The Borromean islands on Lake Maggiore
Those who live in central and northern Italy are far away only a few hours of travel by auto and it is absolutely worth it, the Borromean islands on Lake Maggiore are definitely fascinating and I absolutely recommend them among the places to visit on Lake Maggiore!
I had the pleasure of visiting this Italian pearl as I had to use one of the classic travel boxes that are often given on birthdays; those that lie for whole months who knows where and then emerge from the chaos of the drawers only when they are close to maturity, here are those!
I want to advise you a two-day hit and run itinerary. The first day you dedicate it to Arona, to its Rocca and Orta San Giulio, treat yourself to a nice dinner with some good local specialties. The next day you can enjoy the Borromean islands by reaching them with the ferries that depart from Stresa.
Council: try to plan your visit to the Borromean islands in such a way as to see them in the morning and thus avoid the tourist mass.
Ferries to the Borromean islands: prices and information
I recommend that you leave your car in the paid parking in Piazza Guglielmo Marconi. Here are some people in charge of the consortium of associated motoscafisti del lago who directly sell tickets for the Borromean islands, namely Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Madre.
The complete tour includes a visit to each of the Borromean islands, but you can also simply visit just one rather than visit Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori.
Let's get specific, here are the prices:
- Beautiful island: 6 €
- Isola dei Pescatori: 8 €
- Isola Madre: 11 €
- Isola Bella + Isola dei Pescatori: 10 €
- Isola Bella + Isola Madre + Isola dei Pescatori: 15 €
COUNCIL: I suggest you to buy the ticket HERE so that you don't have to waste time on site. It includes a visit to all three islands.
I only did the Isola Bella + Isola dei Pescatori tour for a very specific reason: I had my two small and tender dogs with me and, unfortunately, with dogs it is not allowed to go to Isola Madre. Therefore keep this limitation in mind.
The island of fishermen
By purchasing the 10 euro ticket, the first of the Borromean islands that can be visited is the Isola dei Pescatori. It is a very small picturesque fishing village full of alleys and alleys that allow you to go back in time.
Pass me the comparison: it's a bit like taking Capalbio and putting it on a lake. The side of Isola dei Pescatori that turns towards Stresa has a beautiful and colorful lakefront with classic souvenir shops where it is always pleasant to spend some time.
Once disembarked, keeping the shops on the right you can go around the Isola dei Pescatori (you can of course also do it in the opposite direction). This island has a remarkable romantic aspect, there are numerous restaurants directly overlooking the lake with terraces that allow you to enjoy the whole landscape.
If you are hungry, this is the place to stop, the prices are quite average. Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to appreciate its goodness but I assure you that the smells I heard coming from the kitchens were exaggerated.
Isola Bella
After the tour of the Isola dei Pescatori you can go tobeautiful island.
To reach it, just wait for the boat at the pier from which you will be disembarked. Isola Bella is the last stage of the tour, it is definitely larger than that of the Fishermen, among other things it is the most famous; this too has a beautiful lakefront, wider than the Isola dei Pescatori.
On Isola Bella you can therefore get lost in the alleys as I like or with 15 euros you have the opportunity to visit the Palazzo Borromeo and the gardens. I, also having two dogs in tow, I preferred to explore the island to be able to see even the most hidden corners that often turn out to be pleasant discoveries.
Among the two Borromean islands that I was able to visit, the one I liked the most was definitely the Isola dei Pescatori. I really like the typical narrow streets of these villages. They give you warmth and protection, it almost seems that time has stopped there.
The buildings still ooze the history of past centuries and so it must be, so it must remain, we must preserve these places and make sure that tourism does not change their conformation too much.
It is very nice to immerse yourself in these places and forget for a moment the modern society that changes every day
So… if you are overwhelmed by the stressful daily life, why not take a trip to the Borromean Islands ?! This place could also be counted among the #digitaldetox!
