Stresa

Stresa epitomizes all that is sparkling and elegant about Lake Maggiore. Just over the border from Switzerland, the sleepy town is known for its fabulous views over its lakefront promenades, its umber-roofed landmark villas and its distinctly Italian palazzos. Take a cable car to the summit of Monte Mattrone for sensational summer views over the glistening lake, and don’t miss a tranquil boat trip to Isola Bella; the most well-known of the verdant Borromean Islands is just ten minutes away.