An Italy walking holiday to the Borromean Islands
The Borromean Islands are a small archipelago on Lake Maggiore and are known worldwide for their exquisite gardens, pleasant climate, baroque style buildings and the Italian dolce vita! These tiny islands are rich in history and art and are a feast for the eyes with botanical gardens, green hills, turquoise waters and stunning views of the impressive snow-capped mountains.
The archipelago is made up of 5 Italian islands, nicknamed “the pearls of Lake Maggiore”. They owe their name to the first family, the Borromeo’s, who purchased the 2 biggest islands during the 18th century and are still today the proud owners. Of the 5 islands, you can visit 3, each one as beautiful as the next and a guaranteed highlight on your Italy lake region walking tour!
- Isola Madre is the largest of the 3 and is home to magnificent palaces and beautiful English gardens with over 2 000 species of plant.
- Isola Bella is the most famous island and was named after the wife of Charles Borromeo III, Isabella. It is home to a stunning baroque style palace boasting impressive murals and paintings, elegant rooms and caves covered in stones and shells. Not forgetting of course, the beautiful gardens, lovingly cared for and home to a large variety of exotic plants and birds. There is a charge for the visit of the palace and gardens, and it is totally worth it! Isola Madre and Isola Bella are affectionately known as “the sorelle” which means sisters in Italian.
Finally, Isola dei Pescatori, also known as Isola Superiore, is the smallest of the 3 islands and is the only one inhabited. Stresa, the closest mainland town is just opposite. This small island is a real gem, with its narrow streets, small fisherman houses and typical markets where you can buy local crafts. We highly recommend taking the time on your Italian lakes walking tour to stroll around and have lunch on Isola dei Pescatori. There are just 2 hotels on Isola dei Pescatori, and you’re pretty lucky if you manage to book a room!
The other 2 islands that make up the archipelago are Isolino di San Giovani, once home to the famous conductor Arturo Toscanini and the Malghera, nicknamed “the island of lovers” due to its small and romantic beach. Both islands are privately owned and cannot be visited.
You can access the Borromean Islands by boat, with regular crossings to all 3 islands from Stresa and Baveno. Ernest Hemingway was charmed by the beauty of these islands and the philosopher Montesquieu described them as “one of the most beautiful places on earth”. A strong declaration indeed…. You’ll just have to go and visit and see if he was right!
