Borromean islands

Stresa is a characteristic village located on the western shore of Lake Maggiore. The name comes from a Lombard word meaning land strip. Today it is famous for a Music festival that takes place at the end of August. Just in front of it there are the beautiful Borromeo Islands: Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori. They can be reached in a few minutes by boat. Isola Bella and Isola Madre still belong to the Borromeos, a noble and ancient Italian family. It is interesting to visit the palaces and the impressive gardens, rich in Mediterranean and exotic plants. Isola dei Pescatori (Fishermen island) is the smallest one. Fishing was the main activity for local people: today there are many restaurants were to eat lake fishes. The panoramic road to reach Stresa is very attractive: it slopes down the hill looking at the lake panorama. The village can be easily reached also by train and by boat. Close to Stresa there is Mottarone Moun: in summer there are nice path among the nature, in winter it is a skiing area.