How much is the ferry to the Borromean Islands?

A 'Free Circulation' hop-on/hop-off day ticket covering all three islands costs €16.90 for adults and €8.50 for children aged 4–12 (2026 prices). Single return trips start from around €8. Buy tickets at Stresa Piazza Marconi ferry terminal.

How long should I spend on the Borromean Islands?

Allow 5–6 hours for all three islands: about 2–2.5 hours for Isola Bella (palace + gardens), 1–1.5 hours for lunch on Isola dei Pescatori, and 1.5 hours for Isola Madre. A 3-hour visit allows Isola Bella only.

What is Isola Bella famous for?

Isola Bella is famous for the Palazzo Borromeo — a baroque palace built from 1620 with 18 lavishly furnished salons, a bedroom where Napoleon slept, and underground grottos decorated with thousands of shells. The ten tiered Italian baroque gardens rising above the lake with white peacocks are equally celebrated.

How much are Isola Bella tickets in 2026?

Isola Bella adult ticket (palace + gardens): €27.00 in 2026. Isola Madre: €23.00. Combined Isola Bella + Isola Madre: €40.00 (saving €10). Children aged 6–15 pay less; under 6 free. Buy online at terreborromeo.it to skip the entrance queue in peak season.

What is the best time to visit the Borromean Islands?

Late April to June and September to October offer the best balance: gardens in full bloom (camellias, rhododendrons, azaleas on Isola Madre in May), mild temperatures, and fewer crowds. July and August are hottest and most crowded. The islands are closed November to mid-March.

When are the Borromean Islands open?

The palaces and gardens of Isola Bella and Isola Madre are open from mid-March to early November. In 2026 the season runs March 12 – November 8. Opening hours are 10:00–17:00 (last entry) in main season. Isola dei Pescatori is accessible year-round as a public village, though most restaurants close off-season.

Should you book Borromean Islands tickets in advance?

In July and August, yes — Isola Bella entrance queues can reach 30–60 minutes at the gate. Book the Isola Bella + Isola Madre combo online at terreborromeo.it to guarantee entry at your chosen time. Ferry tickets can generally be bought on the day at the dock.

What is Isola dei Pescatori like?

Isola dei Pescatori is the smallest and only permanently inhabited Borromean Island. With about 50 residents, it feels like a medieval fishing village with narrow stone lanes, colorful boats, drying laundry, and lakeside restaurants. No cars, no admission fee — just atmosphere and fresh lake fish.

How do you get from Milan Malpensa airport to the Borromean Islands?

Two main options: (1) Seasonal Alibus shuttle bus from Malpensa directly to Stresa (~70 minutes, ~€9–23, runs April–September, must book 1 day ahead); (2) Train with change at Busto Arsizio RFI (~75–90 minutes total, from ~€4–11). A private taxi direct to Stresa costs roughly €100–150.

Which Borromean Island should I prioritize if short on time?

Isola Bella. The baroque palace interior and ten-terrace gardens are the signature attraction of the entire Lake Maggiore area. If you have 3 hours, spend them on Isola Bella. Add Isola dei Pescatori for lunch if you have 5 hours; add Isola Madre for the full experience.

Can you swim in Lake Maggiore?

Yes — Lake Maggiore is clean and warm enough for swimming from June to September. There are small beaches in Stresa and Baveno. The islands themselves have no dedicated swimming beaches; the tiny beach on Scoglio della Malghera near Isola Bella is informal.

What food is available on the Borromean Islands?

Isola dei Pescatori has the best restaurants with fresh lake fish: lavarello (lake whitefish), persico (perch), and risotto al lavarello. Top spots include Ristorante Italia (family-run, own fishing boat), Trattoria Imbarcadero, and Il Verbano. Isola Bella has a café near the palace exit. Book ahead for summer weekends.

Are the Borromean Islands crowded?

Isola Bella is very crowded in July and August, especially mid-morning to mid-afternoon when tour groups arrive from Milan. Arrive on the first ferry (~9:00–9:30) or visit after 15:00 when day-trippers leave. Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori are significantly quieter even in peak season.

Is a tour from Milan worth it compared to going independently?

For first-time visitors without an Italian rail pass, a guided full-day tour from Milan can be worth it — it handles transport logistics, often includes island entrance fees, and a guide provides context. Self-guided is cheaper (save ~€40–80 per person) and more flexible if you're comfortable with Italian trains and ferry connections.

