Arona or Stresa: which one should you choose?

When planning a trip to Lake Maggiore, one of the most common questions is whether it is better to stay in Arona or in Stresa. Both towns are charming, well connected and full of attractions, but they offer different kinds of experiences. The choice mainly depends on the type of holiday you are looking for: more romantic and scenic, or more dynamic and urban.

Stresa: elegance and iconic scenery

Stresa is considered by many to be the most representative destination on Lake Maggiore. Its well-kept lakeside promenade, historic villas and direct views of the Borromean Islands create an immediate and striking impression, especially appreciated by first-time visitors.

The atmosphere is refined and peaceful, ideal for slow walks, lakeside dinners and days dedicated to cultural discovery. From here, boats regularly depart for Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori, which are among the main attractions of the entire area.

Stresa is particularly suitable for couples, romantic trips, relaxing weekends, and for those looking for an elegant base from which to explore the lake.

Arona: lively atmosphere and city character

Arona has a different personality. It is a larger town, lively all year round, with a vibrant centre, a long lakeside promenade and many shops and cafés. Its symbol is the San Carlone, the impressive statue dedicated to Saint Charles Borromeo, visible from much of the town and also open to visitors inside.

The landscape here is more open and horizontal than in Stresa, with wide views over the lake and the surrounding hills. Arona is often chosen by travellers who enjoy moving around, taking long walks, shopping and having many services close at hand.

It is an interesting option for those looking for a stay that is less “classic tourist style” and more similar to life in a real lakeside town.

Main differences between Arona and Stresa

The differences between the two locations mainly emerge in the overall style of the experience:

• Stresa focuses on elegance, island views and cultural tourism
• Arona offers more city life, open spaces and a very active centre

Activities also differ: in Stresa much of the time is spent along the promenade and on boats, while in Arona the day is divided between urban walks, cafés and panoramic viewpoints.

Which one to choose based on your trip

If you are organising a romantic getaway, a first visit to Lake Maggiore or you would like easy access to the Borromean Islands, Stresa is probably the most suitable choice.

If instead you prefer a livelier destination, with more evening activity, city services and a less “postcard-perfect” atmosphere, Arona may be more appealing.

Where to stay

Stresa is highly appreciated as a central tourist base. On Loving Stresa you can find several apartments in the historic centre and along the lakeside, ideal for those who want to move around on foot and enjoy the views every day.

Arona also offers many accommodation options, often more oriented towards urban stays and travellers who move frequently by car or train.

So, is Stresa or Arona better?

Both Arona and Stresa offer a pleasant experience on Lake Maggiore, but if the goal is to enjoy a holiday that truly represents the area, Stresa is in most cases the better choice.

The presence of the Borromean Islands, the particularly well-maintained lakeside promenade, the elegant atmosphere and the ease of travelling by boat make Stresa more complete from a tourist point of view. It is a destination that concentrates iconic landscapes, cultural attractions, nature and quality services within just a few kilometres, allowing visitors to organise their stay without relying too much on a car.

Arona remains a good alternative for those looking for more city life, but for first-time visitors to Lake Maggiore, for a romantic weekend or for a relaxing and scenic holiday, Stresa generally represents the most rewarding and versatile choice.