Isola Bella on Lago Maggiore – A Complete Guide

Isola Bella is one of the three Borromean Islands on Lago Maggiore, alongside Isola Dei Pescatori and Isola Madre.
If you’re pondering which of these islands is the must-visit, Isola Bella stands out as the premier choice on Lago Maggiore.

True to its name, Isola Bella translates literally to “beautiful island.” Carlo III Borromeo bestowed this name in honour of his wife, Isabella d’Adda.

Here’s everything you need to know when planning a visit to Isola Bella on Lago Maggiore.

Before we delve in, it’s important to note that this Isola Bella should not be confused with the one in Sicily, situated in Taormina and famously depicted in the film White Lotus. Our focus here is on Isola Bella located on Lago Maggiore in the northern part of Italy.

Where is Isola Bella in Italy?

Isola Bella sits within the three Borromean Islands on Lago Maggiore, the second-largest lake in Northern Italy, which also extends into Switzerland. The island is positioned just off the shore of the renowned Italian town of Stresa, nestled in the Piedmont region on Lake Maggiore.

While Stresa serves as a primary access point to Isola Bella, it’s not the sole option. Below, we outline various ways to reach Isola Bella and provide insight into its location on the Lake Maggiore Map. Click here to get to the boat navigation website

Tours to Lago Maggiore From Milan

Private tour from Milan to Lago Maggiore in a Ferrari

Explore the Alps around Stresa & Lake Maggiore Full-Day Tour

Private tour from Milan to The Borromean Island and Maggiore

How to Reach Isola Bella on Lake Maggiore

The swiftest route to Isola Bella is undoubtedly from any of the piers in Stresa. It takes about 10 minutes by boat from Piazza Marconi or the lakefront to arrive at Isola Bella.

Boats operate regularly, shuttling passengers back and forth to the islands. You can opt for either the public ferry or any of the private taxi-boats.

Tickets from Stresa can be purchased directly at the dock, where you’ll also find a small tourist office. If you prefer a more intimate experience and want to immerse yourself in the Italian dolce vita lifestyle, consider booking a small motorboat. Various charming captains (from different companies) can be found walking around, offering their private boats for hire.

In April ’24, we paid €30 for a return trip departing from Stresa, which even included a stop at Isola Dei Pescatori on Lake Maggiore. (One child traveled free of charge).

There are numerous boat options available, so we simply chose the first one that approached us. When the captain mentioned “un bambino non paga,” we were sold.

The cruise to the island takes approximately 10 minutes, depending on which island the boat visits first. As you approach the island, have your camera ready to capture the breathtaking 17th-century palace and baroque architecture surrounded by expansive Italian Lombard gardens.

However, please note: Boat tickets provide transportation only and do not include entry to the Isola Bella gardens or palace.

But how do you get to Stresa

Here are some different travel options and possibilities to reach Stresa from every angle.

Travel by Car

If you’re traveling by car or have a rental car at your disposal, you can head directly to Stresa. From Milan, travel on the A26 Autostrada and take the Stresa/Baveno exit. For a more scenic journey, consider taking any exit before Stresa and drive along the lakeside road into the town.

Arriving from Switzerland via the Simplon Pass, you will travel through Domodossola (Italy), passing by the picturesque Lago di Mergozzo (Mergozzo Lake) before reaching Lago Maggiore and Stresa.

By the way, Isola Bella also makes for a fantastic day trip if you’re staying in the Ticino region, specifically Ascona and Locarno.

Parking in Stresa

The primary parking area in Stresa is Piazza Marconi (boat dock). However, this area can get extremely crowded during the peak summer season, making finding a spot difficult. Additionally, parking here costs €14 per day (April 2024).

Free parking is available at the train station.  Make sure you choose a place in the long term parking area as some spaces are limited to one hour.. From there, it’s a quick 10-minutes walk down to the dock, where you’ll catch the boat to Isola Bella.

