Wondering what to do in Stresa in a single day?
Below you’ll find our guide created by Hartmann Feel at Home, our guesthouse near Lake Maggiore.
Nestled in the hills of Gignese, just a few minutes from Stresa and overlooking Lake Maggiore, Hartmann Feel at Home is a refined villa surrounded by nature. Designed for those who want to slow down, breathe, and enjoy a stay filled with silence, beauty, and genuine care, the villa has been fully renovated using natural, high-quality materials—making it the ideal place to restore balance and well-being.
Let’s get into the day’s itinerary:
Morning
Begin your day at 9:00 AM from the main pier in Stresa, when the light is still soft and the lake is calm, its surface reflecting the delicate outlines of the surrounding mountains and islands. From here, board a boat for a short but unforgettable journey across the water to Isola Bella, the most iconic of the Borromean Islands—a fairytale destination just ten minutes away.
As you approach, the silhouette of Palazzo Borromeo emerges from the lake like a vision from a baroque painting, its white façade gleaming in the morning sun. The island, once a bare rock, was transformed in the 17th century into a masterpiece of aristocratic architecture and landscape design. The palace opens its doors to visitors at this hour, inviting you into a world of artistic splendor: stroll through frescoed halls, admire gilded ceilings, and descend into the grottos—cool, cavernous chambers decorated with pebbles and seashells that once served as refreshing summer retreats.
Allow at least an hour to fully enjoy the palace’s interiors, rich with history and stories of noble families and foreign dignitaries. Highlights include Napoleon’s Room—where the French emperor is said to have spent the night in 1797—and the Music Room, which has hosted royal gatherings and political conferences alike.
After the palace, step out into the magnificent Italianate gardens, where nature and geometry meet in perfect harmony. Designed as a series of ten ascending terraces, the gardens are adorned with exotic plants, fountains, statues, and classical balustrades. As you ascend, each level offers new perspectives of the lake and the mountains beyond. White peacocks roam the lawns like living sculptures, adding an unexpected touch of grace to the scene. The top terrace, crowned by the Borromeo family’s heraldic unicorn, provides a 360-degree panorama that will linger in your memory long after you leave.
Take your time here—at least 45 minutes—to wander, photograph, or simply sit beneath the shade of a magnolia tree and breathe in the floral-scented air. In spring, the garden explodes with tulips, azaleas, and camellias; in summer, you’ll find hydrangeas, citrus trees, and blooming pergolas.
At around 11:15 AM, catch the next boat to the nearby Isola dei Pescatori (Fishermen’s Island), a peaceful, inhabited islet with a completely different charm. The boat ride takes just five minutes, but feels like a journey back in time. Unlike the grandeur of Isola Bella, this island is about simplicity and authenticity. Narrow cobbled alleys weave between ancient fishermen’s homes, many still inhabited today. Wooden balconies jut out over the water, once used to dry fish in the sun. Here, time seems to slow down.
Spend about an hour wandering freely: explore tiny artisan shops, pop into the 13th-century church of San Vittore, and discover quiet corners along the shoreline, perfect for a few candid photos or simply to watch the gentle movement of the lake. On sunny days, the reflections of boats, buildings, and birds create a tranquil, painterly scene.
At around 12:30 PM, it’s time to sit down for a leisurely lakeside lunch. Several family-run restaurants offer panoramic terraces where you can enjoy the sound of lapping waves and the scent of grilled lake fish. A local favorite is risotto with perch, delicately pan-fried and served with butter and sage—a simple but exquisite dish that pairs wonderfully with a chilled glass of Erbaluce or Gavi, two crisp white wines from the Piedmont region.
Soak in the view as you dine, letting the moment stretch a little longer than usual. Try to finish lunch by 1:30 PM, giving you time to return to Stresa either for a relaxing afternoon or to continue your journey to the next destination.
Afternoon
After a delicious lakeside lunch on Isola dei Pescatori and a gentle return by boat, your afternoon begins at a slower, more contemplative pace—perfect for taking in the serene beauty of Stresa’s lakefront.
At around 2:00 PM, start a leisurely stroll along the promenade, a favorite activity for both visitors and locals. This 30-minute walk traces the elegant curve of the shoreline and is ideal for digestion and quiet enjoyment. You’ll be surrounded by well-kept flowerbeds, palm trees gently swaying in the breeze, and the ever-present shimmer of Lake Maggiore, dotted with boats and the silhouettes of the Borromean Islands.
On one side, the lake opens up like a living painting; on the other, graceful villas and historic buildings whisper stories from the past. One highlight along the way is the Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées, a masterpiece of Belle Époque architecture. Its lavish façade, domed turrets, and manicured gardens have welcomed royalty, writers, and artists for over a century—Ernest Hemingway among them. Pause here for a photo in front of the iconic building or step inside for a quick glimpse of the ornate lobby if time allows.
Another peaceful stop is the small but charming Villa Ducale’s public park, located right on the lakeside. Nestled beneath century-old trees, the benches here offer a perfect spot to relax in the shade and admire the view over the Borromean Gulf. With its calm atmosphere and gentle rhythm, this walk invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and simply enjoy the moment.
By 3:00 PM, head to Villa Pallavicino, located just outside the town center. It’s easily reached by a 5-minute car ride, 20 minutes on foot, or even by a local shuttle or e-bike if you prefer a soft adventure. The entrance is set back slightly from the main road, behind an elegant wrought iron gate that opens onto a world of nature and tranquility.
Originally a noble residence, Villa Pallavicino is today a delightful zoological and botanical park that extends over approximately 20 hectares. Plan to spend around 90 minutes here—just the right amount of time to explore without rushing. The park is a haven for families, couples, and anyone who finds joy in the company of animals and the beauty of landscaped gardens.
