Superb gardens easily accessible by road or boat. Beautiful features, architectural specimens and an abundance of colour throughout. A good couple of hours plus a lovely cafe on site

Giardini Botanici di Villa Taranto is a beautiful and well-maintained garden by Lake Maggiore. The huge variety of plants, well-marked paths, and stunning views make walking here a real pleasure. You can easily spend several hours enjoying it. The only downside is the rather high prices at the café and entrance. Despite that, it's definitely worth a visit.

Stunning gardens - some of the best maintained gardens in Italy. Came on a sunny afternoon and managed to avoid the crowds. The staff let us in before the palace and gardens closed… so we were some of the last in and got to enjoy it at our own pace. Great for beautiful photographs! And if you’re into gardening - there’s much for you to enjoy here too. Cost us about £20 to see all the gardens and the palace and I’d say it was worth it.

Gorgeous gardens with a wide variety of flowers, plants and trees and architectural features. Easy to follow signage for a self-guided tour. Definitely worth a walk through if you’re in the area.

Gorgeous garden with beautiful flowers and a nice view. Gets crowded quickly during the day, but we arrived before 10 and it was almost empty. They allow dogs inside which is super nice. Make sure to walk in order of the numbers to avoid walking up the steep serpentines.

If you're in the area then don't miss. Amazing collection of trees and shrubs. Awesome views across Intra into tha Alps.

Beautiful gardens well worth visiting. Great visitor route around the gardens with plenty of information. Lovely facilities and right by a boat ferry stop.

Isola Madre, part of the Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore, is celebrated for its lush botanical gardens and charming historic villas. The island is home to the elegant Palazzo Borromeo, which features beautifully decorated interiors and a rich collection of art and antiques. The expansive gardens are a highlight, boasting exotic plants, vibrant flowers, and even peacocks roaming freely. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks through the serene pathways while taking in stunning views of the lake. Isola Madre offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, making it a must-visit destination for those exploring the region.

A divinely beautiful place, incredible views and a very interesting garden and castle. Love it!

It was the first island that we went to in our day-trip. The weather was nice and the environment was really pleasant. The view was really nice and the air was fresh. It is a small island and it takes you little time to run through all the island. The gardens were pretty nice and the birds and peacocks gave a nice touch to it. The only thing that was a bit of a disappointment was the palace, which was kind of meh (not that interesting). We later sat down and sunbathed while chit-chatting, a good company makes everything much better :)

I want to express my sincere gratitude to Patrizia for her extraordinary support. After purchasing tickets and being charged, I never received a confirmation email or QR code. It was a frustrating and stressful situation—until Patrizia stepped in. She went above and beyond to locate my booking in the system and retrieve the ticket for me. This kind of customer service is truly exceptional. Patrizia saved me time and unnecessary stress, and I’m incredibly thankful for her help. She is a true role model for what tourist and customer support should be like.

Isola Madre is absolutely stunning and worth visiting. It offers a peaceful atmosphere with its historic palace, beautiful gardens full of rare plants and Indian peacocks. The experience was relaxing and enjoyable, perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city. Highly recommended, especially in the morning for the best views and weather.

Lovely island in the middle of lake Maggiore which is a perfect example of how humans and nature can live together. The palace itself it's a great example of the Italian baroque. While the garden showcases many varieties of exotic plants and flowers. One of the most impressive is the Japanese cypressum behind the villa. I really loved also the peacocks and the fagians strolling around the park and used to the human presence

A beautiful garden to visit. Enjoyed the birds, and the palace has some interesting rooms to see. But found it a bit overpriced vs. Isola Bella or Villa Taranto. A useful tip: come to visit by the closing hours, after 16h, so you avoid the crowds on the boats, and no waiting lines when you leave the island.

Wonderful experience. Somewhat busy (last sunny day of the summer,l. A lot of walking though (you have to walk through the palace to get to the gardens). Oh, and you have to take a small boat (40 some people) to get there/back. Leave by 5 pm and get on/off the boat at the correct locations.

Visited in May with moderate amount of people. Exceptional island, truly recommended.

Lovely little island. Full of cafes and restaurants. Very atmospheric but busy. A "must see" place.

character friendliness personality aesthetic sensation subtlety

Isola dei Pescatori is a charming small island with narrow alleys, traditional houses, seafood restaurants, and little souvenir shops. The atmosphere is lively, but it can get very crowded with tourists, which makes it less peaceful. It’s worth visiting for a short walk and some nice photos, but not the best spot for relaxation.

