The forested slopes above Stresa are prime hiking and mountain biking terrain. To reach a network of trails, take the funivia from near the lakefront at the north end of town up Monte Mottarone; the funivia (tel. 0323-30-399 or 0323-30-295; www.stresa-mottarone.it) runs every 20 minutes from roughly 9 to 11:40am and 12:40 to 5:30pm (hours vary with the season). It costs 15€ ($20) one-way to take the funivia along with a bike, which you can rent at the station for 21€ ($27) for a half-day or 26€ ($34) for a full day. The Alpina garden halfway up is open Tuesday to Saturday 9am to 6pm and Sunday (and July-Aug) 9:30am to 6:30pm. If you don't want to venture too far from the lake, there's a nice beach near the station.
