Stresa is a charming lakeside town that acts as a hub for exploring Lake Maggiore’s stunning islands and scenic waters. Its combination of elegant villas, lush gardens, and breathtaking views makes it a perfect base for a variety of tours. We particularly enjoy the 3 Borromean Islands Boat Tour for its comprehensive experience of the region’s most iconic sights, including the famous Palazzo Borromeo on Isola Bella and the lush gardens of Isola Madre, all enjoyed from the comfort of a boat. Whether you prefer a leisurely hop-on hop-off experience or a more specialized cruise, Stresa offers options suited for different interests and budgets. Check out the Stresa: 3 Borromean Islands Boat Tour for an engaging day on the water.
Apart from island-hopping, other popular options include scenic cruises of the islands of light and private boat trips that showcase the lake’s beauty from a different perspective. For those interested in local culture, food, and wine, there’s even a wine and food tasting experience within walking distance from Lake Maggiore. With so many choices, you’re sure to find a tour that fits your style, whether that’s a quick sightseeing cruise or an in-depth exploration of the Borromean Islands.
Types of Tours in Stresa
The list below features a variety of boat tours, island visits, and specialized cruises tailored to different interests. If you’re into historic palaces, botanical gardens, or scenic light shows, there’s something here for you. For a rundown, visit all-inclusive island tickets or the simple hop-on hop-off options. Now, let’s explore each one in detail.
1. Stresa: 3 Borromean Islands Boat Tour
This full-day boat tour takes you to the three most famous islands in Lake Maggiore—the Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola Pescatori. The tour includes a “hop-on, hop-off” style experience, allowing you to explore each island at your own pace. Highlights include visiting Palazzo Borromeo on Isola Bella, wandering through its luxurious gardens, and strolling through the charming alleys of Isola Pescatori, a traditional fishing village. The botanical gardens of Isola Madre are also a highlight, offering an escape into lush greenery and exotic plants.
Rated 4.5/5 from 379 reviews, many travelers praise the quick, convenient boat transfers and the beautiful scenery. A few mention the importance of checking the schedule, as boats sometimes have different departure points or wait times. This tour costs just $17 per person and offers a relaxed way to enjoy Italy’s iconic lakeside scenery. Perfect for those with a day to spend exploring the islands’ rich sights, shops, and gardens.
Bottom Line: For a balanced mix of sightseeing and leisure, this tour provides excellent value—allowing you to customize your visit across stunning islands with minimal hassle.
2. Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Bella Hop-on Hop-off Boat
This hop-on, hop-off boat tour offers the flexibility to explore two of Lake Maggiore’s most picturesque islands at your own pace. Starting from Stresa, the tour stops at Isola dei Pescatori, a quaint fishing village with narrow streets and traditional restaurants, and Isola Bella, home to the famous Palazzo Borromeo and its stunning gardens. The tour is praised for its excellent value at just $14, with rotations every 30 minutes, giving you plenty of time to enjoy each island.
Travelers love the helpful staff and the relaxed itinerary, which avoids the crowds often found on larger ferries. A typical day involves lunch on a lakeside terrace and plenty of photo opportunities of the white peacocks that wander the gardens. This tour is ideal for visitors who want to enjoy the local atmosphere without rushing.
Bottom Line: A flexible, affordable option for island-hopping that balances scenic views with cultural charm. It’s great for travelers wanting a leisurely day on Lake Maggiore.
3. Stresa: Panoramic Cruise Islands of Light – Fishermen’s Island
For a special experience, this 40-minute scenic cruise offers a unique view of Isola dei Pescatori with an emphasis on its lights during the holiday season. Known as “Isole di Luce,” this cruise transforms a regular boat ride into a luminous spectacle, especially during special times of the year. The scenic cruise allows you to admire the islands from the water at a distance and capture stunning photos of the illuminated village against the night sky.
This tour is perfect for anyone looking to see Lake Maggiore in a different light—literally—and enjoy a short, memorable experience that adds a touch of magic to your visit. Rated 4.7/5 from 69 reviews, it’s an excellent choice for evening entertainment or a romantic outing.
Bottom Line: An ideal short cruise for those seeking a spectacular visual experience of Lake Maggiore’s islands, especially during seasonal light shows.
4. Stresa: Madre & Bella Borromean Islands Boat Trip
This comprehensive boat trip takes you to both Isola Madre, renowned for its botanical gardens and peacocks, and Isola Bella, famous for its palace and Italian terraces. The tour includes sailing on Lake Maggiore and the chance to visit the Borromean palace, enjoy garden walks, and shop in the boutiques. The gardens of Isola Madre are a particular highlight, with rare plants and the iconic white peacocks.