Great place for drinks and lunch

Nice island. It was heavy rain when we went but still nice place. Expensive and some cafes are rubbish while charging high prices. Microwaved lasagne which was cold in the middle and beef ragu where the pasta had dried out and was inedible

The best island is Isola Bella with the palace and beautiful gardens on Lake Magiorei (sorry, I know I'm botching the spelling of that). The lake itself is nice to see and explore the many small towns around it - we walked around Stresa along the walk nearest the water and weren't disappointed. Would go back to both places again!

We visited two of the islands: Pescatori and Isola Bella. We thought that it was too much to do 3 islands on a day and for sure this was the best choice since traveling with a kid. The boat trip to the islands is beautiful, at Pescatori we had lunch with a great view and Isola Bella is all about the beautiful palace and its gardens. The ticket costs 20 euro per adult, we thought it was worth it cause you get to see the inside of the palace and the gardens which on top have amazing views. Also the windows from the palace have beautiful views and it is stunningly decorated. Definitely a beautiful place to visit in Italy and shouldn't be missed if you are in the area.

Isola Bella is worth visiting! Definitely go to the palace and visit the Gardens . Id spend here most of the time. Isola dei pescatori has only shops and restaurants, but very cute. On the Isola Madre you cannot do anything if you don't buy a ticket to enter the house/Gardens and they don't tell you in advance. So either don't go or buy a combined ticket when you to to Isola bella.

Do you research BEFORE taking the 3 island trip, we didn’t. There are salespeople around telling you the main large boat is €80 (that may be for 2 people, wasn’t clear) for the 3 island trip, when you can pay them €15 per person. What you need to be aware of is that Isola Bella and Isola Madre have gardens and buildings which you have to pay to enter. Prices are €23 and €20 respectively per person. This makes the trip €58 per person if you want to see the gardens. These take up most of the islands though on Bella you can access at least some restaurants, bars and shops whereas on Madre you have the option of one single restaurant and absolutely nowhere else to go if you don’t pay. There are also locked gates to keep you out. Felt the whole thing was a waste and total cash cow. It’s like buying a flight then finding out the additional costs like luggage, seat etc later on. Information about the additional costs is not informed of when taking the boat trip.

The pricing structure for visiting the islands is unclear and unsatisfactory. Initially, it costs 15 CHF for access to all three islands by boat. However, if you want to explore the islands further, there are additional charges: 19 CHF for one island and 22 CHF for another (or 34 CHF for both). This lack of transparency feels misleading and is not worth the cost. Tourists often feel taken advantage of due to these hidden fees. I do not recommend this experience.

One of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. Definitely a must - visit place.

Explore Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands by boat from Stresa. Admire the beautiful scenery of the lake and visit the superb panoramas of the islands.

A notable architectural feature located in the Italianate gardens of Isola Bella, part of the Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore. The area is adorned with intricate sculptures, elegant obelisks, and a whimsical unicorn statue, creating a beautiful and serene environment. Emblematic of the artistic and historical richness of Isola Bella, which is also home to the Palazzo Borromeo, initiated in 1632 by architect Angelo Crivelli. The gardens, completed in 1671 by Carlo IV Borromeo, enhance the allure of this picturesque setting, making it a captivating stop for anyone exploring the island.

Pleasant gardens surrounded by white peacocks.

amazing

What is the cost of a ticket for entrance to the gardens only?

(Translated by Google) This splendid statuary work is the most important scenography of the Baroque Garden of Isola Bella, composed of 10 terraces that create a truncated pyramid embellished with a tank with goldfish, flowers and numerous statues; stairs allow you to go up to the last terrace, from where you can better admire the splendid garden and a wonderful panorama! (Original) Questa splendida opera statuaria è la più importante scenografia del Giardino barocco dell'Isola Bella, composto da 10 terrazze che creano una piramide tronca abbellita da una vasca con pesci rossi, fiori e numerose statue; delle scale permettono di salire all'ultima terrazza, da dove si può ammirare meglio lo splendido giardino ed un panorama stupendo!

