Madre & Bella Islands Hop-On Hop-Off Boat

If you're staying in Stresa and you'd like to visit Madre and Bella Islands, our hop-on hop-off boat is perfect for you. You'll sail across Lake Maggiore and explore these two islands at your leisure.

Madre & Bella Islands Hop-On Hop-Off Boat

Madre Island is the largest of the Borromean Islands. To get there, hop on the boat at the pier in Stresa's Piazza Guglielmo Marconi. This island features botanical gardens spanning 8 hectares, where you can admire various plant species and encounter wildlife like peacocks, parrots, and pheasants. You will also see the exterior of Borromeo Palace, a mansion from the 17th century.

After exploring Madre Island, you can board the boat to Bella Island. Known for its beauty, you can spend ample time discovering why it is admired. The final stop is Stresa, after which the boat resumes its route, allowing another visit to Madre Island if desired.

Boat Schedule

The hop-on hop-off boat operates from March to November, setting sail daily from 9:30 am to 6 pm, with departures every 30 minutes.

How Does It Work?

You will have a whole day's access to the boat, which departs from Stresa to Madre and Bella Islands. You can hop on and off as many times as you like during its operational hours.