Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
town's easy access from Milan, which has made it a favourite for artists and writers since
the late 19th century. Hemingway was one of many who visited; he arrived in Stresa in
1918 to convalesce from a war wound. A couple of pivotal scenes towards the end of his
novel
A Farewell to Arms
are set at the Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees, the most palatial
of the historic hotels (others include the Grand Hotel Bristol and the Regina Palace) gar-
landing the lake.
People still stream into Stresa to meander along its promenade and explore the little
hive of cobbled streets in its old centre (especially pleasant for a coffee break is shady
Piazza Cadorna).
