Stresa: Boat Cruise around the Borromean Islands

Thinking about exploring Lake Maggiore’s famous Borromean Islands? This short, 30-minute boat cruise offers a relaxing way to see the highlights from the water, and it’s perfect if you’re after a quick, scenic escape without overcommitting. We’ve looked into the experience to help you decide if it’s worth your time—and your money.

What we like most about this cruise is how it offers a new angle on the Stresa coastline and the chance to see the islands from afar. Plus, the friendly narration from your captain makes the trip engaging and informative. But it’s worth noting the tour is quite brief, and if you’re after a deeper dive into each island’s history or a longer experience, this might feel more like a teaser than a full adventure.

The one thing to consider is that this cruise doesn’t include stops—so if you’re eager to hop on and explore more closely, you’ll need separate tickets or tours. Still, if you’re in Stresa and want a relaxing, scenic overview of the islands and villas, this could be a nice add-on to your day. It suits travelers who appreciate a quick, beautiful boat ride with some commentary, especially if you’re short on time.

Key Points

• A brief but scenic experience that offers views of the Borromean Islands from the water.
• Affordable price point at around $17 per person, making it accessible for most travelers.
• Informative narration from a multilingual captain that helps you understand what you’re seeing.
• Views of luxurious villas and charming islands along the Stresa coast.
• No stops included, so it’s purely a sightseeing cruise without disembarking.
• Weather-Reliant—the tour runs rain or shine, but adverse weather may lead to cancellation or rescheduling.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Is This Tour Exactly?

This boat cruise is a straightforward 30-minute ride starting from a small harbor right in front of the ticket office in Stresa’s Piazza Marconi. It’s designed to give you a quick but scenic glance at Lake Maggiore’s iconic Borromean Islands and the stunning villas lining the coast. Since it’s so short, it’s ideal if you’re low on time but still want to enjoy the lake’s beauty from a different perspective.

What makes this experience stand out is its simplicity. You won’t be hopping between islands or exploring sites on foot during this cruise. Instead, you’ll glide past the islands—Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Pescatori—and admire their beauty from the water, accompanied by insightful commentary from your captain.

The Itinerary in Detail

The cruise begins at the Navigazione Isole Borromee Lago Maggiore S.N.C. ticket counter, where you’ll exchange your voucher for a boarding pass. Once on the boat, you’ll set off on a circular route around the Borromean Gulf.

Highlights of the cruise include:

• Passing by Isola Bella, famous for its stunning baroque palace and terraced gardens.
• Gliding past Isola Madre, known for its botanical gardens and lush greenery.
• Viewing Isola Pescatori, a charming fishing village with quaint streets and local eateries.
• Sightseeing along the coast, where you can admire the luxurious villas that line the shoreline—these properties add a touch of elegance and history to the landscape.

The boat remains on the water for the entire 30 minutes, so you’re treated to sweeping views of these islands and their surroundings without the hassle of multiple stops or long walks.

What You Can Expect During the Cruise

Onboard, your captain will provide commentary in a few languages, including English, Italian, and French. This narration enriches the experience, offering snippets of history, fun facts, or tidbits about the islands and villas—helping you appreciate what you’re seeing.

Since the tour doesn’t include stops, you’ll want to snap plenty of photos from the deck. The views are especially captivating when the weather is clear, and you can get stunning shots of the islands’ architecture and the lush landscape.

The cruise departs from the harbor in front of the ticket office, so finding your way there shouldn’t be tricky—just remember to exchange your voucher beforehand. The boat is comfortable enough, though large luggage or bulky bags are discouraged, as space is limited and the tour moves quickly.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This cruise suits travelers looking for a relaxing, scenic overview of the Borromean Islands without committing to a longer, more involved tour. It’s particularly good for those who want a quick taste of Lake Maggiore’s beauty, especially if you’re already in Stresa and short on time.

It’s also a nice option for travelers who appreciate informative guides—the captain’s narration adds a layer of context that makes the short cruise more meaningful. But if you’re hoping for a more immersive experience, visiting the islands in depth or enjoying stops, you might want to look for other options.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Value for Money

At $17 per person, this cruise offers good value for a quick, scenic overview. It’s budget-friendly and provides a different perspective on the classic sights. Keep in mind, though, that since it’s only 30 minutes, it’s more of a highlight reel than an in-depth exploration. If you’re craving more time on the water or to see the islands up close, you’ll need to plan additional tours or ferry tickets.

Experiences from Previous Travelers

One traveler called it a “Sehr schöne Inseln! Empfehlenswerter Ausflug,” which roughly translates to “Very beautiful islands! Recommended outing.” This shows that people generally enjoy the views and find the experience worthwhile. Another mentioned that the tour was a “Petit parcours agréable autour des 3 îles,” or a pleasant short route around the islands, but also noted that finding the meeting point was a bit challenging due to lack of clear directions—something to keep in mind if you’re arriving in a rush or unfamiliar with the area.

Practical Tips

• Arrive early to exchange your voucher and find the boarding point easily.
• Bring a camera—the scenery lends itself well to photos.
• Check the weather forecast—while the tour runs rain or shine, poor weather might lead to cancellations.
• Be mindful that large luggage or bags aren’t permitted onboard.
• The tour is not suitable for those with mobility impairments due to the nature of the boat and boarding procedures.
• Since there are no stops, it’s ideal to combine this cruise with other full-day explorations of the islands if you want a deeper experience.

The Bottom Line

This boat cruise around the Borromean Islands offers a lovely, no-fuss way to see some of Lake Maggiore’s most iconic sights from a different angle. It’s perfect if you’re in Stresa, short on time, or simply want a relaxing break on the water. The views of the islands and villas are beautiful, and the narration adds a helpful layer of context.

While it’s a quick trip without stops, the experience delivers enough visual impact and local flavor to make it worthwhile. It’s especially suitable for travelers who appreciate a peaceful cruise, memorable photo opportunities, and an affordable price. If you’re looking for a longer, more in-depth visit to the islands, you’ll need to plan additional excursions.

This tour strikes a nice balance between simplicity and scenic beauty, making it a solid choice for a short Lake Maggiore experience.

FAQ

Does this tour include stops on the islands?
No, it’s a 30-minute sightseeing cruise with no stops. You’ll stay on board the boat for the entire duration.

Where do I meet for the cruise?
You need to exchange your voucher at the ticket counter in front of the ticket office at Piazza Marconi in Stresa. The boat departs from there.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The data doesn’t specify, but since it’s a short cruise without stops and no mention of age restrictions, it should be fine for most ages. Just keep in mind that large luggage isn’t allowed and safety rules apply.

What languages are available for the narration?
The captain speaks in English, Italian, and French.

How long does the entire experience take?
The cruise itself lasts 30 minutes; the total time includes check-in and boarding, so plan for about 45 minutes to an hour.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I bring?
Bring a camera to capture the stunning views. It’s also smart to wear weather-appropriate clothing since the tour runs rain or shine.

Is this tour expensive?
At $17 per person, it’s quite affordable for a scenic boat ride. It offers good value if all you want is a quick visual tour.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour proceeds rain or shine. However, in bad weather, the tour might be canceled or rescheduled, so check the weather forecast beforehand.

If you’re after a short, scenic, and straightforward way to see the Borromean Islands and the shoreline villas, this boat cruise could easily be one of the highlights of your time in Stresa. Just remember, it’s a brief glimpse—perfect for a quick break rather than an in-depth exploration.

You can check availability for your dates here: