Try to imagine a lake, large enough to extend between Lombardia, Piedmont and Switzerland. An expanse of water of 212 square kilometers, which mother nature has blessed with unique features of their kind and where man has been able to put his own to complete an almost perfect work of nature. In the southern part of Lake Maggiore, on the Piedmontese side, 5 jewels form the archipelago of the Borromean islands.
The Archipelago of the Borromean Islands
Historically, the Borromean islands, in the local dialect "Borromei", owe their name to the family that owned them. Still today two of the major islands appear to be owned by the Borromeo dynasty. The entire archipelago is composed not only of islands but also of islets and large rocks.
The five beautiful Borromean islands
Isola Madre, Beautiful island, Isola dei Pescatori (also known as Upper Island), Island of San Giovanni e Rock of Malghera, are the names of the 5 beautiful islands, which can be reached by boat, setting sail from the small pier of Stresa or from the nearby port of Pallanza. Isola Madre is a real wonder of nature.
Majestic and centuries-old trees cover most of the surface of the island, which also houses a wonderful palace owned by the Borromeo family and a beautiful, albeit small, chapel. Furthermore, the Borromean palace, open to the public for over 40 years, will make you relive the uses and customs of Italy in the seventeenth century, proudly displaying paintings and relics of inestimable value.
Isola Bella
The second, in order of size, is Isola Bella. Not to be confused with the Sicilian island of the same name, this little wonder is partly reminiscent of its "older" sister. It has preserved, almost unchanged, the features assumed centuries ago. Less rich in vegetation than Isola Madre, Isola Bella housed a small village of fishermen and a luxurious palace, the Borromeo palace. Like the previous one, Isola Bella inspires and attracts many tourists. The interior of Palazzo Borromeo is bewitching and splendid. Although beautiful, the two largest islands are not inhabited by permanent residents.
The Isola dei Pescatori, the island of San Giovanni and the rock of Malghera
Despite its small size, Isola dei Pescatori, 350 meters long on the longest side, still sees a historic handful of inhabitants today. Less rich in vegetation, for obvious reasons related to the numerous houses, this small island still has beaches to enjoy. L'Island of San Giovanni, better known as Isolino di San Giovanni, it is literally separated by a few tens of meters of water. Although the beauty of nature and a seventeenth-century palace attract the attention of many tourists, there is no way to visit the island or the palace, as the whole island is private and therefore closed to the public. For last, The Rock of Malghera is also famous as Rock of lovers. Small but delightful, the rock can be reached by boat. A small beach all around and a modest presence of vegetation will still make you live a holiday dimension.
