INAUGURATION DAY: 5 JULY 2025
We present the Big Bench in Stresa, where you can enjoy the unique view of the Borromeo Gulf of Lake Maggiore, take lots of souvenir photos and experience fun and unique Instagram-worthy moments!
BB#416 STRESA can be reached by parking conveniently in the Lido di Carciano area, right in front of the islands. You can get a passport dedicated to the bench circuit stamps at the restaurant located in the car park (Ristorante L'Idrovolante).
From the car park, a short walk along the lake will take you to the entrance of the Cai path in Via Rampolina VM4 towards Mottarone (the Hotel Villa Aminta is on the right and the white Villa Dora is on the left). The road climbs for about 400 metres until you reach the meadows, from where you can see the bench in a panoramic position after another 100 metres.
The climb will be rewarded by a seat with a view of the Borromeo Gulf, right in the centre of the two islands, Isola Superiore (dei Pescatori) and Isola Bella, and, a little further away, Isola Madre. Of course, the view stretches across the arc of peaks on the horizon from Monte Zeda to Cuvignone.
An alternative way to reach the Big Bench from the upper part is to climb up to the hamlet of Campino di Stresa (10 minutes from the town). Once you reach the car park in the village, the restaurant where you can obtain your passport is a short distance away (Ristorante Vista). From there, you can begin the descent to the bench, which can be reached in 15 minutes.
Of course, the path offers other possible detours, which are indicated on the maps. A great way to admire the unique views of this renowned lakeside town!
The *Big Bench Stresa* in Stresa is part of the “Big Bench Community Project”, which helps support local communities, tourism and craftsmanship in the sites where they are located. There are now over 417 official *Big Benches* in the project, spread across Europe.
Photo: Big Bench Community Project
