Stunning Lake Island in Italy

Visit Italian Lake Islands

Have you ever dreamed of exploring Italy’s serene lakes, each with its own unique charm. Let’s take a journey through seven of this enchanting islands. From the grandeur of the Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore to the tranquil beauty of Lake Bolsena’s isles, there’s a world waiting to be discovered. Visiting these stunning Italian lake islands will bring you real satisfaction of traviling.

1. The Borromean Islands – Lake Maggiore

Imagine gliding across the shimmering waters of Lake Maggiore, with the majestic Alps as your backdrop. Suddenly, a trio of islands emerges, each more captivating than the last. These are the Borromean Islands: Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori.

Isola Bella is a testament to opulence. Dominated by the grand Palazzo Borromeo, this island boasts terraced gardens that seem to float atop the lake. As you wander through its ornate halls and manicured lawns, it’s easy to see why this island has been a favorite among nobility and artists alike. Being a Nature Reserve, access to the beach on Isola Bella is free. The gardens on Isola Bella open to public only from March to October. The best time to visit is undoubtedly in spring, when plants and flowers are in full bloom. In Isola Bella the main attractions are: Borromeo Palace, Floral botanical garden, Massimo Theater, Stroll in the village, Take a boat ride, Visit Berthier Gallery.

Just a short boat ride away lies Isola Madre, the largest of the trio. Renowned for its botanical gardens, the island is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Rare plant species and free-roaming peacocks create a serene atmosphere that’s perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Then there’s Isola dei Pescatori, or Fishermen’s Island. Unlike its neighbors, this island has retained its traditional charm. Narrow cobblestone streets, quaint fishermen’s houses, and family-run trattorias offer an authentic taste of local life. It’s the perfect spot to savor freshly caught fish while gazing out over the tranquil lake.

Normally the tour of the three islands, visiting the Palace and Gardens of Isola Bella and Isola Madre and the small village of Isola dei Pescatori, takes about a day. To move between islands, you can choose either the Lake Maggiore Navigation boats or private navigation.

Here is a more detailed breakdown of costs:

Isola Bella:
Full ticket (Palace, Garden, Art Gallery): 20€
Reduced ticket (children 6-13 years old): 11€
Reduced ticket (children 0-5 years old): 4€

Isola Madre:
Full ticket (Palace, Garden): 16€
Reduced ticket (children 6-13 years old): 8€
Reduced ticket (children 0-5 years old): 4€

Combined tickets:
Isola Bella + Isola Madre: 30€ for adults, 16€ for children
Isola Bella + Isola Madre + Pallavicino Park: 42€ for adults, 25€ for children
Isola Bella + Pallavicino Park: 33€ for adults, 20€ for children
Isola Madre + Pallavicino Park: 33€ for adults, 20€ for children

Rocca di Angera:
Full ticket: 16€
Reduced ticket (children 6-13 years): 10€
Reduced ticket (children 0-5 years): 4€

Pallavicino Park:
Full ticket: 16€
Reduced ticket (children 4-12 years): 10. 50€
Reduced ticket (children 0-3 years): free

Buy tickets online would be the best decition, often with discounts and the possibility of avoiding queues.

2. Isola di San Giulio – Lake Orta

Isola di San Giulio a town of about 1,200 inhabitants, in Lake Orta, Novara, Italy dominated by the ancient Romanesque Basilica, the bishop’s palace, and the Benedictine abbey of San Giulio, which are the main attraction of island. To make a quick excursion it takes couple of hours to visit. Access to the Island of San Giulio is free, to get there have to take a ferry that leave every 15 minutes starting at 9:00 a.m. from Orta San Giulio, piazza mario Motta cost of €5 roundtrip. There is a restaurant where you can have lunch in a romantic atmosphere. With the arrival of spring and in summer, Lake Orta is colored with flowers and the vegetation becomes lush and the flowering gardens make this an ideal time to explore.

Hiking Biking Arround Lake Orta: “Anello Azzurro”

Yes, it’s an adventure to go around Lake Orta both on foot and by bike.

There is a nice trail along the lake, great for walking or hiking.
It called the “Anello Azzurro” is a 40 km trekking path split into three parts.
First stage: From Legro to Omegna (13.5 km).
Second stage: Omegna to Pella (11.7 km).
Third stage: From Pella to Legro (14.3 km).
It’s perfect to explore the lake slowly.The paths are well marked and good for all skill levels.

