Isola dei Pescatori

Travel Guide

Isola dei Pescatori which includes mountains, a lake or waterhole and a small town or village
Isola dei Pescatori which includes a small town or village, mountains and a lake or waterhole
Isola dei Pescatori featuring a small town or village and a bay or harbor
Isola dei Pescatori showing a bay or harbor and a small town or village
Isola dei Pescatori showing outdoor eating as well as a small group of people
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.

Palace Grand Hotel Varese
Palace Grand Hotel Varese
4 out of 5
Via Luciano Marana, 11, Varese, VA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P6,202 per night from 15 Feb to 16 Feb
P6,202
P7,185 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 15 - Feb 16
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Varese. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (990 reviews)
"Very nice."

Reviewed on Jan 16, 2025

Palace Grand Hotel Varese
Hotel La Palma
Hotel La Palma
4 out of 5
Corso Umberto I, 33, Stresa, VB
The price is P8,909 per night from 6 Mar to 7 Mar
P8,909
P10,102 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 6 - Mar 7
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Stresa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (766 reviews)
"Great place, breakfast can get a little crowded… go early or be ready for a crowd."

Reviewed on Dec 1, 2024

Hotel La Palma
B&B Hotel Malpensa Lago Maggiore
B&B Hotel Malpensa Lago Maggiore
3 out of 5
23, Via Milano, Vergiate, VA
The price is P3,167 per night from 10 Feb to 11 Feb
P3,167
P3,629 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 10 - Feb 11
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Vergiate. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (519 reviews)
"Excellent place, clean and quiet! Personal very friendly and respectful."

Reviewed on Jan 29, 2025

B&B Hotel Malpensa Lago Maggiore
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.
Verbania - Luxury Italy Apartments
Verbania - Luxury Italy Apartments
Vicolo Jacchini, 6, Verbania, VB
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! (33 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 Jul 2, 2024

Verbania - Luxury Italy Apartments
Aquazzurra Resort & Aparthotel
Aquazzurra Resort & Aparthotel
4 out of 5
Viale Vittorio Veneto 37, Cannobio, VB
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Cannobio. Enjoy an outdoor pool, laundry facilities, and satellite TV channels. Popular attractions Pieta Sanctuary and Cannobio ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (27 reviews)
"The hotel was close to everything, restaurants, shopping and the lake"

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2024

Aquazzurra Resort & Aparthotel
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do