Isola Bella

Isola Bella: A slice of paradise, hold the mainland.

Visit Isola Bella in Lake Maggiore, Italy, for its 17th-century Palazzo Borromeo, ornate gardens, and diverse local wildlife.

5
out of 5

Isola Bella is a small and charming island located in Italy's Lake Maggiore, known for its elaborate baroque gardens and the opulent Palazzo Borromeo that dates back to the 17th century. The island's terraced gardens are a showcase of meticulous design, adorned with statues, fountains, and rare plant species. Apart from the man-made wonders, Isola Bella also serves as a sanctuary for peacocks and other free-roaming birds, blending the flair of human artistry with the natural beauty of the lake's environment.

The Borromeo Palace

The centerpiece of Isola Bella is the illustrious Palazzo Borromeo. This 17th-century palace opens its doors to visitors eager to explore its lavishly decorated rooms, filled with antique furnishings, tapestries, and artwork, providing a window into the lives of the noble Borromeo family. The palace also includes notable grottoes — cool, subterranean spaces decorated with pebbles and shells, offering a stark yet fascinating contrast to the grandeur above.

The Baroque Gardens

Adjacent to the palace, the Baroque Gardens of Isola Bella are a splendor for anyone interested in horticulture and landscape design. These tiered gardens rise up in the shape of a pyramid and are embellished with statues, obelisks, and architectural follies that date back centuries. Walking through these meticulously kept gardens, visitors will find themselves surrounded by vibrant blooms and exotic plants. The garden's design leads you on a journey with panoramic views of Lake Maggiore at various points.

Nature Reserve and Fauna

As a habitat, the island shelters a variety of flora and fauna. Spend time watching peacocks strut by or catch a glimpse of white peahens. The nature reserve offers a tranquil escape where the interaction between wildlife and the natural landscape can be observed in close proximity.

Cuisine

Isola Bella offers visitors a taste of local cuisine in its several small eateries. From enjoying a leisurely lunch at a cafe to savoring exquisite dishes at upscale restaurants, you can enjoy fresh lake fish preparations, such as perch or pike, along with other regional delicacies. Dining on Isola Bella combines the pleasure of fine food with enchanting views of Lake Maggiore.

Cultural Events

Depending on the time of year, Isola Bella hosts various cultural events and festivals. Summer concerts and exhibitions occur within Palazzo Borromeo or outdoors in the gardens, providing unique entertainment in a historic setting. These events are excellent opportunities to engage with local culture and history while enjoying the island's beauty.

Getting There

Accessibility to Isola Bella is straightforward, with boats frequently departing from nearby towns such as Stresa, Baveno, and Pallanza. Once on the island, all attractions are within walking distance; navigating the small island is an easy and pleasurable experience.

Island Atmosphere

The daily life on Isola Bella has an unhurried pace. The island's tranquil environment is complemented by the friendly interactions among visitors and staff. As you stroll through the lush greenery or admire the opulence inside Palazzo Borromeo, the overall ambience is one of leisurely elegance amidst natural beauty.

Average temperatures during the day in Isola Bella.

What people say about Isola Bella

5

Articles about Italy

Image of Killing Eve filming locations
Image of Killing Eve filming locations

Killing Eve filming locations

May 2024,
The BBC thriller series Killing Eve has taken viewers to many places across Europe as it follows MI5 agent Eve Polastri and assassin Villanelle. The cat-and-mouse story unfolds in cities like London,
Image of The best lesser-known places to visit in Europe
Image of The best lesser-known places to visit in Europe

The best lesser-known places to visit in Europe

December 2023,
In the midst of European explorations, some cities remain less frequented by the throng of tourists yet hold an abundance of cultural wealth, natural beauty, and a compelling history. This guide aims
Image of The 30 best food cities in the world
Image of The 30 best food cities in the world

The 30 best food cities in the world

November 2024,
This is a list of the top food destinations in the world based on the opinions of travelers from more than 100 countries. If you travel to eat, this is for you! It doesn’t matter if you are a foodie o
Image of The best places to visit in February
Image of The best places to visit in February

The best places to visit in February

April 2024,
When February comes off the calendar, you can’t blame everyone for wanting to go all-in on some of the most exotic travel experiences on offer anywhere in the world. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, steams wit
Image of The World’s Most Stunning Hikes
Image of The World’s Most Stunning Hikes

The World’s Most Stunning Hikes

October 2023,
Are you an avid hiker looking for a challenge? Look no further than some of the world's most incredible trails! From the breathtakingly beautiful landscape of Torres del Paine in Chile's Patagonia to
Image of The best places to visit in January
Image of The best places to visit in January

The best places to visit in January

April 2024,
Many travelers eagerly anticipate the arrival of January. While some are looking for the beauty of the Northern Lights, or enjoying the best time for skiing, others aim to participate in vibrant cultu
Image of All World Expo locations since 1851
Image of All World Expo locations since 1851

All World Expo locations since 1851

November 2024,
For more than a century and a half, global citizens have congregated at World Expos to celebrate human achievement, explore pressing issues of the day, and experience the cultural expressions of peopl
Image of The best places to visit in May
Image of The best places to visit in May

The best places to visit in May

April 2024,
May is the month of blooming gardens and frolics in the northern hemisphere, but it also allows travelers to explore new horizons. This is a series of pointers on what to do in May: in Europe, one can
Popular on Humbo right now
Humboâ„¢AboutVisitedBucket listSustainable travelPrivacyTerms