Introduction
Stresa’s lakeshore faces the beautiful Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore, offering postcard-worthy views. Nestled in northern Italy, Stresa is a picturesque and historic lakeside town renowned for its elegant villas, grand hotels, and scenic promenade along the water. This charming resort destination has drawn international tourists for centuries – from 19th-century aristocrats to literary figures like Ernest Hemingway, who famously stayed here. Stresa exudes a timeless elegance and tranquil atmosphere, with flower-lined waterfront paths and cobbled streets in the old town, making it ideal for both romantic getaways and family holidays. As the gateway to Lake Maggiore’s Borromean Islands, it entices visitors with its lush gardens, island palaces, and Alpine panoramas, cementing its reputation as one of the most enchanting towns in the Italian Lakes.
Why Stay with Hartmann Feel At Home
Hartmann Feel At Home is a renovated 1930s villa atop the hills above Stresa, providing a serene home base. Hartmann Feel At Home is a family-run B&B situated on a quiet hilltop in the village of Gignese (700 m above sea level), just a short drive above Stresa. Here you can enjoy cool mountain air, peace and panoramic views away from the busy lakeside. The historic villa was beautifully renovated in 2022, blending original Art Deco character with modern comforts and spotless, spacious interiors. Each room features large windows or a balcony framing views of the surrounding park, rolling hills, or even distant Lake Maggiore. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming – true to its name, Hartmann strives to make every guest “feel at home” with personal touches and friendly multilingual hosts. Couples will love the intimate, tranquil setting (imagine unforgettable sunsets over the lake), while families and groups appreciate the relaxed “home away from home” vibe and extra space. In contrast to pricey downtown hotels, Hartmann offers affordable rates and flexibility (including a budget dorm option) without sacrificing comfort. Its strategic location between Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta means you’re just minutes from Stresa’s attractions, the Mottarone mountaintop, and even two local golf courses. After a day of exploring, you can unwind in the villa’s elegant common areas – like the cozy lounge with a fireplace, a sunny veranda for breakfast, or even a small yoga/meditation room – surrounded by nature and genuine hospitality.
Accommodation Overview
Hartmann Feel At Home features six unique rooms and suites, each thoughtfully designed to suit different travelers – whether you’re a couple, a family, or a backpacker. The rooms are individually decorated and even themed by calming chakra colors, but all share a fresh, modern style with hardwood floors and garden views. Couples can choose a cozy double room (e.g. the “Manipura Yellow” room, ~16 m² with a French double bed) that offers intimacy and comfort. Families or groups have several spacious options: a 30 m² triple room with two twins plus a lofted bed, a 31 m² quadruple room (two twins and a sofa bed), or even a 50 m² family suite with two adjoining bedrooms that can be separated – perfect for parents and kids who want both togetherness and privacy. For budget-conscious travelers or solo backpackers, Hartmann offers a small dormitory-style room (the “Muladhara Red” shared room) with two single beds and a bunk-style sofa bed – our most budget-friendly option that still enjoys all the villa’s amenities. Every private room has its own en-suite bathroom (and some family rooms even boast a second bathroom or extra washbasin for convenience). You’ll find thoughtful touches like a work desk, wardrobe, and free toiletries in rooms, plus strong free Wi-Fi throughout the villa. In the mornings, a plentiful breakfast is served – a continental buffet featuring fresh fruits, juices, cheeses, and baked goods (with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options) to start your day right. Guests can relax in the villa’s expansive garden with outdoor seating, let kids play on the lawn, or enjoy an evening soak in the open-air hot tub under the stars. With its mix of room types and amenities, Hartmann Feel At Home truly caters to couples seeking romance, families in need of space, and travelers of all budgets looking for comfort in a peaceful alpine setting.
Where to Eat in Stresa
After settling in at Hartmann, you’ll want to sample the local cuisine. Stresa and its surroundings offer plenty of delightful restaurants and cafés for every taste – from romantic lakefront dinners to casual family pizzerias. Here are a few top picks:
- Ristorante Cardini – A hidden gem in the hills above Stresa (Someraro), known for its breathtaking lake views and warm, rustic atmosphere. This family-run restaurant serves authentic Italian dishes with a creative twist, and it’s beloved for its attentive, multilingual owners who make every guest feel welcome. The menu features regional specialties (don’t miss the house-made pasta with cheese-and-pear filling, or the wild mushroom risotto) complemented by an excellent local wine selection. With reasonable prices and a terrace overlooking Lake Maggiore, Cardini is perfect for a romantic dinner or a relaxed family meal. They even accommodate dietary needs with gluten-free options, making it a must-visit for gourmet travelers.
