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An upmarket watering hole since the mid-19th century, Stresa is a pleasant, colourful little town owing much of its fashionable reputation to its beautiful setting: facing the famous Isola Bella, it is surrounded by lush vegetation with snow-capped mountains in the background. Hugging the lake shore for around 1 ml, the town is compact with some interesting old buildings, shops and cafes, with the lively, wharf-side Piazza Marconi at its hub. It is unfortunate that a very busy main road runs along the lakefront. |
| Suitability |
A traditional resort best suiting older people due to the lack of nightlife, although younger couples and families find it a good touring centre and there are many day visitors. Definitely not for young singles and teenagers. |
| Accommodation |
Good range of medium- to high-standard hotels including some offering B&B only. Very little self catering and nothing cheap available. |
| Beach |
A lido, 1 ml from the centre, offers lakeside bathing opportunities. |
| Shopping |
Quite a good selection of shops selling gifts and souvenirs, all pricey. |
| Entertainment |
Daytime: scenic but strenuous walks in the hills or gentle strolls along the promenade; water sports; swimming; sailing; mountain biking; golf; Villa Pallavicino Park with zoo; Alpinia Botanical Gardens; skiing on Mt Mottarone (winter only). Home to a famous annual music festival (Aug and Sept).
Nightlife: very little to do in the evenings apart from occasional music in one of the bars or hotels. |
| Eating |
Good range of restaurants and pizzerias with numerous cafes crammed into the main square (Piazza Marconi). Prices are average to expensive with service and cover charges often added to the bill. |
| Public
Transport |
Infrequent bus service. Reliable and inexpensive train service. Good boat and hydrofoil services to the Borromean Islands and other parts of the lake. |
| Excursions |
Half day: spectacular cable-car ride up Mt Mottarone with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains (on clear days Milan's cathedral and the Matterhorn are visible). Full day: 3 lakes tour (Maggiore, Lugano and Como); Milan; Zermatt in Switzerland. |
| Location |
In N Italy, in the NE Piedmont region, 25 mls from the Swiss border. 50 mls NW of Milan and Linate airport. 25 mls NW of Milan's Malpensa airport. |
| Position |
On the W shore of Lake Maggiore, facing the Borromean Islands and Pallanza on the opposite shore; at the foot of Mt Mottarone (5,000 ft). |
| Contact
Information |
Post Code: 28049
Website: www.stresaonline.com
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| Serving
Airports |
Airport : Malpensa
Airport Code: MXP
Flight time from ther U.K.: 1 hr. 45 mins
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