Isola Bella: Top 5 Must-See Attractions

If Lago Maggiore is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy, it owes it to the stunning beauty of the Borromean Islands, which were named one of the world’s ten most fascinating places by The New York Times in 2019.

The islands of Isola Madre, Isola dei Pescatori, and Isola Bella are genuine pearls suspended in the water. Today we will visit Isola Bella, which is still owned by the Borromeo family and rises 400 meters off the shore of Stresa. An extra-small island (320 meters long by 180 meters wide), yet a must-see for more than one reason. “What should I see on Isola Bella Lago Maggiore?” We designed a route in five stages, each one more fascinating than the other.

The Atmosphere In Stresa

Our journey begins at Stresa, a natural entryway to Isola Bella. In fact, the boats leave from here and ferry tourists to the islet every day in a matter of minutes. It would be a mistake, however, not to appreciate the ambiance of this town: its lakefront is wonderful, as is the charming old town, full with cafes and clubs from which to watch the town’s energy.

Stresa is also known for the variety and beauty of its homes: anyone looking for Stresa houses for sale will undoubtedly discover something worthwhile. Like this sophisticated penthouse near the center with two bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Isola Bella: The Hamlet

This small community began as a genuine fishing village and continues to provide feelings from another era. It will be its small lanes, stairways, colorful and beautifully maintained cottages, and views of the lake from every angle that contribute to the creation of a postcard seaside hamlet.

The population is barely 36 today, yet you won’t find a deserted Isola Bella.

Palazzo Borromeo

The seventeenth-century Palazzo Borromeo and its gardens occupy a large portion of the island. The palace has a T-shaped design and a magnificent 80-meter façade that welcomes guests. The visit includes a variety of scenographic locations, such as the Hall of Honor, which is extended across two stories and has a domed roof, as well as the charming ballroom.

The Gallery of Tapestries is noteworthy, as is the Gallery of Paintings (or of General Berthier, from the collector’s name), which has 130 high-value paintings by Raffaello, Tiziano, Correggio, and Guido Reni. Finally, on the ground floor, one is enchanted by the “caves,” which are rooms fully covered in black and white stones, shells, and tuff splinters.

In a nutshell, do you want to know what to visit in Lago Maggiore’s Isola Bella? You begin with Palazzo Borromeo and travel through nature and art.

Palazzo Borromeo Gardens

However, the most notable aspect of Palazzo Borromeo is its gardens, which are the most dazzling example of an Italian baroque garden that can be observed. This astonishing achievement is the product of a mix of factors: full credit goes to the skilled architecture, augmented by the natural backdrop of the lake, but also to the appropriate microclimate that offers greenery and stunning blossoms, as well as to centuries of compulsive care.

The tour takes you past fountains, stairways, botanical gardens, statues, antique trees, and flowerbeds with intricate geometries. Everything is designed as a theatrical trip in which you can get lost and be amazed on a regular basis.

Teatro Massimo

Finally, the most famous sight is missing from the “Isola Bella Lago Maggiore what to see” entry: the grand finale that takes everyone’s breath away.

It is the well-known Teatro Massimo, located in the gardens of Palazzo Borromeo. A one-of-a-kind pyramidal tower with three stories and 10 beautiful terraces, ornamented with statues depicting mythological topics and shells, and topped by the majestic statue of the Unicorn, heraldic sign of the Borromeo family.

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