We departed Milan on June 11th for Stresa. Stresa, often called the “Pearl of Lake Maggiore,” is a charming resort town in Piedmont, northwest Italy, sitting at about 200 m above sea level with roughly 4,600 residents. Its elegant Belle Époque architecture, lakeside promenade, and mild micro‑climate make it a prime base for exploring Lake Maggiore and the other lakes as well. It is also where we met our Smithsonian tour group, at the La Palma Hotel. Let’s start with photos of the hotel (it’s a wide angle shot with the sun behind the subject and not very good) and then our room and balcony.
The view from our balcony.
We met our group and Travel Director, Reinhard Groeting, who is very nice and very knowledgeable. The folks in the group are from all over the US. Then we were off for a stroll through Stresa with Reinhard and our travel partners. Here is a selection of photos of this pretty little town starting with some of our group and Reinhard.
Although there are homes scattered in the mountains and hillside, the heart of the area seems to be in the downtown and around Piazza La Cadorna. Stroll along with us and enjoy this delightful place.
Piazza Cadorna; two views.
And one more of the Piazza.
Moving on.
Starting back, heading downhill. I tell you this because otherwise you might think we were on level ground.
A luxury, boutique Hotel on the right as we walked down via Canonica and then the Hotel Regina Palace on our left.
Before starting back on Corso Italia, we stopped into the local church which overlooks the lake.
This little church is attractive inside.
I can never pass up a pretty flower and this Calla Lilly was no exception.
Strolling back on Corso Italia, lake on our right and hotels on our left. First is the Regina Palace.
And then the Hotel Astoria with La Palma in the distance on the right.
A few views from the La Palma Roof Top Bar on the 7th floor at twilight. This view looks south.
Looking southerly into the mountains.
Looking north toward the Alps, with Isola Bella, the small island in the distance.
Goodnight Stresa.
Stresa looks like a great place to spend some time roaming around. Great photos.
Thanks Gail. It is a lovely place.