Nestled on Lake Maggiore, Isola Madre is a lush oasis perfect for a family adventure. With its enchanting gardens, exotic birds, and historic villa, this Borromean Island offers a beautiful escape for visitors. We spent a delightful afternoon exploring its winding paths, marveling at rare plants, and soaking up the peaceful atmosphere. Plan for 2-3 hours for your visit.
Brief History of Isola Madre
Isola Madre is the largest of the Borromean Islands and has been owned by the Borromeo family since the 16th century. Originally used for citrus orchards and vineyards, the island gradually transformed into a botanical paradise and aristocratic retreat. The Borromeos built the current villa in the 16th century, and over time, the gardens were expanded to include rare and exotic plants from around the world, making Isola Madre a unique blend of history and horticulture.
Exploring the Gardens
Our favorite part of the visit was wandering the gardens, which are famous for their wide, meandering paths and well-placed signage to help you explore. Every turn offered new views of the lake, fascinating plants, and majestic old trees. We were especially intrigued by the story of the ancient rare Kashmir cypress tree, which was uprooted during a fierce storm but saved by a team of experts. We also enjoyed the lily pond, a tranquil spot with giant leaves and colorful blooms. Families should note that while the gardens are beautiful, there are quite a few stairs, making it less suitable for strollers.
Meeting the Island’s Birds
Isola Madre is also known for its birds, a tradition dating back centuries when exotic species were introduced to the island’s aviaries. Today, you can spot several species, especially near the island’s center. Our children were thrilled to see both a stunning white peacock and the more traditional blue-green peacock. The aviary was a highlight, filled with colorful parrots and other birds.
Touring the Historic Villa
After exploring the gardens, we toured the villa itself. The visit starts upstairs, where you can peek into beautifully furnished apartments, bedrooms, and drawing rooms. One surprise was the marionette theater, with an impressive collection of puppets used for performances over the years. Downstairs, we admired the elegant library and dining room, both adorned with dazzling glass chandeliers that added a touch of grandeur to the experience.
Relaxing and Refreshments
Next to the lily pond and close to the villa, we found a small café with a shaded terrace—perfect for a relaxing break. There’s also a bookstore and many shaded benches and picnic tables scattered throughout the gardens, ideal for a family picnic. When it was time to leave, we simply followed the stairs back down to the entrance and the ferry dock.
Getting There
Isola Madre is accessible only by boat. We took the ferry from Baveno, where there’s a convenient pay parking lot right next to the ticket station. Ferries also depart from other towns around the lake, and you can check schedules online. Tickets for the gardens and villa are available both on the island and online. We visited on a Thursday and found it pleasantly uncrowded, but it’s wise to check ticket availability in advance, especially during peak times, as numbers are limited.
Other Things to Do Nearby
If you have more time, consider visiting Isola Bella, another Borromean Island with its own spectacular palace and gardens—combo tickets are available at a discount. The nearby town of Stresa is also worth a visit, with its lakeside promenade, playground, beach, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants and shops. For a quieter lunch, drive about ten minutes to Vistqua, a charming restaurant overlooking the lake. For more information on these things to do nearby, click here.
Isola Madre is a wonderful destination for families looking to combine nature, history, and a bit of adventure. With its breathtaking gardens, fascinating wildlife, and grand villa, it’s a place where both kids and adults can explore, learn, and relax together.