Last Updated: May 2026
Lake Maggiore is one of the largest and most beautiful lakes in Europe, stretching over 40 miles across the border between Italy and Switzerland, with the Italian side featuring many notable towns like Stresa. As part of our Tauck Switzerland tour, this was one of our most memorable stops — at the heart of the lake lies Isola Bella, a small island that captures the imagination with its striking blend of history, art and natural beauty.
Stresa, Italy
From Zermatt, Switzerland we traveled by train then bus to a wonderful stop in the Switzerland mountains for coffee and pastries.
Then to Stresa, Italy for a delicious lunch, accompanied by wine of course.
After lunch we took a water taxi on Lake Maggiore to Isola Bella to tour the palace and grounds.
Lake Maggiore, Isola Bella
Isola Bella, meaning “Beautiful Island,” was once a barren rocky outcrop until the 17th century when Carlo III Borromeo began transforming it into a masterpiece.
The island’s transformation took nearly 400 years, embodying the vision and grandeur of the influential Borromeo family.
They constructed the Palazzo Borromeo, a magnificent Baroque palace dedicated to Carlo’s wife, Isabella d’Adda, from whom the island takes its name. The palace is an architectural marvel with elegant halls adorned with priceless artworks, including frescoes by renowned painters like Luca Giordano and Correggio, and richly decorated interiors showcasing intricate furnishings preserved through the centuries.
The palace also houses the ‘Teatro delle Marionette’ which dates back to the 18th century when puppet shows were a popular form of entertainment among European aristocracy. Each marionette is a masterpiece in miniature, hand carved from wood and meticulously painted with intricate costumes that mirror the fashion of that era.
Surrounding the palace are the island’s most famous feature — the Italianate terraced gardens. These gardens are a spectacular sight with ten cascading terraces designed to resemble a giant ship rising from the lake’s waters, integrating perfectly with the palace and the island’s shape. Walking through the gardens, there was a harmonious combination of flowering plants, sculpted statues, fountains and an amphitheater steeped in Baroque elegance. The gardens took over 40 years to complete and remain a testament to exquisite landscape artistry.
Isola Bella was easily accessible by ferry from Stresa, making it a must-visit destination if visiting Lake Maggiore. The island was a unique experience.
Visitor Information
Stresa: A beautiful lakefront town on the western shore of Lake Maggiore, accessible by train from Milan (~1.5 hours) or from Switzerland. The Stresa promenade (lungolago) is lovely for a stroll before or after visiting the islands.
Isola Bella Ferry: Ferries depart from the Stresa pier and take approximately 10 minutes to reach Isola Bella. They run frequently from April through October. Water taxis are also available for groups.
Palazzo Borromeo & Gardens: Admission approximately €22 per adult, including the palace and terraced gardens. Open April through October. Tickets at terreborromeo.it.
Practical Tips
Arrive early to Isola Bella, especially in summer — the island is small and can feel crowded by mid-morning. The first ferries of the day offer the most peaceful experience in the gardens.
Allow 2–3 hours for a thorough visit of the Palazzo Borromeo and its ten terraced gardens. Spring is the most spectacular time to visit, when the gardens are in full bloom.
Lunch in Stresa before or after the island is highly recommended — the waterfront restaurants serve excellent Italian food with beautiful lake views.
Don’t miss the Teatro delle Marionette inside the palazzo — the hand-carved 18th-century puppet collection is one of the most unusual and fascinating museum collections in Italy.
From Lake Maggiore we continued on to our next stop, Lake Como, Italy.
FAQ
What is Isola Bella? Isola Bella (“Beautiful Island”) is one of the Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore. Once a barren rocky outcrop, it was transformed in the 17th century by the noble Borromeo family into a spectacular Baroque palace and ten terraced gardens that took over 400 years to complete.
How do you get to Isola Bella from Stresa? Take the ferry from the Stresa pier — the crossing takes about 10 minutes. Ferries run frequently from April through October. Water taxis are also available for groups.
How long should I spend on Isola Bella? Allow 2–3 hours to explore the Palazzo Borromeo and the terraced gardens at a comfortable pace. Arriving early helps avoid the midday crowds.
What is Lake Maggiore famous for? Lake Maggiore is one of Italy’s largest lakes, straddling the Italian-Swiss border and known for its dramatic alpine scenery, elegant lakefront towns like Stresa, and the Borromean Islands with their extraordinary palaces and gardens.
Is Stresa worth visiting? Absolutely — Stresa is one of the most beautiful lakefront towns in Italy, with a scenic promenade, excellent restaurants, and easy ferry access to the Borromean Islands. It’s well worth a full afternoon or an entire day.