(Translated by Google) "MAIN WORK" The structure of the Garden that most catches the eye when you enter it is the central part or Teatro Massimo. It was made with tuff, granite and limestone concretions and enriched by enormous sculptures and obelisks that overlook the superimposed beings. It was created almost entirely by Carlo Simonetta towards the end of 1600. At the top of the Theater there is a statue of the Unicorn 🦄, which represents the symbol of the Borromeo house, ridden by the statue of Honor and flanked by the statues of Art and Nature. On the sides there are also four Obelisks representing the four Elements. Inside the niches below there are allegorical figures of Lake Verbano and the Ticino and Toce rivers. Located behind the unicorn there is a terrace open to the wonderful panorama of Lake Maggiore and the Garden itself which, from the highest summit of approximately 37 metres, dominates the view without any obstacle. The seagulls frame all this. (Original) "OPERA PRINCIPALE" La struttura del Giardino che più salta all'occhio quando si entra un esso, è la parte centrale o Teatro Massimo. Venne realizzato con tufo, granito e concrezioni calcaree e arricchito da enormi sculture e obelischi che sovrastano le essere sovrapposte. Venne realizzato quasi interamente da Carlo Simonetta verso la fine del 1600. In cima al Teatro si trova una statua di Unicorno 🦄, che rappresenta il simbolo del casato dei Borromeo, cavalcato dalla statua dell'Onore e affiancati dalle statue di Arte e Natura. Ai lati si trovano anche quattro Obelischi che rappresentano i quattro Elementi. All'interno delle nicchie sottostanti si trovano le figure allegoriche del Lago Verbano e del fiume Ticino e Toce. Posta dietro l'unicorno si apre una Terrazza aperta al meraviglioso panorama del Lago Maggiore e dello stesso Giardino che, dalla sommità più alta di circa 37 metri, domina la visuale senza ostacolo alcuno. I gabbiani fanno da cornice a tutto questo.

(Translated by Google) Wonderful, the entrance is through the palazzo—we had to find that out first. We actually only wanted to see the garden. Entry is only possible with a palazzo. It's definitely worth paying the entrance fee of €23.00 per person. The palazzo is beautiful. Rooms made of coral and stones. Well worth seeing. The garden, with its incredibly beautiful flowers and trees, invites you to linger. We brought drinks. The restaurant is expensive. You could certainly spend a day there and enjoy it. We then took a boat to Fisherman's Island because the tour was being sold at the jetty for €10.00. (Original) Wunderbar, Eingang über den Palazzo, das mussten wir erst erfahren. Wir wollten eigentlich nur in Garten. Eintritt geht nur mit Palazzo. Es lohnt sich auf jeden Fall den Eintrittspreis zu zahlen 23.00 Euro pro Person. Der Palazzo ist wunderschön. Zimmer aus Korallen und Steinen. Sehr sehenswert. Der Garten läd mit seinen unglaublich schönen Blumen und Bäumen zum verweilen ein. Wir haben Trinken mitgebracht. Im Restaurant ist es teuer. Man kann sicherlich einen Tag dort verbringen und genießen. Wir sind dann noch auf die Fischerinsel mit dem Boot gefahren, weil am Bootsanleger die Tour so verkauft wurde für 10,00Euro.

If you really want to enjoy the island (and not just be another hectic tourist), take some time in the early afternoon, look for a table on the terrace, and sit down for a proper meal. I recommend to start with the assorted marinated fish for starters, and then have the risotto. They know how to cook fish here! You can also have a glas of the white house wine with it, trust me, it goes well with it. The service is super friendly, once they realize that you actually want to taste their quality and experience in fish. I also saw some ice cream bowls for dessert being served. I did not have any, but they sure looked great. Prices are reasonable, considering the location.

The food was very good, the service less good, but I can understand that they can feel a bit pressured with all the tourists. I don’t blame them. I took the risotto, which was amazing, I was a bit sad that the portion wasn’t bigger.

Wonderful restaurant, very very busy, plenty of room inside & outside but was full to bursting, I would say make a reservation. Service was good, food excellent. We sat inside with a lovely view over the lake.

Terrible experience Ristorante Italia Isola del Pescatore ! I'm usually happy to pay more for quality, but this was just ridiculous. The antipasti were criminally overpriced – we're talking about a few bites for an absurd amount of money. Then the main courses arrived, and they were a joke. Portions were incredibly small, barely enough to feed a child, let alone an adult who's paying premium prices. It felt like we were being scammed. Definitely not worth the money, and we left feeling hungry and ripped off. Save your cash and go somewhere else."

