Lake Trasimeno Islands
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Latest page update: 22 January 2025
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By Dion Protani
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The three Lake Trasimeno Islands are located in Italy's fourth largest lake in the central Italian region of Umbria.
During the summer, a ferry system is in operation around Lake Trasimeno which provides access to two of the islands. The largest of the three islands at 70 hectares is Isola Polvese which is situated close to the little lakeside village of San Feliciano. In the northern area of the lake are Isola Maggiore which measures 24 hectares and the smallest of the three, Isola Minore which is 5 hectares, privately owned and the only one that can't be visited. |
Isola Maggiore, Lake Trasimeno
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Isola Polvese
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Isola Polvese is the largest of the three islands on Lake Trasimeno, located in the Umbria region of central Italy. Known for its natural beauty and tranquility, the island serves as a protected environmental and educational area.
Historically, it was inhabited in medieval times, evidenced by the remains of a 14th-century castle and the Romanesque Church of San Giuliano. The island is covered with olive groves, forests, and wetlands, creating a haven for wildlife. Visitors can explore its botanical gardens, ancient ruins, and walking trails. Once privately owned, Isola Polvese is now managed as a public park, blending history, nature, and sustainable tourism. |
Isola Polvese
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Isola Maggiore
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Isola Maggiore, the only inhabited island on Lake Trasimeno offers a tranquil escape steeped in history and natural beauty.
This small island is known for its medieval charm, olive groves, and serene landscapes. Key features include the Church of San Michele Arcangelo, with its frescoes, and the 14th-century Church of San Salvatore. Isola Maggiore also celebrates its lace-making tradition, introduced by Irish nuns in the early 20th century. The island’s history includes a connection to St. Francis of Assisi, who spent Lent here in 1211. |
Isola Maggiore
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Isola Minore
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The smallest of the three Lake Trasimeno islands, Isola Minore is privately owned and uninhabited.
Unlike its larger neighbours, Isola Maggiore and Isola Polvese, it's not possible to visit Isola Minore by ferry from the mainland, even though it's the closest of the three islands to the town of Passignano sul Trasimeno. Isola Minore covers a total of area of around 5 hectares which are for the most part overgrown with woodland which makes it something of a haven for local wildlife but certainly not a place to visit for the reasons outlined above. |
Isola Minore
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