Lake Maggiore in Autumn & Winter: Complete Guide to the Borromean Islands (Open & Closed)
As autumn casts its golden hues over Lake Maggiore, the landscape transforms into a breathtaking tapestry of colors, inviting travelers to explore its serene beauty. While the summer crowds dissipate, the allure of the lake remains, with its charming islands beckoning adventurers and dreamers alike.
Can you truly experience the magic of these islands in the fall?
Join us on a journey through the crisp air and vibrant foliage as we uncover the secrets of Lake Maggiore in autumn, where every moment promises a touch of enchantment and tranquility. 🍂
Video: VIDEO: OPEN or CLOSED? Lake Maggiore Autumn/Winter Islands Tour Guide
Join us on a breathtaking journey through Lake Maggiore in autumn! 🍂 Discover the stunning landscapes, vibrant foliage, and tranquil waters that make this season a magical time to visit. Can you explore the enchanting islands during the fall?
Absolutely! In this video, we’ll guide you through the best spots to enjoy the serene beauty of the islands, share insider tips for a perfect autumn getaway, and reveal hidden gems that come alive in this picturesque season. Whether you’re an avid traveler or planning your next adventure, get ready to be inspired by the charm of Lake Maggiore in the fall! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for more travel inspiration!
Watch the following video directly here or on YouTube at the link: https://youtu.be/tNFujCBCJaA. If you are reading this article from your smartphone, scroll to the bottom of the page and exit the mobile mode to view it directly on this page.
Table of Contents for Lake Maggiore, Borromean Islands in Autumn
Text of the video
Experience the beauty of this tour in every season. The boat service operates year-round, allowing for accessibility to Isola Pescatori throughout the year. Even during the winter, the low season, the restaurants remain open. The Beautiful Island welcomes visitors in every season and month. The only exception is the palace and gardens, which are open from spring to the beginning of autumn. As highlighted in the video, a visit to the palace and gardens of the Beautiful Island is highly recommended, but fret not if you can’t visit it because the tour itself is consistently beautiful and awe-inspiring.
Isola Madre Lake Maggiore
Among the Borromean Islands, Isola Madre is a captivating destination during the autumn season. This stunning island boasts picturesque gardens and a magnificent villa that are open for visitors. Isola Madre can only be visited when the gardens and the villa are accessible, usually following the same schedule as Palazzo dell’Isola Bella. Therefore, it is possible to explore Isola Madre during the autumn, but only in the first half of the season when the Borromean gardens and villa are still open.
Do you want to discover the beauty of the Isola Madre (Mother Island) by watching the video of its amazing gardens? Go to the following article:
Lake Maggiore in Autumn: Why You MUST Visit the Borromean Islands Despite the Closures (A Personal Guide)
To truly understand the unique magic of the Borromean Islands in the low season, you have to be there. Below is my personal photograph, taken in late October 2025 from Isola Pescatori (The Fishermen’s Island), looking across the water at Isola Bella. It perfectly captures the stunning architecture of the Borromeo Palace set against the backdrop of the hills, with the trees beginning to show their rich autumn colours. This view is a classic highlight of the year-round boat tour, proving that the scenery remains beautiful long after the summer crowds have left.
The Real Magic of Lake Maggiore: Why Autumn is the Best-Kept Secret
Lake Maggiore is, quite simply, a magical and beautiful place—one of the most charming lake areas in Italy, if not the world. While the gardens on the Borromean Islands are certainly lush in the spring (perhaps the peak moment!) and summer offers endless daylight, I promise you this tour is worth taking in every season.
Personally, it’s a trip I never tire of doing, and I confidently bring friends and visitors who are always fascinated.
The Unmissable Advantages of the Low Season
When the summer crowds disappear, autumn and winter reveal the true treasures of Lake Maggiore. The feeling is one of peace and authentic discovery.
Here are the reasons why the low season is often superior:
- Tranquility and Exploration: In the low season, there are far fewer people. This allows you to explore Isola Pescatori in genuine quietness, savoring the stillness and inspiring you to explore every alley.
- The Gastronomic Experience: The cooler autumn air awakens the appetite for excellent local cuisine. Isola Pescatori, which remains open all year, is the perfect spot to enjoy the unique blend of mountain and lake food, featuring lake fish specialties, meats, pasta, and more.
- The Double Light Show: Because the sun sets earlier, you get to witness a spectacular light show. On mild, clear days, the autumn foliage is beautifully illuminated. But as the evening falls, the islands begin to light up, creating a romantic and unique contrast between the dark water and the village lights.
⚠️ Crucial Practical Note: Light and Shadow
One critical factor to consider in the autumn and winter is the light. Due to the mountains casting shadows over the lake in the late afternoon, you should not plan your visit too late in the day.
