Madre & Bella Islands Hop-On Hop-Off Boat

If your travels take you to Stresa, a visit to Madre and Bella Islands via our convenient hop-on hop-off boat is an excellent choice. Enjoy a scenic journey across Lake Maggiore while exploring these enchanting islands at your own pace.

Hop-On Hop-Off Boat to Madre & Bella Islands

Madre Island, the largest of the Borromean Islands, awaits you just a boat ride away from the pier located at Piazza Guglielmo Marconi in Stresa.

This island is renowned for its stunning botanical gardens, sprawling over 8 hectares. Meander through the meticulously designed gardens, embracing the beauty of camellias, magnolias, cypresses, and palm trees, including rare species from Africa. As you wander through this picturesque setting capturing moments with your camera, you're likely to encounter peacocks, parrots, and pheasants in their natural habitats.

Your exploration of Madre Island also offers views of the exterior of the impressive Borromeo Palace, a majestic estate that dates back to the 17th century.

After your leisurely visit to Madre Island, you can board the boat again and continue your journey to Bella Island, often regarded as the most stunning of the Borromean Islands. Here, take your time to uncover the secrets of this fairy-tale-like island.

The final destination for the hop-on hop-off service is back at Stresa, where you can choose to revisit Madre Island if you wish.

Boat Schedule

The hop-on hop-off service operates from March through November, with departures daily between 9:30 am and 6 pm, featuring a frequency of every 30 minutes.

How the Service Works

You will have all-day access to the boat service, allowing you to travel between Stresa, Madre, and Bella Islands multiple times throughout the day.