- Taverna del Pappagallo – A popular trattoria in Stresa’s town center (Via Principessa Margherita), loved by locals and visitors alike for its tasty food and friendly vibe. It boasts a lovely shaded patio draped in vines – ideal for al fresco dining on warm evenings. The extensive menu covers all the Italian classics – wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta, seafood, and more. Their pizza is a highlight (the wood-oven Tricolore or a hearty calzone come highly recommended) and portions are generous. The ambiance is casual and family-friendly, and prices are very reasonable. It’s wise to book a table in advance for dinner, as Pappagallo’s mix of quality and value makes it quite popular.
- Trattoria Imbarcadero – For a unique experience, take an early evening ferry over to Isola dei Pescatori (Fishermen’s Island) just offshore from Stresa, and dine at this charming waterside trattoria. Imbarcadero is known for its fresh lake fish and romantic island setting – an ideal spot for couples. Here you can savor local specialties like perch risotto or grilled fish catch-of-the-day, paired with regional wines, while watching boats gently bob at the dock. The atmosphere at dinner is magical – picture dining by candlelight with the lake lapping nearby and the island village as your backdrop. (If you have kids or prefer something quick, the island also has pizzerias and gelato stands for a more casual bite.) But for a memorable evening, Trattoria Imbarcadero’s combination of rustic charm and fresh flavors is hard to beat.
- L’Idrovolante Café – This casual café-restaurant sits directly on the lakefront in Carciano (next to Stresa’s lido ferry station) and is perfect for lunch or an aperitivo with a view. L’Idrovolante has a spacious outdoor terrace where you can literally sit over the water, enjoying panoramic views of the Borromean Islands and lush mountains beyond. The menu offers light fare – think sandwiches, salads, pasta and daily specials – along with good coffee, spritz and gelato. It’s very welcoming to families; kids can stretch their legs on the adjacent lakeside while parents relax with a drink. Service is friendly and unhurried, encouraging you to linger and soak up the scenery. It’s an ideal afternoon pit-stop during sightseeing. Tip: for dessert, stroll over to Gelateria K2 on Via Bolongaro in the center of Stresa – an artisanal gelato shop where they shape the ice cream into a rose on your cone. The flavors (try hazelnut, pistachio, or stracciatella) are heavenly and a perfect treat after dinner! 🍨
What to Do Around Stresa
Stresa’s prime location on Lake Maggiore means there is no shortage of activities and day trips to enjoy. From island palaces to mountaintop thrills, here are some of the best things to do around Stresa:
- Explore the Borromean Islands: A visit to Stresa isn’t complete without hopping on a ferry to the trio of Borromean Islands just offshore. In a quick 5–10 minute boat ride, you can reach these idyllic islands, each with its own character. Isola Bella, the crown jewel, features a lavish 17th-century Baroque palace and ornate terraced gardens filled with exotic plants and strutting white peacocks. Walking through the Palazzo Borromeo and its Italianate gardens – complete with statues, fountains, and panoramic lake vistas – feels like stepping into a fairy tale. Isola dei Pescatori (Fishermen’s Island), by contrast, is a quaint fishing village of narrow lanes and stone houses – no palaces here, just a charming rustic atmosphere and plenty of waterfront cafés and restaurants serving fresh fish. It’s a lovely spot to wander and have lunch. Further out, Isola Madre is the largest island, home to a smaller Borromeo villa and renowned for its English-style botanical garden – a peaceful paradise of rare plants, flowers and free-roaming peacocks and parrots. You can easily visit Isola Bella and Pescatori in one trip (they’re very close to Stresa) and add Isola Madre if time allows. Regular ferries run throughout the day, or you can book a hop-on/hop-off island tour. This island adventure is a highlight for couples and families alike – combining history, culture and stunning scenery in one excursion.
- Ride the Mottarone Cable Car: For breathtaking alpine views, take the cable car (funivia) from Stresa up to Mount Mottarone, which soars to 1,491 m. In about 20 minutes you’ll ascend from the lakefront to the summit, with a mid-stop at Alpino along the way. On clear days the 360° panorama from Mottarone is unbelievable – you can see seven different lakes sparkling below (Maggiore, Orta, and more) and a sweeping backdrop of the Alps and Po Valley. At the summit, there’s fun for all ages: Alpyland, a 1.2 km alpine coaster/slide, offers an exciting ride down the mountain on rails; nature lovers can enjoy hiking trails or mountain bike paths in summer, and in winter Mottarone offers skiing and snow activities. There’s also a chairlift on top for an even higher viewpoint and a couple of rustic mountain restaurants for lunch with a view. Note: The Stresa–Mottarone cable car is currently undergoing upgrades (after a closure), so check its operational status. When not running, you can reach Mottarone by car in about 30 minutes via Gignese. Either way, it’s worth the trip for the adventure and the vistas. As one local slogan goes, Mottarone is a “natural balcony” over Lake Maggiore – and you’ll understand why when you’re up there!
