Borromean Islands

Maggiore offers ferries to many of its quaint towns and adds a special treat, the Borromean Islands, a small archipelago of three small islands, Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori. These enchanting islands can be reached by ferry from Stresa, Baveno, or Pallanza, but the most convenient of these departure points is Stresa. There are private taxi-boats available, but the most reasonable transportation is by public ferry. Our two favorites of the Borromean Islands are Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori. You can easily visit them both in one day. If you enjoy gardens, be sure not to miss Isola Bella (Beautiful Island). Allow enough time to see its sumptuous palace, which is bound by formal gardens that terrace down to the lake. Fountains and sculptures make the gardens even more alluring. Afterwards, head to Isola dei Pescatori (Fisherman’s Island) for lunch. Isola dei Pescatori is an enchanting island with twisting, narrow, alley-like streets and colorful fishermen’s cottages. As the name implies, this is still an active fishing village. During the tourist season the island teems with people and the streets are lined with souvenir shops, but it is hard to dull the charm of this quaint town.