Isola Madre
Isola Madre is the largest of the Borromean Islands and the most naturalistic. Located opposite Stresa, in the heart of Lake Maggiore, it is famous for its extraordinary botanical garden filled with rare and exotic plants from all over the world.
Unlike Isola Bella, the focus here is not on baroque monumentality but on a more intimate and romantic atmosphere where nature, silence, and landscape blend into a relaxing and immersive experience.
What to see on Isola Madre
Visiting Isola Madre means immersing yourself in a large botanical garden overlooking the lake. The island is best explored slowly, following shaded paths that lead through rare plants, seasonal blooms, and panoramic viewpoints.
The Botanical Garden
This is the true heart of the island. Exotic and subtropical species grow here, including camellias, magnolias, azaleas, and plants from Asia and South America. In spring, the flowering displays are particularly spectacular.
Palazzo Borromeo of Isola Madre
Less imposing than the palace on Isola Bella, this residence hosts furnished rooms and historical collections that tell the story of aristocratic life within the Borromeo family. The interior has a more intimate and residential atmosphere.
White peacocks and free roaming wildlife
One of the most distinctive features of the island is the presence of white peacocks that roam freely through the gardens, adding to the scenic charm of the place.
Panoramic viewpoints over Lake Maggiore
During the visit, several scenic viewpoints open up toward Stresa and the other Borromean Islands, offering perfect opportunities for photography and quiet moments of contemplation.
Why visit Isola Madre
Isola Madre is the ideal destination for those who love nature and want to enjoy a quieter experience compared to the other islands. Time seems to slow down among shaded paths, floral scents, and the peaceful sound of the lake.
It is perfect for couples, botany enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone looking for a relaxing moment surrounded by greenery with views of Lake Maggiore. Visits here are usually less crowded than Isola Bella, creating a more intimate atmosphere.
Where Isola Madre is located
Isola Madre is located in the Borromean Gulf, in the section of Lake Maggiore between Stresa and Verbania. It lies slightly further north than Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori, but still within the Borromean Islands archipelago. The island can only be reached by boat.
How to reach Isola Madre
Isola Madre is located about 1 km from the shore of Stresa and can only be reached by ferry or water taxi.
- From the port of Stresa at Piazza Marconi: About 10 to 15 minutes by boat.
- From Stresa railway station: About 900 meters, equal to 12 minutes on foot to the departure port, then by boat.
- From the historic center of Stresa at Piazza Cadorna: About 300 to 400 meters, equal to 5 minutes on foot to the port.
- By train: After arriving at Stresa railway station, the port can be reached with a flat walk along Corso Umberto I, from which ferries depart for the island.
- By car: Public parking areas are available near the lakeside and the Stresa boat departure area. From there the island can be reached by ferry.
The ticket includes access to both the botanical garden and Palazzo Borromeo. Visiting the palace allows you to discover furnished rooms and historical collections belonging to the Borromeo family.
Spring is the ideal time to admire the flowers in bloom, but summer and early autumn also offer beautiful colors and atmospheric scenery.
Yes, although it is a botanical garden with paths and changes in elevation, so it is advisable to pay attention while walking.
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