Isola  Bella  (Lake  Maggiore)​

Latest page update: 7 September 2025
By: Dion Protani

Where is

Where is Isola Bella?
​The lake island of Isola Bella is one of the Borromean Islands of Lake Maggiore, in the Verbano Cusio Ossola Province. Isola Bella forms part of the Comune of Stresa which can be reached via the Lake Maggiore ferry service.

Nearby places of interest include Isola dei Pescatori, Isola Madre, Villa Taranto and Verbania.
Isola Bella di Lago Maggiore
Location: Lake Maggiore

Comune: Stresa

Province: Verbano Cusio Ossola

Region: Piedmont

Close by: ​​Isola dei Pescatori, Isola Madre, Villa Taranto, Verbania

Recommended accommodation: Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees

What People Ask About Isola Bella, Lake Maggiore

Is Isola Bella worth visiting?
Yes, Isola Bella is worth visiting for its 17th-century palace, elaborate gardens, and scenic lake views. It is one of the most visited islands on Lake Maggiore and a highlight of the Borromean Islands.
How do I get to Isola Bella?
Isola Bella is accessible by boat from Stresa, Baveno, or Verbania. Public ferries and private taxi boats operate regular services, especially between spring and early autumn.
What can you see on Isola Bella?
Visitors can explore the Palazzo Borromeo, with its ornate rooms and art collection, and the terraced gardens featuring statues, fountains, and exotic plants. The island also has small shops and cafés.
How long do you need on Isola Bella?
Most visitors spend 2 to 3 hours on Isola Bella, which is enough time to tour the palace, walk through the gardens, and enjoy a short break at a café. Guided tours are also available.
When is Isola Bella open to visitors?
Isola Bella is usually open to visitors from late March to late October. Opening times vary slightly by month, and both the palace and gardens require an entrance ticket.
Related links

Discover

Discover Isola Bella
Isola Bella, located on Lake Maggiore, is an island renowned for its baroque palace and beautifully landscaped gardens. Known as one of the Borromean Islands, Isola Bella offers a striking combination of historical architecture and lush greenery. The island’s symmetrical gardens, with their terraced levels and ornate fountains, create a stunning visual experience, making it a must-see destination for those visiting the lake.
​
The Palazzo Borromeo, a grand baroque palace, is the island's central feature, offering a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Borromeo family. Inside the palace, visitors can explore beautifully decorated rooms filled with artwork and antiques. The island’s charming pathways and viewpoints offer breathtaking views of the surrounding lake and mountains. Isola Bella is easily accessible by ferry from Stresa or Baveno, making it an ideal stop for anyone looking to explore the beauty of Lake Maggiore.

Things to Do

Things to Do in Isola Bella
  • Palazzo Borromeo on Isola Bella is a grand Baroque palace known for its opulent interiors and extensive art collections. Visitors can explore richly decorated rooms filled with antique furniture, paintings, and historic artefacts, offering a glimpse into the lifestyle of the noble Borromeo family.
  • The Terraced Italian Gardens surrounding the palace are a highlight, featuring carefully manicured lawns, ornate fountains, statues, and exotic plants. Visitors can wander through multiple levels of terraces that provide stunning views over Lake Maggiore and the surrounding mountains.
  • The Palace Theatre inside Palazzo Borromeo is a beautifully preserved 17th-century theatre with intricate decorations and period details. It occasionally hosts cultural events, adding to the palace’s artistic appeal.
  • The Island’s Peacock Population roams freely among the gardens, adding a colourful and lively presence that enhances the visitor experience. The peacocks are a charming feature of the island’s natural environment.
  • Guided boat tours and walking excursions allow visitors to explore Isola Bella’s architectural and natural beauty. Local guides share stories about the Borromeo family’s history, the island’s development, and its artistic treasures. These tours often include stops at nearby islands and opportunities to taste regional food and wine, providing a rich cultural experience.

