Lake Maggiore: Boat + Isola Bella & Madre Entry (3 Islands)

Lake Maggiore , Italy

Lake Maggiore: Boat + Isola Bella & Madre Entry (3 Islands)

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(1 reviews)

2h - 4h

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Visit all three Borromean Islands with a hop-on hop-off boat from Stresa. Explore Isola Madre, Isola dei Pescatori, and Isola Bella at your own pace. Entry tickets for Isola Madre and Isola Bella are included.

Available options

Lake Maggiore: Boat + Isola Bella & Madre Entry (3 Islands)

What's included

Entrance fees Isola Madre

On-board commentary

Landing on Isola dei Pescatori

Entrance fees Isola Bella

Hop-on hop-off speedboat transfer

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Isola Bella is one of the jewels of Lake Maggiore, renowned for its stunning Baroque palace and elegant Italian-style gardens. Transformed in the 17th century by the Borromeo family, the island is a remarkable example of architecture and landscape in perfect harmony. The Borromeo Palace, with its lavish frescoed rooms, antique furnishings, and opulent halls, tells the story of this noble dynasty. The highlight, however, is the series of terraced gardens spread over ten levels, adorned with statues, fountains, rare plants, and graceful white peacocks roaming freely. Every corner of the island offers breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Isola Bella invites visitors to slow down and enjoy its blend of art, history, and nature. Easily reached by boat, it is a must-see destination for anyone exploring Lake Maggiore.

Isola dei Pescatori, or Fishermen’s Island, is the most traditional and picturesque of the Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore. Unlike its more ornate neighbors, this island retains the charm of a historic fishing village, with narrow winding lanes, quaint houses, and a peaceful, authentic atmosphere. It is the only island to be permanently inhabited, and its name reflects its deep-rooted fishing heritage, which is still alive today. Visitors can stroll through the cobbled streets, browse local craft shops, or enjoy fresh lake fish in one of the many family-run restaurants with beautiful lakeside views. The island also features a small but charming church, San Vittore, dating back to the 11th century. With its unique character, Isola dei Pescatori offers a glimpse into the region’s past and a tranquil escape from the bustle of modern life. A visit here pairs perfectly with nearby Isola Bella or Isola Madre.

Isola Madre, the largest of the Borromean Islands, is a charming destination where nature and history blend in perfect harmony. Famous for its botanical gardens, it is a true green paradise home to a vast variety of rare plants and exotic flowers from around the world. The gardens, arranged on multiple terraces overlooking the lake, are a vibrant display of colors and scents, featuring ancient trees, camellias, azaleas, magnolias, and citrus plants. At the heart of the island stands the Borromeo Palace, the historic residence of the Borromeo family, offering a fascinating mix of art and history. The palace rooms are adorned with frescoes, period furniture, and a collection of antique dolls, reflecting the aristocratic lifestyle of the past. Isola Madre is less crowded than other islands on Lake Maggiore, providing visitors with a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, perfect for a stroll immersed in nature or an encounter with history and art.

What's not included

Gratuities

Licensed tourist guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Lake Maggiore

Lake Maggiore is a picturesque lake in northern Italy, known for its stunning landscapes, elegant villas, and lush botanical gardens. It's a popular destination for outdoor activities, cultural exploration, and relaxation, offering a blend of Italian and Swiss influences.

Top Attractions

Isola Bella

A stunning island with a historic palace and beautifully landscaped gardens, known for its unique shape and elegant architecture.

Historical 2-3 hours €18-€22

Isola dei Pescatori

A charming fishing island with colorful houses, narrow streets, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free (ferry costs apply)

Villa Taranto

A beautiful botanical garden with a vast collection of plants from around the world, offering stunning views of the lake.

Nature 2-3 hours €12

Alpino-Caprone Cable Car

A scenic cable car ride up to the summit of Monte San Salvatore, offering breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Adventure 2-3 hours €15-€20 round trip

Santa Caterina del Sasso

A historic hermitage built into the cliffs above the lake, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and religious history.

Historical 1-2 hours €5

Must-Try Local Dishes

Risotto al pesce persico

A creamy risotto made with local perch, a specialty of the lake region.

Main Course Contains fish

Missoltino

Dried and salted fish, typically served with polenta, a traditional dish from the region.

Main Course Contains fish

Panettone

A sweet, fluffy bread with candied fruit and raisins, originally from Milan but popular throughout the region.

Dessert Contains eggs and dairy

Vin Brulé

A warm, spiced wine, perfect for cold winter evenings.

Drink Contains alcohol

Popular Activities

Hiking Mountain biking Skiing Sailing Water skiing Sunbathing Swimming Boat tours

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the peak tourist season with warm weather, clear skies, and plenty of outdoor activities. It's ideal for swimming, boating, and exploring the lake's attractions.

20°C to 30°C 68°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: English, French, German
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

CET (GMT+1), CST (GMT+2) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Lake Maggiore is generally safe, with low crime rates. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas
• Use reputable taxis and restaurants

Getting there

By air

Malpensa International Airport • 45 km from Arona (northern shore)
Aeroporto di Milano Linate • 80 km from Arona

By train

Arona Station, Laveno-Mombello Station

By bus

Arona, Laveno-Mombello

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are a convenient way to get around, with frequent services and affordable fares.

Taxis

Available • Apps: FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Stresa Arona Laveno-Mombello Pallanza

Day trips

Locarno

50 km • Full day

A charming Swiss town on the southern shore of Lake Maggiore, known for its historic center, beautiful gardens, and the famous Locarno Film Festival.

Macugnaga

60 km • Full day

A picturesque mountain village in the Val d'Ossola, known for its stunning views of the Monte Rosa massif and excellent hiking and skiing opportunities.

Cannobio

30 km • Half day

A charming town on the western shore of Lake Maggiore, known for its historic center, beautiful churches, and the famous Sunday market.