Scheduled ferry from Stresa or private boat tour from Laveno? Departure points, prices, admission and tips for a relaxed visit to Isola Bella.
Isola Bella ferry
The easiest way to reach Isola Bella is by boat – there is no road link to the famous island in Lake Maggiore. The main departure point for the ferries is Stresa, more precisely Piazza Marconi on the lakeshore. From there, public scheduled boats leave at regular intervals during the day. The crossing from Stresa to Isola Bella takes 12 minutes, and ferries run every 30 minutes from Stresa to the islands. Other departure points are Baveno, Pallanza and Intra; from Laveno-Mombello scheduled boats only go with a change.
The island season runs from March to November. The 2026 season starts on 12 March and ends on 8 November – a similar period can be expected for 2027. The islands are closed from November to March, so it pays to plan early.
Besides the classic scheduled ferry, there is an alternative that is winning over more and more travellers: a private boat tour with Striga Constanze to Isola Bella and the other Borromean Islands. Instead of waiting in the crush at the landing stage, you step aboard a traditional gaff cutter – exclusively for your group.
The difference at a glance:
Anyone who has stood on the pier in Stresa in July or August knows the scene: long queues, overcrowded boats and hardly any room for photos with a view of the palazzo. In summer, temperatures are between 28 and 34°C – and patience at the ferry landing melts faster than gelato in the midday sun.
Striga Constanze is not a scheduled ferry service. It is a private gaff cutter with skipper that still takes you to Isola Bella – but without the crush, without rigid departures every 30 minutes and without feeling like part of a mass operation. On board are only your companions – up to 8 guests at a fixed price, up to 12 on request.
The transformation is tangible: instead of pushing through narrow lanes to the next shuttle, you glide across Lake Maggiore under red gaff sails. The skipper tells you about the history of the Palazzo Borromeo, shows you hidden bays and adapts the route to your wishes. The experience doesn't begin on the island – it begins on the water.
Matching tours
Bestseller€490
Private tour
Proposal€490
Private tour
Beginners€490
+ €20 p. p.Private tourThe ferry to Isola Bella does its job: it gets you from A to B. But if you are looking for more than transport – if you want your visit to the Borromean Islands to be an unforgettable part of your holiday – you should consider a private boat tour.
Key advantages of a private trip over the scheduled ferry
No crowds, no queues at the landing stage. On board are only the members of your group, not 80 strangers.
Isola Bella can be combined with Isola Madre, Isola dei Pescatori or Santa Caterina del Sasso. You decide which islands you see.
Departure and time spent on the islands by arrangement, instead of rigid ferry times. No checking the clock because the next boat leaves in 30 minutes.
The skipper shares background on the palaces, the islands' history and sights along the shore. No audio guide, but real conversation.
A traditional gaff cutter with red sails instead of an anonymous motorboat shuttle. The Striga Constanze is a faithful replica of a Northern European working boat, built in 1979 by Baumgartner, 9.20 m hull length plus 3 m bowsprit.
3, 4 or 7 hours at a fixed price incl. skipper. No per-person ticket pricing, no hidden landing-fee surcharges.
Public ferry
There are two basic ways to Isola Bella: the public ferry run by Navigazione Laghi or a private boat tour. Both have their merits – the right choice depends on what you expect from your day on Lake Maggiore.
Public ferry to Isola Bella: the basics
Most visitors start from Stresa, more precisely from Piazza Marconi right on the lakeshore. The town is easy to reach: the train from Milan to Stresa takes about 60 minutes, and it's around a 10-minute walk from the station to the pier. Parking is possible near the harbour but limited in high season – look for a space early.
The ferries to Isola Bella on Lake Maggiore run regularly. In peak season boats leave about every 20 to 30 minutes, first departure around 9:00, last return in the early evening (times vary according to the 2027 timetable – check current timetables at navigazionelaghi.it, overview in our timetable article).
Tickets for the public ferries are available at the ferry company's counters at the harbour or online. A Ferry Day Pass costs €16.90 per person for all islands. Important: admission to the palazzo and gardens on Isola Bella is not included in the ferry fare. Admission to Isola Bella is €27 (palazzo + gardens), the Isola Madre ticket costs €23, and a combo ticket for Isola Bella and Madre is available for €40. Isola dei Pescatori has no admission charge. In addition, there is a landing fee of €0.50 per island and person aged 6 and over.
Private trip
We depart from our home port of Laveno-Mombello on the east shore of Lake Maggiore. Other departure points such as Brebbia, Feriolo, Cannero or Cannobio are possible on request.
Isola Bella is usually part of a larger Borromean Islands tour – not just a simple crossing. There are three options:
The 2026 season has ended. Sailing resumes from 1 March 2027 – early booking is recommended, especially for weekends in peak season. The route to Isola Bella typically runs along the west coast with views of Stresa, the lakeside promenade and the mountain range in the background.
Traditional gaff cutter, red sails, just your group. 3, 4 or 7 hours.
from €490
for up to 8 guests at a fixed price, up to 12 on request
In 3 steps
No complicated booking process, no shopping cart, no automatic charge. Three simple steps – from enquiry to casting off.
Use the contact form or write directly via WhatsApp to +39 333 3802 383. You can also reach us by email at info@striga-constanze.com. You'll usually get a reply within 24 hours, and every enquiry is without obligation.
