How To Visit The Borromean Islands In Italy?

If you’re wondering how to visit the Borromean Islands on Italy’s Lake Maggiore, you’re in for a treat. I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to ensure you know exactly what to expect when visiting these famous attractions.

I spent the first two weeks of our road trip in Piedmont and discovered just how beautiful this part of Italy really was. Lake Maggiore might not be the current shining star (generally, it’s outshone by Lake Como), but once upon a time, it was the place to be seen.

It remains a beautiful spot within Italy’s Lake District, surrounded by echoes of the past and encasing the must-visit Borromean Islands. Visiting the islands is the perfect day out, thanks to their stunning location and scenery, but how do you actually visit them since they’re in the middle of the lake?

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Understand How To Visit The Borromean Islands On Lake Maggiore In Italy

In this guide, I’m sharing my expertise on how to visit the Borromean Islands from the nearby villages, generally Stresa, on Lake Maggiore and including all the essential information such as entrance fees, island history, how long you’ll need and all the practical information to plan your trip.

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A Quick History Of The Borromean Islands

The Borromean Islands are a group of three small islands located in Lake Maggiore, Italy. They are named after the Borromeo family, who were a wealthy and powerful Italian dynasty in the 16th century. The islands have been owned by the Borromeo family for over 400 years and are now open to the public as a popular tourist attraction.

The three islands are Isola Madre, Isola Bella, and Isola dei Pescatori (also known as Isola Superiore). Isola Madre is the largest of the three and is home to a botanical garden, a palace, and a museum. Isola Bella is known for its beautiful palace and gardens, while Isola dei Pescatori is a small fishing village with quaint streets, restaurants, and shops.

The history of the Borromean Islands dates back to the early 16th century when the Borromeo family began to acquire land and property in the Lake Maggiore region. The islands were initially used for agricultural purposes, and it wasn’t until the 17th century that the family began to develop them for tourism.

Over the years, the Borromeo family has invested heavily in the islands, creating beautiful gardens, palaces, and other attractions to draw visitors from all over the world. Today, the Borromean Islands are one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy and well worth a visit if you’re in Piedmont.

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Recommended Borromean Islands Tours 

Although this guide is aimed at those of you who are planning to visit the Borromean Islands independently, there are a number of tours available. Here’s my top pick for those of you looking for something a little more personal.

• Unique Lake Maggiore Day Trip from Milan: Explore Lake Maggiore on this day trip from Milan. Visit Stresa, Isola dei Pescatori, and explore Borromeo Palace in Isola Bella.
• Private Guided Boat Tour of Lake Maggiore’s Borromeo Islands: Visit the Borromean Islands of Lake Maggiore on this tour and enjoy your own private guide and transport by private motorboat.
• Stresa: Lake Maggiore and Borromean Islands Sunset Cruise: Get ready for a stunning sunset cruise on this tour and soak in the landscapes of the surrounding Lake Maggiore.

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How To Plan Your Visit To The Borromean Islands

Below are all the answers to the important questions you’ll be asking when planning a trip to the Borromean Islands. 

How Long Do You Need At The Borromean Islands?

Jack and I spent one whole day visiting all three of the Borromean Islands, which was enough. I have read that two days are recommended. I don’t think this is necessary as it can be done in one. We enjoyed exploring the islands at a leisurely pace, all within one day.

Which Island To Visit First?

The order we were recommended to visit was Isola Madre first, followed by Isola dei Pescatori and then Isola Bella. This worked really well, and it is why I suggest you visit the islands in this order also.

We found that Isola Madre was quieter in the mornings, which allowed us to explore the gardens without the crowds. You’ll want to catch the earliest boat to ensure enough time at each island.

Isola dei Pescatori is perfect for lunch, which can be enjoyed at one of the many restaurants or for a budget-friendly option, sit along the promenade with a fresh slice of pizza.

Isola Bella, left until after lunch, still allows enough time to visit the palace and explore the grounds before the attractions close for the night. 

The Borromean Islands Entrance Fee

Two of the three islands have entrance fees, which can be purchased at various locations around Lake Maggiore. Isola dei Pescatori is free to visit.

To purchase tickets online, head over to the official website here. There were also ticket booths in Stresa selling boat tickets and entrance tickets. We didn’t notice any difference in the rates. 

Alternatively, you can purchase tickets on the islands at the ticket offices as and when you arrive.

The Borromean Islands Opening Hours

The Borromean Islands are closed during the winter months. 