Car Ferry from Laveno

If you’re driving from the east side of Lake Maggiore and want a quicker route to Stresa than driving all around Lake Maggiore’s lakeshore, consider taking the car ferry from Laveno to Intra. The car ferry departs every 20 minutes and takes approximately 30 minutes to cross between Intra and Laveno.

From Intra, it’s only a 30-minute drive to Stresa. While the drive from Laveno to Stresa takes about the same amount of time as crossing with the ferry, it adds a scenic element to your journey, which many find enjoyable.

Arriving by Train

Stresa is easily accessible by train from Milan, taking around an hour depending on the type of train:

• Regional train: Slow and not recommended, taking around an hour and a half.
• Trenord train: Inexpensive and just over an hour from Milan.
• Eurocity (Milan-Switzerland line): Fast (just under an hour) and comfortable but slightly more expensive and less frequent than Trenord.

Even if you’re traveling from Switzerland, Stresa is reachable by train. Consider the Milan-Switzerland Eurocity train line, with Stresa as a stop. The train station is approximately 10 minutes walk from Piazza Marconi, where boats depart for Isola Bella.

Arriving by Boat or Ferry

You can access Stresa and Isola Bella by ferry from various locations on Lake Maggiore. While it’s a slow mode of transportation, it offers breathtaking scenery and makes for an excellent day trip, even from Ascona, Switzerland.

All the information regarding sailing times and destinations on the lake can be found on the Lago Maggiore ferry website

Arriving by Plane to Italy

The closest and most convenient airport by far is Milan Malpensa (MXP), northern Italy’s largest airport, which is a 50-minute drive from Stresa. You can rent a car directly from there.

Tickets for Visiting the Gardens and Palace on Isola Bella

As mentioned earlier, boat tickets do not grant access to Palazzo Borromeo or the Giardini, Teatro Massimo (the gardens). You can purchase tickets for these attractions upon arrival at Isola Bella, or skip the line and pre Book your Borromeo Island Hopping online.

Currently, tickets for Isola Bella cost €21 for adults and €12 for children. The family ticket includes one child free of charge.

If you plan to visit other Borromeo attractions, consider combining your tickets. This includes Pallavicino Park (located in Stresa itself) and Isola Madre, which also features a historic house (though less spectacular than the palace on Isola Bella) and beautiful gardens.

Opening Hours

From March to October:

• Daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last entrance).
• The palace closes at 5:30 p.m., while the gardens close at 6:00 p.m.

From mid-October to the beginning of November:

• Daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (last entry)
• The palace closes at 4:30 p.m., and the gardens close at 5:00 p.m.

Please note that the opening and closing times of museums and gardens are subject to change for extraordinary events. This information is sourced from their website.

Guided Tours on Isola Bella

You can pre-book a one-hour guided tour for €75. This price does not include your entry ticket. While these tours are informative and available in multiple languages, they do come with a higher price tag. You can find more information on these guided tours directly on the islands website.

What to See and Do on Isola Bella

The main attractions of Isola Bella on Lake Maggiore are undoubtedly the palace and gardens. These are the highlights of the visit, and it’s recommended not to miss them. Otherwise, you might consider heading directly to Isola Dei Pescatori for lunch.

Highlights include:

• The family of white peacocks residing in the gardens. Keep your camera ready as you might catch them displaying their tail feathers for a photo.
• Napoleon’s Bed, which he used during his visit with his wife Josephine in the late 18th century, still on display.
• The fascinating puppet collection in the palace, offering insight into entertainment before modern technology.
• The incredible 6 grottos in the basement, adorned with mosaics crafted from stones and shells found in the lake, all reflecting nautical themes.

Explore il Palazzo Borromeo – The Palace on Isola Bella

Describing the palace as ambitious, dominating, daring, and enthusiastic doesn’t fully capture its essence.

It’s a place you need to see to truly understand. The palace exudes opulence, with every detail showcasing the wealth of its owners. It stands as a prime example of Lombard Baroque architecture, featuring a massive entryway that was later modified to enhance its grandeur for welcoming guests.

