Borromean Islands: Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori
The Borromean Islands (Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori) are, in my opinion, among the most beautiful trips you can take at Lake Maggiore and are often the main reason to stay in towns like Stresa, Baveno, or Verbania. They lie in the Borromean Gulf between Stresa and Verbania and form one of the most famous sceneries in northern Italy. If you only have one day at Lake Maggiore, plan it right here.
Where to stay for a trip to the Borromean Islands?
As I already wrote, the most practical base is Stresa, where boats depart directly for the islands and where you’ll have the best views of the lake. Stresa is often called the “Queen of Lake Maggiore” and we liked it mainly for its promenade, villas, parks, and views of the Borromean Islands and Mottarone.
A good choice is also Baveno, from where you can also reach the islands by boat in a short time, or Verbania / Pallanza if you want a larger town, a promenade, and to combine the trip with the botanical gardens of Villa Taranto. If you’re traveling without a car, Stresa is the easiest thanks to the train connection.
Find accommodation for the Borromean Islands directly on the map:
Borromean Islands – stay directly on the island
Belvedere
- Accommodation directly on the island of Isola dei Pescatori
- If you want to experience the island’s atmosphere after the day tourists leave
- Lake views and restaurants directly on the island
- The island is only accessible by boat
Albergo Ristorante Il Verbano
- Accommodation also directly on Isola dei Pescatori
- With a restaurant, terrace, and views of Lake Maggiore
- Again, keep in mind that you can only get to the island by boat
What to see on the Borromean Islands?
1. Isola Bella: palace, grottoes, and Baroque garden
Isola Bella is the most famous and spectacular of the Borromean Islands. According to the official Terre Borromeo website, it used to be a barren rock that the Borromeo family transformed over centuries into a combination of a palace, a village, and terraced gardens. The island is dedicated to Isabella d’Adda, the wife of Carlo III Borromeo.
The main attractions are Palazzo Borromeo and the Giardino Barocco all’Italiana. The gardens are built as a monumental Baroque stage, and the island truly looks like a ship sailing on the lake when you arrive by boat. I must also mention the famous grottoes covered in stone and shells, the ten terraces, the halls, the music salon, and the historical links to Napoleon Bonaparte.
2. Isola Madre: botanical garden and a calmer atmosphere
Isola Madre is the largest of the Borromean Islands and feels completely different from Isola Bella. It’s not as dramatic and Baroque, but much calmer, greener, and more botanical. Imagine an eight-hectare island with an exceptionally mild climate, rare plants, and colorful birds.
I personally recommend visiting Palazzo Borromeo and the botanical garden, where we admired rare trees, camellias, azaleas, rhododendrons, magnolias, subtropical plants, and views from the quieter parts of the island. Well, what can I say, I wanted to bring half of the local plants home to our garden.
If you’re traveling with children or don’t want to spend the whole day touring palace interiors, Isola Madre might be more pleasant than Isola Bella. It’s most beautiful in spring and early summer due to the blooms, but you can see interesting plants and flowers practically throughout the entire season.
3. Isola dei Pescatori: fishing village and lunch by Lake Maggiore
Isola dei Pescatori, sometimes also called Isola Superiore, is for me the least “museum-like” of this trio of islands. Don’t expect a palace complex, but a small fishing village with narrow streets, houses with balconies, restaurants, and lake views. For me, it’s one of the most picturesque spots on the Borromean Islands.
My tip: Plan a lunch break here. Isola Pescatori is a typical fishing village with alleys, passages, lake views, and good traditional restaurants.
You might also be interested in:
- Lake Maggiore: accommodation, swimming, and the best trips
- Lake Caldaro, South Tyrol: 11 reasons to plan your summer vacation here
- Sirmione: a historic pearl with thermal baths in southern Garda
- Achensee: a guide to Tyrol’s largest lake
Getting to the Borromean Islands
The easiest way is to set off by boat from Stresa. Navigazione Laghi offers a round trip for the 2026 season: Stresa – Isola Bella – Isola dei Pescatori – Isola Madre – Stresa. The recommended daily itinerary starts in Stresa at 10:10 AM, continues to Isola Bella, then to Isola dei Pescatori, and in the afternoon to Isola Madre, with the return to Stresa listed at 6:15 PM.
The current price for a daily boat ticket for the Stresa–Borromean Islands route and back is, according to Navigazione Laghi, €19.50 for adults and €9.80 for children aged 4–11. Entry to the palaces and gardens is not included in the boat ticket price, and Stresa also charges a landing fee of €0.50 per island for passengers over 6 years old. Boats also run from Baveno and Pallanza; it’s always better to check specific times on the day of the trip based on weather and the schedule.
Admission and opening hours 2026
Isola Bella is open in the 2026 season from March 12 to November 8. From March 12 to October 24, opening hours are daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, the palace closes at 5:30 PM and the garden at 6:00 PM. From October 25 to November 8, the last entry is at 4:00 PM. Basic admission to Isola Bella costs €27 for adults and €18 for youth aged 6–15.
Isola Madre has the same season and practically the same opening hours. A separate entry costs €23 for adults and €15 for youth aged 6–15. A combined ticket for Isola Bella + Isola Madre costs €40 for adults and €23 for youth aged 6–15. Children up to 5 years old have free entry with these tickets, but prices may change depending on the date of visit, ticket type, and sales channel.
Don’t think of Isola dei Pescatori as a classic paid monument. It’s mainly about the village, restaurants, and a short walk. So you primarily pay for the boat transport and any spending on-site.
How much time to set aside?
We recommend at least a full day for all three islands. The ideal order is Isola Bella in the morning, Isola dei Pescatori for lunch, and Isola Madre in the afternoon. If you’re short on time, choose Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori. If you love gardens and peace, you mustn’t miss Isola Madre. The best period is May, June, and September, when it’s pleasant at Lake Maggiore and the islands aren’t as crowded as in the peak summer season.
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