Borromean Islands Guide 2026 — Isola Bella, Madre & Pescatori

Q: How do you get to the Borromean Islands from Milan?

Take a train from Milano Centrale to Stresa on Lake Maggiore — the fastest trains (EuroCity) take about 60 minutes; regional trains take 80–90 minutes. Fares from around €8.60 single. From Stresa station, walk 10 minutes downhill to Piazza Marconi, then take the Navigazione Lago Maggiore ferry to the islands (12 minutes to Isola Bella).

Q: How much does it cost to visit the Borromean Islands?

Self-guided cost per adult from Milan: train return ~€17–28, ferry day pass €16.90, Isola Bella + Isola Madre combo ticket €40, Isola Pescatori free, lunch ~€20–35. Total roughly €95–120 per person. From Stresa without train: around €60–80 per person.

Q: Can you visit all three Borromean Islands in one day?

Yes — it is standard to visit all three in one day. Start with Isola Bella (largest, most visited), stop for lunch on Isola dei Pescatori, then continue to Isola Madre. Allow 5–6 hours total. First ferry from Stresa is around 8:00.

Q: Is Isola dei Pescatori free?

Yes — Isola dei Pescatori has no admission fee. You pay only for your ferry ticket to reach it. The island is a living fishing village with restaurants, shops, and the small church of San Vittore. It's the best place for lunch between Isola Bella and Isola Madre.

Getting There

How to Reach the Borromean Islands

All routes pass through Stresa, the gateway town on the western shore of Lake Maggiore. From Stresa's Piazza Marconi ferry pier, it's a 12-minute boat ride to Isola Bella. The public ferry runs every 30 minutes from around 08:00 to 18:00 during the season.

From Milan

Train to Stresa

~60 min — EuroCity direct (fastest)

~80–90 min — Trenitalia/Trenord regional

From ~€8.60 single (book ahead for best fare)

~21 trains/day from Milano Centrale or Porta Garibaldi

Stresa station → ferry pier: 10-min downhill walk

Best option

From Milan Malpensa

Bus or Train

Alibus shuttle — ~70 min, ~€9–23 (Apr–Sep only; book 1 day ahead, ~6/day)

Train — change at Busto Arsizio RFI, ~75–90 min, from ~€4–11

Taxi direct — ~50 min, €100–150

No direct train from Malpensa to Stresa

Plan ahead

From Turin

Train via Novara

~2h 15 min with 1–2 changes

From ~€13–16 single (Torino Porta Susa)

~23 connections/day via Novara or Rho Fiera

No direct train; typical route: Turin → Novara → Stresa

Worthwhile

Ferry tip: Buy the Free Circulation day ticket (€16.90 adult) at the Stresa Piazza Marconi ticket office — it covers unlimited hops between Stresa, Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori, and Isola Madre all day. Avoid private "motorboat" operators near the dock who may charge significantly more for the same journey.

Ferry from Stresa to the Islands

Route	Duration	Notes
Stresa → Isola Bella	~12 min	First stop on the island circuit
Isola Bella → Isola Pescatori	~5 min	Best lunch stop; no admission fee
Isola Pescatori → Isola Madre	~15 min	Furthest island; most botanical
Isola Madre → Stresa	~25 min	Direct return to pier

Ferries run roughly every 30 minutes from ~08:00 to ~18:00. Timetables are released each season — verify on the day at Piazza Marconi.

Sample Itineraries

How to Spend Your Time on the Islands

Three itineraries based on available hours. All start from Stresa Piazza Marconi ferry pier. Adjust your start time using the planner below.

3 Hours — Tight

Isola Bella only

10:00Buy tickets at Stresa ferry pier€43.90 (ferry + Bella)
10:15Ferry Stresa → Isola Bella12 min
10:30Palazzo Borromeo: 18 salons, Napoleon Room, shell grottos~75 min
11:4510 terraced baroque gardens, white peacocks~45 min
12:30Ferry back to Stresa12 min

5 Hours — Standard

Bella + Pescatori (lunch)

9:30Buy ferry + Bella + Madre combo ticket€56.90
9:45Ferry to Isola Bella12 min
10:00Palazzo Borromeo: palace rooms + grottos~75 min
11:15Isola Bella gardens: all 10 terraces, peacock viewing~45 min
12:00Ferry Isola Bella → Isola Pescatori5 min
12:05Lunch + village stroll on Isola Pescatori~€20-35 · 75 min
13:20Ferry back to Stresa10 min

