Monte Isola
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Latest page update: 7 September 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Monte Isola
Monte Isola has a small but appealing hotel scene, shaped by its car-free setting and lakeside villages overlooking Lake Iseo. The best-reviewed options focus on comfort, views, traditional hospitality and convenient access to the ferry points and walking routes around the island.
Hotel Milano, in the village of Siviano, is one of the most established choices, appreciated for its panoramic terrace, lake views and welcoming atmosphere, making it a popular base for exploring the island on foot (€€€). Hotel Castello Oldofredi, near Peschiera Maraglio, offers a more refined stay with historic character, elegant communal areas and consistently positive feedback for both service and setting (€€€€). For a quieter alternative, La Foresta Monteisola, near Sensole, provides peaceful surroundings, comfortable rooms and easy access to lakeside paths, earning solid reviews from guests seeking a relaxed island break (€€€).
Hotel Milano, in the village of Siviano, is one of the most established choices, appreciated for its panoramic terrace, lake views and welcoming atmosphere, making it a popular base for exploring the island on foot (€€€). Hotel Castello Oldofredi, near Peschiera Maraglio, offers a more refined stay with historic character, elegant communal areas and consistently positive feedback for both service and setting (€€€€). For a quieter alternative, La Foresta Monteisola, near Sensole, provides peaceful surroundings, comfortable rooms and easy access to lakeside paths, earning solid reviews from guests seeking a relaxed island break (€€€).
Where is
Where is Monte Isola?
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The lake island of Monte Isola is situated within the Province of Brescia and has a population of around 2,000 residents.
It stands at an elevation of 275 metres above sea level and is included in the list of Borghi Più Belli d'Italia (most beautiful villages in Italy). Places of interest nearby include Lake Iseo, Sulzano, Iseo, Sala Marasino, Marone and Vello. |
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Comune di Monte Isola
One of I Borghi più belli d'Italia (Italy's Most Beautiful Villages)
Listing headline: Beata Solitudine (Blessed Solitude)
Listing headline: Beata Solitudine (Blessed Solitude)
What People Ask About Monte Isola, Lake Iseo
Is Monte Isola worth visiting?
How do I get to Monte Isola?
What can you do on Monte Isola?
Can you stay overnight on Monte Isola?
How long does it take to explore the island?
Related links
Discover
Discover Monte Isola
Monte Isola is an island in Lake Iseo, in the province of Brescia. Rising steeply from the lake, it is recognised as the largest inhabited lake island in Europe. The settlement is made up of small fishing villages that line the shore, with narrow lanes climbing towards the interior, where chestnut woods and olive groves cover the slopes.
The main village is Peschiera Maraglio, a traditional fishing port with a promenade along the lakeside. At the summit of the island stands the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Ceriola, offering wide views across Lake Iseo and the surrounding mountains. Ferries connect Monte Isola with towns such as Sulzano, Iseo, and Lovere, while the island remains car-free, preserving its historic and natural character.
The main village is Peschiera Maraglio, a traditional fishing port with a promenade along the lakeside. At the summit of the island stands the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Ceriola, offering wide views across Lake Iseo and the surrounding mountains. Ferries connect Monte Isola with towns such as Sulzano, Iseo, and Lovere, while the island remains car-free, preserving its historic and natural character.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Monte Isola
- Peschiera Maraglio Village is Monte Isola’s main settlement, featuring narrow streets, traditional houses, and a picturesque harbour. Visitors can enjoy waterfront cafés and shops, experiencing local life while admiring views across Lake Iseo.
- The Sanctuary of Madonna della Ceriola sits at the island’s highest point, accessible via hiking trails or a steep drive. The sanctuary offers panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains, providing a peaceful spot for reflection and photography.
- The Fishing Museum (Museo della Pesca) in Peschiera Maraglio showcases the island’s longstanding fishing traditions. Exhibits include historic tools, boats, and photographs, offering insight into the community’s relationship with Lake Iseo.
- Monte Isola’s Hiking and Cycling Trails weave through forests, olive groves, and small villages. These routes provide visitors with opportunities to explore the island’s natural beauty and rural character at a leisurely pace.
- Guided boat tours and walking excursions around Monte Isola explore hidden bays, local landmarks, and traditional communities. Local guides share stories about the island’s history, culture, and environment. These tours often include tastings of regional food and wine, offering a rich cultural experience.
