the 360° views when the sun goes down. Also, Il Gigi Bar offers a cool atmosphere where you can have a meal from breakfast to dinner.
