When I feel the need to get away, European countries are my go-to destinations to unwind over the weekend. Europe has so much to offer that I sometimes forget about the incredible gems of Italy. The Isole Borromee, located right off Lago Maggiore, are one of the most understated gems of northern Italy!
After eight years of living in Milan, I finally decided to drive out to the Isole Borromee and see for myself what all the fuss was all about! I wasn’t disappointed at all! I also love the fact that the Isole Borromee are only about a two hour drive away from Milan! If you don’t want to spend a fortune, I recommend finding a hotel or an airbnb in the small town of Stresa. This town is strategically located ten minutes away by boat from the Islands. I won’t bore you with the logistics but check out this link to get a better understanding on how you can plan your day.
As much as it sounds like a cliché, Isola Bella is my favorite out of all the islands! The mixture of a picturesque town, breathtaking gardens a the majestic architecture all got me smitten! The palace is a baroque wonderland where the halls, the furniture, the paintings and the art will leave you in awe! If you are lucky you might also see the beautiful white peacocks walking around the property.
With that being said, a boat ride to Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Madre is absolutely worth it as well! These two island are about 5 to 10 minutes ride from Isola Bella and are certainly worth the stretch!