Tours and Activities
Monte Isola Tours and Activities
Where to Eat
Where to Eat in Monte Isola
- Ristorante La Foresta: Situated in Peschiera Maraglio near the lakefront, La Foresta offers panoramic views alongside a well-curated menu centred on lake fish and regional specialities. Dishes such as grilled perch, risotto with tench, and homemade desserts are paired with a carefully selected wine list. The setting is elegant but relaxed. Price guide: €€€ (Special occasion)
- Locanda Al Lago: Located close to the ferry terminal, this friendly lakeside trattoria features traditional Brescia-style cuisine with seasonal twists. Highlights include polenta with sardines, stuffed pasta, and freshwater fish stews. Outdoor seating offers views across the lake. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Trattoria del Sole: Found in the upper hamlet of Cure, this simple and traditional trattoria offers hearty local dishes such as casoncelli pasta, grilled meats, and baked tench. The atmosphere is rustic and informal, ideal for a relaxed lunch after a walk. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Pizzeria La Spiaggetta: A popular choice in Carzano, La Spiaggetta serves a range of wood-fired pizzas along with pasta and fresh salads. With outdoor tables near the shoreline, it’s a good spot for a casual dinner with scenic surroundings. Price guide: € (Budget-friendly)
- Albergo Ristorante Milano: Overlooking the lake in Siviano, this restaurant offers a fixed menu with a focus on traditional lake cuisine. The service is personal and the dishes include fish risotto, braised meats, and house-made sweets. It’s a quieter, family-run option. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
Photo Gallery
Monte Isola Photo Gallery
Places Close to [Place Name]
Places Close to Monte Isola
- Iseo (approx. 8 km south of Monte Isola): A charming town located on the southern shore of Lake Iseo, Iseo offers picturesque streets, historic buildings, and stunning views of the lake. Visitors can stroll along the lakeside promenade, explore the Piazza Garibaldi, or enjoy boat trips to Monte Isola.
- Sarnico (approx. 20 km southwest of Monte Isola): A historic town on the western shore of Lake Iseo, Sarnico is known for its beautiful lakeside views and charming old town centre. Visitors can explore the Santa Maria della Neve church, take a walk along the Lungolago, or enjoy local restaurants by the lake.
- Lovere (approx. 20 km north of Monte Isola): A picturesque town located on the northern shore of Lake Iseo, Lovere is famous for its medieval architecture, including the Palazzo Tadini and the Church of San Giorgio. Visitors can explore the old town, relax by the lake, or take in the stunning mountain views surrounding the area.
- Sale Marasino (approx. 5 km southeast of Monte Isola): A small town on the southern shore of Lake Iseo, Sale Marasino offers beautiful lakeside views, charming streets, and a peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy boat trips on the lake, explore the local churches, or relax by the water.
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How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Monte Isola
By Rail: Monte Isola is reached via ferry from towns on the shore of Lake Iseo, such as Sulzano and Sale Marasino. Both towns have train stations on the Brescia–Iseo–Edolo railway line operated by Trenord. The journey from Brescia to Sulzano takes around 45 minutes, and trains run regularly throughout the day. The ferry piers are within walking distance of the stations.
By Road: Sulzano and Sale Marasino are located on the eastern shore of Lake Iseo, about 30 kilometres north-east of Brescia. The drive from Brescia takes approximately 40 minutes via the SP510 road. Visitors must leave their cars on the mainland, as Monte Isola restricts private vehicle access. Parking facilities are available near the ferry terminals.
Nearest International Airports:
Ferry Connections:
Sulzano: The most frequent ferry service to Monte Isola departs from Sulzano, with a short crossing of about 5 minutes. Ferries run year-round and are for foot passengers only.
Sale Marasino: Additional services are available from Sale Marasino, just north of Sulzano. The journey to Monte Isola takes about 10 minutes, with more limited departures compared to Sulzano.
Lovere and Iseo: Seasonal ferry routes also connect Monte Isola with other lakeside towns such as Lovere and Iseo. These are longer scenic routes, operating mainly in spring and summer.
By Road: Sulzano and Sale Marasino are located on the eastern shore of Lake Iseo, about 30 kilometres north-east of Brescia. The drive from Brescia takes approximately 40 minutes via the SP510 road. Visitors must leave their cars on the mainland, as Monte Isola restricts private vehicle access. Parking facilities are available near the ferry terminals.
Nearest International Airports:
- Orio al Serio International Airport (Bergamo): Located about 60 kilometres west of Lake Iseo, with a drive of roughly 1 hour to Sulzano or Sale Marasino. The airport serves many European destinations and is a popular choice for visitors to the area.
- Milan Linate Airport: Approximately 95 kilometres from the lake, with a driving time of around 1 hour 30 minutes. It offers a broad range of domestic and international flights.
Ferry Connections:
Sulzano: The most frequent ferry service to Monte Isola departs from Sulzano, with a short crossing of about 5 minutes. Ferries run year-round and are for foot passengers only.
Sale Marasino: Additional services are available from Sale Marasino, just north of Sulzano. The journey to Monte Isola takes about 10 minutes, with more limited departures compared to Sulzano.
Lovere and Iseo: Seasonal ferry routes also connect Monte Isola with other lakeside towns such as Lovere and Iseo. These are longer scenic routes, operating mainly in spring and summer.
