The Italian Lakes region is a spectacularly gorgeous area in northern Italy just south of the Alps. They are composed of Lake Orta, Lake Maggiore, Lake Varese, Lake Lugano, Lake Como, Lake Iseo, Lake Idro and Lake Garda.We have visited all of them in detail except Varese, Iseo and Idro. Como is probably the most well known, while Orta is probably the least touristy and a favorite.
However, Lago Maggiore is thelargest in southern Switzerland and also considered the second largest in Italy.This large lake has a number of island groups and one of those is a group of five islands called the Borromean Islands. They consist of Isola Bella, Isola Mardre, Isola dei Pescatori, Isolino di San Giovanni, and a rocky islet Malghera.
From a few of the lakeside villages, you can take small ferry boats to these islands. We visited Isola Bella and Isola Madreon a boat from Stresa. Our lakeside hotel was fantastic and we were fortunate to get the last remaining waterfront balcony room when someone cancelled at the last moment before our arrival.
Both islands were lush with their gardens in full bloom. Isola Bella has a Palace, anItalianate garden, and a small fishing village.The island was named after Isabella D’Adda who was the wife of Carlo III of the House of Borromeo. The Teatro Massimohasten terracesin a pyramidic form which islinked by stairways. It is composedof a giantunicorn, obelisks, statues and grottoes, two water-wheel towers and other architectural elements.It was a bit ornate for my tastes but amazing nonetheless.
Isola Madre is the largest of the island group. It also has a palace and botanical gardens.
