Lago Maggiore is one of the easiest escapes from Milan. Just over an hour by train, genuinely different in pace, and worth doing at least once while you live here.

Getting There:

Take a train from Milano Centrale to Stresa. Direct, no changes needed.

Journey time is around 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes depending on the service. Tickets start from around €5 to €8 on Trenord regional trains, booked in advance via Trenitalia or the Trenord app. The station in Stresa is a 5 minute walk from the lakefront.

How Much Time Do You Need

A day trip is very doable. Leave Milan by 9:00, you're in Stresa by 10:15 at the latest.

If you want to visit all three Borromean Islands, aim to be at the ferry dock by 10:30 at the latest since the full island excursion takes around 5 to 6 hours.

An overnight stay makes it more relaxed, especially in summer.

The Borromean Islands

The main thing to do from Stresa is take the ferry to the Isole Borromee, three small islands in the middle of the lake.

Ferry ticket for all three islands: around €15 to €17 per person, hop-on hop-off, ferries every 30 minutes from 9:00 to 18:00.

The three islands:

• Isola Madre: the largest, botanical gardens, peacocks roaming freely, quieter atmosphere. Entrance to the gardens and palace around €17.

• Isola dei Pescatori: no admission fee, small fishing village, good spot for lunch. The most authentic of the three.

• Isola Bella: a baroque palace and terraced gardens, the most visited. Entrance around €23, or €36.50 combined with Isola Madre.

You don't have to pay to enter all of them. The ferry gets you there and entrance to gardens and palaces is separate and optional.

A Simple Route for One Day:

• 8:30: Train from Milano Centrale

• 10:00: Arrive Stresa, coffee at the waterfront

• 10:30: Ferry to Isola Madre (start here, less crowded in the morning)

• 12:30: Ferry to Isola dei Pescatori, lunch at one of the small restaurants

• 14:30: Ferry to Isola Bella, walk around

• 16:30: Back in Stresa, walk the lungolago

• 18:00 or later: Train back to Milan

Rough Budget for the Day

• Train return: €10 to €16

• Ferry all three islands: €15 to €17

• Lunch on Isola dei Pescatori: €15 to €25

• Garden/palace entry (optional): €17 to €36 depending on islands

Total for a solid day without palace entry: around €45 to €60 per person.

When to Go

The islands are open from mid-March to early November. Spring (April and May) is the best time since the gardens are in full bloom and crowds are manageable. Summer gets busy, especially on weekends. September is a good alternative.

Avoid going on a rainy day as the ferries can be cancelled in bad weather.