Borromean Islands

Isola Bella – A Baroque Dream on the Water

Isola Bella is undoubtedly the archipelago’s crown jewel. As early as the 17th century, Carlo III Borromeo had the island transformed into an artificial garden and palace complex in honor of his wife, Isabella d’Adda. The magnificent Palazzo Borromeo, with its ornate halls, stucco ceilings, antique furniture, and sculptures, is open to visitors. Even more impressive, however, are the ten terraced gardens, which are home to over 200 plant species—from magnolias and cypresses to rare orchids. White peacocks strut through the grounds, lending the place an almost fairy-tale-like atmosphere.

Isola dei Pescatori – The Lively Fishermen’s Island

Unlike Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori—also known as “Fishermen’s Island”—is still inhabited today. About 50 people live here year-round, some of whom still practice traditional fishing on Lake Maggiore. The island is compact—about 350 meters long and 100 meters wide—and features a hotel, cozy restaurants with lake views, souvenir shops, and a charming church with a cemetery. The narrow alleys and the small harbor are particularly picturesque. Here, away from the hustle and bustle, you can experience authentic life by the lake.

Isola Madre – The Green Queen

The largest of the Borromean Islands is also the one with the greatest botanical diversity. Isola Madre is a true paradise for plant lovers. Its English-style garden is famous for rare tree species, exotic flowers, and the birds roaming freely—including colorful parrots, golden pheasants, and peacocks. The palace houses a unique collection of antique furniture from the 16th and 17th centuries, as well as one of Europe’s largest collections of marionettes and dolls. Those seeking tranquility will find it here—amid lemon trees, lotus blossoms, and the scent of blooming wisteria.

Practical Tips for Visiting the Borromean Islands

The three islands open to tourists—Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori, and Isola Madre—are easily accessible by boat or ferry. Common departure points include Stresa, Baveno, Pallanza, and Verbania-Intra. From Cannobio, the islands can be reached by taxi boat or by ferry. During the peak season (July and August), it’s best to visit on a weekday to avoid the largest crowds.

The gardens and palaces on Isola Bella and Isola Madre are open from mid-March through the end of October. Families and groups often receive discounts on admission prices. Isola dei Pescatori, on the other hand, is open to the public year-round—there is no admission fee.

If you want to visit all three islands in one day, you can sometimes purchase a combination ticket that includes both the boat ride and admission to the attractions. The ferry company also offers discounted family rates.  

Conclusion: Five islands, one experience

The Borromean Islands offer far more than just classic tourist attractions. Combining Baroque elegance, botanical diversity, and authentic island life, five unique microcosms await discovery—or at least admiration. Even though not every island is open to visitors, a boat trip through the Borromean Gulf is guaranteed to be one of the most unforgettable experiences on Lake Maggiore.

History: The History of the Borromean Islands

The history of the Borromean Islands is inextricably linked to the rise of one of the most influential noble families of the Northern Italian Renaissance and Baroque periods: the Borromeo family. The power of this dynasty began in the 14th century, when the family—originally from Florence—settled in Milan and quickly rose to prominence in political and ecclesiastical circles. The family’s influence grew considerably, particularly through shrewd marriages, banking ventures, and close ties to the Church—including several cardinals and the famous Saint Charles Borromeo.

As early as the 15th century, the Borromeos began acquiring land around Lake Maggiore. In 1501, Giovanni Borromeo purchased the entire territory now known as the Borromean Gulf, including the islands, which were still barren at the time. The name “Borromean Islands” thus derives directly from the family.

Isola Madre was the first island developed by the family. As early as the 16th century, work began there on the creation of a botanical garden, inspired by the emerging interest in exotic plants and Renaissance garden design. For a long time, the small palace on the island served as a rural retreat for the family.

In the 17th century, attention turned to Isola Bella —and with it, the desire for prestige and status. Carlo III Borromeo commissioned renowned architects to transform the rocky island into a Baroque masterpiece. The construction work spanned decades and involved famous artists such as Vitaliano VI, who later also designed the gardens with their monumental terraces. The island was named after Carlo’s wife, Isabella—a romantic gesture with far-reaching consequences, as Isola Bella went on to become the most magnificent island on the lake.

The Isola dei Pescatori, owned by other families, remained largely untouched by these changes. It has always been home to simple fishermen and remains the only inhabited island in the archipelago to this day. It wasn’t until the 20th century that its tourist potential was recognized, though without sacrificing its original charm.

To this day, four of the five islands remain in the Borromeo family’s possession. The descendants not only manage this cultural heritage but also open large parts of the palaces and gardens to the public—a living testament to centuries of history on Lake Maggiore.

Since 2025, the Castelli di Cannero have once again been open to the public—another legacy of the Borromeans and a wonderful day trip that takes significantly less time.