Tours and Activities

Isola Bella Tours and Activities

Photo Gallery

Places Close to [Place Name]

Places Close to Isola Bella
  • Stresa (approx. 5 km southwest of Isola Bella): A picturesque town on the shores of Lake Maggiore, Stresa is known for its beautiful villas, scenic gardens, and stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Visitors can explore the Villa Pallavicino, take a boat trip around the lake, or enjoy a stroll along the charming seafront promenade.
  • Isola Madre (approx. 1 km north of Isola Bella): The largest of the Borromean Islands, Isola Madre is famous for its lush gardens and the Palazzo Borromeo, which houses a collection of historical art and furnishings. The island offers beautiful walking paths, scenic views, and a peaceful atmosphere for visitors to enjoy.
  • Isola dei Pescatori (approx. 2 km northeast of Isola Bella): A small, traditional fishing village, Isola dei Pescatori offers narrow streets, quaint shops, and beautiful lakeside views. Visitors can enjoy local seafood at the island’s restaurants, explore its charming alleyways, and relax by the water, taking in the serene surroundings.
  • Verbania (approx. 15 km north of Isola Bella): Located on the western shore of Lake Maggiore, Verbania is known for its beautiful parks, including the Villa Taranto Gardens. Visitors can stroll through the lush gardens, visit the town’s historic centre, or enjoy a relaxing boat tour around the lake.
  • Arona (approx. 20 km southwest of Isola Bella): Situated on the southern shore of Lake Maggiore, Arona is known for its historic landmarks, including the Colossus of San Carlo and the Rocca di Arona. Visitors can enjoy a scenic walk along the waterfront, explore the town’s old centre, and take in the stunning views of the lake.
Piedmont Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Piedmont

1. Orta San Giulio
2. Lake Maggiore
3. Langhe
4. ​Turin
5. Borromean Islands
6. Monferrato
7. Reggia di Venaria Reale
8. Asti
9. Val di Susa
10. ​Barolo

​👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Piedmont
 Top 10 Italian Islands - Chosen from My Personal Visits

1. Ischia
2. Elba
3. Capri
4. Giglio
5. Ponza
6. Lampedusa
7. ​Asinara
8. Burano
9. ​Procida
10. Favignana

​👉 Explore the Top 10 Italian Islands

How to Get to [Place Name]

How to Get to Isola Bella
By Rail: Isola Bella is accessed from the lakeside town of Stresa, which has its own train station on the Domodossola–Milan railway line. Trenitalia operates regular services from Milan (approx. 1 hour) and Domodossola (approx. 50 minutes). The station is within walking distance of the ferry terminals, where boats depart for the island.

By Road: The island itself is pedestrian-only and reached by boat. Visitors arriving by car can park in Stresa, about 90 kilometres north-west of Milan, accessible via the A8 and A26 motorways. The drive from Milan takes around 1 hour 15 minutes. Ample parking is available near the ferry departure points along the lakefront.

Nearest International Airports:
​
  • Milan Malpensa Airport: Roughly 50 kilometres from Stresa, the drive takes around 50 minutes. This is the closest and most convenient airport for reaching Isola Bella.
  • Milan Linate Airport: Located about 100 kilometres away, with a driving time of approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. Linate is a good option for domestic and short-haul European flights.

Ferry Connections:

Stresa: Frequent ferry services run from Stresa to Isola Bella throughout the day, with a short crossing time of around 10 minutes. The services are operated by Navigazione Lago Maggiore and include both public and private options.

Baveno and Verbania: Boats to Isola Bella also depart from nearby towns along Lake Maggiore, including Baveno and Verbania. These alternative routes take approximately 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the departure point.
To book one of our private transfers you can contact us via the [email protected] mailbox or use the Whatsapp button above for live chat and general advice about your upcoming trip to Italy. 

SITE SEARCH

If you want to find a page quickly and you're not sure where to look you can use the Site Search box below and it'll point you in the right direction. 

YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO ITALY

Italy Review is an independent guide to Italy, showcasing the very best that the country has to offer. Throughout the four thousand pages of the website you'll find comprehensive tourist information, opinion and original photos.

​Alongside the major tourist destinations that you've already heard of, there are thousands of others that may come as a surprise with the intention of the website to provide inspiration for your future trips to the country. 

The photos and descriptions on the website are all my own work and are the fruit of my extensive travels around the country. I've visited every place that's listed on the website which means I'm able to give useful advice for first-time visitors. 

​You can keep in touch with the latest developments in Italy via  my Facebook and Instagram pages. 

If you'd just like to start your exploration of Italy with some ideas of places to go then I'd recommend starting at the highlighted must see Italy page.  Or using the grid to your right you can click a photo to enter  the main menus.                 

THE ITALY REVIEW NETWORK SISTER SITES:

​All photos and images on the site that are marked with the © copyright symbol or with the Italy Review series logos are the property of Italy Review and must not be used elsewhere without prior permission. All written content on the website is also the property of Italy Review and its use is strictly limited to this website alone. 
Chat with us on WhatsApp