Lombardy and the Lakes
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Lombardy and the Lakes - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Isola Madre
All of this Borromean island is a botanical garden, with a season that stretches from late March to late October due to the climatic protection of the mighty Alps and the tepid waters of Lake Maggiore. The cacti and palm trees here, so far north and so near the border with Switzerland, are a beautiful surprise. Two special times to visit are April, for the camellias, and May, for azaleas and rhododendrons. Also on the island is a 16th-century palazzo, where the Borromeo family still lives for part of the year.
View Tours and ActivitiesIsola Madre, Piedmont, Italy0323-933479Sight Details
Rate Includes: €17 (palace and garden), Closed early Nov.–mid Mar. -
2. Funivia
For amazing views, take the funivia, a cable car that takes you to heights from which you can see seven lakes: Maggiore, Orta, Mergozzo, Varese, Camabbio, Monate, and Biandronno. Situated between Lakes Maggiore and Orta, it offers tourists 360-degree views of the Po Plain right across to the distant Alpine peaks. At the top, nature- and adventure-lovers can rent mountain bikes and ride on properly marked paths, while others can just relax at a local restaurant.
Piazzale Lido 8, Stresa, Piedmont, 28838, Italy0323-30295Sight Details
Rate Includes: €20 round-trip, Apr. 1–Oct. 31, daily 9:30–6; Nov.–mid-Mar., daily 8:10–5:40 -
3. Isola Bella
The most famous of the three Isole Borromee (Borromean Islands), is named after Isabella, whose husband, Carlo III Borromeo (1538–84), built the palace and terraced gardens here for her as a wedding present. Before Count Carlo began his project, the island was rocky and almost devoid of vegetation; the soil for the garden had to be transported from the mainland. For a splendid view of the lake, wander up the 10 terraces of Teatro Massimo. In the gardens, white peacocks roam among the scented shrubs. Visit Palazzo Borromeo to see the rooms where famous guests—including Napoléon and Mussolini—stayed in 18th-century splendor.
View Tours and ActivitiesIsola Bella, Piedmont, Italy0323-933478Sight Details
Rate Includes: Garden and palace €20, Closed early Nov.–mid-Mar. -
4. Isola Superiore dei Pescatori
Stop for lunch at the smallest Borromean island, less than 100 yards wide and only about ½ km (¼ mile) long. It's an ideal place to visit before, after, or in between touring the other two islands. Of the 10 or so restaurants on this island the two worth visiting are Ristorante Il Verbano ( 0323/31226) and Ristorante Belvedere ( 0323/32292). The island with little lanes strung with fishing nets and dotted with shrines to the Madonna is a crowded place filled with souvenir stands and shops in high season.
Isola dei Pescatori, Piedmont, Italy -
5. Parco Villa Pallavicino
As you wander around the palms and semitropical shrubs, don't be surprised if you're followed by a peacock or even an ostrich: they're part of the zoological garden and are allowed to roam almost at will. From the top of the hill on which the villa stands you can see the gentle hills of the Lombardy shore of Lake Maggiore and, nearer and to the left, the jewel-like Isole Borromee. In addition to a bar and restaurant, the grounds also have picnic spots and there is a farm that's popular with children.
Via Sempione 8, Stresa, Piedmont, 28838, Italy0323-933478Sight Details
Rate Includes: €13, Closed early Nov.–mid-Mar. -
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