With an average rating of 4.4/5 based on 148 reviews, travelers appreciate the well-organized itinerary and the opportunity to see both islands in one day. The tour costs $15 per person, making it a good value for those wanting a balanced mix of cultural and natural sights.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want to see both Isola Madre and Isola Bella comfortably and enjoy their gardens and palaces at a leisurely pace.
5. Stresa: Isola Bella Hop-on Hop-off Boat Tour
For flexibility, this self-guided hop-on, hop-off tour allows you to explore Isola Bella at your own pace. Starting from Stresa, you can hop on a boat every 30 minutes to visit the famous Palazzo Borromeo, stroll through the gardens, or relax on the terraces. The ticket, costing just $9, is a budget-friendly way to enjoy the island’s top sights without a fixed schedule.
Travelers praise this tour for its affordability and the freedom it offers to create a customized day. It’s ideal if you want to combine island visits with time for shopping or relaxing.
Bottom Line: A very cheap, flexible way to visit Isola Bella on your own schedule—ideal for independent travelers and budget-conscious visitors.
6. All-inclusive ticket for Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori
This all-day, all-inclusive ticket offers round-trip boat transportation plus entrance fees for Palazzo Borromeo and gardens on Isola Bella. Departing every 30 minutes, it’s perfect for visitors who want a seamless, hassle-free experience. You get self-guided access to the palace, gardens, and shops on Isola Bella, along with a free visit to Fisherman’s Island.
Rated 4.7/5 from 24 reviews, travelers find this option excellent for convenience and value. The tour is especially suited for those interested in full access to the attractions without the hassle of separate bookings.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting a comprehensive, stress-free day with easy transport and entry included.
7. From Stresa: Isola Pescatori Hop-on Hop-off Boat Tour
This $10 hop-on, hop-off boat tour focuses on Isola Pescatori, allowing you to explore the fishing village at your own pace. It runs every 30 minutes and includes sailing around the Borromean Islands. It’s a simple, budget-friendly option for those wanting to see the local charm and enjoy fresh seafood in the village.
Rated 4.7/5, smiling reviews mention unlimited flexibility and authentic local experiences. It’s perfect for a relaxed afternoon or a quick visit to the island’s markets and restaurants.
Bottom Line: An affordable, flexible way to explore Isola Pescatori without a fixed schedule—great for independent travelers.
8. From Stresa: 2 Borromean Islands Hop-on Hop-off Boat Tour
This $14 ticket enables you to visit both Isola Madre and Isola Bella with self-guided freedom. The tour includes speedboat rides between islands, with rotations every 30 minutes. Highlights include enjoying garden views, palace visits, and botanical photography.
Rated 4.4/5, travelers appreciate the flexibility and beautiful scenery. It’s well-suited for those who want to see the gardens and palaces at their own pace, with enough time to enjoy each site.
Bottom Line: A good value for independent travelers who want control over their visit and scenic boat rides.
9. Stresa: Isola Madre and Isola Bella Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour
This combined ticket offers a full day exploring both islands at your own pace. It includes self-guided visits to the gardens of Isola Madre and the palace of Isola Bella. Rated 4.8/5 from only 9 reviews, it’s a small but highly favored experience among travelers who want flexibility and a comprehensive visit.
Priced at $15, it offers a relaxed itinerary perfect for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.
Bottom Line: A flexible, well-reviewed choice for those eager to explore both islands independently.
10. From Milan: Lugano & Lake Maggiore with Private Boat Cruise
This full-day adventure combines Lugano’s lakeside charm, a private boat cruise of Lake Maggiore, and visits to Santa Caterina del Sasso and the Borromean Islands. For around 11 hours, you enjoy guided tours, scenic vistas, and local culture. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a luxury experience with personalized attention.
Rated 4.7/5, guests praise the well-organized itinerary and beautiful views. The private boat adds a special touch, making it perfect for couples or families wanting a more exclusive day.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those wanting a luxury, all-in-one day trip to explore both Swiss and Italian lakesides.
How to Choose the Best Tour in Stresa
When choosing between these options, consider your budget, how much time you want to spend, and your interests. For a comprehensive experience of the Borromean Islands, the Stresa: 3 Borromean Islands Boat Tour offers a full, guided day. If you prefer independent exploration, the All-inclusive ticket for Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori or the Hop-on, hop-off options give you flexibility and control.
Those with limited time or seeking a quick scenic escape might enjoy the cruise of the islands of light or the boat cruise around the Borromean Gulf. For food and wine lovers, the local tasting experience provides a delicious introduction to regional flavors.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak season, to ensure availability and get the best times for your preferred experiences.
In summary, whether you’re after a full-day island tour, a romantic cruise, or a self-guided exploration, Stresa’s variety of tours guarantees a memorable visit. The key is to match your interests and pace with the right experience. For a mix of scenic beauty and cultural treasures, the Borromean Islands remain an unbeatable highlight—so don’t delay in booking that ticket.
