During our travels through northern Italy, we made a day trip to the beautiful Isola Bella — one of the Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore… and it completely wowed us.
We didn’t really know what to expect going in, except that it was supposed to be “beautiful.” But Isola Bella, literally meaning ‘Beautiful Island’ is next-level stunning. It’s like stepping into a fairy tale, with fancy old buildings, dreamy gardens, lake views and white peacocks just casually wandering around.
Getting there from Baveno
We stayed in Baveno, a lovely lakeside town that’s a bit quieter than nearby Stresa but still super convenient. From Baveno, we caught a ferry directly to Isola Bella, which took only about 10 minutes. Ferries run regularly all day and it was really easy to get tickets and hop on board.
TIP: If you’re planning to visit the other Borromean Islands (like Isola Madre or Isola dei Pescatori), grab a day pass — it’s great value and lets you explore more.
The Palace: Fancy and Fascinating
Right as you arrive, the massive Palazzo Borromeo catches your eye. We walked through the palace and were seriously impressed… room after room filled with old furniture, art, chandeliers and even full suits of armour.
Downstairs, there’s a whole level of grottos, cool stone rooms decorated with shells and mosaics. They were built to be a cool escape in summer and they honestly felt like something out of a fantasy movie. Very unexpected and very cool.
The Gardens: Like a Movie Set
The palace is impressive, but the gardens completely stole the show. These multi level gardens are full of fountains, sculptures, orange trees and flowers in every direction… all with views across Lake Maggiore. We even spotted a few white peacocks just casually strutting around like they owned the place.
Even if you’re not into gardening, you’ll love it. Every corner had us stopping for another photo or just standing there saying “Wow.” It felt like being in a movie or a royal estate.
Dining and Exploring
There are a few cute cafes and restaurants near the ferry dock — perfect for a coffee, Aperol or lunch with a lake view. We sat down for a drink after exploring and just soaked it all in. Boats floating past, sunshine bouncing off the water and the feeling that time had just slowed down.
Isola Bella is small, so you can easily explore it in a few hours. But it’s definitely not the kind of place you want to rush through. Just walking slowly, taking photos and enjoying the scenery is what it’s all about.
Final Thoughts
If you’re anywhere near Lake Maggiore, visiting Isola Bella, Italy, is an absolute must. It’s one of those places that completely surprises you… full of charm, beauty and moments you’ll want to bottle up and take home.
We had no idea we’d love it as much as we did, but we left totally inspired and maybe dreaming about planting orange trees and buying a peacock! If you love peaceful views, gardens, history or just beautiful places, Isola Bella should be on your list.
📍 Location: Isola Bella, Lake Maggiore, Piedmont, Italy
🚤 Access: Ferry from Baveno (approx. 10 minutes)
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