FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

Borromean islands - What to do, know, see, information. Guidelines, regulations, rules.

Opening times?

The palaces and gardens on isola Bella and isola Madre ( the Borromean islands) are open every day from mid March until the first Sunday of November from 10 am. The palaces can be entered until 5pm and close at 5:30 pm. The gardens on each island close at 6 pm. Isola Pescatori is a village without opening and closing times, but it is good to know that public transportation service stops between 6:30 pm and 7 pm.

How many islands can be visited / are open to the public? 

The complete tour includes three islands: isola Bella, isola Pescatori, isola Madre. The islands with historic  palaces and gardens still privately owned by the Borromeo family are isola Bella and isola Madre. Isola Pescatori ( Fishermen's island) is not owned by the Borromeo family. 

Can the three islands be visited in one day? How long do I need to see all three islands?

Yes, they can be visited in one day or the visit to all islands can be split in 2 half days. The length of the tour depends on one's interests and means of transportation ( public ferry or private boat charter) but the average time to be considered is between 5 and 6 hours if done in one day.

Where can I take the ferry / boat to get to the Borromean islands?

The nearest ports to reach the islands are in Stresa and Baveno but they can also be reached easily from Verbania Pallanza. From other towns on lake Maggiore  it takes longer and there is not always a direct boat but connections.

Accessibility.  Isola Bella, isola Madre.  Are the palaces and gardens on the islands easily accessible for all?

No, unfortunately access can be difficult for people with walking problems and wheel chairs because in the palaces and gardens are steps, staircases and uneven ground. 

Are strollers prams pushchairs buggies allowed in the palace of isola Bella? No, strollers are not allowed in the palaces of the Borromean islands and must be left at the entrance. 

What is isola Bella famous for? What to do on isola Bella? The main attraction on isola Bella is its 17th-century baroque palace and its unique Italianate gardens built on ten levels. To acces this private property open to the public there is an admission ticket to buy. On this island there is also a pretty little village and a church. There are also a couple of small hotels and a few venues, boutiques and shops.

What is isola Madre famous for? Madre island is completely privately owned but open to the public. On this island there is a 16th-century country villa to visit as well as a botanical garden in English style. On isola Madre there is no village.

What is Fishermen's island, isola Pescatori, famous for?  Isola Pescatori has a lovely picturesque village, a 17th-century church and an  interesting fishermen's museum. On this island are many restaurants and venues as well as two small hotels and some shops.

Where are the main ports to take a ferry? The main landing stages are in Stresa (in piazza Marconi and in Piazzale Lido), in Baveno, in Verbania Intra, in Verbania Pallanza and in Arona ( however this one is more far away).

Where can I buy ferry tickets for the Borromean islands?  Tickets can be bought at the ticket offices located at the landing stages

Where can I buy the admission tickets for the islands' palaces and gardens?  They can be bought at the ticket offices on isola Bella and isola Madre at the entrance of the Borromeo's properties, at their office in Stresa or online.

What is the nearest port for the islands?  The nearest landing stages on mainland are the ones in piazzale Lido and in piazza Marconi in Stresa.

How much are the entrance fees for palaces and gardens on isola Bella and isola Madre? Prices can be checked in the official website of Terre Borromeo and depend on the ticket type as there are different options considering the number of people you are, age and the number of sites you will choose to visit. Special pricing for groups larger than 20 people and booked through a travel agency or a tour operator and special pricing for families with more children. There is also a combined ticket for isola Bella and isola Madre.

How much do ferry tickets and taxi boat tickets cost? Prices of public navigation service and private taxi boats can be checked on the official website of Navigazione Laghi ( public scheduled boats) or at the ticket offices of the motorboat companies at the ports as well as online and depend on the number of people you are and the number of islands you wish to visit.

Are pets / animals allowed on the ferry and on the islands? Pets, such as dogs, can travel on the ferry and on the motorboats and they can access isola pescatori ( Fishermen's island) as well as the village on isola Bella. Dogs / pets are not allowed inside isola Bella's and Madre's palaces and gardens.

Are the Borromean islands easily accessible for wheeelchair users? Unfortunately the islands are not ideal for wheelchairs because of the many steps / staircases and even grounds. But a special itinerary can be planned for visitors with walking problems or on a wheelchair.

What are the guidelines / regulations / rules for visitors and for tour groups? You can find the guidelines in the Terre Borromeo official website.

For further information about my guiding services and assistance for groups visiting isola Bella, isola Pescatori - Fishermen's island - and isola Madre and for private tours for couples, families and small parties to the Borromean islands, please get in touch with me. I will be happy to provide all information needed and arrange your day trip to the islands.

Tour Guide Micaela Lucini   phone: +39 347 4418679  MAIL: stresaguide@gmail.com