7 Hours — Full Day

All three islands

9:00Buy ferry + Bella + Madre combo ticket€56.90
9:15Ferry to Isola Bella12 min
9:30Palazzo Borromeo: palace + grottos~90 min
11:00All 10 garden terraces + peacock platform~60 min
12:00Ferry → Isola Pescatori + lunch~€20-35 · 80 min
13:25Ferry Pescatori → Isola Madre15 min
13:40Isola Madre botanical garden + Kashmir cypress~60 min
14:40Isola Madre Palazzo: marionettes, furnished rooms~35 min
15:15Ferry Isola Madre → Stresa25 min

Adjust for your arrival time

I arrive at Stresa pier at I have

The Islands

What to See on Each Island

The Borromean Islands are owned by the Borromeo family, who have maintained them continuously since the 17th century. Three main islands welcome visitors; Isola San Giovanni is private. All islands are car-free and accessible only by boat.

1 Palazzo Borromeo — Isola Bella €27 · 1.5–2 h Built from 1620 by Cardinal Vitaliano Borromeo, the palace has 18 lavishly furnished salons with Murano chandeliers, Flemish tapestries, baroque paintings, and an arms hall. Highlights include the Napoleon Room — where Napoleon and Josephine slept in 1797 — and six underground grottos decorated floor-to-ceiling with thousands of shells, pebbles, and coral in elaborate mosaic patterns. Combined ticket includes the gardens.

2 Isola Bella Terraced Gardens Included in €27 · 45–60 min Ten cascading garden terraces rising 37 metres above Lake Maggiore, designed in the Italian baroque style. Obelisks, fountains, topiary, citrus trees in terracotta pots, camellias, and rhododendrons crowd every level. The unicorn statue atop the Teatro Massimo — the Borromeo heraldic symbol — is the garden's visual centrepiece. White peacocks roam freely across the upper terraces. The view from the top over the Alps and the lake is exceptional.

3 Isola dei Pescatori (Isola Superiore) Free · 1–2 h The only permanently inhabited Borromean Island, with around 50 year-round residents. No roads, no cars — just narrow stone lanes, centuries-old houses with painted shutters, fishing boats, and drying laundry. The small church of San Vittore has a Romanesque bell tower visible from the ferry. Best visited for lunch: Ristorante Italia (family-run, own fishing boat), Trattoria Imbarcadero, and Il Verbano (upscale) serve fresh lake lavarello, persico, and risotto. Book ahead on summer weekends.

4 Isola Madre Botanical Garden €23 · 1–1.5 h Lake Maggiore's oldest botanical garden covers the entire island in an English landscape style. The landmark Kashmir cypress (planted 1862) is the tallest and most photographed tree. In May, massive banks of camellias, rhododendrons, and azaleas bloom in waves of colour. Exotic birds live free among the plants: white peacocks, golden and silver pheasants, blue peacocks, parrots, and cockatoos. Far quieter than Isola Bella — worth visiting for the atmosphere alone. Ticket includes the palazzo.

5 Isola Madre Palazzo Borromeo Included in €23 · 30–45 min A smaller, pale-yellow 16th-century palazzo with period furniture, antique prints, and a remarkable marionette and puppet collection — over 200 antique marionettes once performed in the private theatre. Less opulent than Isola Bella's palace, but more intimate and often overlooked by visitors who rush through. The antique doll collection in the attic rooms is a highlight for families.

6 Stresa — The Gateway Town Free · base for the day Stresa itself rewards a quick wander before or after the islands. The Lungolago (lakefront promenade) has views across to the islands and Alps. The Parco della Villa Pallavicino (€10 entrance) has a zoo and botanical garden. Grand Belle Époque hotels like the Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées lined this shore during the late 19th century when it was a grand European resort — Ernest Hemingway wrote much of A Farewell to Arms while based here. The cable car to Mottarone has been closed since the 2021 disaster and its reopening date remains unconfirmed — do not plan around it.

"The world is a fine place and worth fighting for and I hate very much to leave it."
Ernest Hemingway — who wrote much of his work while overlooking these islands from Stresa.

Practical Information

Before You Go

Seasons & Best Timing

Spring (Apr–Jun) — Best overall

Gardens at their best: camellias and rhododendrons on Isola Madre peak in May. Mild temperatures (15–23°C). Fewer crowds than summer. Stresa Festival begins in July.

Summer (Jul–Aug) — Peak season

Hot (28–34°C), very crowded, especially Isola Bella. Book palace tickets online in advance; arrive on the first ferry or after 15:00. Lake warm enough for swimming.

