Italy captivates visitors with its lakes of spectacular scenery, where mountains, colourful villages and lush gardens combine to create postcard-perfect landscapes. On Lake Maggiore, a small archipelago encapsulates all the charm of la dolce vita.
At the heart of Lake Maggiore, just a short distance from the Piedmont shoreline, five islands rise from the lake’s tranquil waters. Known as the Borromean Islands, they have belonged to the Borromeo family since the 16th century, one of Italy’s most influential aristocratic dynasties. While two of them — the tiny island of San Giovanni and the rocky outcrop of Malghera — are not open to visitors, the remaining three each reveal a distinctly different world.
Isola Madre: a green haven in the middle of the Lake
The largest of the Borromean Islands is also the most peaceful. Covering almost eight hectares, Isola Madre is renowned for its remarkable botanical garden, considered one of the finest in Italy. Thanks to Lake Maggiore’s mild climate, plant species from across the globe have flourished here for centuries. Magnolias, camellias, azaleas, palm trees, and species originating from Asia and South America create an exceptionally lush setting.
As visitors wander along the shaded pathways, they may encounter white peacocks, pheasants and other free-roaming birds that contribute to the island’s almost fairy-tale atmosphere. At the centre of the island stands the Borromeo Palace, an elegant aristocratic residence whose rooms still house antique furniture, tapestries and collections of period artefacts. Less dramatic than its neighbour Isola Bella, Isola Madre charms visitors above all through its tranquillity and harmony with nature.
Isola Bella: the Baroque jewel of the Borromean Islands
No account of the archipelago would be complete without mentioning Isola Bella, undoubtedly the most famous island on Lake Maggiore. In the 17th century, Count Carlo III Borromeo decided to transform what was then little more than a rocky outcrop into an extraordinary residence dedicated to his wife, Isabella, from whom the island takes its name.
The result is spectacular: a magnificent Baroque palace surrounded by gardens arranged across ten superimposed terraces.
From the upper levels, the views across the lake and the surrounding mountains are breathtaking. Adorned with statues, fountains and Mediterranean vegetation, the gardens resemble a vast stone ship floating upon the waters of Lake Maggiore. Inside, the palace reveals richly decorated rooms, art galleries and artificial grottoes lined with pebbles and seashells. A true symbol of Italian refinement, Isola Bella continues to captivate visitors from around the world and recently hosted Louis Vuitton’s 2024 Cruise fashion show.
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Isola dei Pescatori: preserved authenticity
Just a few minutes away by boat, Isola dei Pescatori offers an entirely different atmosphere. Unlike the other islands in the archipelago, it is inhabited all year round and has retained its identity as a traditional fishing village. Stretching only a few hundred metres in length, it is best explored on foot, along narrow lanes lined with houses adorned with flower-filled balconies.
The island’s appeal lies in its simplicity. Here, there are no monumental palaces or grand gardens, but rather lively little squares, boats moored along the waterfront, and restaurants serving local specialities, particularly freshly caught lake fish. This authentic atmosphere appeals to travellers seeking a more intimate side of Lake Maggiore. With its views of the mountains and the lake’s shimmering waters, Isola dei Pescatori provides the perfect conclusion to any visit to the Borromean Islands.
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