The best way to admire these picturesque landscapes is a day exploring the Borromean Islands and the charming towns of Lake Maggiore on a boat provided by Summer Boats. The islands of the Borromean Gulf stand elegantly and magical in front of Baveno and Stresa, in the crystal clear waters of Lake Maggiore. This is a small archipelago in one of the most beautiful parts of this lake.

Borromean Islands

Isola Bella (Bella Island), the most striking of the islands, is occupied almost entirely by the XVII century monumental Baroque Palazzo Borromeo, built by Carlo III Borromeo for his wife, Isabella D'Adda (hence,  the name given to the island), with its plush surroundings and wonderful manicured Italian gardens consisting of 10 terraces sloping down towards the lake, which occupy the south western part of the island.
The building houses paintings by Luca Giordano, Annibale Carracci, Giambattista Tiepolo, Francesco Zuccarelli, and Pieter Mulier and is full of surprises: artificial tufa caves that can be  accessed by a spiral staircase.
Isola dei Pescatori (Fishermen Island), the first island to host a human settlements. Situated on this island there is a picturesque old fishing village with its characteristic multi-storey houses with long balconies used for drying fish. Along  the narrow, winding streets, takes place the lives of about 50 islanders who make a living on fishing and tourism.

Isola Madre (Mother Island), the largest of the three islands, with its enchanting atmosphere, is the setting for a rich botanical garden with rare plants and exotic flowers where white peacocks, parrots and pheasants live in freedom. Within its gardens, you will find the largest specimen of European Cypress of the Kashmir that is more than 200 years old, as well as countless azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, ancient wisteria, hibiscus, and Ginkgo Biloba.

You can also visit the XVI century Palazzo  Borromeo with its rich collection of liveries, dolls, and porcelain objects. Overall, you will be able to admire beautiful interiors enriched by breathtaking gardens, which create an impact of great sophistication appreciated by the most demanding tourists.

Seasonal opening

Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Rocca d’Angera open to the public every day, from Friday 20 March to Sunday 25 October 2015.

Opening times

Every day from 9:00 AM to 17:30 PM (last in).

Ticket Prices

Season 2015	ADULT SINGLE	JUNIOR SINGLE*	ADULTS (GROUP)**	JUNIOR (GROUP)***
Isola Bella (Palace, Painting gallery, Garden)	15	8.5	12	7
Isola Madre (Palace and Garden)	12	6.5	10	5.5
Angera Fortress	9	5.5	7.5	5
Isola Bella + Isola Madre (1)	20.5	10	16.5	9.5
Isola Bella + Isola Madre + Angera Fortress (2)	24	13.5	19	11.5

 

*JUNIOR: from 6 to 15 years old included. Under 6 the admission is free.
**GROUP (ADULTS): min. 18 people. A free admittance every 18 purchased.

***GROUP (JUNIOR): min. 13 people. A free admittance every 13 purchased.

 

1. This ticket can be used only on the same day.
2. This ticket is valid two days from the date of issue:
   • For one person:
     Isola Bella and Isola Madre can be visited on the same day, the Rocca Borromeo is visitable near the end of the season (25 october 2015)
   • For groups:
     The ticket is available until the next day. It is however mandatory to access Isola Bella and Isola Madre on the same day