Stresa lies in northern Italy in the region of Piedmont. On the western shores of Lake Maggiore, this village makes a great base to explore the attractive islands of the lake and visit some notable outdoor sights and historic attractions. From Stresa, visitors can head to the Borromean Islands of Isola Bella, home to a 17th-Century palace, Isola dei Pescatori, which boasts a scenic skyline characterised by the Church of San Vittore, and Isola Madre, housing the 16th-Century Palazzo Borromeo and its spectacular gardens. On the shore, there are numerous impressive Villas, while adventurous travellers will relish a cable car trip, boat tours (including one to Locarno, where passports are needed for the Switzerland border-crossing) and hiking and skiing in the Mottarone Resort.