By bike:
Lake Orta is loved by cyclists. There are routes for road bikes, gravel, e-bikes, and mountain bikes. Easy to find flat routes or harder ones with climbs.
The bike is a good way to visit the small towns around the lake and enjoy great views. Though it’s recommended to have GPS or offline map.

Check the trail conditions and difficulty before starting, especially for unmarked or quiet paths.

It’s possible to drive around Lake Orta which allows to explore the charming villages overlooking the lake.

Here are some stops:
Orta San Giulio – A lovely village, one of the most beautiful in Italy. Take a short ferry to visit San Giulio Island.
Legro – Known as the “Painted Village” for its many movie-themed murals.
Santuario della Madonna della Bocciola – A small sanctuary near Legro, built on an old church site.
Pella – A peaceful lakeside village, perfect for a relaxing stop.
Omegna – At the north end of the lake. It has a nice lakefront and the Umbrella and Parasol Museum.
Torre di Buccione – A medieval tower with a great view of the lake.

Along the way, enjoy the views, visit churches and villas, and explore the quiet towns.

Tips:
– Check opening times for places and museums, especially off-season.
– Be careful of ZTL zones, especially in Orta San Giulio.
– Park only in marked areas and follow road signs.
– Take time for walks and outdoor fun around the lake.

3. Isola Comacina – Lake Como’s Secret Spot

Isola Comacina is the only island on Lake Como. It is located near the village of Ossuccio. The island is a special place full of history, nature, and art.

In the past, it was an important center during Roman and medieval times. In 1169, it was destroyed and left empty for many years. In the 1900s, it was brought back to life with archaeological work and new buildings for artists.

What to see:

The Archaeological Park, with old ruins, churches, mosaics, and Roman walls.
The Church of San Giovanni, rebuilt in the 1600s and open to visitors.
The Antiquarium Museum in Ossuccio, with ancient objects from the island.
The Artists’ Houses, built in the 1930s, used today for cultural events.

The island is small, about 6–7 hectares, and covered with Mediterranean vegetation (olive trees, chestnut trees, oaks). There are walking paths, but they are not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.

Visitor info:

Open daily from 10:00 to 18:00 (last entry at 17:00).
Entry ticket is about €6, with discounts available.
Tickets can be bought in Ossuccio or on the island.
The museum is open from 11:00 to 17:00.
There are no cafes or restrooms on the island.
Where to board: Ossuccio pier, Lenno, or Cadenabbia
Best time: Boat service runs mostly from May to September
Cost: €3–€7; water taxi is pricier

In summary, a fascinating island, rich in archaeological ruins, natural beauty, artistic architecture and a well-equipped museum, don’t miss it when you are at Lake Como.

4. The Islands of Lake Trasimeno – Umbria’s Tranquil Escape

In the heart of Umbria lies Lake Trasimeno, home to three serene islands: Isola Polvese, Isola Maggiore, and Isola Minore.
Isola Polvese: the largest, is a designated scientific-educational park. Its lush landscapes, ancient olive groves, and historical sites make it ideal for nature walks and picnics.
Isola Maggiore: the only inhabited island, you can visit the old town with the ‘Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo’ and the Church of the Good Jesus, as well as the Lace Museum. Don’t miss the St. Francis Rock and the chapels that commemorate St. Francis’ hermitage and admire the bronze statue dedicated to him.
Isola Minore: privately owned, uninhabited and cannot be visited., remains a sanctuary for birds, adding to the lake’s rich biodiversity.

5. Monte Isola – The Giant of Lake Iseo

Rising majestically from Lake Iseo, Monte Isola holds the title of the largest lake island in Europe.

so what to do on the island: the best way travel it on foot. Paths in the woods, old mule tracks, asphalt roads; to go up to the Sanctuary of the ‘Madonna della Ceriola’ in Monte Isola is to reach one of the most panoramic places in all of Lake Iseo, with a 360-degree view of its shores and surrounding mountains, all the way to the rolling hills of Franciacorta and beyond. Remember to get a map of the trails at the Infopoint.

Bike tours: twelve and a half square kilometers is an ideal excursion destination, because of its prime terrain.