• Spring/Summer Opening Times: From 16th March to 26th October – Daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Palace closes at 5:30 p.m. / Gardens close at 6 p.m.
• Autumn Opening Times: From 27th October to 3rd November – Daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Palace closes at 4:30 p.m. / Gardens close at 5 p.m.

Do You Have To Book A Tour?

You don’t have to book a tour when visiting the Borromean Islands. However, you may choose to book a guide to gain deeper insights into the history of the Borromean family and the island’s heritage. 

There are a number of guided tours, which can be booked individually or as part of a larger itinerary to explore the islands.

When Should You Visit The Borromean Islands

The Borromean Islands and gardens are at their best during the summer period from June to August. However, this is also the busiest time of the year with the most tourists. If you prefer fewer crowds and milder weather, consider visiting in Spring and Autumn.

We visited in late September, just outside the peak season and found it to be a very relaxing and tranquil time with few crowds and fantastic weather. Although we missed some of the summer blooms, the gardens were still an array of colours and beautiful to wander around.

What Should You Pack?

Depending on the time of year you’re visiting Lake Maggiore, the weather can be changeable. Generally relating to the surrounding mountain, during summer, it’s warm, bright and sunny, with temperatures in the high 20s. 

Spring and autumn attract milder weather, although the sky was still bright blue when we visited in late September, and the temperatures still sat around the mid-20s.

Don’t Forget About Travel Insurance

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How To Get To The Borromean Islands?

The only way to get to the Borromean Islands is by boat (although I might have seen a helipad). For you and me, it’s over the water. There is a public ferry which serves Lake Maggiore running between the towns. However, the most efficient way is on the taxi boats that run between the islands.

FERRY

The main spots on the lake where the boats depart from are Stresa, Baveno, Pallanza, and Intra. You can get more information about the scheduled passenger service from the Navigazione Lago Maggiore website. 

Keep in mind the ferry is a slower service and takes around 25 minutes to reach the two islands: Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescarotri. Isola Madre is not scheduled. 

• Lake Navigation: Borromean Islands Ferry Timetable
• Viaggi Tomassucci: Stresa Ferries, Lake Maggiore 

TAXI BOATS

I recommend using the taxi boat/motorboats to reach the islands rather than the ferries. 

These depart frequently and will take you to Isola Madre. These are non-scheduled passenger services and take about 10 minutes from Stresa to Isola Madre. From there, you can work your way back to Stresa, stopping by Isola Pescatori and Isola Bella.

How Best To Book These Taxi Boats? We pre-booked a Hop-on-Hop-off boat ticket online. It was easy to book and meant we weren’t searching for a ticket on the day. The only thing to keep in mind is that you’ll need to pay island fees when you pick up the ticket, and they only take small change. 

⭐ For €15 per person, you can book the boat ride to the three Borromean Islands at your own pace with a 1-day hop-on hop-off boat from Stresa.

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What To Expect Visiting The Borromean Islands

When we first started researching the Borromean Islands, we weren’t entirely sure what to expect. I hope this guide finds you before your visit, as I’ve filled it with all the information I wish we had. 

Isola Madre

Firstly, Isola Madre is more of an English-style garden than anything else. When you arrive, you’ll be ushered to the ticket office, where you can purchase tickets if you haven’t already done so. Afterwards, you’ll be allowed through the gates to begin a stroll around the island.

The first impressions were lovely, and the gardens continued to impress us. Eventually, the singular path you’ve followed from the entrance opens into the larger garden, with peacocks running around a lawned area and trails leading off in all directions. 

After the gardens, you should make your way to the smaller of the two Borromeo Palaces, a more modest building in comparison to the one on Isola Bella. The Palace is a refreshing change, filled with historic furniture and paintings, yet surprisingly bright and airy.

Isola Dei Pescatori

After Isola Madre, I suggest heading to Isola dei Pescatori for lunch and a wander around the little fishing island. It’s an interesting place, filled with waterfront market stalls and small Italian craft shops dotted throughout the narrow streets.

There are many restaurants and cafes to grab a bite. I recommend spending an hour here admiring the village and soaking up the atmosphere. There are also some really great photo opportunities, and the views over the lake are spectacular. 

Isola Bella

Known as the Beautiful Island, Isola Bella is home to the grand Borromeo Palace and an Italian-style garden. The most popular of the three islands, the palace boasts over 20 rooms, including the impressive Galleria Berthier, filled with paintings.

There are some interesting spots within the palace, such as the unique Throne Room and the basement Grotto, which was built to imitate an underwater world. 

Outside, the Italian-style baroque garden has ten terraces, each bursting with different colours of flowers, and features statues, obelisks, and fountains integrated with rare flowers and plants. The gardens have been part of the British Royal Horticultural Society since 2002 and are truly a beautiful place with stunning lake views.

