Stresa and the beauties of lake Maggiore
14th September 2007
The natural beauty of Stresa, the small town which sits on the banks of Italy's lake Maggiore, has lured visitors to its shores since it was founded more than a millennium ago. From British aristocrats to Ernest Hemingway, there are few who visit Stresa and do not fall under its spell.
Situated on the Simplon pass through the Piedmont region, Stresa's setting is its greatest attraction. Once the scene of humble fishermen docking their boats, the lakeside is now a wide tree-lined avenue, littered with elegant villas and hotels.
From the waterside, visitors are afforded spectacular views across the lake. Immediately on the horizon are the Borromeo islands, enticing visitors to make the short boat trip over.
Each of the islands has its own charms, from the fish restaurants and shops of the rustic Isola de Pescatori to the baroque palace on Isola Bella. The farthest of the three islands, Isola Madre, is also the greenest and offers the unusual attraction of being able to watch exotic birds flying freely above its gardens.
In Stresa itself, there are a number of impressive villas that are worth visiting. Villa Ducale, thanks to restoration, has stood since its commissioning by the Bolongaro family in the late 18th century, while the neo-classical Villa Pallavicino is now home to a zoological park.
So, for a combination of breathtaking natural beauty and classic elegance, take a short break in Stresa.
© Adfero Ltd
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