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.

Hotel Belvedere
Hotel Belvedere
3 out of 5
Via di Mezzo, Isola dei Pescatori, Stresa, VB
The price is P6,832 per night from 6 May to 7 May
P6,832
P7,708 total
includes taxes & fees
May 6 - May 7
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! (127 reviews)
Beautiful location
"We stayed in a newly refurbished room overlooking the lake. The restaurant was excellent."

Reviewed on Dec 10, 2024

Hotel Belvedere
Palace Grand Hotel Varese
Palace Grand Hotel Varese
4 out of 5
Via Luciano Marana, 11, Varese, VA
The price is P7,537 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
P7,537
P8,676 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 27 - Apr 28
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! (992 reviews)
"Thank you so much!"

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2025

Palace Grand Hotel Varese
Dolce by Wyndham Milan Malpensa
Dolce by Wyndham Milan Malpensa
4 out of 5
Via G. Mazzini, 63, Somma Lombardo, VA
The price is P5,913 per night from 24 Apr to 25 Apr
P5,913
P6,633 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 24 - Apr 25
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Somma Lombardo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
"Staff was nice, liked the area and the grounds of the hotel"

Reviewed on Apr 19, 2025

Dolce by Wyndham 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.
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
Carl & Do
Carl & Do
Via Carlo Zacchera, 2, Strada Nazionale Sempione Nord 13/1, Baveno, VB
Book a stay at this beach apartment in Baveno. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a garden. Popular attractions Villa Fedora and Baveno Ferry Terminal ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (45 reviews)
"Great place to stay with family."

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2024

Carl & Do
Appartamenti Luna
Appartamenti Luna
Via Mottarone, 13, Stresa, VB
Stay at this vacation home in Stresa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Alpinia Botanical Garden and Carciano Ferry Terminal ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
"We enjoyed a one night stay here. Giacomo greeted us upon our arrival and provided instructions for bringing in the luggage and use of the apartment. We enjoyed the modern kitchen and were able to have dinner there. The view from the balcony overlooking Lake Maggiore was spectacular. There was a ..."

Reviewed on Jul 22, 2024

Appartamenti Luna
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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