Stresa - Italy's Breathtaking Beauty

Set 200m above sea level on Lake Maggiore overlooking the Borromeo islands with their elaborate palaces and ornamental gardens, the former fishing village of Stresa has been celebrated for its sophisticated atmosphere and genteel visitors since the late 19th century when glamorous villas such as the Villa Pallavicino and Villa Vignolo were built.

Stresa's fame spread outside Italy with the opening of the Simplon Tunnel in 1906. Trains on the London-Paris-Milan line began to stop here, bringing travellers and writers from across Europe. Stendhal, Hermann Hesse and Lord Byron all wrote about the town’s beauties. Ernest Hemingway became a life-long fan having spent time here in 1918 recovering from a war injury – an experience he detailed in his novel, A Farewell to Arms.  The room (106) he stayed in at the Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromées is now known as the ‘Hemingway Suite’ and his signature – ‘Ernest Hemingway (an old client)’ in the 1948 guest book is a treasured gem.

Passeggiata along the Lungolago

Stresa is the perfect place to enjoy that Italian institution, the ‘passeggiata’, or evening stroll. Meandering  through extravagant gardens and past grand Art Deco hotels, this 2km-long lakeside promenade - or ‘Lungolago’ as the locals call it - boasts breathtaking views in all directions, from the picturesque Borromean Islands dotting the shoreline to the Italian Alps soaring on the sky line. 

There's no better way to enjoy that view than from one of many bars that dot the Lungolago. We recommend ordering an Aperol spritz, Italy’s famous  sparkling wine-based cocktail. Originally created in Padua in 1919, it typically consists of Aperol (bitters), prosecco and soda water. Light refreshing and with a bittersweet, aromatic taste, it is a delicious taste of la dolce vita. Cin, Cin!

Why not come and enjoy this magical place with us on our Enchanting 5-day holiday to The Beautiful Gardens of Lake Maggiore & Lake Como in June 2025?