Borromean Islands Islands

Address: Borromean Islands, Lake Maggiore, Italy (access from Stresa/Pallanza)

The Borromean Islands are a small archipelago in Lake Maggiore in northern Italy, notable for their historic villas and gardens and long ownership by the Borromeo family since the 17th century.

The group comprises three principal islands with contrasting characters - a formal palazzo and terraces on one island, an extensive botanical garden on the largest island, and a lived-in fishing village on the third. Boat tours typically visit all three; most visitors move between islands by short ferry runs of a few minutes.

The islands were developed and landscaped by the Borromeo family from the 17th century onward, who built palaces, terraces and introduced exotic plantings. Over time the islands became a public attraction with parts of the palaces and gardens conserved and opened as museums.

They lie in the western arm of Lake Maggiore off the town of Stresa in the Piedmont region, within easy day-trip distance from Milan and the surrounding lakeside towns.

• Island cluster: Three main islands form the group and are often visited on the same boat excursion from Stresa and other Lake Maggiore towns.
• Palace and gardens: Isola Bella features a palace and terraced gardens developed by the Borromeo family and open to visitors for guided tours and walk-throughs.

What to See#

• Isola Bella: Located in Lake Maggiore, immediately offshore from the town of Stresa, the island hosts a Baroque palace with terraced formal gardens laid out on artificial terraces and open to the public.
• Isola Madre: The largest of the group with historic gardens and a villa containing period interiors and collections; the island is planted with exotic trees and ornamental species introduced over centuries.
• Isola dei Pescatori (Isola Superiore): A small inhabited fishing village with narrow streets, ground-floor shops and restaurants; the only island with permanent residents and everyday services for visitors.

Regular ferries and private water taxis run from Stresa, Pallanza and other towns on the Lake Maggiore shore. Stresa is the most common gateway and is reachable by train from Milan (about 1-1.5 hours).

• Take the small boat tours or private rentals from Stresa or Pallanza to visit Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori - each island has a distinct character.
• On Isola Bella, book time to see the Borromeo Palace and its terrace gardens; the island's microclimate supports exotic plantings.
• Avoid the busiest summer afternoons if seeking quieter photography; early morning or late afternoon light favors the isles' palaces and gardens.