Stresa, the elegant pearl of Lake Maggiore, welcomes thousands of visitors each year drawn by the Borromean Islands, grand historic palaces, its flower-lined lakeside, and spectacular views across the gulf. But drivers often ask: where to park? And, most importantly: how much does it cost? Finding a spot can be tricky, especially on weekends and in high season, but with some targeted tips the experience becomes easy and enjoyable.
The town offers different options, between paid parking spaces close to the center and ferry terminal, and free areas a bit further. The most convenient are Piazzale Lido di Carciano, where boats to the islands depart, and the new multi-storey garage right next to it, with rates of about €1.80/hour or €14/day. Other useful parking areas are Piazza Marconi, near the Town Hall, or near the train station and Palacongressi. For those preferring free parking, some slightly distant residential or hillside zones offer free spaces—ideal if you’re okay walking a few minutes.
This guide will help you navigate Stresa’s parking options: the most practical solutions, tips to avoid the ZTL zone, and tricks to save time.
For the best experience during your Lake Maggiore visit, we recommend Hartmann Feel at Home, an elegant, peaceful villa in Gignese, between Stresa and Mottarone. Spacious rooms, warm hospitality, and a strategic location make it perfect for exploring the area comfortably.
Start the guide now and discover where to park in Stresa without stress.
At the end you’ll also find a full description of Hartmann Feel at Home, to help you plan your stay in detail.
Where to park in Stresa
Stresa is a very popular tourist destination on Lake Maggiore, but one of the areas with the fewest free spaces. Parking is mainly along the lakeside and in squares near the historic center. Blue lines mean paid parking, while white are free or limited-time. The main municipal car parks are managed by Stresa Servizi. Here are all the options in detail for cars, campers, and motorcycles.
Public paid parking
- Piazza Marconi (Town Hall) – Stresa’s main lakeside car park with about 254 paid spaces. From March 1 to October 31 parking is paid daily from 08:00 to 22:00; from November 1 to February 28 payment applies only on weekends and holidays. Hourly rate ~€1.80, maximum daily ~€14. Pay via meters (coins/apps like EasyPark, Mooney, Telepass); display the ticket on your car.
- Piazza Cappuccini – Near shops and town hall, with both free (white) and paid (blue) spaces. Very used by shoppers. Every Friday morning there’s a market, so from Thursday evening to Friday afternoon parking is prohibited. For other days, blue zones follow same rates as Piazza Marconi (€1.50–1.80/h, ~€10–14/day).
- Palazzo dei Congressi (Palacongressi) – Covered two-level municipal car park. Same paid hours: 08:00–22:00 from Mar 1 to Oct 31 daily, only weekends/holidays in winter. Rates ~€1.80/h, ~€14/day. Semi-covered, handy during rain or shoulder seasons.
- Piazzale Lido di Carciano (funicular to Mottarone) – At the lakeside end, where the Stresa‑Mottarone funicular departs. Large car park (≈74 cars + 6 buses). In high season (Mar–Oct) paid 08:00–22:00 daily; winter (Nov–Feb) free. Car rate €1.80/h, day rate €14. Camper €2.70/h (max €26.90/day). Equipped with water service, no electricity. Paid via meter/apps/Telepass during 09:30–22:00.
- Other municipal car parks – Smaller or neighborhood parking, often active only in high season, e.g. via XX Settembre or near sports field (blue zones, same rules); some internal streets (via Del Seminario, vicolo Capitelli) have rotating free parking (white). All blue “P” zones follow the same rules.