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ From the moment we walked in, the experience was exceptional. The staff greeted us with genuine smiles and made us feel truly welcome. Service was attentive without ever feeling rushed — every detail was noticed, from refilling water glasses promptly to checking in at just the right moments. The food was outstanding — each dish was beautifully presented and bursting with flavor, clearly made from fresh, high-quality ingredients. You can tell there’s real care in the kitchen. Portions were generous, and the balance of taste, texture, and aroma was spot on. What made it even more special was the atmosphere — warm, inviting, and relaxed, yet with a touch of elegance that made the evening feel like a treat. It’s rare to find a place where both the food and service are this consistently excellent. Highly recommended — I’ll definitely be coming back!

The food was good but the portions could be bigger for the prices

Service was a bit slow and spotty, but they were busy. The mixed lake fish grill was unadulterated and so fresh. As was the roasted veggies and boiled potatoes. The view of the lake completed the scene.

The food was excellent, flavourful and fresh. Service was efficient and the lady was very friendly. I’d recommend this place after visiting the island, the view from the terrace is also beautiful.

It was very very good and the workers were very kind and nice 100/10

Wonderful dining experience and service! We loved every bite, had lots of laughs with our waiter and were in awe of the views. Highly recommend making a reservation to dine with Il Fornello when you are on Isola Bella! Grazie mille!

Tucked into a small nook of a non-touristy part of Isla Bella, this gorgeous spot is like an oasis. The “snacks” with our afternoon aperitivo were sublime and the service was warm and jovial Italian hospitality at its best. We whiled away an hour and a half waiting for our boat. Avoid the shops and touristy places and stop a moment here, pause, breath in the rare beauty of the place, the warm spirit of the host, the delicious food, the view across the Lago Maggiore to the outskirts of Stresa, the boats puttering past seen only through the shading trees, and your soul will thank you.

Perfect place to have lunch overlooking the lake. The artichoke and the fish tartare were fresh and delicious. A place to come back. Service was amazing and very friendly. Very nice people.

May I introduce you to the very best panna cotta in the world? Nice to meet you. Oh and have you already met her little brother? The Italian-style cheesecake like you've never had before; soft in taste, super smooth and a delicious crunch.

Run just by a single gal in front and chef in the back. The food was amazing, we shared a cheese plate and a fish dish that were both really exceptional! Waitress was super busy but somehow managed to remain friendly and take good care of us!

The island itself is the least of the three islands, but as a dinner location it's gorgeous. The restaurant is inevitably touristy, but with a beautiful view. The food didn't quite match the view, but it was still a very nice experience.

It’s a beautiful place, with a lovely view, full of tourists, with prices for the tourists. The food was ok, small plates, they charge you “coperto” just by sitting down…the waiter was nice at least. But I wouldn’t come back…

Bad surprise after having checked the invoice (unfortunately to late) : 3 extra meals have been invoiced... And I really don't think this has been done unintentionally... Out of this, view on the lake quite nice, and food quality correct.

food : fish 4*, pizza 2* (the worse pizza we had in our trip) superb view (if you arrive early) service : catastrophic, we arrived the first in the restaurant, took 1h45 to get our menu delivered (standard menu of the day) (45 minutes for 2 slices of pie) arrived at 11:45, leave at 13:30

Wonderful attentive staff and the food matched the atmosphere. A beautiful boat ride to dinner didn't hurt either. Overall a great experience.

Cheaper than other options nearby but delicious. Friendly service even when there was a large group. Great atmosphere

Nice place and good food. Unique to eat on the island. There are boots from Stresa, also in the evening to the island. Enjoyable evening.

One of the best restaurants in the area. 10/10 would recommend. Also, the two women who were serving at the time were two of the best servers I’ve ever had. Literally the sweetest women ever. If I’m back in the area, I will be stopping by

Great restaurant with a lovely atmosphere. The dishes felt as they had been thoughtfully constructed and the ingredients complimented each other perfectly. Our waitress was excellent and really added to the experience. We will definitely return if we’re in the area again. Thank you.

Best food we’ve had all week around Lago Maggiore! Well worth an evening

Absolutely outstanding. The quality of the food at Il Portale is exceptional — the homemade pasta in particular was superb, fresh and perfectly cooked. Service was friendly, attentive, and very knowledgeable about the menu and local wines, which really added to the experience. The location is beautiful too, right in the heart of Pallanza with a lovely atmosphere. Highly recommended if you’re after authentic Italian food in a stunning setting.

Very good service! Nice and proficient waiters that were very friendly. The food was delicious and they served small dishes on the house before and after the meal, which was a super nice add on. Overall a really nice experience to recommend!

Beautiful food, staff were so nice! Highly recommend

What a very special meal. From beginning to end every dish was very special and very different. Followed the excellent advise if the waiter! A really dining extravaganza!