- Villa Pallavicino Park: Just south of Stresa’s center lies the Villa Pallavicino Park, a favorite outing especially for families. This 18-hectare lakeside estate combines beautifully landscaped botanical gardens with a small zoological park, creating a fun and relaxing environment. Stroll through avenues of ancient trees and vibrant flowerbeds (azaleas, rhododendrons and roses put on a show in spring), and you’ll come across enclosures where friendly animals reside. Kids can meet and even pet various creatures – from deer, llamas and alpacas to peacocks, flamingos, and playful goats – in the park’s petting zoo area. There are over 40 species in total, and seeing white peacocks roam the lawns feels almost magical. The setting itself is gorgeous, with the 19th-century Pallavicino villa as a backdrop and views of the lake through the trees. There’s a small playground and a café/picnic area, so you can easily spend 2–3 hours here with little ones. For travelers of any age, Villa Pallavicino offers a refreshing break – it’s a peaceful green oasis combining gardens and wildlife, right on the Stresa waterfront.
- Lake Cruises & Nearby Towns: Boat excursions are a delightful way to discover Lake Maggiore beyond Stresa. The public ferry (Navigazione Laghi) or private tour boats can take you to other charming lake towns such as Baveno (just 10 minutes west) or Verbania-Intra across the water. Baveno boasts a lovely lakeside promenade and historic churches, while Verbania (the lake’s largest town) offers shopping, cafes, and the famed Villa Taranto botanical gardens. You can purchase a day pass to hop between towns, or even join a leisurely lake cruise that circles the Borromean Bay at sunset. The views from the boat are fantastic – you’ll see grand villas, lush gardens and maybe even some swans as you glide along. It’s a relaxing outing for families and couples alike, and an easy way to sightsee without a car. Ferries also connect to Arona (to the south, known for its giant San Carlo statue) and to the Swiss side of the lake (Locarno), so you have plenty of options. Check the schedules at Stresa’s pier (Piazza Marconi) and enjoy a day of lake hopping.
- Scenic Hikes: The Stresa area is crisscrossed with hiking trails that reward walkers with superb panoramas. You don’t have to be a serious hiker – even a short trek up into the hills can yield unforgettable views of Lake Maggiore framed by mountains. One popular route leads from Stresa up through woods and villages to the Alpinia Botanical Garden (at Alpino, the mid-station of the cable car), where you can admire hundreds of alpine plant species and a magnificent overlook of the Borromean Gulf. From Alpino you might continue on foot toward Mottarone’s summit if you’re feeling energetic. Other trails wind east toward Belgirate or inland to little hamlets like Levo and Vezzo. Wherever you roam, you’re likely to find picnic spots and photo-worthy vistas. As the Strafari travel blog put it, “the hiking trails around Stresa offer incredible panoramic vistas of the lake and the Alps”. Just ask your hosts at Hartmann for their favorite nearby walks – they can point you to the best viewpoints. Don’t forget water and good shoes, and then set off into Stresa’s great outdoors!
Booking and Contact Information
Stresa and its surroundings are yours to discover, and Hartmann Feel At Home makes the perfect base to experience it all. To book your stay at Hartmann, you can reserve directly through the official website or contact the B&B for personalized assistance. The owners are very responsive and happy to help with planning. Booking directly (rather than through third-party sites) may also get you the best rates or special offers – use the “Book” link on their website or reach out via email/phone. For inquiries and reservations, you can email info@homehartmann.com or call +39 349 3726750. The staff speaks English and Italian (and often some French/German), so international travelers will have no trouble communicating.
Getting there: Hartmann Feel At Home is located at Salita Rognoni 10, 28836 Gignese (VB) – just a 8–10 km drive up the hill from Stresa’s lakeside. If you’re driving from Stresa, simply follow the signs toward Gignese/Mottarone; the road winds up through woods and village hamlets (with lovely views along the way) and takes about 10 minutes by car. Free private parking is available on-site for guests. For those traveling without a car, there is a local bus (Line 34) that runs between Stresa and Gignese a few times a day. It departs from Stresa’s Imbarcadero (boat pier) and reaches Gignese in roughly 25–30 minutes (a scenic ride, albeit infrequent). Taxis are also readily available at the Stresa train station if you prefer a quick 9-minute ride up. Stresa itself is well-connected: by train it’s about an hour from Milan, and by car roughly 50 km from Milan Malpensa Airport (approximately a 50–60 minute drive on the motorway).
When you arrive at Hartmann Feel At Home, you’ll be greeted with a smile and all the information you need for a wonderful stay on Lake Maggiore. This welcoming villa truly lives up to its name, and the hosts will ensure you experience the best of Stresa and its surroundings. We wish you a fantastic trip – benvenuti to Lake Maggiore and enjoy your home-away-from-home at Hartmann! 🌞🚤
Hartmann Feel At Home B&B – Contacts: Gignese (Stresa), Salita Rognoni 10, Italy. Phone: +39 349 3726750, Email: info@homehartmann.com. (Hosts: Francesca & family.) Feel free to reach out for any questions – they will be happy to assist. Safe travels and buon viaggio!
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