Isola dei Pescatori Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Isola dei Pescatori which includes mountains, a lake or waterhole and a small town or village
Isola dei Pescatori which includes mountains, a small town or village and a lake or waterhole
Isola dei Pescatori which includes a small town or village and a bay or harbour
Isola dei Pescatori which includes a small town or village and a bay or harbour
Isola dei Pescatori featuring 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 AU$188 per night from 27 Oct to 28 Oct
AU$188
27 Oct - 28 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Stresa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a marina. Popular attractions Isola Madre Gardens and Isola Bella are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (149 reviews)
"Our room was lovely. Great size bathroom & show. Great view of the lake, listening to the water was very soothing. Chairs on balcony were not very comfortable but we still used them daily and it would be nice to have a small table out there. Otherwise staff was very nice and accommodating."

Reviewed on 19 Sept 2025

Hotel Belvedere
Dolce by Wyndham Milan Malpensa

Dolce by Wyndham Milan Malpensa

4 out of 5
Via G. Mazzini, 63, Somma Lombardo, VA
The price is AU$171 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
AU$171
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,023 reviews)
"We had a shuttle to and from the hotel which went well with a family of 8."

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Dolce by Wyndham Milan Malpensa
Palace Grand Hotel Varese

Palace Grand Hotel Varese

4 out of 5
Via Luciano Manara, 11, Varese, VA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$177 per night from 13 Nov to 14 Nov
AU$177
13 Nov - 14 Nov
includes taxes & fees
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! (998 reviews)
"Very nice"

Reviewed on 4 Sept 2025

Palace Grand Hotel Varese
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! (44 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on 28 May 2025

Aquazzurra Resort & Aparthotel
Arona Palace

Arona Palace

Piazza S. Graziano 31, 8, Arona, NO
Stay at this vacation home in Arona. Enjoy free WiFi, Netflix, and a pillow menu. Popular attractions Arona Ferry Terminal and Villa Ponti are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
"Great place to stay. Super comfy. Clean and excellent area could have stayed longer! Grocery near by. Good dining close to ferry Highly recomended"

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2025

Arona Palace
Charming Rustic "Blue house"

Charming Rustic "Blue house"

Cissano ,Arizzano
Stay at this vacation home in Arizzano. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Popular attractions Intra Ferry Terminal and Monte Mottarone are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (41 reviews)
Beautiful house.
"We had a wonderful stay in this house, beautiful decorations and layout of a really comfortable house for the four of us to relaxing. A small pretty village to walk around, and it isn’t far to drive to good restaurants and bars. The garden is beautiful and lovely with a really great pool, it’s not ..."

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2021

Charming Rustic "Blue house"
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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