What to Do in Stresa in 3 Days: Complete Itinerary

Stresa is one of the most elegant towns on Lake Maggiore and is perfectly suited for a three-day stay. This amount of time is enough to visit the historic centre, explore the famous Borromean Islands, and go up to Mottarone to admire one of the most beautiful panoramas in northern Italy.

This itinerary is designed to discover Stresa at a relaxed pace, alternating cultural visits, walks, and moments of relaxation.

Day 1: Historic centre and lakeside promenade

The first day is ideal for discovering the city’s most elegant side. The morning can begin with a walk through the historic centre, between Via Principe Umberto and the nearby streets, where you will find boutiques, local shops, bookshops, and pastry shops. It is the best way to get oriented and become familiar with the atmosphere of Stresa.

Continuing on, you will reach the lakeside promenade, one of the best maintained on Lake Maggiore, with historic villas, flower-filled gardens, and continuous views of the Borromean Islands. It is also perfect for stopping for lunch at one of the restaurants overlooking the water.

In the afternoon, you can visit the Church of Sant’Ambrogio, in the heart of the town, or enjoy some time shopping and taking a coffee break. In the evening, a quiet dinner along the lakeside or in the centre is ideal, perhaps with dishes based on lake fish or traditional Piedmontese cuisine.

Day 2: Borromean Islands

The second day is dedicated to the area’s most iconic attractions.

From the port of Stresa, ferries and water taxis regularly depart for the islands. The first recommended stop is Isola Bella, with the Borromeo Palace and its baroque terraced gardens, among the most spectacular in Europe. Afterwards, you can reach Isola dei Pescatori, the only island inhabited all year round, perfect for lunch at a lakeside restaurant and for a walk through the narrow streets of the village.

Later in the afternoon, you can choose whether to also visit Isola Madre, famous for its large botanical garden, or return to Stresa to relax along the lakeside or at your hotel. In the evening, you can head back into town and enjoy a pleasant aperitif with a lake view before dinner.

Day 3: Mottarone and last views of Stresa

The third day is dedicated to nature and panoramic views.

Mottarone, which rises above Stresa, offers an extraordinary view of Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta, and the Alpine range. It can be reached by car or with seasonal tourist services. At the top you will find easy walking paths, meadows, viewpoints, and restaurants, ideal for a relaxing walk or a lunch surrounded by nature.

In the afternoon, we recommend returning to Stresa for your final hours in town: last-minute shopping, a walk along the promenade, or simply relaxing before departure.

Where to stay in Stresa

To comfortably visit the town and the islands, Stresa is the best base. Everything is within walking distance and the harbour is right in the centre.

On Loving Stresa, you can find several apartments in the historic centre and along the lakeside, ideal for those looking for independence, comfortable spaces, and a strategic location to explore Lake Maggiore without time constraints.

Stresa in 3 days: why it’s the ideal length of stay

Three days allow you to see the main attractions without rushing, combining culture, landscape, and relaxation. It is the perfect amount of time for a first visit, a romantic getaway, or a long weekend, with the feeling of having truly experienced Stresa and not just passed through.