Follow gently winding paths through groves of ancient trees and open meadows where llamas, alpacas, deer, and goats roam freely in semi-wild enclosures. Children are often enchanted by the petting area, while adults appreciate the peaceful surroundings and scenic views of the lake from elevated vantage points. Don’t be surprised if a peacock crosses your path, trailing his brilliant tail across the lawn—these feathered residents are as much part of the villa’s charm as the architecture itself.
Along the way, you’ll find cozy benches and picnic spots, a small playground, and several quiet corners where birdsong is the only soundtrack. Whether you’re traveling as a family or on a romantic escape, Villa Pallavicino offers a refreshing contrast to the cultural splendor of the morning: here, nature takes the lead, inviting you to relax, observe, and connect.
By the time you leave, the afternoon light will have begun to soften, casting golden reflections across the water—a perfect prelude to whatever your evening holds.
Evening
As the afternoon fades into early evening, make your way back to the center of Stresa around 5:00 PM, just as the golden light begins to bathe the lake and surrounding mountains. The pace of the town slows, and a gentle hush settles over the water. It’s the perfect time to enjoy a gelato while strolling along the promenade, or to sit at a café terrace with an aperitivo in hand—perhaps a classic Negroni sbagliato or a refreshing local white wine spritz.
Pick a spot with a view of the Borromean Islands, which by now are glowing in the warm light of the setting sun. From here, you can simply sit back and watch the colors shift—from gold to pink, from violet to deep blue—as the lake reflects the changing sky. The elegant Belle Époque hotels are illuminated one by one, and the silhouettes of the Alps begin to fade into dusk.
If you feel like extending your time in this magical place, stay for dinner at one of Stresa’s panoramic restaurants. Options abound: some are perched on the hills above town with breathtaking views over the lake, while others are right on the water’s edge, with tables lit by lanterns and the sound of lapping waves as your soundtrack. Many offer seasonal menus showcasing the best of Piedmontese and lake cuisine—from risotto with perch and butter-sage sauce, to handmade ravioli with local cheese and herbs, to slow-cooked meat dishes paired with robust Nebbiolo or Ghemme wines.
If you’re dining al fresco, linger after your meal to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Watch the last boats returning to the harbor, the gentle movement of lights across the bay, and the reflection of stars appearing above the mountains. In that moment, it’s easy to understand why this place has inspired poets, writers, and travelers for centuries.
As the night deepens, take one last slow walk along the waterfront or through the quiet cobblestone streets of the old town. Let the sounds of the lake, the scent of flowers, and the cool breeze be your farewell.
Because one day in Stresa is enough to fall in love… but never enough to forget.
Where to Stay Near Stresa: Hartmann Feel at Home
Just minutes from Stresa, as you climb gently through chestnut woods and mossy paths, you’ll reach a place like no other.
Hartmann Feel at Home is not a hotel or a typical B&B—it’s a home. A living, breathing home nestled in the quiet hills of Gignese, where every corner reflects balance, nature, and heartfelt hospitality.
Here, luxury means simplicity: authentic details, genuine comfort, and complete freedom.
You can kick off your shoes, open your window to let in the forest air, start your day slowly, and enjoy breakfast without hurry.
The rooms—inspired by the harmonizing energy of the chakras—are spacious and light-filled, featuring wooden floors, private bathrooms, and calming views of nature, offering guests a deep sense of peace and rest.
The villa includes areas designed for relaxation and wellness:
- an outdoor hot tub for soaking in nature,
- a lounge with a round fireplace for quiet evenings,
- and a silent yoga room for meditation, breathwork, or stillness.
Each morning begins with a fresh, seasonal breakfast, with attention to dietary needs: vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are always available, to start your day with nourishment and care.
Hartmann Feel at Home is more than accommodation—it’s a sensory experience, an invitation to slow down and reconnect. A serene corner above Lake Maggiore where every guest feels welcomed, heard, and truly at home.
Our Rooms: Six Ways to Feel Good
Each room at Hartmann is its own world—no two are alike, and each is designed to meet different needs and travel styles.
- Swadhisthana: A spacious, warm suite with two connected rooms and direct garden access. Perfect for those seeking space, privacy, and a green corner with a hot tub.
- Manipura: Simple yet bright and comfortable, on the ground floor. Ideal for guests who want accessibility, quiet, and direct connection to nature.
- Anahata: A soft, original space with a lofted bed that’s loved by kids—and also by couples looking for something unique. Wide, harmonious, and cozy.
- Vishuddha: Intimate, delicate, and quiet. Perfect for a couples’ weekend away from the hustle. Natural light and carefully chosen details complete the charm.
- Ajna: A versatile suite with two separate areas divided by a mirrored door. Great for families or couples who want more room without sacrificing intimacy.
- Sahasrara: Located in the villa’s turret, with sweeping views of the lake and mountains. Reserved, elegant, and unforgettable.
More Than a Stay, a Way of Life
Hartmann Feel at Home is perfect for those who love to:
✔️ breathe slowly
✔️ read in the garden
✔️ practice yoga in a dedicated space
✔️ relax in a hot tub under the trees
✔️ enjoy abundant, natural breakfasts—without rushing
It’s the right choice if you:
- want to be near Stresa but away from the crowds
- value peaceful sleep and birdsong in the morning
- prefer to feel truly welcomed, not just served
- are ready to slow down, breathe, and return to yourself
Where We Are
We’re in Gignese, just above Stresa—minutes from Lake Maggiore, the Mottarone, and the Borromean Islands.
A perfect starting point to explore, and a warm, wooden, light-filled nest to return to each night.
Hartmann Feel at Home:
Not just a place to stay.
A way to travel—with open heart and bare feet.
We’re waiting for you.
Book now directly from the website: