Stresa Ferry Guide: How to Visit Isola Bella, Isola Madre & Isola dei Pescatori
Stresa sits on the western shore of Lake Maggiore and is the easiest and most popular starting point for visiting the Borromean Islands. From the main pier in Piazza Marconi you can hop on public ferries or private boat services that connect Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Madre throughout the day.
This Stresa ferry guide explains exactly how the system works, which tickets to buy, the best order to visit the islands, and how to avoid common mistakes. It is written for independent travelers who want a clear, practical plan rather than a rushed group tour.
Overview of the Three Islands
The Borromean Islands are the highlight of the central part of Lake Maggiore.
- Isola Bella is the most famous. It is dominated by the baroque Palazzo Borromeo and its spectacular terraced gardens.
- Isola Madre is the largest and most peaceful. It is known for its botanical gardens, bizarre plants, and free-roaming peacocks and other birds.
- Isola dei Pescatori (also called Isola Superiore) is the only island with a permanent village. It has narrow lanes, traditional houses, and several restaurants — perfect for lunch.
You can visit one, two, or all three islands in a single day using the ferry network from Stresa.
Outline
- Introduction
- Overview of the Three Islands
- How the Stresa Ferry System Works
- Ticket Options and Prices
- Recommended Visiting Order & Itinerary
- What to See on Each Island
- Practical Tips
- FAQs
How the Stresa Ferry System Works
The main public operator is Navigazione Laghi. Ferries run regularly between Stresa and the islands during the main season (roughly March/April to October/November).
Key points:
- Most boats leave from the central pier in Piazza Marconi in Stresa.
- Services typically run every 30 minutes during the day in high season.
- The short hops between the islands take only 5–15 minutes.
- You can buy single tickets or a day “free circulation” (rover) ticket that lets you hop on and off as many times as you like within the Borromean Bay area.
Private motorboat companies also offer hop-on hop-off style services from the same area. These can be convenient but are often more expensive than the public ferries for the same routes. Always check what is included before buying.
Ticket Options and Prices
There are two separate costs to consider:
- Ferry / boat transport
- Entrance tickets to the palace and gardens on Isola Bella and Isola Madre (Isola dei Pescatori has no entrance fee)
Ferry Tickets
The most practical option for most visitors is the day free-circulation ticket for the Borromean Islands / central lake area. This allows unlimited travel between Stresa, Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Madre for the day.
Single or return tickets are available if you only plan to visit one island.
Prices change slightly by season and year, so always confirm at the ticket office in Piazza Marconi on the day of travel. As a rough guide, a day rover ticket is significantly better value than buying multiple single tickets if you plan to visit more than one island.
Island Entrance Tickets
- Isola Bella (palace + gardens)
- Isola Madre (villa + gardens)
- Combination ticket for both islands (usually the best value if you visit both)
You can buy these online in advance via the official Borromeo website or on the islands. In peak summer months, advance booking for Isola Bella is recommended to avoid queues.
Read also: Vernazza Travel Guide: Beaches, Views & Value
Recommended Visiting Order & Sample Itinerary
A logical and popular order is:
- Isola Madre first (quieter in the morning, gardens are beautiful in good light)
- Isola dei Pescatori for lunch and a stroll
- Isola Bella in the afternoon (palace and gardens as the highlight)
Suggested Full-Day Itinerary from Stresa
- 09:00–09:30 – Buy ferry day ticket at Piazza Marconi and take the boat to Isola Madre
- 09:45–11:45 – Explore Isola Madre gardens and villa
- 12:00–13:30 – Ferry to Isola dei Pescatori, lunch and walk through the village
- 13:45–16:30 – Ferry to Isola Bella, visit the palace and terraced gardens
- 16:45–17:30 – Return ferry to Stresa
This schedule is flexible. In high season boats are frequent, so you can adjust times according to crowds and your energy levels. Always check the last return ferry time when you buy your ticket.
If you have only half a day, prioritise Isola Bella and add Isola dei Pescatori if time allows.
What to See on Each Island
Isola Bella
The star attraction. The Palazzo Borromeo features ornate rooms, artworks, and the famous underground grottoes. Outside, the Italian-style terraced gardens rise in levels with statues, fountains, and dramatic lake views. Allow at least 1.5–2 hours.
Isola Madre
More relaxed and botanical. The English-style gardens contain rare trees, camellias, azaleas and free-roaming white peacocks, parrots and other birds. The 16th-century villa is smaller and quieter than Isola Bella’s palace. Ideal for a peaceful 1.5–2 hour visit.
Isola dei Pescatori
No entrance ticket required. Wander the narrow streets of the old fishing village, look at the traditional houses, and choose a restaurant for lake fish or a simple pasta. It is the most “lived-in” of the three islands and a pleasant contrast to the grand gardens of the other two.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Visit
- Start early. The first boats are quieter and the light on the gardens is better.
- Wear comfortable shoes — you will walk on uneven paths and stone steps.
- Bring water, sun protection and a light layer (it can be breezy on the water).
- Check the last return ferry time carefully so you do not miss the final boat back to Stresa.
- Cash can still be useful for small landing fees or smaller cafés, although cards are widely accepted.
- In July and August the islands, especially Isola Bella, can be very busy. Visit on a weekday if possible.
- The public Navigazione Laghi ferries are reliable and usually the best-value option for independent travelers.
- If you have a tight schedule or prefer not to think about timetables, a private hop-on hop-off boat can simplify the day (at a higher price).
FAQs
How long do you need to visit all three islands? A full day (5–7 hours including ferry rides and lunch) is ideal. You can see the highlights in less time if you move efficiently.
Do I need to buy ferry tickets in advance? Usually no. Tickets are sold at the Stresa pier ticket office on the day. In peak season it is still wise to arrive early.
Is Isola dei Pescatori free? Yes. There is no entrance fee to walk around the village. You only pay for food, drinks or souvenirs.
Can I visit the islands in winter? Ferry services are reduced and some attractions (especially gardens and parts of the palaces) may be closed or have limited hours. The main season runs from spring to autumn.
What is the best island if I only have time for one? Isola Bella is the most iconic and photogenic. Choose Isola Madre if you prefer gardens and a quieter atmosphere.
Are the ferries accessible? Public ferries generally accommodate strollers and have varying levels of accessibility. Check on the day if you have specific mobility needs.