Autumn (Sep–Oct) — Second best

Quieter, still warm, hydrangeas and dahlias in bloom. September is ideal for avoiding crowds while keeping pleasant weather. Festival concerts continue into September.

Winter (Nov–Mar) — Islands closed

Palace and gardens of Isola Bella and Isola Madre close November 9 – March 11. Isola Pescatori is accessible year-round but most restaurants close. Stresa is quiet.

2026 Season: March 12 – November 8

Opening hours (Isola Bella & Isola Madre): Palaces and gardens open daily 10:00 — last entry 17:00, closes 18:00. Late season (Oct 25–Nov 8): last entry 16:00, closes 17:00. Book tickets online at terreborromeo.it to skip the entrance queue in July–August.

Ticket & Cost Summary

Ticket	Adult	Notes
Isola Bella (palace + gardens)	€27.00	~1.5–2 h recommended
Isola Madre (palazzo + botanical garden)	€23.00	~1–1.5 h recommended
Isola Bella + Isola Madre combo	€40.00	Saves €10 vs. buying separately
3-site combo (+ Pallavicino Park)	€55.00	Parco Pallavicino is on the Stresa shore
Isola dei Pescatori	Free	Public village; no ticket needed
Landing tax (per island)	~€0.50–1.50	Cash; paid at ferry ticket office

Estimated Day-Trip Budget (per adult from Milan)

Item	EUR
Train Milan ↔ Stresa return	€17–28
Ferry day pass (Free Circulation)	€16.90
Isola Bella + Isola Madre combo	€40.00
Landing tax (2 islands, approx.)	€1.00
Lunch on Isola Pescatori (mid-range)	€20–35
Coffee + gelato	€5–8
Full self-guided day from Milan	~€100–128

Prices as of April 2026. Tour packages from Milan start around €100–140 all-inclusive (transport + Isola Bella entrance). See our tour comparison →

Practical Tips

Queue warning: Isola Bella queues peak at 10:30–14:00 in July–August. Book palace combo tickets online at terreborromeo.it. Tickets are date-stamped; choose early morning entry.
Ferry scam alert: Private motorboat operators near Piazza Marconi sometimes present themselves as the official ferry service and charge much higher rates. The public Navigazione Lago Maggiore booth is clearly marked at the pier — use it.
Shoes: Wear comfortable walking shoes — Isola Bella's gardens have stone steps rising 37 m, with uneven paths throughout. Heeled shoes are not practical.
Dogs: Allowed on ferries and in the village areas; not inside palaces or gardens (service dogs excepted).
Strollers: Not permitted inside the palaces; check at the entrance. Gardens are largely accessible with folded strollers and carriers.
Card payments: Accepted at island ticket offices; small restaurants and village shops on Isola Pescatori often prefer cash. Carry €30–50 in cash.
Mobile coverage: Good on all islands. Island Wi-Fi is spotty; download ferry timetables and map before leaving Stresa.

Today's Conditions in Stresa

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get to the Borromean Islands from Milan?

Take a train from Milano Centrale or Porta Garibaldi to Stresa (EuroCity: ~60 min; regional: ~80–90 min; from ~€8.60 single). Walk 10 minutes downhill from Stresa station to Piazza Marconi, then take the Navigazione Lago Maggiore public ferry to Isola Bella (~12 min). Trains run roughly every 60–90 min throughout the day.

How much does it cost to visit the Borromean Islands?

Self-guided from Milan: train return ~€17–28 + ferry day pass €16.90 + Isola Bella + Isola Madre combo €40 + lunch ~€20–35 = roughly €95–120 per person. Booking a full-day tour from Milan (around €100–140) can be comparable in cost while handling all logistics.

Can you visit all three Borromean Islands in one day?

Yes — this is the standard approach for day-trippers. Allow 5–6 hours: about 2–2.5 hours for Isola Bella, 1–1.5 hours for lunch on Isola Pescatori, and 1.5 hours for Isola Madre. First ferry from Stresa is around 08:00; last return around 18:00.

Should I buy island tickets in advance?

In July and August, yes — Isola Bella palace queues can run 30–60 minutes at the gate. Buy the combo ticket online at terreborromeo.it and choose your preferred entry time window. In May, June, and September, walk-up is usually fine. Ferry tickets can always be bought on the day at the pier.

Is Isola dei Pescatori free to visit?

