Arriving in Stresa by car is easy, but especially at weekends, during the summer months and on the occasion of major events, it can be useful to know in advance where to leave your car.
The town has several parking areas located around the centre, the lakefront, the Palacongressi and the Carciano area. However, parking regulations vary depending on the car park and the time of year: some are paid only from March to October, others become free during the winter, while one, the basement level of the Palacongressi, is subject to charges throughout the year. So, let's take a look at where to park in Stresa, distinguishing between paid parking and free parking options.
Paid Parking in Stresa
The main paid parking areas are managed by Stresa Servizi, a company owned by the Municipality. The officially listed areas include Piazza Marconi, the Palacongressi, Via Giacomo Borromeo, Lido di Carciano, the Lido multi-storey car park, Ponte del Roddo and the new car park in Corso Italia.
For cars, the standard rate established by the Municipality is €1.80 per hour, with a daily rate of €14. However, the times and days when payment is required are not the same for all parking areas.
Piazza Marconi Car Park
Piazza Marconi is probably one of the most convenient options for those who want to immediately reach the centre of Stresa, the lakefront or the ferry docks for the Borromean Islands.
The car park is located in front of the Town Hall, right next to the lake. Stresa Servizi currently lists Piazza Marconi among the town's main parking areas.
From 1 March to 31 October, parking is subject to charges every day from 9:30 am to 10:00 pm. From 1 November to 28 or 29 February, however, parking is free on weekdays and remains subject to charges from 9:30 am to 10:00 pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
Its location makes it particularly convenient, but for this very reason it can fill up quickly during the busiest periods.
Palacongressi Car Park
Another very useful option for reaching the centre is the Palacongressi car park, which has two separate parking areas.
The ground floor, with entrance and exit from Via Canonica, essentially follows the same seasonal regulations as Piazza Marconi: parking is subject to charges every day from 1 March to 31 October, from 9:30 am to 10:00 pm. From 1 November to the end of February, it is free on weekdays, while payment is still required on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays between 9:30 am and 10:00 pm.
The basement level, accessed from Via Prini, is an important exception: it is paid 24 hours a day throughout the year.
The location of the Palacongressi makes it a good alternative to Piazza Marconi for those who want to leave their car and walk into the town centre.
Via Giacomo Borromeo Car Park
Another parking area managed by Stresa Servizi is located in Via Giacomo Borromeo, with approximately 70 parking spaces.
From 1 March to 31 October, parking is subject to charges every day from 9:30 am to 10:00 pm. From 1 November to the end of February, however, this area becomes free every day.
It can therefore be particularly convenient for those visiting Stresa during the low season.
Lido di Carciano Car Parks
Those heading to Carciano, the lakefront in the northern part of Stresa or the boat departure points in this area can use the Lido di Carciano parking facilities.
The Municipality distinguishes between the Piazzale Lido car park and the newer Multipiano Lido multi-storey car park, located in Viale Lido.
For both areas, parking is subject to charges every day from 1 March to 31 October, from 9:30 am to 10:00 pm. Between 1 November and the end of February, parking is free on weekdays, while charges still apply during the same hours on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
Ponte del Roddo Car Park
Carciano is also home to the Ponte del Roddo parking area in Via Fratelli Bandiera, which is intended for both cars and camper vans. Stresa Servizi lists 20 car spaces and 8 camper van spaces.
For cars, the rate is €1.80 per hour or €14 per day, while camper vans are charged €2.70 per hour and €25 per day.
From 1 March to 31 October, parking is subject to charges every day from 9:30 am to 10:00 pm. During the winter, it is free on weekdays, while charges remain in place on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. These regulations apply to both the car and camper van areas.
Where to Park for Free in Stresa
To find free parking in Stresa, it is particularly important to pay attention to the season and the signs displayed in the chosen parking area. Several municipal car parks that are subject to charges during the tourist season become completely or partially free during the winter months.
