Borromean Islands
The Borromean Islands are without a doubt one of the jewels of Lake Maggiore.
Located in the northwestern part of Lake Maggiore, just in front of the towns of Stresa and Pallanza, are one of the places of interest of Lake Maggiore absolutely not to be missed.
The complex consists of three islands called Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola Pescatori, in addition to an island called Isolino di San Giovanni and a rock called Scoglio della Malghera.
The islands have been owned by the Borromeo family since the 14th century.
Isola Pescatori is the only island to be permanently inhabited by a small community and is also the only one that offers few accommodation and rooms for visitors who wish to stay there. The other two islands, larger as surface area, are intended exclusively for tourism: there are many, in fact, tourists who every year come to visit the Borromean Islands, enchanted not only by the artistic beauty, the beautiful palaces and gardens, but also the enchanting panorama that they offer on the lake and on the pre-alpine chain that frames it.
The Borromean Islands are the ideal destination for a pleasant trip out of town: there are numerous boat or ferry tours that depart either from the Piedmontese shore, from Stresa or from Intra, and from the Lombard shore, from Laveno-Mombello or from the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso, and that allow you to visit all three islands in one day, combining different itineraries and excursions depending on the needs of each traveller.
Isola Madre
Isola Madre is known around the world for its unique botanical collections: flowers, rare plants and age-old trees. In addition to the rich vegetation, the island is also home to a great wildlife of eastern birds such as white peacocks, golden pheasants and parrots, left free in the beautiful garden.
Also in the garden there is the ancient Palace, in which there are the prestigious furnishings of CASA Borromeo and the Family Chapel.
Isola Bella
Isola Bella is a real flower garden that in spring is colored with various rainbow shades thanks to the blooms of bulbs, roses, camellias, azaleas... flowers with a thousand colors and a thousand perfumes.
Here emerges the typical baroque taste of the period in which these gardens were built. Also on Isola Bella, in the garden, are included the Palace and the Photo Gallery, both visitable.
Isola Pescatori
If the two "twin islands" offer gardens and palaces in which to be transported in an ancient age, the Isola Pescatori is worth a visit, not only for the shops and stalls present during the day, but especially for the many restaurants with sea view terrace scattered on the island: not only the eye but also the palate wants its part when you are traveling!
You can enjoy the excellent lake fish, first course of local products and any other delicacy you wish, enjoying a relaxing view of Lake Maggiore.
