How do I choose between the boat tours in Stresa?

Decide first whether you want to move between islands freely or stay on one. Hop-on hop-off services let you get off at Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori and reboard later, which suits a full day. Shorter single-island tours, such as the Isola Bella boat tour, work well if your time is limited.

Do I need tickets for the Borromean Islands palaces and gardens?

Yes. The boats only provide transport between the islands, so palace and garden access is separate. A combined Isola Bella and Isola Madre entry ticket covers both, while hop-on hop-off boat passes are transport only. If you plan to visit both islands in one day, buying the combined entry alongside your boat ticket saves time at the ticket desks.

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Piedmont · Italy

Things to do in Stresa, Lake Maggiore

Average rating4.5Median price$81

Top experiences in Stresa

53 experiencesranked by rating and review volume

About Stresa

Stresa is the classic Lake Maggiore base, a Belle Époque town of lakefront promenades and grand villas facing the Borromean Islands. Most days here revolve around the water, and the easiest way to see it all is a Stresa: Borromean Islands Hop-on Hop-off Boat and Palaces Tour, which links the islands at your own pace. If you would rather focus on the gardens and fishing village, the Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Bella Hop-on Hop-off Boat covers both in one relaxed loop.

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Top landmarks in Stresa

Borromeo Palace on Isola Madre
7 experiences

Frequently asked questions

Lake Maggiore's high season runs from late spring through early autumn, and Borromean Islands boats and palace tickets are the first things to sell out on weekends and holidays. Book a few days ahead in peak months, especially for hop-on hop-off boats and Isola Bella entry.