Comparative table of main municipal car parks:
| Parking | Spaces (cars) | Paid hours | Hourly rate (cars) | 1‑day rate (cars) | Payment method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Piazza Marconi | 254 | Mar 1–Oct 31: 08:00–22:00Nov 1–Feb 28: Sat‑Sun & holidays 08:00–22:00 | ≈ €1.80/h | ≈ €14 | Meter (coins/app/Telepass) |
| Palazzo Congressi (multi‑storey) | — | same as Marconi | ≈ €1.80/h | ≈ €14 | Meter / Telepass / App |
| P.le Lido di Carciano | 74 (+6 buses) | Mar 1–Oct 31: 08:00–22:00Nov 1–Feb 28: free | €1.80/h (cars) | €14 | Meter / Telepass / App |
| €2.70/h (campers) | €26.90/day (campers) | ||||
| Via F.lli Bandiera | ~8 (campers) | 08:00–23:00 (year‑round) | €2.70/h (campers) | €26.90/day | EasyPark / Mooney / Telepass |
Source: data from Stresa Servizi and local guides.
Free and unrestricted parking
- Train station parking – Large parking area at Stresa railway station (via Vedasco), currently free. You can park around the station and adjacent streets all day for free. It’s ~10 minutes walk to the center.
- Outskirts & white-lined streets – Many white zones offer free parking (even at night), e.g. via Carducci and via 20 Settembre. In residential areas behind the lakeside (e.g. Roncagli, Someraro), free spots are available. Typically after 20:00 many blue zones become free until morning (check local signs, blue normally paid until 22:00).
- Free Piazza Marconi area – Besides the paid blue, there’s a free lot opposite the cathedral (civic 78) with ~25 spaces. Market guides call it “near the ferry terminal”. It fills quick during busy days, so early arrival is best.
- Parco Pallavicino parking – Visiting the Pallavicino Park (Stresa zoo‑botanic), there’s abundant free parking north of Villa Pallavicino (via Roncagli) in dirt lots.
- Market/festival zones – Watch the events calendar: Stresa markets, sports events, and fairs may take up parking. For example, Friday market at Piazza Cappuccini prohibits parking until 14:00. For major events (e.g., Fish Festival in August, Music Weeks), it’s wise to leave early to avoid closures or temporary bans.
Covered and private garages
- Lido di Carciano multi-storey garage – Opened April 19, 2025 near the funicular (via F.lli Bandiera). 44 covered car spaces, same €1.80/h (09:30–22:00), €14/day, managed by Stresa Servizi with automated payment. Ideal in bad weather or winter. (Note: adjacent camper area is external.)
- Palazzo Congressi garage (covered) – As mentioned, the Congressi car park is largely covered over two levels. Same official rates. Some pay stations may switch off in evenings; sometimes upper levels open free overnight in low season.
- Private garages – Underground garages near Hotel Regina Palace and Grand Hôtel des Iles Borromées, accessible to guests. Some hotels/restaurants (e.g., Hotel Milan Speranza Garage) rent parking. Prices are higher (~€20–25/day). In summer, some places rent spaces to outsiders; check with reception first.
Camper Areas
- Piazzale Lido Carciano (camper area) – 8 smaller dedicated spaces right of entrance. Camper parking €2.70/h or €26.90/24h via apps EasyPark/Mooney/Telepass. Area is lit, under surveillance; water and waste service available; no electricity. Night stops usually tolerated if ticket displayed. Popular but limited.
- Via F.lli Bandiera, 7 (ex Rododo area) – Same as above, with external camper spaces. Identified as “Parcheggio Ponte Roddo”. Rate €2.70/h, €26.90/day.
- Nearby camper stops – No other municipal camper areas. Parco delle Rose campsite in Baveno (~2 km away) allows short-term parking but not ideal for visiting Stresa. Some camper vans park roadside—tolerance is variable. Best to plan using the official lakeside area.
Motorcycle Parking
Stresa has few motorcycle-only spaces, but you’ll find benefits:
- White lines – Motorbikes and scooters park free on white-lined spaces or in second row behind bikes, as long as they don’t block traffic. A white-lined roadside space is free, leaving 1 m for pedestrians.
- Blue lines – In absence of white lines, parking in blue zones is allowed (usually without payment), unless signposted. Check signage: technically bikes need to pay, but often overlooked in tourist towns.
