A GUIDE TO ISOLA DEI PESCATORI
Isola dei Pescatori, Lake Maggiore, Italy
Isola dei Pescatori (also known as Isola Superiore) is the northernmost of the Borromean Islands and the only one inhabited year-round. It supports a tiny community (25–50 residents) who live largely by fishing and tourism
ABOUT ISOLA DEI PESCATORI
Location
Located just off the coast of Lake Maggiore near Stresa, Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori form the Borromean Islands.
Isola dei Pescatori
Stepping onto the island is like entering a time capsule. Its narrow wagons of cobbled alleys are flanked by multi-story houses with long wooden balconies—once used to dry the day’s catch—while colorful fishing boats dot the shore.
THINGS TO SEE
Isola dei Pescatori, Lake Maggiore
Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Historic & Cultural Highlights
Church of San Vittore: Founded in the 11th century and rebuilt between the 17th and 18th centuries, this church now features medieval frescoes, wooden busts of Saints Peter and Andrew (patron saints of fishermen), and a preserved apse with a lancet window from its earliest days
Fishermen’s Cemetery
Located just behind the church, its modest graves often feature model boats built by the islanders in homage to their heritage
Artisan Craft & Local Culture
In summer months, small markets and boutiques line the walkways. One standout is the studio of Andrea Ruffoni, an artist blending plastics and metal mesh into evocative sculptures displayed around the island
FESTIVALS & CUISINE
Isola dei Pescatori, Lake Maggiore
Gianni Careddu, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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Festivals & Traditions
Ferragosto Procession (August 15): The most atmospheric event of the year. Boats illuminated at dusk carry a statue of the Virgin Mary in a ceremonious tour around the island, accompanied by locals and visitors in a stunning communal display
Carnival & Epiphany Traditions
Children parade noisy homemade instruments across the island on Epiphany’s Eve; bocce tournaments and communal polenta meals also enliven local life during carnival season.
Cuisine & Dining Experience
Isola dei Pescatori is famed for its fresh lake fish—perch, char, whitefish, and pike-perch—often prepared in classic Piedmontese styles: risotto al persico, sautéed in butter and sage, in carpione, or gently fried. Dining happens right by the lakeside, with many restaurants offering panoramic views over the water
TICKETS & TRIPS
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3 Borromean Islands Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour
Hop-on hop-off boat tour
Stops at the 3 Borromean Islands
Multilingual Captain and crew
Free time on each island
Multilingual pre-recorded commentary on board
Does not inlude entrance to the Borromean Palace Museum and Gardens
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Ticket for Isola Bella All-Inclusive
Daily hop-on hop-off boat transportation between Stresa and Isola Bella.
Admission to Palazzo Borromeo and the baroque gardens of Isola Bella
Free time to visit the village with characteristic restaurants and stores.
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Isola Madre Open-Date Entry Ticket
Entry ticket to Isola Madre
Access to Palazzo Borromeo
Admission to botanical gardens
Booking fee
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Madre & Bella Borromean Islands Boat Trip
Hop on hop off boat trip from Stresa.
Embark on a boat trip from Stresa and discover two of the Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore. First, visit Isola Madre which is the farthest island from Stresa.
Next, continue the tour to Isola Bella, most famous for its palace, splendid caves, and Italian-style gardens before returning to Stresa.
Does not include entry tickets.
Isola dei Pescatori Hotels
For a wider choice of hotels view our Stresa hotel page here.
Belvedere
Set on Isola Superiore Island, Hotel Belvedere is surrounded by the waters of Lake Maggiore, providing a relaxing atmosphere in the romantic Pescatori Island and offering enchanting sights of the Madre Island and Pallanza.
All rooms feature air-conditioning, a TV and private bathroom, some with spa baths and some with lake views.
The restaurant, also overlooking the lake, is ideal for sampling fresh produce from the lake itself and the surrounding valleys, while enjoying a large selection of Italian wines.
REVIEWS
Great location, lovely set up and very helpful staff.
The hotel is in an amazing location, perfectly set on the island with stunning views of the lake.
Super friendly staff, an incredible restaurant, really comfy beds and a great shower.
information from Booking.com
Albergo Ristorante Il Verbano
Albergo Ristorante Il Verbano in Stresa offers a 3-star hotel experience with a sun terrace, garden, restaurant, bar, and free WiFi.
The romantic restaurant serves Italian cuisine with continental, buffet, Italian, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free breakfast options. Guests can also enjoy the bar and outdoor seating area for relaxation.
Rooms feature lake, garden, or mountain views, private bathrooms with free toiletries, bathrobes, and parquet floors. Additional amenities include a coffee shop, family rooms, and luggage storage.
REVIEWS
Lovely hotel on the quiet side of the island. Fabulous breakfast, great staff
Amazing atmosphere. We arrived at sunset and spent a magic evening dining in the restaurant, the food is excellent. Staff is delightful. The room was charming, super clean. Breakfast is exceptional.
information from Booking.com
Information
FERRY INFORMATION
Ferries run more-or-less hourly from Stresa to Isola dei Pescatori.
For a more flexible alternative, consider the hop-on, hop-off, boat service (above)
LOCATION
Location
Isola dei Pescatori’s location on Lake Maggiore
Isola dei Pescatori is located just off the coast near Stresa, Lake Maggiore.
LAKE MAGGIORE TOWNS
Places to see on Lake Maggiore
Link to: Arona
Arona
History, relaxation and charm on Lake Maggiore
Link to: Baveno
Baveno
A relaxed town close to the Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore
Link to: Cannero Riviera
Cannero Riviera
A small resort town renowned for its Mediterranean climate
Link to: Luino
Luino
History, a weekly market and is close to Lake Lugano
Link to: Stresa
Stresa
The most popular resort on Lake Maggiore near the Borromean Islands
Link to: Verbania
Verbania
Know as the Garden on the Lake with its lush botanical gardens
Link to: Locarno
Locarno (Switzerland)
A sun-soaked town in Switzerland famous for its film festival.
Link to: Ascona
Ascona (Switzerland)
Like a small Italian Riviera town on Lake Maggiore