Discover the Borromean Islands: Italy’s Hidden Lake Maggiore Gems

The Borromean Islands are a charming archipelago located in the heart of Lake Maggiore, between Piedmont and Lombardy.

Comprising three main islands—Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori—they offer breathtaking scenery, history, and art.

Their name derives from the Borromeo family, who have owned most of them since the Renaissance.

Isola Bella is famous for its sumptuous Baroque palace and Italian gardens filled with statues and rare plants. Isola Madre is home to a splendid botanical garden and a palace with period furnishings. Isola dei Pescatori, the only island inhabited year-round, retains an authentic character with narrow alleys and traditional restaurants.

Reachable by boat, they are a perfect destination for a day trip or a romantic weekend.

Visiting the Borromean Islands means immersing yourself in a timeless atmosphere.

The Borromean Islands are a small archipelago located in the western part of Lake Maggiore, between the towns of Stresa and Pallanza.

Comprising Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori, they offer a unique blend of elegance, history, and nature. Isola Bella is home to a magnificent Baroque palace and terraced gardens with exotic plants and free-roaming peacocks.

Isola Madre is famous for its English-style botanical garden and palace filled with period furnishings. Isola dei Pescatori, on the other hand, retains an authentic atmosphere with its historic houses and traditional restaurants.

The islands, largely owned by the Borromeo family, are easily accessible by boat. An ideal destination for day trips, they offer evocative views and an unforgettable cultural experience. A trip to the Borromean Islands is a dive into the beauty and history of Lake Maggiore.

The Borromean Islands take their name from the powerful Borromeo family, originally from San Miniato in Tuscany, who settled in Lombardy in the 15th century and became one of the most influential families in the Duchy of Milan. Over the centuries, the Borromeos acquired various properties around Lake Maggiore, including the archipelago that now bears their name.

In 1501, the family began transforming Isola Madre, then called Isola di San Vittore, into a summer residence. It was Charles III Borromeo, in the 17th century, who began the grandiose works that would transform Isola Bella into a Baroque masterpiece. The island, dedicated to his wife Isabella D'Adda, was completely redesigned with the construction of the Borromeo Palace and its famous terraced gardens.

Isola dei Pescatori, the only island that has been permanently inhabited for centuries, has retained a simpler and more authentic character. Fishermen and craftsmen lived here, contributing to the island's survival even in the most difficult times, such as wars or economic crises.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, the Borromean Islands became a destination for illustrious travelers, including Napoleon Bonaparte, Stendhal, Goethe, and Flaubert. Over time, they became a popular holiday destination for nobles, artists, and, later, tourists from all over Europe.

To this day, much of the islands remain owned by the Borromeo family, who oversee their maintenance, public accessibility, and the preservation of their artistic and botanical heritage.

Visiting the Borromean Islands is a fascinating experience any time of year, but there are certain seasons that are particularly ideal for fully enjoying the archipelago's beauty. The best time is from April to October, when the gardens are in full bloom and the climate is mild and sunny.

The islands can only be reached by lake, via public or private boats. The main departure points are Stresa, Baveno, Pallanza, and Intra, all easily accessible by car or train from Milan, Turin, and Switzerland.

The islands are generally open to the public from late March to late October.

Entrance to Isola Bella and Isola Madre is subject to a fee and includes visits to the palaces and gardens.

Isola dei Pescatori is always accessible and free, although some attractions may incur additional fees.

Combined tickets are available that include admission to multiple islands and boat transportation, a convenient and advantageous solution for visitors.

1. Set aside at least a full day to visit all three islands.

2. Bring comfortable shoes, especially for walking through the gardens and alleys of Isola dei Pescatori.

3. If possible, book tickets online to avoid queues during peak season.

4. Although most of the Borromean Islands are wheelchair accessible, it's advisable to contact the ferry companies in advance to discuss specific needs and verify schedules, availability of support staff, and accessible boats. Some ferry companies offer boats with ramps and wheelchair access, but not all ports are equipped with the same facilities.

Perhaps the most famous of the Borromean Islands, Isola Bella is a triumph of Baroque art. Its transformation into a princely residence was begun in 1632 by Charles III Borromeo and completed by his son Vitaliano VI. The heart of the island is the majestic Palazzo Borromeo, filled with ornate rooms, frescoes, period furniture, and works of art.

The palace overlooks splendid Italian gardens, arranged on ten terraces rising like a pyramid, adorned with statues, fountains, and exotic plants. The garden is also home to white peacocks, which have become an icon of the island.

Isola Madre is the largest and greenest island in the archipelago. Famous for its English-style botanical garden, it is home to over 150 plant species from around the world, including azaleas, camellias, magnolias, and rare palms.

The Borromeo Palace on Isola Madre is less opulent than that of Isola Bella, but equally captivating. Inside, you'll find period furnishings, porcelain, puppets, and a more intimate, family-friendly atmosphere.

A distinctive feature of Isola Madre is the presence of free-roaming animals, such as golden pheasants, parrots, and peacocks, which contribute to the magical atmosphere.

The only permanently inhabited island, Isola dei Pescatori (or Isola Superiore) retains an authentic charm, with its red-roofed houses, narrow alleys, and lakeside restaurants. Unlike the other two islands, here, the atmosphere is more working-class and everyday.

The island is perfect for a lunch break featuring lake fish or for shopping for artisanal products. Picturesque views abound, ideal for evocative photographs, and a small church dedicated to San Vittore.

Many visitors prefer it for its simplicity and the feeling of being in a lively and authentic place.

Private Property: The Borromean Islands, with the exception of Isola dei Pescatori, are still owned by the Borromeo family, which directly manages visits and the maintenance of the cultural heritage.

Napoleon on Isola Bella: During a military campaign, Napoleon Bonaparte stayed on Isola Bella with his wife Josephine. It is said that he was deeply impressed.

A Film Location: The Borromean Islands have been chosen as a setting for films and commercials due to their scenic beauty.

Award-Winning Gardens: The gardens of Isola Bella and Isola Madre have been listed among the most beautiful in Italy and are part of the "Great Italian Gardens" circuit.

Special Climate: Lake Maggiore's microclimate allows the islands to host exotic plants that do not normally grow in northern Italy.

Festivals and Exhibitions: During the summer, the islands host cultural events, temporary exhibitions, concerts, and themed guided tours.

A labyrinth of stairs: The Isola Bella garden is built on multiple levels connected by ramps and stairways, a veritable green labyrinth worth exploring slowly.

White peacocks: These elegant animals have become a symbol of the islands and often appear in visitors' photographs.

The Borromean Islands are a place where time seems to stand still, suspended between the azure waters of Lake Maggiore and the scent of blooming gardens. Each island tells a different story: the baroque elegance of Isola Bella, the botanical tranquility of Isola Madre, and the simple life of Isola dei Pescatori create a mosaic of emotion and beauty.

A visit to the Borromean Islands is more than just a day trip, but a journey through art, nature, and history, ideal for those seeking a rejuvenating, romantic, or cultural break. Whether it's a day trip or a weekend getaway,