What towns around Lago Maggiore

Obviously from Stresa you will want to visit the Borromean islands (Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori, Isola Madre). You can use the regular ferries are also a private excursion boat (they charge about the same per person as the ferry).
Cannobio is a town you want to visit for sure (by car or ferry). I think it’s the prettiest on Lake Maggiore. If you want you can also venture further north along the lake to Switzerland and see Locarno and Ascona.
Another super pretty town is Orta San Giulio, on nearby lake Orta (very close to Stresa).
Another popular thing to do is the Cento Valli scenic railroad between Domodossola and Locarno.

Thank you for this! There is enough here to occupy my time. Going to another lake sounds like a treat!

Orta San Giulio is a classic town in a unique setting and the lake is a jewel. From the main town square take a quick inexpensive ferry trip to the unique Monastery and Basilica of San Giulio.

Hi, I love Stresa and was there for the fourth time in September. Besides the places Roberto listed, Villa Taranto is a very nice garden. It’s a short ferry ride north of Stresa.

Thank you all!