IMPORTANT:

As of March 1, 2025, there is a ban in Monte Isola on unloading and transit for velocipedes/ scooters coming from outside the territory of the Municipality of Monte Isola during the following periods:
– from March to September: on pre-holidays and holidays;
– in August: every day.
Exceptions to this prohibition, and thus remain authorized to circulate, are velocipedes and assimilated vehicles driven by residents, owners of second homes, those rented on the territory of Monte Isola, and those at the service of persons with certified reduced mobility. Vehicles of second-home owners are prohibited from unloading but not from circulation.

Beach and relaxation: Lido di Carzano, Le Ere, Sensole, Spi, Serf, La Punta. All of them have free access.

Tour by boat: Departing from one of the ports of the Olive Riviera (Sulzano, Sale Marasino or Monte Isola itself). The itinerary is offered by Navigazione Lago d’Iseo (scheduled service), during the summer period, and also by the non-scheduled service of the Barcaioli di Monte Isola (which also include a stopover in Peschiera Maraglio). It is a pleasant route that allows to enjoy the lake, admire the three islands.

Picnic & fun: For picnickers and out-of-towners, there are several picnic areas in Monte Isola.

Prato delle Ere: Location Peschiera Maraglio – Large picnic area with tables and benches, NO barbecue and fires, toilets available during bar opening hours, lake access, handicap accessible, play area.

Prato della Macina: Locality Menzino – with tables and benches, NO barbecues and fires, NO restrooms.

Rocca Martinengo: Locality Menzino – NO barbecues and fires, NO toilets, drinking fountain, play area.

Spiaggia Serf: Location Menzino – with tables and benches, 1 barbecue plate, NO toilets.

Spiaggia Spì: Locality Menzino – with tables and benches, NO barbecue and fires, NO toilets, boat dock.

Spiaggia la Punta: Locality Siviano – with tables and benches, NO barbecue and fires, NO restrooms.

Blue Lake: Locality Carzano – Large picnic area with lawn, restrooms, lake access, boat dock, playground, bar.

Terra Promessa: Locality Masse – road to Cure, among chestnut groves with tables and benches, NO barbecues and fires, NO restrooms.

Santuario Madonna della Ceriola: Locality Cure – Large picnic area with tables and benches, NO barbecues and fires, toilets at the shrine.

Stanza del Pellegrino: Locality Cure – at the Sanctuary Madonna della Ceriola
Indoor refreshment area, NO barbecues and fires, restrooms.

Getting married: A dream location that will stay in your heart.

Civil Rite Celebration
To celebrate your civil wedding you can contact the municipality of Mount Island and choose the location that’s right for you!
You can decide between:

Medieval Hall and outdoor spaces (arena and portico) at Oldofredi Castle in Peschiera Maraglio.
Penthouse at property in Peschiera Maraglio, 150.
Municipal Headquarters, in Siviano.

Religious Rite Celebration
There are three parish churches in Monte Isola:

St. Michael the Archangel in Peschiera Maraglio.
SS. Faustino and Giovita in Siviano.
St. John the Baptist in Carzano.

If you would like a religious rite celebration for your big day, contact Monte Isola Parishes.

6. The Islands of Lake Bolsena – A Taste of Etruscan Mystery

Lake Bolsena, Europe’s largest volcanic lake, cradles two intriguing islands: Isola Bisentina and Isola Martana.
Isola Bisentina, the island is privately owned, in order to access, online reservations are required on the island’s official website by paying in advance and choosing(adults €20, age 6 to 15 years €15, disabled €15) the available visit day and boarding location such as port Capodimonte. offers lush gardens, ancient chapels, and Etruscan relics.
Isola Martana, though closed to the public, adds an air of mystery to the lake. Legend has it that the Lombard queen Amalasuntha was imprisoned and murdered here, adding to its enigmatic allure.

When to Visit

Spring and early autumn are ideal times to visit. The weather is pleasant, and the crowds are thinner, allowing for a more intimate experience. However, each season offers its own unique charm, so there’s no wrong time to explore these gems.

Planning Your Journey

Visiting Italian lake islands are more than just picturesque landscapes; they’re a journey through time, culture, and nature. Each italian stunning lake island tells its own story, waiting for travelers like you to listen. So, pack your bags