Helpful information for your message: preferred date in 2027, preferred time, number of participants and whether Isola Bella should definitely be on the programme.
The skipper makes suggestions that suit your group: Isola Bella combined with Isola Madre for plant lovers, Isola Bella plus Isola dei Pescatori for lunch in the restaurants of the small fishermen's island, or a coastal tour with a photo stop at Santa Caterina del Sasso.
Time on Isola Bella can be 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the tour chosen. Other options: a restaurant stop on Isola dei Pescatori, a swim stop in a quiet bay or a romantic aperitivo on board at sunset.
At the agreed harbour you step aboard and receive a short safety briefing. Then you're off – across the lake with views of Stresa, the Borromean Islands and the Alpine range in the background.
On Isola Bella you explore the Palazzo Borromeo and the terraced gardens on your own, while the boat waits or makes trips to other islands. The return is at your own pace – on evening tours with a sunset over Lake Maggiore to finish.
Many boats go to Isola Bella. Motorboats, scheduled ferries, private shuttle services. But few offer such a personal setting as a trip on a traditional gaff cutter.
Our special features at a glance
9.20 m hull length, red gaff sails with 55.7 m² of sail area, a replica of a Northern European working boat, built in 1979 by Baumgartner. The sound of wind and water instead of engine noise. More about the boat.
Up to 8 guests at a fixed price, up to 12 on request. Ideal for families, couples or groups of friends who want to enjoy their visit to Isola Bella without strangers.
From romance and weddings to family trips, meditation or the exit game "The Treasure of the Mazzarditi" – all can be combined with a stop at Isola Bella.
Free rebooking in bad weather. So your day on Isola Bella stays truly unforgettable instead of suffering under grey skies and rain.
Most viewed
Bestseller€490
Private tourBestseller€490
Private tour
Photoshoot€490
Private tourResults speak louder than promises – especially for experiences on the water.
"The trip to Isola Bella was the highlight of our holiday. While the tourist boats passed us fully packed, we had the boat to ourselves. The skipper told us stories about the Palazzo Borromeo that aren't in any guidebook."
"With three children on board we had room to move, could swim in the lake and then landed on Isola Bella completely relaxed. On the scheduled ferry that would have been stressful."
"We booked the 7-hour tour and visited three islands. Isola Bella was breathtaking, but the swim stop in a hidden bay was the moment everyone loved most."
Other providers
Striga Constanze
Mass experience
just your group
Engine noise
sound of wind and water
To-do-list holiday
holiday at your own pace
The Isola Bella tour is most often booked by couples, families with children and small groups of friends. Companies and small teams also use the trip as part of a team-building day.
Not everyone needs the same boat. The right choice depends on budget, group size and the experience you want.
Typical travellers and suitable options
For a cheap, quick trip the scheduled ferry from Stresa is ideal. Crossing ticket plus admission to the palazzo: under €50 per person in total. Near Piazza Marconi there are hotels and restaurants for a day's stay.
A private sunset tour with a stop at Isola Bella, a view of Stresa's illuminated promenade and an aperitivo on board. More of an experience than any ferry can offer.
The advantage of a private tour: room to move on board, flexible breaks, child-friendly explanations from the skipper. Optionally with a pirate or treasure theme – the exit game "The Treasure of the Mazzarditi" turns the island visit into an adventure.
Music on board at moderate volume, a swim stop in the lake and time for photos in front of the Palazzo Borromeo on Isola Bella. Something standard GetYourGuide tours don't offer in this way.
The Isola Bella trip as part of a team-building day or incentive programme. Activities on board combined with culture on the island.
A direct comparison helps with budget planning. The differences lie not only in price but above all in the scope of the experience.
Public ferry prices (guide values)
For a family with two adults and two children, ferry tickets and admission quickly add up to over €120, not including food in the island restaurants.
Prices for private Isola Bella tours with Striga Constanze
All prices are fixed prices per tour for the whole private group, including skipper, boat and exclusive use. Up to 8 guests at a fixed price, up to 12 guests on request. For a group of 6, the 3-hour tour therefore costs less than €82 per person – including private skipper and flexible route.
Optional extras: €20 per person for the exit game "The Treasure of the Mazzarditi" or for a guided meditation on board.
No-obligation enquiry, reply within 24 hours. Weekends in the 2027 season go fast.
Here you'll find answers to the most common questions – about the public ferry as well as specifically about tours with Striga Constanze.
Next step
Isola Bella is famous for its baroque palace and terraced gardens – construction of the Palazzo Borromeo began in 1632, and the 10 terraced garden levels rise 37 metres above Lake Maggiore in Italian baroque style. This island deserves more than a hectic crossing on an overcrowded scheduled boat.
What a private tour with Striga Constanze offers you:
The 2027 season starts on 1 March. Capacity is limited – popular dates go quickly, especially at weekends and in peak season. Secure your preferred date now with a no-obligation enquiry – via the contact form or WhatsApp to +39 333 3802 383.
No long-term commitment. No hidden fees. Just an unforgettable day on Lake Maggiore.
Skipper of the Striga Constanze
Ciao! Questions about the route, departure harbour or date? Just message me – I reply personally.