Other Borromean Islands & Attractions

A quick mention of the other attractions connected to the Borromean brand.

FORTRESS OF ANGERA

Rocca di Angera is a fortress in Italy that has seen many important events. It was acquired by the Borromeo family in the 15th century, who extensively restored it in the 17th century. Today, it is a museum with historic rooms and a garden that reflects Rocca’s original green space.

PALLAVICINO PARK

Pallavicino Park is a neoclassical-style villa that was transformed into a wildlife centre open to the public in 1956. It houses over 50 species of animals that are unable to survive in their natural habitat. The park also features a flower garden with a rose garden that blooms in May and offers a range of colours and fragrances.

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How To Get To Lake Maggiore

Lake Maggiore is well connected by road and rail links. The most popular place to visit for access to the Borromean Islands is Stresa. 

PLANE

The closest International Airports to Lake Maggiore are in Milan (50 km away), Turin (140 km away) and Bergamo (130 km). If you’re travelling within Europe, there are a number of low-cost airlines flying into Italy. Otherwise, International flights are regularly scheduled, especially to Milan throughout the year.

We like to use Skyscanner to find the best deals. As a price comparison company, they search multiple airlines to find the best flight combinations. I also like to set up Price Alerts to keep an eye on price changes to nab the best deals.

AIRPORT TRANSFERS

⭐ Pro tip >> For travel between the airport and Lake Maggiore, consider using a private transfer. This is the most comfortable and convenient way to travel straight to your hotel. 

CAR

The best way to get around Lake Maggiore is by private car. You’ll be able to visit the villages and towns and easily plan your journey without relying on local taxis or public transport. Rental Cars can easily be picked up from the airport; we have recently been using Discover Cars. 

The E62 runs directly from Milan to Stresa, but keep in mind that some of the motorways might be tolled. From Turin, you’ll need to jump on the A4, and Bergamo will take you along the E64 through Milan.

• Parking: Once you reach Lake Maggiore, there is ample parking in the towns. In Stresa, parking is available at the Piazza Marconi or in the Carciano yard. In Baveno, parking is at the Piazza Marinai d’Italia or Piazza IV Novembre. Keep an eye out for Parcheggio signs, generally blue with a large P.

TRAIN

There is a train station in both Stresa and Baveno. Both are on the Milan to Domodossola line, making a day trip to Lake Maggiore very easy. Within an hour you can be in Stresa. If you’re arriving from the airport, you’ll need to catch the train into Milan first and then on to Lake Maggiore.

We use the Trainline to book our train tickets. I find if we pre-book, it’s generally cheaper.

BUS

VB Arona Milan line: departure from Milan Lampugnano, stop B5.Or the Verbania–Stresa–Malpensa, which requires advance booking.

• For info: www.safduemila.com 

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Where To Stay On Lake Maggiore

The Borromean Islands offer an opportunity to stay overnight at the Isola Bella Apartments, which have been renovated from old fishermen’s houses. Most apartments have a kitchen and can accommodate four people. The apartments have a rustic look and offer stunning views over the lake, making it a perfect fairytale-like experience.

Alternatively, you might want to consider staying in Stresa or Baveno for easy access to the Borromean Islands. These two locations also make excellent bases for a Lake Maggiore holiday as they are close to many of the lake’s attractions.

STRESA

• Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées & SPA: Check and review prices on Booking│ Book a room on Agoda.
• Hotel Flora: Check and review prices on Booking│ Book a room on Agoda.
• IL CILIEGIO Affittacamere: Check and review prices on Booking│ Book a room on Agoda.

BAVENO

• Hotel Simplon: Check and review prices on Booking│ Book a room on Agoda.
• Grand Hotel Dino: Check and review prices on Booking│ Book a room on Agoda.
• Hotel Azalea: Check and review prices on Booking│ Book a room on Agoda.

MORE ON THE BORROMEAN ISLANDS

• Boutique Hotel Elvezia:  Check and review prices on Booking│ Book a room on Agoda.
• Belvedere:  Check and review prices on Booking│ Book a room on Agoda.

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FAQs: How To Visit The Borromean Islands

In Summary: How To Visit The Borromean Islands

I hope this guide helps you plan your trip to the beautiful Lake Maggiore and visit the stunning Borromean Islands. 

It’s best to stay in Stresa or Baveno for easy access to the islands, and remember you can reach Lake Maggiore via various modes of transportation and private transfers. However, I do recommend having a rental car to move around and explore the lake.