But honestly, when you see it, you’ll be blown away.

As you stroll along the Galleria Berthier, adorned with over 130 paintings including masterpieces from Raphael, Correggio, Titian, and Guido Reni, you’ll likely find yourself in awe. You depending on your taste, more likely in a … what the heck… stage.

Most of these artworks are framed in thick, golden frames that you wouldn’t typically hang on your wall these days. Yet, this very aspect is what makes this place so captivating to visit – it’s filled with moments of “Why did they build this?”

The Palace Guest List

Both Napoleon Bonaparte in 1797 and Mussolini in 1935 were among the distinguished guests who graced these halls. And  even Princess Diana and Prince Charles enjoyed a dinner here.

The Caves

We found the coolest part to be underground. The six natural grottos are adorned with grey-shaded pebbles and shells from the lake, creating a stunning nautical theme. It took workers 10 years to complete these grottos.

Explore Isola Bella’s Gardens – Giardini, Teatro Massimo

The gardens are simply breathtaking, and it’s no wonder why everyone wants to see them. The architectural aim was to resemble a cruise ship floating on Lake Maggiore, and they absolutely nailed it.

There are 10 terraces forming the decks, adorned with opulent statues, balustrades, hedges, and obelisks. The Teatro Massimo is particularly grandiose, boasting obelisks, fountains, statues, and peacocks majestically wandering around the property. At the apex of the monument sits a unicorn, the heraldic symbol of the Borromeo family.

Thanks to the perfect micro-climate of the Borromean Islands, 15 varieties of citrus fruits thrive here, including lemons, mandarins, cedars, grapefruits, oranges, and more. It’s truly a feast for the senses.

One moment, you’re surrounded by bamboo; the next, you’re strolling through lush floral gardens.

Winter Garden or Greenhouse

The massive winter garden or greenhouse called Serra Elisa was a surprise to us. Built in 1821 and restored in 2012, it’s a hidden gem. If you don’t know it’s there, you might miss it. Simply find Viale di Ponente, and there it is. The greenhouse boasts about 40 varieties of exotic plants and other botanical rarities.

Where to Eat on Isola Bella on Lake Maggiore

Having a snack or lunch on Isola Bella is not a problem; there’s even a small snack bar within the gardens.

However, if you’re planning a romantic evening dinner on the island, you’ll need to organise that directly with the only two restaurants offering this experience: Hotel Delfino and Ristorante Elvezia. Contact them to arrange dinner on the island.

All other establishments close in the evening, making Isola Bella an exceptionally romantic and peaceful destination.

For a wider selection of restaurants for your dinner plans, you’ll find more options on the neighbouring Isola dei Pescatori.

If you intend to dine on Isola dei Pescatori or Isola Bella, you’ll need to contact the restaurant in advance to arrange pick-up from the shore, as the last public island boats usually depart between 5-7 pm, depending on the season. Restaurants offering evening dinners typically provide a private motorboat or water taxi service to transport guests to and from the island. The fees range from 10 to 15 euros per person, depending on your pickup and drop-off locations.

Read our dedicated blog post about Isola dei Pescatori and find out where you can eat or sleep on the island.

Isola Bella with Kids – Is it Worth it?

Our twins, aged 8.5 years at the time of our visit, thoroughly enjoyed both the palace and the gardens. What’s not to like?

From the enchanting boat ride to the fairytale palace and the impressive doll collection, dating back who knows how long. The highlight for them was exploring the super cool underground grottos and dark dungeons, filled with everything a knight could desire.

The fun continued in the gardens, where they engaged in a competition to collect as many feathers as possible. And to top it all, witnessing the proud male white peacock proudly displaying his majestic feathers. And don’t forget to check out the various souvenir shops conveniently located while you wait for your boat.

Important to know: Strollers are not permitted inside the palace itself, and pets are not allowed on Isola Bella, including dogs.

When is the Best Time to Visit Isola Bella?