- Dedicated motorcycle zones – Yellow/blue bike spots are available (e.g. near Piazza Cadorna, under Piazza Duomo arcades). Usually for residents with pass. For short stop, free spaces nearby are easier if clear of pavements.
- Tip – Parking in driveways or garages can be ok if passage is free—local tolerance varies. Apps like Park4Night can help locate best bike spots. Always respect signage and pay if required.
EV Charging Stations
Stresa offers multiple electric vehicle chargers, operated by EnelX/Plenitude and hotel networks (especially Tesla). According to Chargemap, ~16 in town:
- Enel X – Via Guglielmo Marconi 2: fast chargers (62 kW + 75 kW) with universal card access, near Piazza Marconi, 24/7 public access.
- Enel X – Via per Gignese 5: semi-fast (34 kW once, 50 kW twice), beside fuel station; public, charging card required.
- Hotels & destinations:
- Hotel Astoria (Corso Umberto I, 31) – 2×7 kW chargers for guests.
- Grand Hôtel Des Îles Borromées (P.zza Marconi, 63) – slow chargers (3–10 kW) for clients.
- Villa & Palazzo Aminta – 2×22 kW Tesla only.
- Hotel La Palma & Hotel Royal – Tesla 22 kW.
- Other slow 7–22 kW chargers in town (e.g., via Monte Grappa 6).
- Free chargers – ~5 completely free stations, mostly public or Tesla hotel chargers. Use apps like Enel X Way, Plenitude, Chargemap to locate available free chargers.
In summary: EV drivers have many options—fast EnelX public chargers to slower hotel ones. Always verify compatibility and availability (some Tesla are guest-only).
Parking by Attraction
- Historic center & Borromean Islands ferry – For city center or boat to Isola Bella/Madre, the best is Piazza Marconi, lakeside next to the dock. Or use the multi-storey (Lido di Carciano), 500 m from boats. If full, try via F.lli Bandiera or the large train station car park and walk ~10 minutes.
- Stresa–Mottarone funicular – Dedicated car park at P.le Lido di Carciano. Best to arrive early morning or late afternoon in summer weekends. New and large, ideal also for adventure park / artificial lake. A small lot on via Chiesa also exists but limited spots.
- Botanical gardens & parks:
- Villa Taranto (Verbania): 15 km (10–15 min), paid parking at entrance (€5–6).
- Villa Carlotta (Tremezzo): via boat shuttle from Baveno/Laveno, entrance parking ~€4–6.
- Parco Pallavicino (Stresa): free dirt parking west of entrance (via Roncagli).
- Other attractions (beach, museum, sports) — Recommended car parks are main ones (Piazza Marconi or Palacongressi). For special events, peripheral parking with shuttles may be set up (e.g., Someraro, Via Carducci); check Municipality website during these periods.
Seasonal Considerations
- High season (spring–summer) – March to October paid parking every day. Stresa gets busy—summer weekends especially—they’re like peak pressure: arrive early (08:00–09:00) or evening (after 18:00). In August and during major events (Fish Festival, International Motorcycle Meet), the Municipality may issue traffic bans—check official notices or Stresa Servizi social feeds.
- Low season (autumn–winter) – November to February white zones are free on weekdays; paid only on weekends/holidays. E.g., Piazza Marconi is free all day Monday or Wednesday in January. However, lakeside lots may close earlier (some payment only until 19:00); street cleaning bans rotate—e.g., via del Seminario every Tuesday. Consult local ordinances.
- Holidays & markets – Beyond Friday market ban in Piazza Cappuccini, holidays see street closures/parking limits: e.g., August may have evening pedestrian zones. On main holidays (Christmas, Easter, Ferragosto), blue zones may still be enforced—always check Municipality notices.
Maps and Useful Resources
You can use online maps (Google Maps, Here WeGo, Waze) setting the POIs above. Specialty resources include:
- Interactive map of Stresa (Lombardo Geosystems) – with all tourist sites and car parks.
