Grocery Shopping for Villa Stay in Stresa Italy

scottsandy,

When you check into the Villa, ask the staff about local grocery shopping. I believe there's a Carrefour Market close to Piazza Cadorna that should have all the items you'll need.

If you have a wander around the Carrefour you will find everything and more. You will find plenty of prepared and very tasty meals that you can pop in your microwave or oven (your place is an apartment?) and put dinner plans to peace.

It doesn't look like the Carrefour is on the doorstep but I'm sure that something can be worked out...

I stayed in Stresa just steps from the Carrefour supermarket a few weeks ago (at the hotel Milano Speranza). Via Borromeo is near where they have the fast boats to the islands. I used to walk near there on a daily basis to the Regina hotel to park there where the garage is. You are no more than 10 min walk from the supermarket. The supermarket is in the historical center (closed to traffic) and there are tons of restaurants and cafes there. When you go to then islands, the Isola dei Pescatori has plenty of restaurants too. They have a night boat service that departs from near your villa to take you to the restaurants when the ferries don't run anymore. Don't cook at home. There are lots of inexpensive restaurants in town.

Just a quick reminder. You are expected to bring your own bags or pay for the bags at the checkout. So we buy the bags on the first trip and bring back. We also found that the grocery stores are not open for long hours and frequently close in mid afternoon for two or three hours. So plan accordingly.

I always have a couple of string bags along for such an occasion. They weigh nothing and can be very helpful.

The carrefour in Stresa closes for two hours at lunch (1 to 3pm) and is open until 7:30pm in the evening. I think it was closed on Sunday when I was there. Regarding paying for the bags, it's only a few cents each, therefore don't lose your sleep over it. Here in California since last year we also have to pay 10 cents each bag in counties that have passed such ordinance (I think all of them in the Bay Area).

I know paying for the bag is not a big deal but some Americans think so. Stood in a line between a couple of Am tourists who objected loudly to the .05E charge for the plastic bags. You would have thought they had been asked to give up their first born. On the other hand, maybe their first born would not have been worth that amount.

Looks like you're on the right track and will find most services in Stresa to be quite walkable from both the train station and your villa.

emphasized text Thanks to all that responded, I love this forum. Not being a seasoned traveler your responses put me at ease with our location and what will be available. Counting the days until we are in Stresa.