Category: Europe

Stresa is a town in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola in Piedmont, the Po Plain, Italy. The town, situated 200 meters above sea level, is an important touristic village on the west shore of Lake Maggiore, owes its fame to the nearby Borromean Islands (in front) and is quite famous for its luxury hotels. The Grand Hotel in Borromees Islands is the oldest of them (1861); famous for having hosted Ernest Hemingway. This is an original medieval city that attracts tourism especially from early spring to late fall. Its proximity to Switzerland, also makes it for easy access. Its hills are decorated with beautiful and wealthy mansions further that the luxury hotels that line the lake shore. It also has the starting point for shuttle boats leading to the islands and major cities around the lake. Mount Mottarone is known as a ski resort as busy as the city, in addition, from there you have a magnificent view of the lake and the Alps. The city has two important events; the evening procession and celebreation of the Virgin for Easter and the Musical Week of Stressa and Lake Maggiore which takes place mainly in the city but that counts with some rooms in nearby locations. It is a classical music festival.

Tips

You can arrive there by train, the city is communicated with the line connecting Milan to Lausanne. There is a beautiful walk at the lake with cafes, restaurants and bars. To taste some typical thing, try the Margheritine, flower shaped cookies that were created in 1857 in occasion of the First Communion of Princess Margaret of Savoy who lived in Stresa. Another typical cookie is Reborino, created in honor of the poet Clemente Rebora, with ingredients that had quoted him in his poem. To accompany these delights, nothing like the Stresa Tea, made with herbs and flowers of the region.

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Chania, located on the northwest coast of the Greek island of Crete, is a city known for its narrow streets, 14th century Venetian harbor, seafront full of restaurants and bars and beautiful beaches. It is the second largest city on the island and is very touristy. You will find several monuments with Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman influences and many of its history can be found in the museums of the city. Many old buildings have been restored and today they are hotels, restaurants, taverns or tourist shops. Among its most famous beaches, you will find Elafonissi (pink sand); Platanias, Agia Marina, Maleme, Falassarna and Kastelli. To see: the Old Port with its lighthouse, the mosque of Janissaires; the Splantzia district (behind the harbor); the Greek Orthodox Cathedral (1860); the Roman Catholic Cathedral; the Topanas District Synagogue; the Market Hall (1913); the archaeological museum; the Marine Museum, among others.

Tips

If you can, avoid going on vacation during the big tourist season of July-August because there are a lot of people and the beaches are very busy.

Before you venture out to the beaches, be sure to check in, especially if you are driving because the roads are not at all good and you can also go there with ferries or public buses.

Some of its beaches are completely wild without any service so if you are going to spend the day, do not forget to provide drinking water and food, a parasol and all that you deem necessary to spend a beautiful day in full nature.

There is also the possibility of making several excursions with local operators.

If you want to go to Athens, there are ferries that depart daily from Souda port.

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