Isola Bella is typically open from mid-March through October. Therefore, it’s advisable not to plan a trip to the islands during the winter months.

Stresa and the islands are major tourist attractions on Lake Maggiore and can become quite crowded during peak summer season. If possible, consider visiting this northern part of Italy during the shoulder season for a more manageable experience, both in terms of crowds and heat.

Although May is one of the rainiest months in Italy, it’s also when the flowers are at their prettiest. Here are the opening hours once again:

• • From March 16th to October 26th, 2024
    Daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., last entrance. Palace closes at 5:30 p.m., gardens close at 6:00 p.m.
  • From 27th October to 3rd November 2024
    Daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., last entry. Palace closes at 4:30 p.m., gardens close at 5:00 p.m.

Hotels near and on Isola Bella

The only hotel situated directly on Isola Bella is Hotel Elvezia, which recently added the Isola Bella apartment to its portfolio, perfect for self-catering on the island. While this may be a great idea for a romantic night, it’s not ideal as a base for exploring Lake Maggiore.

Stresa offers plenty of hotels and accommodation, ranging from the luxurious historic Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees to the renowned Hotel Villa e Palazzo Aminta considered one of the leading hotels in the world.

However, you don’t need to break the bank to stay in or around Stresa. There are numerous affordable accommodations around Lake Maggiore with amazing lake views. Take a look at the map below and choose the best hotel around Lake Maggiore for your needs.

Nearby Attractions of Isola Bella

Although visiting Isola Bella will likely take up at least half a day, there are plenty of other tourist attractions around and near Lake Maggiore that shouldn’t be missed.

Here are some suggestions for your days at Lake Maggiore:

Visit Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Madre

When visiting Isola Bella, consider booking a combined ticket that includes Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Madre. You can purchase your ticket at the same place where you get your boat ticket in Stresa; just mention that you want the trio package. Or get them online with GetYourGuide, a great company offering many different tours and activities around the world.

Alternatively, you can add just two islands to your itinerary. This is what we did: we first visited Isola Bella for about three hours, then hopped on a boat to Isola dei Pescatori for a late lunch.

If you plan to visit all three islands, it’s recommended to start with Isola Madre. Explore the gardens and house before cruising over to Isola Bella, and finish your day with a late lunch at Isola dei Pescatori, followed by a leisurely stroll along the narrow streets, where you’ll find traditional shops, artisanal arts, and souvenirs.

Visit Santa Caterina del Sasso

Santa Caterina del Sasso is a Roman Catholic monastery situated in the municipality of Leggiuno, in the Province of Varese and the region of Lombardy, overlooking Lake Maggiore. Perched on a rocky ridge 16 metres above the lake, it boasts a stunning setting.

Book your private tour and cruise on your private boat over Lago Maggiore and visit the monastery.

Village and Lake Mergozzo

Just a stone’s throw away from Lake Maggiore lies another gem, Lake Mergozzo. We hopped on our bikes and explored the area before heading to the village itself for a well-deserved Italian gelato.

Head up Monte Mottarone

For a completely different perspective of Lake Maggiore and its surroundings, head up to Monte Mottarone. Here, you’ll find beautiful hikes and the Alpyland Amusement Park, featuring a thrilling summer toboggan ride. Along the drive up, you’ll also pass by an adventure tree park, which is sure to be a hit with the kids.

Our thought on visiting Isola Bella on Lago Maggiore

Exploring Isola Bella on Lake Maggiore provided an enchanting experience filled with historical wonders and stunning landscapes and it delivered exactly this.

From the majestic Palazzo Borromeo to the serene Giardini, Teatro Massimo, every corner of the island exudes charm. Beyond Isola Bella, Lake Maggiore’s fantastic views, gives you a great holiday feeling. We would definitely recommend it to everyone.

Not far from Lago Maggiore is of course Lake Garda. SO, if you do have some extra time on hands, spend some time in Bardolino at Garda lake.

Thanks for sharing it!