Borromean Islands – Visit Durations
Isola Bella: This “beautiful island” is dominated by the Borromeo palazzo and terraced gardens. Visitors generally allow about 2–3 hours to tour the palace interiors, wander the multi-level Italianate gardens, and browse the small shops. (One guide notes you can see Bella “in a couple of hours,” but realistically it can take most of a morning or afternoon.) The public ferry from Stresa to Isola Bella takes only about 10 minutes, and runs roughly every 30 minutes during the day. In practice, plan on at least a couple of hours once you step ashore, especially if you tour the audio-guided palace and relax over a snack in the gardens.
Isola Madre: This largest island has a grand country villa (Palazzo Borromeo) set amid extensive English-style botanical gardens. Tourists similarly spend a few hours here exploring the villa’s rooms and the exotic plant collections. In fact, most guides recommend starting the day on Isola Madre (it is quieter in the morning). Arrive on the earliest ferry (about a 10–15 minute ride from Stresa) to wander the woods, peacock park, and rose terraces unhurriedly. You might budget around 2 hours (or more) for Isola Madre if you plan to enjoy the house tour and gardens.
Isola dei Pescatori (Fishermen’s Island): The smallest island is a picturesque fishing village with two main streets lined with cafes, craft shops and a fishing museum. Visitors typically spend 1–2 hours here, largely to enjoy a meal and stroll. In fact, itineraries often end with “a late lunch at Isola dei Pescatori”. Grab a lakeside table for fresh pasta or pizza and then meander the alleys to visit the 17th‑c. church or souvenir stalls. (Because the village is compact, a couple of hours is usually enough to soak up the charm.)
Boat Transfers: Ferries between Stresa and the islands run frequently (roughly every 30 minutes between ~9 am–6 pm), and each crossing is short. For example, Stresa → Isola Bella is only ~10 min; Stresa → Pescatori is similarly ~10 min. (Isola Madre lies in between; boat links run on the same schedule.) In practice you should allow a few minutes wait each time, plus ~10–15 minutes boat travel between any two islands. It’s wise to buy a day-pass ticket so you can hop on any scheduled ferry.
All‑Islands in One Day: Yes – it’s quite common to visit all three in a single day. The total tour time (including palace visits, gardens and a meal) typically comes to on the order of 4–6 hours. For example, the official ferry FAQ notes a full one-day loop (Bella+Madre palaces + the Pescatori village) is about 4–5 hours, and one guide cites ~5–6 hours in practice. This means a long morning and afternoon excursion – so start early.
Tips for a Single-Day Visit
- Morning: Start at Isola Madre. Catch the earliest ferry to Isola Madre. The gardens are peaceful in the morning. Spend ~2 hours (or more) on the house and grounds before the crowds arrive.
- Lunchtime on Pescatori: Cruise next to Isola dei Pescatori and pause for lunch. Allocate about 1–2 hours here to eat and browse (it’s the village’s main hub). After lunch, stroll the waterfront and souvenir lanes at a leisurely pace.
- Afternoon: Finish at Bella. In the afternoon head to Isola Bella. Plan 2–3 hours here to tour the Baroque palace, explore the terraced gardens and see the white peacocks. An audio guide or break for gelato make the time go quickly.
- Ferry Scheduling: Boats run about every half hour. If possible, coordinate lunch so that you catch a ferry right afterwards (ferry schedules are posted in Stresa). A one‑day ferry pass lets you jump on the next available boat without waiting.
By grouping activities and using frequent ferries, one can comfortably cover all three islands in a day. (Conversely, if time is tight you could split Isola Madre and Bella into separate half-days.) But in general a carefully timed itinerary – Madre first, Pescatori at noon, Bella last – allows seeing the highlights of each island within one long day.
🌿 Hartmann Feel at Home – Your Retreat Near the Borromean Islands
The Borromean Islands are among the most iconic and enchanting destinations on Lake Maggiore. From the opulent palaces and terraced gardens of Isola Bella to the timeless charm of Isola dei Pescatori and the botanical peace of Isola Madre, they invite you into a world of beauty and contemplation.
But to fully enjoy their magic, you need more than a place to sleep.
You need a place to slow down, breathe, and truly feel at home.
Welcome to Hartmann Feel at Home – a unique guesthouse nestled in the peaceful hills of Gignese, just minutes above Stresa and the departure points for the islands.
🧘♀️ A Place to Rest, Reflect, and Recharge
At Hartmann, everything is designed to help you reconnect with yourself and nature. More than comfort, it’s a way of being:
- 🛁 Outdoor hot tub in the garden – surrounded by greenery, ideal for unwinding after a day on the lake
- 🔥 Circular fireplace lounge – warm, welcoming, perfect for reading or quiet conversation
- 🧘 Yoga & meditation room, open 24/7 – serene and light-filled
- 🥐 A generous, flexible breakfast – vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, served with care and no rush
- 📚 Wellness reading corners – for moments of calm and reflection
- 🌳 Private barefoot garden paths – reconnect with the earth, one step at a time
Every detail reflects a slower, more mindful rhythm—one that matches the timeless beauty of the Borromean Islands.
🛏️ Rooms with Soul – Inspired by Nature and Stillness
Each room at Hartmann is named after a chakra and tells its own story of harmony and peace. Whether you’re a couple, solo traveler, or family, you’ll find the space that feels right for you:
- 👨👩👧 Swadhisthana – Family suite with two connected rooms and direct garden access
- ♿ Manipura – Accessible double room with French bed on the ground floor
- 🛏️ Anahata – Triple room with an airy sleeping loft, ideal for friends or creatives
- 💕 Vishuddha – A cozy and romantic double room with soft tones
- 👪 Ajna – Spacious suite with a separate living room, great for families or couples seeking privacy
- 🌄 Sahasrara – Tower room with 360° panoramic views of lake and mountains – truly one of a kind
🗺️ The Ideal Base for Exploring the Borromean Islands
From Hartmann Feel at Home, you’re just minutes away from the best of Lake Maggiore:
- 🚤 5–10 minutes to the Stresa boat docks for the Borromean Islands
- 🌺 Close to the gardens of Villa Pallavicino
- 🏞️ Near scenic roads to Mount Mottarone
- ⛳ Walking distance to the historic Alpino Golf Club
After a day of island discovery, return to a place where silence welcomes you, and comfort is woven into every detail.