The island

Isola Pescatori, also known as Isola Superiore or the island, is situated in Lake Maggiore, an alpine lake in northern Italy. The island is two thirds village and one third trees.

History

The island has been inhabited since the bronze age. Roman era chroniclers reported about the island and its inhabitants, the roman army decided not to conquer the island and went on to conquer England and Wales instead.

Things to do on the island

The island is an ideal place for children. In summer they can spend their time paddling, bathing and sunbathing or just enjoying the island's narrow alleys, the promenade and the lake shore. There are no vehicles or real roads on the island - just alleys.

The island has a sizeable cat population, and the cats will really appreciate being fed by you. You can also feed some bread to one of the many ducks that we have and see the sparrows come and ty to get some crumbs.

I suggest you visit the small fishing exhibition and museum on the island - Mostra della Pesca - in the old school building.

In summer and on weekends the island usually gets busy from 9-10am in the morning to 5-6pm in the afternoon. Outside those times the island is for the islanders. These are probably the best times on the island. People stroll around, chat or go to one of the many bars to enjoy an aperitive or "il bianco", a glass of white wine.

You can rent a boat in Stresa or Baveno.

Restaurants

There are many restaurants on the island to choose from:

Places to visit

There are may villas and gardens to visit:

Isola Bella with palace and gardens is five minutes away by boat

Isola Madre with a loveley botanical garden is 15 minutes away,

Villa Pallavicino in Stresa with animals is 15 minutes away by boat,

Villa Taranto botanical gardens is 30 minutes away in Intra.

You can take the cable car up the mountain to Mottarone at 1500 meters. The cable car departs from Carciano, 10 minutes by boat from the island. Mottarone offers walks and beatiful views over the lake and surrounding mountains. Laveno, 45 minutes by boat, offers a cable car ride up to Sasso del Ferro.

Here is a good source for information on current events and news.