- ViaMichelin – Stresa Parking – shows lots, with some online booking.
- Apps and sites:
- EasyPark / MooneyGo / Telepass – for Stresa parking payments.
- Chargemap / Plenitude – for EV chargers.
- Park4Night – camper spots shared by users, with pictures & reviews.
Where to stay in Stresa: Hartmann Feel at Home – Nature, Comfort, Hospitality on Lake Maggiore
Planning a Lake Maggiore trip and wondering where to stay near Stresa for an authentic, relaxing, convenient experience? Meet Hartmann Feel at Home, a historic villa in lush surroundings just minutes from Stresa—perfect for regenerating in a warm, natural, welcoming environment with well-appointed rooms and wholesome breakfast.
📍 Address: Salita Rognoni 10, 28836 Gignese (VB) – under 15 minutes from Stresa center
Stresa: the elegant heart of Lake Maggiore
Stresa is the ideal destination for those seeking beauty, elegance, unforgettable sceneries. From here you board boats to the Borromean Islands, admire historic villas, stroll the flowered lakeside, or take the cable car to Mottarone for stunning lake–Alps views.
For a stress-free experience, choosing where to stay is key—somewhere peaceful yet close to everything.
Hartmann Feel at Home: your hilltop retreat above Stresa
High above in Gignese, at 700 meters, sits Hartmann Feel at Home: a lovingly restored 1930s villa turned serene retreat for those seeking calm, harmony, and heartfelt hospitality.
Surrounded by a private park with century-old trees, panoramic terraces, and lush views, it’s ideal for unwinding after a day of lakes, culture, nature, and good food.
The rooms: each with its own energy
(Photos in gallery preserved) All rooms are inspired by chakras, furnished naturally with relaxing colors. Each includes private bathroom, free Wi‑Fi, linens, eco-products, and access to common spaces.
Available rooms:
- 🧡 SWADHISTHANA ORANGE – 50 m² family suite, two separable zones with single beds and sofa bed.
- 🔵 VISHUDDHA INDIGO – 31 m² suite for 4 adults, two singles + sofa bed.
- 💛 MANIPURA YELLOW – 16.5 m² double with French bed.
- 💚 ANAHATA GREEN – 30 m² triple: two singles + elevated third bed.
- 🔹 AJNA TURQUOISE – 16 m² double with French bed.
- 💜 SAHASRARA PURPLE – 20 m² double with two singles.
- 🔴 MULADHARA RED – Shared room: 2 singles + bunk-style sofa bed. Economical option.
Services: simplicity, authenticity, well‑being
Staying at Hartmann means enjoying:
- Hearty, genuine breakfast in the garden-view veranda
- Free Wi‑Fi throughout
- Complimentary private parking
- Access to the yoga room, fireplace lounge, and panoramic garden
- Tips on sightseeing, transport, dining, and local life
Every detail is designed to make you feel welcome, comfortable, and truly at home.
What you can visit from our B&B
A short drive takes you to:
- Stresa town center & Borromean Islands ferries
- Mottarone: hiking, sports, Alpyland adventures
- Lake Orta & San Giulio Island
- Botanical gardens: Villa Taranto (Verbania), Villa Pallavicino (Stresa)
- Villages: Baveno, Pallanza, Arona, Belgirate
And when you return, you’ll be embraced by silence, greenery, and your peaceful room.
Why choose Hartmann Feel at Home for your Stresa stay
- Because you’re close to Lake Maggiore yet surrounded by nature
- Because you’ll find carefully curated, quiet thematic rooms
- Because you’ll breathe, relax, and sleep truly well
- Because hospitality here is genuine, family-like yet professional
- Because every moment is part of the journey, not just the stay
Book now: your Stresa stay starts here
If you’re wondering where to stay in Stresa, choose a place offering peace, beauty, and authentic hospitality. Hartmann Feel at Home, at Salita Rognoni 10, 28836 Gignese (VB), is your home between the lakes.
You can book directly through our website below: