Borromean Islands (Isole Borromee)

Isola Madre, Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori, 3 small islands in the middle of Lake Maggiore property of the noble Borromeo family. They have beautiful colored gardens open all year round and old majestic palaces. In isola Madre you can also see a variety of Oriental birds.

Too nice to miss! Go with the water taxi or rent your own boat in Luino at the Lido.

The most beautiful of the 3 islands is Isola Bella, where white peacocks roam free around gorgeous terraced gardens. In the center of it all is the Palazzo Borromeo--I like to imagine Napoleon and his bride Josephine in the Sala named in his honor...on their honeymoon...

The three Borromean Islands are a major tourist attraction - and worth it. They consist of Isolo Bella with its unfinished building; Isolo Madre, the largest of the islands with spectacular gardens that have been maintained since the 1800s and a furnished palace containing Italian masterpieces; and Isolo dei Pescatori, a small fishing village. One gets to the islands by regular scheduled boats, getting off at one island and then catching the next boat to the next island. Definitely a place to visit.

like a pearl