Beyond Milan
Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands: the back story
The back story
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © FrDr · CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia CommonsAbout Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands: the back story
From Stresa on the western shore of Lake Maggiore, boats cross in minutes to the Borromean Islands: Isola Bella, with the Borromeo palace and its terraced gardens, and Isola Madre, with its botanical garden. The islands open from spring to early November.
Getting there
By train from Milano Centrale to Stresa (trenitalia.com, trenord.it), then a short boat to the islands.
The islands
Isola Bella and Isola Madre are open in season; dates and tickets on isoleborromee.it. The 2026 season ends on 8 November.
Trains run from Milano Centrale to Stresa; boats leave from the Stresa waterfront.
Our advice: go in spring, when the gardens are in flower.
Why it's on our list
- Getting there
- The islands
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands: the back story before you go.
What’s nearby
Distances from Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands: the back story are approximate, measured in a straight line (as the crow flies). Times are approximate too: walking at about 80 metres a minute, cycling at about 14 km/h and driving at typical city-traffic speeds. Traffic and routes vary.
Key sights
- Malpensa Airport32 kmCar or taxi 111 min