The official regulations established by the Municipality make it possible to identify some specific options.
Via Giacomo Borromeo: Free in Winter
Between 1 November and 28 or 29 February, parking in Via Giacomo Borromeo is free every day.
It is therefore one of the simplest options for those visiting Stresa during the winter who do not necessarily need to park directly on the lakefront.
Piazza Marconi and Palacongressi: Free on Weekdays in Winter
Both Piazza Marconi and the ground floor of the Palacongressi become free on weekdays from 1 November to the end of February.
On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, however, charges apply again from 9:30 am to 10:00 pm. This free parking does not apply to the basement level of the Palacongressi, which remains subject to charges throughout the year.
The same winter regulations also apply to Piazzale Lido, Multipiano Lido and Ponte del Roddo.
Corso Italia, Porto Nuovo: A Special Option
One of the most interesting new additions is the Porto Nuovo car park in Corso Italia, built opposite number 78.
The Municipality has provided 33 parking spaces in total, two of which are reserved for vehicles serving people with disabilities.
Its regulations differ from those of the other parking areas: from 1 November to the end of February, it is free every day. From 1 March to 31 October, payment is required on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 9:30 am to 10:00 pm. Consequently, on ordinary weekdays during the March-October period, parking is not subject to the fee applied on weekends and public holidays.
It is therefore a particularly interesting option to check when arriving in Stresa during the week.
Piazza Capucci: Time-Limited Parking
Piazza Capucci deserves separate consideration because its parking regulations have been changed.
The 2025 municipal resolution establishes that the area is regulated by a parking disc, with a maximum stay of 60 minutes from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm, every day between 1 March and 31 October.
It is therefore a solution particularly suitable for short stays, rather than for those who want to leave their car for an entire day while exploring Stresa.
It is also important to pay particular attention on Fridays, traditionally the town's market day, as parking restrictions and specific regulations may apply.
How Much Does Parking Cost in Stresa?
For the main municipal parking areas intended for cars, the rates established by the Municipality are:
€1.80 per hour
€14 for the entire day
During the periods and hours when payment is required, these rates apply to Piazza Marconi, Corso Italia-Porto Nuovo, Palacongressi, Via Giacomo Borromeo, Piazzale Lido and Multipiano Lido. Ponte del Roddo has the same rates for cars, while camper vans are charged €2.70 per hour or €25 per day.
Before leaving your car, however, it is always advisable to check the parking meter and the road signs displayed on site, especially during events, roadworks or temporary changes to traffic regulations.
Where Is the Best Place to Park to Visit Stresa Town Centre?
If your aim is to visit the historic centre, stroll along the lakefront or take a boat, Piazza Marconi is one of the most convenient options thanks to its location directly on the lake.
The Palacongressi is a good alternative when Piazza Marconi is full and still allows you to easily reach the heart of the town on foot.
Those who do not need to be immediately next to the ferry docks can instead consider Via Giacomo Borromeo or the other parking areas around town, especially if the aim is to leave the car for several hours.
For those heading to Carciano, Piazzale Lido, Multipiano Lido and Ponte del Roddo are more convenient.
Pay Attention to Weekends, Summer and Events
During spring and summer weekends, Stresa can become extremely busy. The same applies during concerts, sporting events, markets and other events organised in the area.
In these situations, the Municipality may introduce parking restrictions or temporary changes to traffic regulations. This happened, for example, during the Giro d'Italia on 22 May 2026, when the Municipality temporarily changed the usual parking regulations.
If you are arriving for an event, it may therefore be useful to check the events in Stresa in advance, along with any notices published by the Municipality.
Where to Park to Take the Boat to the Borromean Islands?
Piazza Marconi is particularly convenient because it is located directly in the lakefront and ferry dock area. Alternatively, you can leave your car at the Palacongressi and walk to the harbour.
The Lake Maggiore Newsletter
Subscribe to receive news and tips from our team — this is the secret to the perfect holiday on Lake Maggiore!
