Stresa and the Milan–Cortina Olympics: why visit during the Games

The Milan–Cortina Winter Olympics will bring millions of visitors to Italy from all over the world, turning the north of the country into a major international stage. Even though the competitions will not take place in Stresa, this elegant town on Lake Maggiore is a strategic and charming choice for those who want to combine sport, tourism and relaxation in a single trip.

Visiting Stresa during the Olympic period means staying away from the chaos of large cities without giving up convenient transport connections or the opportunity to experience one of the world’s most important sporting events up close.

Why choose Stresa during the Olympics

Stresa enjoys a privileged location between Milan, the Alpine resorts and Switzerland. It is easy to reach by train and by car and is well connected to the main routes leading to the Olympic venues. Choosing it as your base allows you to:

• stay in a quiet and elegant setting
• avoid the high prices and crowds of the cities directly involved
• relax by the lake after an intense day of competitions and events
• visit one of the most scenic areas in northern Italy

In short, Stresa becomes the perfect balance between attending the Games and enjoying a high-quality stay.

A relaxing alternative to the Olympic cities

During the Olympics, destinations such as Milan and Cortina will be extremely crowded. Stresa, on the other hand, offers a completely different pace: walks along the lakeside promenade, historic cafés, waterfront restaurants and a compact town centre that is easy to explore on foot.

It is the ideal solution for couples looking for a romantic stay, international travellers seeking an authentic Italian experience, families who want to combine sport and holiday, and photography and landscape lovers. The contrast between Olympic energy and the calm of the lake makes the experience even more memorable.

What to do in Stresa during the Olympic period

Even in winter, Stresa retains a special charm. The lake, the snow-covered mountains in the background and the peaceful atmosphere create the perfect setting for relaxing and cultural activities. Among the most popular experiences are:

• walking along the Stresa lakeside promenade, one of the most beautiful on Lake Maggiore
• visiting the historic centre with its shops, pastry shops and local boutiques
• going up to Mottarone, weather permitting, to enjoy an extraordinary winter panorama
• treating yourself to a romantic dinner or a tasting of local cuisine
• relaxing in a spa or in a hotel with a wellness area

In this way, the day can be divided between sporting events and moments of true rest.

Stresa as a base for reaching the Olympic venues

From a logistical point of view, Stresa is a smart choice. The railway station connects the town easily to Milan, from where the main links to the competition venues depart. By car, the motorways also allow relatively quick travel to the Alpine areas. This makes it possible to:

• attend a competition in the morning
• return to Stresa in the afternoon or evening
• dine by the lake and sleep in a quiet environment

This combination is quite rare during major international events.

Where to stay in Stresa during the Olympics

During large-scale events, finding accommodation in the main cities can become difficult and expensive. For this reason, many travellers choose well-connected but quieter locations.

On Loving Stresa you can find several apartments available in Stresa, ideal for stays of several days or weeks. Apartments offer more space than hotels, the possibility to cook and manage your schedule freely, central or lakeside locations, and excellent value for money in terms of comfort.

They are particularly suitable for couples, families and small groups who want to enjoy the Olympics without giving up relaxation.

Combining sport, landscape and Italian style

The Milan–Cortina Olympics will not only be a sporting event, but also a global showcase for Italy. Stresa, with its elegant style and unique position on Lake Maggiore, is one of the ideal destinations for those who want to enrich their trip with beauty, culture and quality of life.

Choosing Stresa means turning the Olympic experience into a real holiday, made not only of competitions, but also of landscapes, flavours and unforgettable moments.