2025 Province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

Often overshadowed by its more famous sister, Isola Bella, the serene and lush Isola Madre is the largest of the Borromean Islands and a true haven of peace and botanical beauty. Floating in the calm waters of Lake Maggiore, this island is a dream for garden lovers, history buffs, and anyone looking for a quieter, less crowded escape in northern Italy. 🌿 A Botanical Wonderland Isola Madre is renowned for its exotic gardens, considered among the most beautiful in Italy. Originally planted in the 16th century and transformed into an English-style botanical park in the 1800s, the gardens are home to: • Rare plants and ancient trees: Camellias, rhododendrons, magnolias, azaleas, and century-old cypress trees. • Peacocks and exotic birds: White peacocks, golden pheasants, and parrots roam freely among the trees. • Romantic pathways and shaded corners ideal for a slow, peaceful stroll. 🏛️ The Palazzo Borromeo At the heart of the island lies the 16th-century Palazzo Borromeo, a refined summer residence once used by the noble Borromeo family. Highlights include: • Elegant frescoed rooms and antique furniture. • A unique puppet theater collection with 19th-century marionettes and miniature sets. • A peaceful loggia overlooking the gardens and lake. 🛥️ How to Get There Isola Madre is only accessible by boat: • Ferries run frequently from Stresa, Baveno, or Verbania (especially from spring to autumn). • It’s often included in Borromean Islands tours, together with Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori. 📅 When to Visit • Best time: April to June, when the gardens are in full bloom. • Season: The island is open to the public from late March to late October. • Early mornings or late afternoons are quieter and offer great photo light. 🍴 Dining & Nearby Tips While Isola Madre doesn’t have restaurants like Isola dei Pescatori, you can: • Enjoy a snack or espresso at the small café near the entrance. • Plan lunch in Stresa or Isola dei Pescatori, just a short ferry ride away. Combine your visit with: • A stop at Isola Bella for baroque art and gardens. • A stroll along the Stresa lakeside promenade. • A ride up to Mottarone Mountain for stunning lake views. 🌟 Why Visit Isola Madre? • Less crowded and more tranquil than Isola Bella • A paradise for garden and nature lovers • Rich with history, but without the tourist buzz • Ideal for romantic getaways, slow travel, and botanical photography Final Thought 💭 Isola Madre offers a moment of stillness in a world that moves too fast. It’s not about checking off sights — it’s about breathing deeply, walking slowly, and soaking in the beauty of nature and time. If you’re looking for the soul of Lake Maggiore, you might just find it here. #mediterranean

Stresa, a small town by the lake in Italy, has always been a place I've longed to visit. The town features three small islands, one of which has a building I really wanted to see. Unfortunately, the building was under renovation when I visited. Stresa is easily accessible by train from Milan, and the town is very safe. Most of the people in the town are tourists, but even so, the prices are not particularly high. Most tourists who come to Stresa visit the three islands. You can buy tickets for the boat tour at the lakeside boat companies. Several companies operate the three-island tour, with only the schedules differing. The first island is where you can see the special building, the second island is a place to eat, and the third island is a botanical garden. You can choose to visit one, two, or all three islands. The tickets are hop-on-and-hop-off, so you can arrange your time freely. I visited all three islands, and if you start early, there will be relatively fewer tourists. Walking around the town of Stresa takes about half an hour. The town has many restaurants, cafes, and ice cream shops. If you don't have much time in Italy, a day trip here will be sufficient.

Mount Rosa, or Monte Rosa, is a prominent mountain massif located in the Pennine Alps on the border between Switzerland and Italy. Monte Rosa is the second-highest mountain in the Alps, with its highest peak, Dufourspitze, reaching 4,634 meters (15,203 feet). The Monte Rosa massif comprises several peaks, including Dufourspitze, Nordend, and the Signalkuppe, which houses the highest hotel in Europe, the Margherita Hut. Monte Rosa is home to numerous glaciers, the largest being the Gorner Glacier, which is a popular area for skiing and mountaineering.The mountain attracts climbers and hikers, offering various routes, including easier trails and challenging climbs. The normal route to Dufourspitze is popular among experienced mountaineers.The area is also a popular ski destination, particularly in the nearby town of Zermatt. The most common access points are from the Swiss town of Zermatt and the Italian town of Alagna Valsesia. Various cable cars and cogwheel trains provide access to higher elevations.The region offers stunning views, alpine villages, and various outdoor activities, making it a popular destination for tourists year-round. Monte Rosa has a rich history in mountaineering, with several notable first ascents and a strong connection to the development of alpine climbing techniques.

Beautiful place, beautiful view, Italian dam