Lake Maggiore has been an idyllic getaway and muse for famous personalities like Flaubert, Wagner, Goethe and Hemingway. In fact, the region inspired Hemingway to write A Farewell to Arms and those of you who have read the novel will see it come to life here. This region with its deep, moody waters, backed by the Alps is also a playground for the rich. But wealth and fame are not prerequisites to visit this awe-inspiring place. Located on the Swiss border Maggiore attracts hoards of holidaymakers each year.

The biggest and most important town on the lake is Stresa. It has a long lakefront promenade that is lined with restaurants and shops. Although a tiny town, it is lively and lots of fun.

Getting There

By Train
Twenty trains go between Stresa and Milan everyday.

By Car
Take the A8 from Milan. It’ll take you to Sesto at the southern end of the lake. Take the Route S33 to get to Stresa.

Visitor Information

Stresa’s tourist information desk is on the ferry dock. It is open Monday to Saturday from March to October. The timings are 10am to 12:30pm and 3 to 6:30pm.

Festivals & Markets

The main tourist season is between July and September. Classical music enthusiasts come here for the Settimane Musicali, or Festival of Musical Weeks. For more information on the festival itself, log on to http://www.stresa.net/settimanemusicali.