Stresa is a charming town on the shores of Lago Maggiore, about an hour northwest of Milan. This page contains information about:
Getting to Stresa
The easiest way to reach Stresa is by flying into Milan, and taking a train to Stresa or renting a car.
Airports
Milan has 3 airports:
Milan Malpensa (MXP): This is the closest major airport to Stresa with several international connections.
Milan Linate (LIN): This is a city airport located closest to the city of Milan.
Milan Bergamo (BGY): This airport is the farthest airport from Milan and Stresa, and typically serves short haul and/or low cost airlines.
Train
Once in Milan, you can book a train from Malpensa airport or from Milano Centrale (the primary rail station in Milan).
From Malpensa Airport (MXP): The train from Malpensa takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes with 1 connection, usually in Gallarate or Busto Arsizio, which are both very close to the airport.
From Milano Centrale: There is a direct train to Stresa that takes about 1 hour.
Note that these trains do not offer seat assignments; you can sit anywhere on the train. If you arrive too early or late for your train, you can typically use the same ticket to travel on the same route at a different time, provided it's on the same day.
Tickets can be booked on Trenitalia and Google Maps is reliable for travel instructions.
The Stresa train station is located a few blocks above the main road along the coast. A taxi stand is available at the Stresa train station.
Car Rental
It takes about 1 hour to drive from Malpensa Airport to Stresa, and about 1 hour and 30 minutes to drive from Linate Airport to Stresa. Several international car rental companies operate out of both airports.
If you choose to rent with Goldcar (often the cheapest rental option) we highly recommend purchasing priority check-in online with your booking. Goldcar wait times can be several hours and you cannot purchase priority check-in once you're at the airport. Please learn from our mistakes :)
Getting around
Stresa is a small town and easily walkable. That said, there are hills and cobblestones so decent walking shoes are advised.
If you prefer to take a taxi, there are two taxi stands: one at the railway station and one at the ferry station. If you're staying in a hotel, your hotel reception will also be able to call a taxi for you.
Note that all wedding events include transport from the center of Stresa.
Places to stay
Stresa has something for everyone. The lakefront road is lined with several hotels and there are plenty of apartments and Airbnbs tucked throughout the town. Stresa is generally walkable and safe.
A note on location
Stresa stretches along the lake and up into the hills, so it’s worth knowing that the center of town (around Piazza Cadorna and the ferry docks) is where most tourist attractions and transport connections are located. If you’re staying a little further out, aim for somewhere within easy walking distance of the center, or check that your accommodation has easy access to the main waterfront.
Some hotel ideas
Hotel Astoria
A charming hotel in the heart of Stresa, steps from the lake and the town center. Elegant rooms, attentive service, and a classic Italian atmosphere.
Hotel La Palma
A well-loved lakefront hotel with comfortable rooms, a gorgeous rooftop terrace, and a perfect position right on the lakefront.
Grand Hôtel des Îles Borromées
One of the grandest hotels on Lago Maggiore, this Belle Époque palace sits directly on the waterfront. Impeccable service, beautiful gardens, and unforgettable views.
Things to do
Stresa and its surroundings have a lot to offer. Here are some of our favourite spots to explore during your stay.
Lungolago
The promenade along the shores of Lago Maggiore is one of the most beautiful walks in the region. Stroll along the lakefront past elegant hotels, blooming gardens, and open views across the water to the mountains beyond — perfect at any time of day.
Isola Bella
A short boat ride from Stresa takes you to Isola Bella, one of the Borromean Islands. The highlight is its palace and magnificent baroque garden, a terraced masterpiece rising above the lake, filled with exotic plants, peacocks, and sweeping views. Ferries run regularly from the Stresa waterfront.
La Rampolina Restaurant
Best reached by car
If you have access to a car, the drive up into the hills above Stresa to La Rampolina is absolutely worth it. The views over Lago Maggiore from up here are stunning, and the food is excellent; a wonderful spot for a long lunch or dinner in the mountains.
Verbania & Laveno
If you have an extra day
If you have a spare day, both Verbania and Laveno are well worth the trip (reachable by ferry and car). Verbania is a larger town with a lovely waterfront; don’t miss Ristorante Caffè delle Rose Bistrot or the long-standing Ristorante Milano for lunch or dinner. Laveno is a quieter, characterful little town on the Lombardy shore — a lovely contrast to Stresa and easy to explore on foot.
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