Isola  Madre​

Latest page update: 7 September 2025
By: Dion Protani

Where is

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

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

Comune: Stresa

Province: Verbano Cusio Ossola

Region: Piedmont

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

Recommended accommodation: Hotel San Gottardo (Verbania)

What People Ask About Isola Madre, Lake Maggiore

Is Isola Madre worth visiting?
Yes, Isola Madre is worth visiting for its extensive botanical gardens and elegant historic villa. It’s the largest of the Borromean Islands and is known for its tranquil atmosphere and exotic plant species.
How do I get to Isola Madre?
Isola Madre can be reached by ferry or private boat from Stresa, Verbania, and Baveno. It is part of the regular routes served by public transport boats on Lake Maggiore during the visitor season.
What can you see on Isola Madre?
Highlights include the English-style gardens filled with rare plants and free-roaming peacocks, as well as the 16th-century Palazzo Borromeo with its period furnishings and puppet theatre collection.
How long do you need on Isola Madre?
Most visitors spend about 1.5 to 2 hours on Isola Madre, which allows time to visit the villa, stroll through the gardens, and enjoy views across the lake. It is often visited alongside the other Borromean Islands.
When is Isola Madre open to visitors?
Isola Madre is usually open to visitors from late March until late October. The villa and gardens require an entrance ticket and are closed during the winter months.
Related links

Discover

Discover Isola Madre
Isola Madre, located on Lake Maggiore, is an island known for its lush gardens and historic villas. As one of the Borromean Islands, it offers visitors a peaceful setting surrounded by vibrant greenery and exotic plants. The island's beauty lies in its well-maintained gardens, which feature rare flowers, centuries-old trees, and tranquil pathways that provide a stunning backdrop to the surrounding lake.
​
The island is home to the Palazzo Borromeo, a magnificent villa that houses a collection of period furniture and art, offering a glimpse into the island’s aristocratic past. Visitors can explore the beautifully landscaped grounds, spot peacocks wandering freely, and enjoy panoramic views of the lake. Isola Madre is easily accessible by ferry from Stresa or Baveno, offering a relaxing way to experience the island's natural and cultural wonders.

Things to Do

Things to Do in Isola Madre
  • Isola Madre’s Botanical Gardens are among Italy’s oldest and most extensive, featuring rare and exotic plants from around the world. Visitors can wander through English-style gardens filled with centuries-old trees, vibrant flowerbeds, and tranquil ponds, enjoying the island’s peaceful natural beauty.
  • The Borromeo Palace on Isola Madre offers a glimpse into aristocratic life with its elegantly furnished rooms, historic artworks, and family portraits. Visitors can explore the palace’s interiors to learn about the Borromeo family and the island’s cultural heritage.
  • Peacocks and Other Wildlife roam freely throughout the gardens, adding to the island’s charm and creating lively scenes for visitors. The presence of these birds complements the serene landscape and enhances the garden experience.
  • The Chapel of St. Michael is a small historic church on the island, notable for its simple architecture and religious significance. It serves as a quiet retreat within the gardens, reflecting the island’s spiritual history.
  • Guided boat tours and walking excursions around Isola Madre offer opportunities to explore its gardens, palace, and natural surroundings. Local guides share stories about the island’s history, horticulture, and the Borromeo family legacy. These tours often include visits to nearby islands and tastings of local food and wine, providing a well-rounded cultural and natural experience.

Tours and Activities

Isola Madre Tours and Activities

Photo Gallery

Places Close to [Place Name]

Places Close to Isola Madre
  • Isola Bella (approx. 1 km south of Isola Madre): Famous for its Baroque palace and beautifully terraced gardens, Isola Bella is one of the most visited islands in the Borromean Archipelago. Visitors can explore the Palazzo Borromeo, stroll through the meticulously designed gardens, and enjoy stunning views of Lake Maggiore.
  • Isola dei Pescatori (approx. 2 km northeast of Isola Madre): A small, traditional fishing village, Isola dei Pescatori offers a more laid-back atmosphere with narrow streets, quaint shops, and lovely lakeside views. Visitors can enjoy local seafood at waterfront restaurants, explore the picturesque village, and relax by the serene waters of the lake.
  • Stresa (approx. 5 km southwest of Isola Madre): A charming town on the shore of Lake Maggiore, Stresa is known for its elegant villas, lush gardens, and panoramic views. Key attractions include the Villa Pallavicino, the scenic Baveno waterfront, and boat trips to the Borromean Islands, making it a perfect base for exploring the area.
  • Arona (approx. 20 km southwest of Isola Madre): Located on the southern shore of Lake Maggiore, Arona is a historical town with landmarks such as the Colossus of San Carlo and the Rocca di Arona. Visitors can enjoy a walk along the seafront, take in the beautiful views of the lake, and explore the old town with its quaint squares and cafes.
  • Verbania (approx. 15 km north of Isola Madre): Situated on the western shore of Lake Maggiore, Verbania offers beautiful gardens, including the Villa Taranto and its stunning botanical gardens. Visitors can explore the town’s historic centre, enjoy boat tours around the lake, or relax in the peaceful surroundings of the parks.
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 Madre
By Rail: Isola Madre is reached by boat from towns along Lake Maggiore, with Stresa being the closest and most popular departure point. Stresa has its own train station on the Domodossola–Milan railway line, served by Trenitalia regional trains. Journey times are around 1 hour from Milan and 50 minutes from Domodossola. The ferry terminals are within walking distance of the station.

By Road: The island is accessible only by boat. Visitors travelling by car should head to Stresa, located about 90 kilometres north-west of Milan, reachable via the A8 and A26 motorways. The drive takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. Paid parking is available near the lakeside ferry piers.

Nearest International Airports:
​
  • Milan Malpensa Airport: Located about 50 kilometres south of Stresa, with a journey time of roughly 50 minutes by car. This is the nearest and most practical airport for access to Lake Maggiore.
  • Milan Linate Airport: Situated approximately 100 kilometres from Stresa, with a driving time of around 1 hour 30 minutes. Linate offers numerous European connections.

Ferry Connections:

Stresa: Regular boat services connect Stresa to Isola Madre, with crossings taking approximately 15 minutes. Ferries are operated by Navigazione Lago Maggiore and run frequently during the main tourist season.

Baveno and Verbania: Additional ferry routes depart from Baveno and Verbania, offering short connections of about 10 to 20 minutes to the island. These towns provide convenient alternatives to Stresa for reaching Isola Madre.
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