Borromean Islands: Isola Bella, Madre, and Pescatori
Isola Madre, Pescatore, Bella: The Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore are a wonderful destination for the whole family, accessible by ferry from Cannobio.
Isola Bella, Pescatore, Madre: the Borromean Islands of Lake Maggiore
If you are vacationing on Lake Maggiore, you cannot miss them: the Borromean Islands in the Borromean Gulf on the western shore of the lake, between Stresa, Baveno, and Verbania. Every year they attract many visitors, most notably Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori, and Isola Madre. In addition, there are two other smaller islands that can only be seen from a distance.
From Cannobio, you can take a water taxi (ticket stand approx. 100 m after the entrance to the lake promenade, seen from Lakeview) or the scheduled ferries for a beautiful excursion to one of the Borromean Islands, or to all three accessible ones: Isola Madre, Isola Pescatore, and Isola Bella. You can find the timetable for the Lake Maggiore ferries here.
Borromean Islands at a glance
- Location: Borromean Gulf between Stresa, Baveno, and Verbania
- From Cannobio: by ferry or water taxi; just under an hour by car to Stresa
- Isola Bella: Palace and Baroque garden, adults €27
- Isola Madre: botanical garden and palace, adults €23
- Combined ticket Bella + Madre: adults €40, children (6–15) €23
- Isola dei Pescatori: fishing village, free admission
- 2026 Season: March 12 to November 8 (Prices as of 2026)
The unknown side: two islands without access
Only three of the five Borromean Islands are open to visitors: Isola Bella with its palace, Isola dei Pescatori with its fishing village, and Isola Madre with its botanical garden. Isolino di San Giovanni and the tiny Scoglio della Malghera remain closed to visitors.
Isolino di San Giovanni: Toscanini's Retreat
Not far from the shore of Pallanza lies Isolino di San Giovanni, just about 140 meters in diameter and still owned by the Borromeo family today. It is the only one of the islands that belongs to the municipality of Verbania. The conductor Arturo Toscanini spent many summers here. The villa is reminiscent of the palace on Isola Madre, but the island is not accessible.
Scoglio della Malghera: the smallest island
At only about 600 square meters, Scoglio della Malghera is little more than a vegetated rock between Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori. There is no palace or garden here, but it is a popular photo motif at sunset. Setting foot on it is not permitted.
Isola Bella: the Baroque palace in the lake
Isola Bella is the flagship of the islands. In the 17th century, Carlo III Borromeo had the island transformed into a palace and garden landscape in honor of his wife Isabella d’Adda; his son Vitaliano VI completed the work. The Palazzo Borromeo, with its magnificent halls, stucco ceilings, furniture, and sculptures, can be visited. Even more impressive is the garden on ten terraces, where white peacocks strut around.
Isola dei Pescatori: the fishermen's island
Unlike the other two islands, Isola dei Pescatori—officially Isola Superiore—is still a small inhabited village today. Around 50 people live here year-round, some of whom still fish in Lake Maggiore. The island is about 350 meters long and 100 meters wide, with a hotel, restaurants with lake views, small shops, and a church. The narrow alleys and the small harbor are particularly beautiful. You do not pay admission here.
Isola Madre: the green island
The largest of the Borromean Islands is also the greenest. Its English-style botanical garden is famous for rare trees, exotic plants, and free-roaming birds such as parrots, golden pheasants, and peacocks. In the palace, historical furniture and a large collection of marionettes and puppet theaters can be seen. Those seeking peace will find it here among lemon trees, lotus blossoms, and the scent of wisteria.
From Cannobio to the Borromean Islands
From Cannobio, you have two options: With the ferry, the trip across the lake is an experience in itself, but it takes time, so plan for a full day. The water taxi from the stand on the lake promenade is faster and more flexible. Those who prefer to drive can reach Stresa or Baveno in just under an hour and cross to the islands by boat from there in a few minutes.
Tickets, admission prices, and opening hours
The gardens and palaces of Isola Bella and Isola Madre are open daily in 2026 from March 12 to November 8, with last admission until the end of October at 5 PM. For Isola Bella, adults pay 27 euros and children aged 6 to 15 pay 18 euros; for Isola Madre, it is 23 euros and 15 euros respectively. With the combined ticket for both islands, adults pay 40 euros and children 23 euros (as of 2026). Toddlers are free. The boat trip is not included in these prices. Isola dei Pescatori is free to access.
During the high season in July and August, we recommend visiting during the week to avoid the biggest crowds.
Our Conclusion
The Borromean Islands are more than just a tourist attraction: Baroque splendor on Isola Bella, plants and birds on Isola Madre, and authentic island life on Isola dei Pescatori. Even if not every island can be entered, a boat trip through the Borromean Gulf is one of the most beautiful experiences on Lake Maggiore.
The history of the Borromean Islands
The history of the islands is closely linked to the Borromeo family, one of the most influential noble families in Northern Italy. Originally from Tuscany, the family settled in Milan in the 14th century and rose through banking, clever marriages, and close ties to the Church; Saint Charles Borromeo is also a member. From the 15th century onwards, the family gradually acquired land around Lake Maggiore, including the islands that still bear their name today.
The Isola Madre was the first to be developed: as early as the 16th century, a garden and palace were created here as a family retreat. In the 17th century, the focus shifted to Isola Bella. Carlo III Borromeo had the rocky island converted into a Baroque masterpiece; his son Vitaliano VI continued the work for decades, including the large terrace gardens. The island is named after Carlo's wife, Isabella.
The Isola dei Pescatori never belonged to the Borromeos and remained a fishing village. The other four islands are still owned by the family, who open the palaces and gardens to visitors.
Since 2025, the Castelli di Cannero have also been open to the public—another Borromeo legacy and a beautiful excursion that takes significantly less time. The boats there depart directly from Cannobio.
For an island day, you are in good hands with us in Cannobio: scheduled ferries and water taxis depart directly from Cannobio, and you stay with us by the lake, either in a mobile home on Lake Maggiore, in a vacation apartment with lake view, or at a pitch for motorhome, caravan, or tent.
Questions and answers
An archipelago of five islands in the Borromean Gulf on the western shore of Lake Maggiore. Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori, and Isola Madre are open to visitors.