There are five Great Lakes of Northern Italy (from west to east: lake Maggiore, Lugano, Como, Iseo and Garda). Each lake has its own peculiarities, even if they are the result of the same geological processes that were formed during the ice age, which ended about 11,000 years ago, as glaciers penetrated there way down the Alps and eroded deep valleys, where the softer rocks formed an easy passage for the ice.
The Italian lakes lie close to the Alps with lovely scenery, cool summers and mild winters - and attracts many tourists to it's "breath-taking" views of the lakes cutting into the steep mountains. Mountains, which are reflected in the still waters of the lakes. It really is spectacular!
The westernmost lake "Lago Maggiore" which is the main tourist attraction in the region offers The Borromean Islands, which are made up from; "Isola Bella", "Isola dei Pescatori" and "Isola Madre." They translate to; "The beautiful island", "Fisherman's Island" and "mother island". And there is no doubt if you ask an Italian what there is to see on Lake Maggiore!? - He will tell you about these three islands.
All three islands have a ferry service, and when you are sitting outside on the small ferry with water spraying up against the side of the ferry, the wind is blowing in your face and you look at the islands, which are fast approaching, you are well aware why it is a major tourist attraction. It is quite simply amazing with the beautiful green islands that pop up in the middle of the crystal blue water. The history of them is also good, since "Isola Bella" and "Isola Madre" is owned by Count Carlo Borromeo 3 who decided to beautify "Isola Bella" and then give it to his beloved wife; Isabella.
Isola Bella
Isola Bella is the most visited island because of that great "Grand Baroque / Rococo palace," and because it is beautifully decorated with an incredibly well-kept garden containing 10 terraces with several sculptures around. On top of these 10 terraces one can find a unicorn that looks out onto Lago Maggiore. The extravagante also continues inside the castle with large rooms and high ceilings with mirrors and paintings in the dozens. The island was visited by none other than Napoleon (in 1797) and Mussolini (in 1935) and might remind you a bit about Venice with the water around the islands, no cars and the only access to the island is via the small ferry and water taxi.
There are several restaurants and cafes along the water - and when you are sitting there in the middle of the large lake "Lago Maggiore" on the small beautiful island of "Isola Bella" and looking out on the water with mountains in the distant horizon, then you know why it is a favorite tourist destination. Unfortunately because of it's popularity, prices of restaurants and cafés are expensive, as they know tourists want food and beverages. But with the experience of nature you get as a tourist, it is well worth the prices.
Isola Madre
Isola Madre gives the visitor a feeling of extreme elegance in the care of gardens and interiors, offering an exquisite quality for the most demanding tourists. In addition, the island also counts another Borromeo palace that is set up with furniture from historic homes in the Borromeo family and is characterized by its beautiful rooms, such as the Hall of Dolls, Hall of Seasons and one dedicated to a puppet theater. The island is the ideal place to relax and enjoy nature for a few hours. It is the largest island of the three islands - but ironically the least visited. There are also a few houses from the 1800s - but that's not the main attraction.
Isola dei Pescatori
Isola dei Pescatori (Fishermen's Island) is the northernmost of the islands and the most picturesque of the Borromean islands. Furthermore, it is the only islands, which is permanent inhabitants. A distinctive feature of the old village are the narrow streets with one-storey houses with long balconies, traditionally used for drying fish from the island's inhabitants who earn their living mainly from fishing and tourism.
The island's unmistakable skyline is the pointed spire of "San Vittore church", which is a national monument, and still has its original windows from the 1100s. Inside San Vittore church are some paintings from the 1700s and of the Apostles Peter and Andrew (patron saint of fishermen). San Vittore church towers over the red roofs of the houses and the coast, there are always occupied small boats and a lot of residents. It's even more atmospheric in the evening when the whole island is discreetly lit up and a vivid image reflected in the calm waters of the lake appears.
On the island there are several small shops and cozy restaurants where you can eat freshly caught fish, which is a culinary delight. An anecdote relates that in 1835 Mussolini and the other participants of the conference came in Stresa to the island to sample the area's famous fish, which is fried perch.
How to get to the islands:
One can get access to the islands via public ferry from the piers in Stresa, Baveno, Verbania and Arona or by car from the A26 exit Stresa - Baveno - and also by train at Stresa.
Personally, I recommend taking the small ferry from "Eremo Santa Caterina", which has a magnificent view of Lake Maggiore and the islands - and then there is the possibility to combine island hopping to see the most famous church of "Eremo Santa Caterina".
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