Stresa, Italy

We really enjoyed Isola Bella for the beautiful gardens (took lots of photos) and relaxing atmosphere, along with walking through the villa. We ate a late lunch at Isola Pescatori and sat on the bench at the end of the island, enjoying the scenery.

There's a town piazza in Stresa where we ate dinner. Also walked the promenade in the evening. Enjoy!

Depending on timing, you could also take the funicular up for some nice scenery.

Good suggestions above. I spent a few hours in Stresa last summer, going back for four nights in 208.

I'd suggest the islands. I may well have missed something on my two brief (but overnight) trips to Stresa. I found it attractive but not terribly distinctive. It had the feel of an old-line resort for the wealthy without a lot of historic architecture. For me, it was about the lake and the islands. But as I say, there may be more there than I saw.

Edited to add: Zoe is great at discovering things I didn't know existed. I look forward to her report on Stresa next year.

Mal,
If you have time after visiting the islands, of which Isola Bella was my favorite.
You may consider taking the cable car up to Mount Mottarone for magnificent views of the lakes, the valley and the Alps.

If you need to return to Malpensa Airport, you can reserve the Alibus which will take you from Stresa directly to the airport.

Enjoy your time!