Borromean Islands

Beautiful small island town. We were there around 1400 and everything was shut down, except for a hotel coffee shop which was delightful but make sure you are there at the correct time or you will be out of luck for food. The surroundings are gorgeous though !

We visited two of the islands: Pescatori and Isola Bella. We thought that it was too much to do 3 islands on a day and for sure this was the best choice since traveling with a kid. The boat trip to the islands is beautiful, at Pescatori we had lunch with a great view and Isola Bella is all about the beautiful palace and its gardens. The ticket costs 20 euro per adult, we thought it was worth it cause you get to see the inside of the palace and the gardens which on top have amazing views. Also the windows from the palace have beautiful views and it is stunningly decorated. Definitely a beautiful place to visit in Italy and shouldn't be missed if you are in the area.

Do you research BEFORE taking the 3 island trip, we didn’t. There are salespeople around telling you the main large boat is €80 (that may be for 2 people, wasn’t clear) for the 3 island trip, when you can pay them €15 per person. What you need to be aware of is that Isola Bella and Isola Madre have gardens and buildings which you have to pay to enter. Prices are €23 and €20 respectively per person. This makes the trip €58 per person if you want to see the gardens. These take up most of the islands though on Bella you can access at least some restaurants, bars and shops whereas on Madre you have the option of one single restaurant and absolutely nowhere else to go if you don’t pay. There are also locked gates to keep you out. Felt the whole thing was a waste and total cash cow. It’s like buying a flight then finding out the additional costs like luggage, seat etc later on. Information about the additional costs is not informed of when taking the boat trip.

Isola Bella is worth visiting! Definitely go to the palace and visit the Gardens . Id spend here most of the time. Isola dei pescatori has only shops and restaurants, but very cute. On the Isola Madre you cannot do anything if you don't buy a ticket to enter the house/Gardens and they don't tell you in advance. So either don't go or buy a combined ticket when you to to Isola bella.

One of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. Definitely a must - visit place.

The pricing structure for visiting the islands is unclear and unsatisfactory. Initially, it costs 15 CHF for access to all three islands by boat. However, if you want to explore the islands further, there are additional charges: 19 CHF for one island and 22 CHF for another (or 34 CHF for both). This lack of transparency feels misleading and is not worth the cost. Tourists often feel taken advantage of due to these hidden fees. I do not recommend this experience.

Explore Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands by boat from Stresa. Admire the beautiful scenery of the lake and visit the superb panoramas of the islands.

We stayed at the Regina Palace Hotel in stresa it was brilliant