Isola dei Pescatori

Travel Guide
Isola dei Pescatori featuring mountains, a lake or waterhole and a small town or village
Lake Maggiore’s “Isle of the Fishermen” is renowned for its pocket-sized fishing village, historic church and trattorias that serve up fresh-caught seafood dishes.

Explore Isola dei Pescatori, the Borromean Islands’ picturesque and permanently inhabited northerly isle. Named for the fishermen who have plied their trade here for centuries, Isola dei Pescatori shows a fascinating glimpse into the old world of Lake Maggiore’s fishing tradition. Stroll down the island’s narrow lanes and look out across the shore speckled with fishing boats. Among the island’s preserved buildings you’ll find charming two-story houses, a notable church and traditional trattorias serving up the island’s signature seafood.

Stepping onto the shores of Isola dei Pescatori you’ll immediately be taken with the tiny island’s beauty. Get your camera ready to take photos of the fishing boats bobbing on the shoreline, set against a background of whitewashed houses crowned by red terracotta roofs and distant mountain peaks.

The spire of the Church of San Vittore dominates the island’s compact skyline. Wander through the twisting alleys to reach this national monument. Within you’ll find an original 11th-century apse and lancet window, as well as an exquisite 16th-century fresco of Sant’Agata. More highlights inside the church include a collection of 17th-century paintings and hand-carved figures depicting the patron saints of fishermen Peter and Andrew.

As you continue your stroll around the island’s tiny village note the distinctive architecture of the two-story houses. Many have long balconies, traditionally used by local fishermen to dry out their catch. Many of the island’s 50 residents keep up the island’s fishing tradition, which is thought to date back seven centuries. Pick up locally made crafts at the island’s street market or stop by one of the trattorias for a delicious meal of lake-caught seafood. When evening falls, this little island seems to become even more magical as the village lights reflect on the calm waters of the lake.

Isola dei Pescatori can be reached by ferry departing from Baveno, Lido di Carciano, Stresa and Pallanza, as well as by private boat from nearby shores. You can walk around the island in 20 minutes, but it is recommended that you stay for lunch or overnight at one of the village hotels to experience the island’s charms.

Hotel Belvedere
Hotel Belvedere
3 out of 5
Via di Mezzo, Isola dei Pescatori, Stresa, VB
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Stresa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a marina. Popular attractions Church of San Vittore and Isola Madre Gardens are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (118 reviews)
"Our very first hotel stay on our italy trip. A lovely hotel on a tiny island with a very good restaurant. Staff were very pleasent, the room was so quiet except when open to the balcony...the sound of lapping waves...so relaxing. It poured while we were there so we weren't in a rush to get out and ..."

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2024

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The price is €106 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
€106
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1 Dec - 2 Dec
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Hilton Garden Inn Milan Malpensa
4 out of 5
Via Lazzaretto, 1, Somma Lombardo, VA
The price is €77 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
€77
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1 Dec - 2 Dec
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Somma Lombardo. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and free train station pick-up. Popular attractions ...
7.2/10 Good! (993 reviews)
"Safe, clean and very newish but maintenance is yet to be perfected here"

Reviewed on 25 Oct 2024

Hilton Garden Inn Milan Malpensa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
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Str. Nazionale del Sempione, 26, Baveno, Provincia del Verbano-Cusio-Ossola
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9.4/10 Exceptional! (24 reviews)
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Reviewed on 8 Oct 2024

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Casalbergo - Superior Lake Apartments
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Via Cicognola, 15, Castelletto Sopra Ticino, Novara
Stay at this apartment in Castelletto Sopra Ticino. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and free bicycles on site. Popular attractions Gottard Park Museum and Arona ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (14 reviews)
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Verbania - Luxury Italy Apartments
Verbania - Luxury Italy Apartments
Vicolo Jacchini, 6, Verbania, Provincia del Verbano-Cusio-Ossola
Stay at this aparthotel in Verbania. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (32 reviews)
No communication, no directions, no parking
"Terrible communication with owner. She claims to speak English, but doesn't answer your question/request because she doesn't understand you. NO PARKING possible at all! You have to walk over a very very long distance with all your suitcases. Parking is a nightmare, because there are not enough parking ..."

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2024

Verbania - Luxury Italy Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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