Spring (April to June) is the best time to visit Stresa: the camellias and azaleas on Isola Madre are in full bloom, the weather is mild, and the crowds have not yet reached summer peak. July and August are busy and expensive, with the ferries and island gardens packed in the mornings. The Stresa Musical Weeks festival (late August to mid-September) brings international classical performers to the palace and lakeside venues and is worth timing a visit around. By November most restaurants and boats have reduced hours; the town is quiet but still charming in the off-season.