Stresa, lake maggiore - tips

[turtletum]

Hi, I'm hoping to treat my mum to a mini break in Stresa, on lake maggiore, this summer. She's had so much on her plate lately and I want to give her some 'me' time. Looking for insights. She's not been to this part of the world before. We like food, wine, scenery/nature and some history. Capable walkers but not hiking. She's quite spry and fun-loving for a lady in her 70s.

So far, I've thought about a boat trip to visit the islands and possibly a lunch or sunset visit to the La Palma sky bar? Will also amble around the town centre and the lake side paths/gardens. Any tips for authentic and good value lunch/dinner stops? Not looking for Michelin star. Good places for an espresso and pastry style breakfast? Maybe wine tasting? Spa? Not got a huge budget though. Help!

I was there just before Covid, beautiful scenery but the place its self is very touristy. There was a nice ice cream parlour in the square . Make sure you take mosquito repellant as they were absolutely in abundance and we all got bitten very badly .

Thanks for the tip. I hadn't thought about mosquitoes. I'll definitely bring repellant. I know it will be touristy, it's summer in the lakes, but was hoping there were some more authentic restaurants down side streets, rather than the ones catering only to tourists?

There are some but unfortunately I can’t remember their names . There’s a beautiful five star hotel opposite the lake ( you will know it when you see it as it’s so grand ) we went in there for drinks for the experience. The islands are simply stunning, the palace is a definite visit ( magical ) . We also went on the cable car and then saw on the news a year or so later it had a terrible accident.
RegardIng restaurants look on trip advisor as that’s a good indicator of them .

Thank you! Yes I'm keen to explore the islands, are they all worth visiting? I'd seen that the cable car is closed but not realised why. That sounds worrying! Any hotel recommendations (budget £150 or so per night)?

There's a mini zoo outside town centre and a lovely alpine garden up the mountain, although we used the cable car so not sure if access is only by foot. The villa on the island is lovely.