Yes. Isola dei Pescatori has no entrance fee — it's a living fishing village and public space. You only pay for your ferry ticket to reach it (covered by the day pass). The best use of time there is lunch at one of the lakeside restaurants.

What is the best month to visit?

May and June offer the best overall experience: Isola Madre's camellias and rhododendrons are in full bloom, temperatures are comfortable (18–24°C), and crowds are manageable. September and October are the runner-up — quieter, still warm, with dahlias in bloom. Avoid August if crowds bother you.

Is Isola Madre worth visiting?

Yes — especially for garden lovers and anyone interested in exotic birds. The botanical garden is genuinely exceptional in May, and the island feels like a different world from the bustle of Isola Bella. If you buy the combo ticket (€40), visiting both Bella and Madre adds no extra cost and the ferry connection is direct.

Are there restaurants on the Borromean Islands?

Isola dei Pescatori has the best dining — traditional Italian trattorie serving fresh lake fish. Top spots: Ristorante Italia (family-run, own fishing boat), Trattoria Imbarcadero, Il Verbano. Book ahead on summer weekends. Isola Bella has a café near the garden exit; Isola Madre has a small café (La Piratera).

Which island should I skip if time is short?

If you only have 3 hours, visit Isola Bella alone. With 5 hours, add Isola Pescatori for lunch. If you must drop one full island, Isola Madre is the one to skip — it's further away and more specialized (botanical). Isola Bella and Pescatori together is the classic pairing.

How do I get from Milan Malpensa to the Borromean Islands?

Two routes: (1) Seasonal Alibus bus from Malpensa Terminal 1 to Stresa (~70 min, ~€9–23, Apr–Sep only, book 1 day ahead); (2) Train with one change at Busto Arsizio RFI to Stresa (~75–90 min, from ~€4–11). No direct train from Malpensa to Stresa. Allow 2+ hours for the total journey Malpensa→Stresa pier.

Guided Tours

Top-Rated Borromean Islands Tours

All tours below connect you to the islands by boat — ferry access is the main ticket. Palace and garden admission (Isola Bella €27, Isola Madre €23, combo €40) is purchased separately at each island entrance. See full tour comparison →

How to choose a boat tour. Most options use the same hop-on hop-off ferry network — ferries run every 30 minutes between Stresa and all three islands. Key differences: which pier you depart from (Stresa vs. Baveno), whether the landing tax (€0.50–1.50 per island, normally paid cash) is pre-included, and how many islands the pass covers. All five tours below carry a 4.4★ rating or higher.

Hop-on hop-off ferry approaching the Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore with Stresa visible on the far shore

Stresa: 3 Borromean Islands Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour

Stresa pier · Valid 1 day · all 3 islands · from $14/person · Free cancellation

The most popular boat pass on Lake Maggiore — 4,200+ reviews, 4.4 stars. Board the hop-on hop-off ferry from Stresa pier and jump between all three islands at your own pace. Palace tickets (Isola Bella €27, combo €40) are bought separately at the island entrance.

Book on GetYourGuide →

Ferry boat at the Stresa pier on Lake Maggiore with passengers boarding for a day trip to the Borromean Islands

Stresa: Borromean Islands All-Inclusive Day Pass

Stresa pier · Valid 1 day · landing tax included · from $14/person · Free cancellation

4.6 stars, 480+ reviews. Unlimited hop-on hop-off ferry access to all three islands with the landing tax pre-bundled — no cash scramble at each pier. Ferries run every 30 minutes. Palace entry is bought separately on the island.

Book on GetYourGuide →

Tour boat navigating between the Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore with the Alpine peaks in the background

Stresa: 3 Borromean Islands Boat Tour

Stresa pier · all 3 islands · Valid 1 day · from $18/person · Free cancellation

4.5 stars with 710+ reviews — the best-reviewed structured boat tour from Stresa. Covers Isola Bella, Isola Pescatori, and Isola Madre. A good alternative to the open hop-on hop-off format if you prefer a more fixed schedule.

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Stone alleyway and painted-shutter houses on Isola dei Pescatori with Lake Maggiore visible between the buildings

Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Bella Hop-on Hop-off Boat

Stresa pier · 2 islands (Pescatori + Bella) · from $14/person · Free cancellation

4.6 stars. The classic 2-island pairing — baroque palace and gardens at Isola Bella, then lunch in the car-free lanes of Isola Pescatori. A focused option if you plan to skip Isola Madre and keep the day simple.

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Compare all tours with prices, inclusions, and ratings →

Borromean Islands
Lake Maggiore