The Borromean Islands

iIsola Bella

iIsola Madre

iIsola Pescatori

iHow to get to the Borromean Islands

iThe Borromean Islands Opening Times & Prices

Isola Bella

Isola Bella is undoubtedly the most famous of the Borromean Islands and when you see it today you can hardly imagine it as the tiny fishing village it once was. In 1632, Count Vitaliano Borromeo began its transformation with the construction of the palace (completed in 1670) and the ornamental gardens. The Palace itself is full of ornate rooms which remind you of a past full of grand receptions and sumptuous feasts. The most curious part of the Palace are the grottoes; the walls are adorned with a mosaic of shells and pebbles and are a welcome retreat on a hot day!!

After visiting the Palace, you exit into the magnificent gardens which are made up of no less than 10 terraces which slope down towards the lake. As well as the rare and exotic plants which provide the gardens with colour from March to October, there are interesting features such as the open-air theatre and the "Piano della Canfora" which houses a 150 year old laurel tree.

Isola Madre

Isola Madre is the largest of the Borromean Islands and boasts a tranquil and enchanted atmosphere. It's gardens are a pleasure to explore: filled with azaleas, camellias, rhododendrons, ancient wisteria they are truly beautiful.

The gardens are also home to the largest Cashmere Cyprus in Europe and pheasants and peacocks roam freely around. The 16th century villa houses a collection of period rooms, dolls and porcelain. There is also an exhibition of small puppet theatres dating back to the 17th and 19th centuries.

Isola Pescatori

In contrast to the other Islands, Isola Pescatori (also known as Isola Superiore) has retained it's original charm. The Island has remained a quaint, picturesque fishing village with the traditional fishing boats anchored along the shore.

The ancient Church of S. Vittore is definitely worth a visit whilst you are there and then there is nothing better than taking a seat in one of the many excellent fish restaurants for lunch. If you are interested in staying on Isola Pescatori have a look at our short break package. 

How to get to the Borromean Islands: The Borromean Islands are easily reached using the local ferry service from all resorts around the Borromean Bay (Stresa, Baveno, Pallanza, Intra) with departures approximately every 30 minutes during high season. From other parts of the lake you can reach there are ferries, but they are less frequent. Timetables for summer 2008 can be found at www.navigazionelaghi.it. There are also taxi boats that depart on demand from near the ferry stations at all resorts around the Borromean Bay.

Opening Times: For 2008 Isola Bella and Isola Madre open their gardens/palace/villa from 15th March to 19th October everyday from 09.00-17.30. Isola Pescatori is a village and so is always "open".

Prices: For 2008 entrance to Isola Bella is €11.00 for adults and €5.00 for children (6-15 years) and free for under 6's. Isola Madre costs €10.00 for adults and €5.00 for children (6-15 years) and free for under 6's. A joint ticket for both islands costs €16.50 for adults and €7.50 for children (6-15 years) and free for under 6's. Members of the Royal Horticultural Society enter both Isola Bella and Isola Madre free of charge. As Isola Pescatori is a village it is free. Full visitor information is available at www.borromeoturismo.it