Stresa is a small tourist town overlooking Lake Maggiore. We are in the region Piedmont in the province of Verbania-Cusio-Ossola. Why go there? First of all, I have never visited that area of Lake Maggiore and they described Stresa to me as the city of Liberty.
Indeed, those who recommended this destination to me were right and already the hotel where I was staying was the representation of liberty in its pure state, the Regina Palace Hotel inaugurated in 1908. The hotel is a thousand and one nights, with classic, liberty and well-kept environments. The lakefront room that I had asked for, at an advantageous price than usual, was large, with two fabulous lakefront balconies. The only drawback was the breakfast, of an international type and without fresh pastries. You will say that it is an exaggeration, but if you have a hotel of that level you certainly cannot present frozen brioches! At least I think so.
Stresa is a quiet town, the lakeside promenade is relaxing and it is a very popular area for tourism from beyond the Alps. charm of the Borromean islands, Such as'Beautiful island. Walking in the small town of Stresa gives the idea of being immersed in one of the many seaside villages that there are in our beautiful country, small shops with typical handicrafts, Stresa porcelain, 'Delikatessen' shops with packs of pasta that I would buy just as a souvenir , but I would never eat.
Yet it is a village that has charm even if the impression was of a place that remained in the seventies, but not in a negative sense. I have seen several families with children in tow also because there is no shortage of things to do. In my opinion, a visit to Isola Bella is a must, the most beautiful of the Borromean islands. From Stresa along the promenade, it is a continuous departure of small boats and it is not strange that nice (so to speak) captains with a sailor's cap invite you to get on board while they see you strolling. However, I suggest you go to the Maritime Station which is clearly visible. From there, larger cruise ships departing on the lake, with indisputable charm, and which operate a regular scheduled service with the other locations surrounding Lake Maggiore.
A 'round trip to Isola Bella the 6,90 € and provides about ten minutes of navigation. As soon as you disembark, you just have to go to the office to visit the palace and gardens. The Borromeo palace it is private so there are no forms of discount even if you are a Tourist Guide, for example. The line is continuous and American and British tourists are always present. I chose to visit the palace without an audio guide, but I recommend you take it. Standard ticket 13 €, to which you can add another 4 euros for the audio guide. The building is splendid and is really well maintained, it shows. The rooms still feature period furniture and I guarantee you will be impressed. The external Italian gardens are the other highlight of the island and the presence of splendid white peacocks give the visit an aristocratic feel. A different weekend than usual, this is guaranteed.
