Stresa: passeio de barco hop-on hop-off em Isola Pescatori e Isola Bella

Very interesting tours of the 3 islands via boats, every half hour of island in island.

One of the potential joys of visiting Stresa is the opportunity to visit the Borromean Islands that lay just-off the coast here. There are two different operators providing ferry sailings. These services sail out of three ‘imbarcaderi’ (ferry terminals): Carciano (western Stresa), Piazzelle Lido (central Stresa), and Piazza Marconi (eastern Stresa). The lake is indeed blessed, with four offshore islands, three of which; ‘Isola Bella’ (Beautiful island), ‘Isola Pescatori’ (Fisherman’s island) and ‘Isola Madre’ (Mother island) can be reached within a few minutes sailing. The other island being ‘Scogli della Malgher’ (translates as ‘Malgher Rocks’). This latter islet is the archetypal desert-island, with no buildings or wharf, and no inhabitants. It has a length of 33mtrs and a width of 22mtrs (108 by 72ft). The ferry services between Carciano and Isola Pescatori sail very close to ‘Scogli della Malgher’ and you can get a pretty good view of the islet. The competition for passengers is fierce, and such competition makes for stable, and thus some attractive ticket prices. A single one-way ticket costs €2 - €4 depending on destination and operator. A round-trip ticket to visit all 3 islands is currently €16.90 for adults and €8.50 for children aged 4-12 years. The ticket allows you to travel from Stresa to all the islands and back; on the same day. There are also rover tickets (unlimited single day hop-on hop off) at €44 each for adults and €22 for children aged 4-12 years. There are also private boats that can be chartered, however these are expensive, but (unlike ferries) they also operate between dusk and dawn. Our trip today was from Scalo Traghetti Ferry Terminal to Isola Pescatori which was a direct sailing followed by a return sailing via both Isola Madre and Isola Bella. These were uneventful sailings, and the heave and sway on the ‘directional’ motions, and roll, pitch, and yaw on the ‘rotational’ motions was benign. We arrived safely on both the outbound and return sailings, finding the experience most satisfactory.

Terrible. We didn’t get to go. Purchased the tickets and thought we had until 6pm to go and enjoy. We arrive in Stresa at 4pm and head straight to the ferry. We had to ask other captains where to go. They said they are done for the day and only have until 5pm as they close the gates. These are non-refundable tickets too so be cautious of the false advertising. We are only in Stresa overnight before we head to Switzerland so disappointed we did not get to experience this.

Islands are great but the "promised" English speaking narration on the boats does not exist. No directions, highlights, things to see. Better to take the regular ferry and less expensive.

Very little help in advance about what we were required to do. A bit confusing on the process of hopping on and off. But, very interesting place to visit.

Stresa is a beautiful destination. Luxury hotels, beautiful architecture. Gardens adorn the city and the lakefront walk is wonderful. In Stresa you can take the boats bound for Isola Bella and Isola Pescatori. Both islands are worth visiting, and don’t miss the Castle on Isola Bella. It's of a unique beauty.

Stresa and the Borromeo Islands are beautiful. It's my second year summering here and we love it. We stayed at Isola Bella, a privilege. The views, the tranquility, the sound of the lake are amazing. The island is almost deserted after 7pm. Isola del Pescatori is authentic and vibrant. Full of lake exits through narrow alleys and restaurants of all kinds. Isola mother with her botanical garden and the palace and its gardens in Isola Bella. Other villages like Baveno are full of charm. The people are nice and hospitable. We love coming.

Pleasant and well organized experience, Friendly and clear staff in the Explanations. Maybe I would recommend a better location of the boat to take. Recommended

Assumes racism on the part of a staff member, totally inappropriate answer to my question as to why we had to pay more than the extra indicated on the site. It's hard to find the right pier. Captains of boats ranging from unpleasant to highly unpleasant.

Bad experience. Every request for information presented in a polite and kind way was treated with carelessness not to call it cowardice. A docker from Bari has more decency and culture than the world goes. Staff ruined a day that could have been wonderful for the side dish