- Shadows Fall Fast: Depending on the month, shadows can cover the islands as early as 3:00 PM.
- Best Time to Visit: To fully enjoy the warm colors and sunshine, it’s best to start your tour in the morning or by mid-day.
The Autumn Colors: A Bonus, Not the Rule
It’s fair to point out that if you visit the islands only for the spectacular autumn colors, you might occasionally be disappointed. Climate change has made colors unpredictable; for instance, 2023’s colors were less striking than the fantastic display seen on the Verbania Pallanza waterfront in 2024.
For a visual example of the fantastic foliage the region can offer, check out our video showcasing the colors along the Verbania Pallanza waterfront: https://youtu.be/WEbsEzaGp_U.
The true magic, however, is the experience itself: the panoramic boat trip, the unique beauty of the islands, and the prevailing sense of tranquility. This is the heart of why Lake Maggiore is simply one of the top lake destinations in the world.
The Borromean Islands Status: Open vs. Closed Visual Guide
This is the visual answer to the most common low-season question. While the scenic boat ride is open year-round, you must know which islands are accessible. To simplify your planning, we’ve created this Borromean Islands Status Map that instantly shows you the current seasonal status of each key attraction on Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola Pescatori during the autumn and winter months.
ℹ️ Essential Closures Information
For your planning, here are the key facts regarding the seasonal status:
- Isola Pescatori: OPEN Year-Round! Boat services run, and many restaurants remain open even in the winter low season.
- Isola Bella and Isola Madre: The Palaces and Gardens operate seasonally and CLOSE as winter approaches (typically around the first week of November). Visits are only possible in the first half of the autumn season while they are still accessible.
Isola Pescatori: The Year-Round Heart of the Borromean Islands
While the palaces and gardens on Isola Bella and Isola Madre operate seasonally, Isola Pescatori (The Fishermen’s Island) is the essential, all-season heart of the tour, remaining OPEN Year-Round! The ferry service ensures easy access in every season—summer, spring, autumn, and winter.
You should expect the island to be busier during mild weather weekends when the Palaces are still open. However, after the main attractions close, you can experience a profound sense of tranquility and authentic discovery. This peaceful atmosphere allows you to genuinely explore every corner of the island.
Although small, Isola Pescatori is perfect for a relaxing walk all the way around its lakefront. Don’t miss the narrow, charming, and characteristic central street! This low season visit also unlocks the Gastronomic Experience ; many restaurants bravely stay open, allowing you to savor local lake and mountain cuisine without the summer crowds.
Best of all, Isola Pescatori is home to the ultimate photo opportunity. It hosts the most “Instagrammable” spot on the lake: the perfect vantage point overlooking Isola Bella. I have visited for years, and I always take a picture here; the view never gets old! From this spot, you can watch the boats moving across the tranquil waters between the islands, adding to the picturesque scene. This view alone proves the true magic of the Borromean Islands.
What is the most Instagrammable spot to take a picture of Isola Bella without visiting the island?
The most picturesque and “Instagrammable” spot for capturing Isola Bella is found on the nearby Isola Pescatori, which is open year-round. From the waterfront here, you get the perfect, full-frame view of the magnificent Borromeo Palace and its island, often enhanced by the autumn foliage. This strategic vantage point allows you to get a highly shared, beautiful picture of Isola Bella without needing to access its seasonal attractions or pay the admission fee.
Video Proof: The Stunning Ferry Boat Arrival at Isola Pescatori
If you want a full, dynamic view of the low-season experience, check out our video on Isola Pescatori. The best part is the arrival by ferry boat: as you approach, you witness the magnificent view of the long, narrow island, with its characteristic houses facing the water. This view alone is often cited as the most beautiful moment of the tour. The video then offers a stunning visual walkthrough of the island’s interior, showing the central street and the atmosphere created by the colorful autumn leaves. This level of visual detail proves that the island is beautiful, quiet, and absolutely worth the visit, especially when the other attractions are closed.
Watch the full arrival and walkthrough here: https://youtu.be/wAN-n8KP9vA
Do you want to know more about this picturesque island? Don’t miss the following article:
1 Affordable Picturesque Fisherman Island Lake Maggiore Italy
🎣 Insider Tip: Securing the Best Lake Maggiore Dining Experience
When planning your low-season meal on Isola Pescatori, remember that while many restaurants bravely stay open through the autumn and winter, not all do.
To guarantee a place and ensure you get a memorable experience—especially a good, panoramic table—it is always best practice to check on Google for the restaurant’s number and call in advance to confirm their opening hours.
A quick call a day or two before is all you need; usually, no pre-payment is required, but a reservation is a guarantee. This is especially true on popular holidays when even the best available restaurants fill up quickly.
As a starting point, La Pescheria is one local favorite that typically remains open during the fall and winter months. We advise you to check their status and secure your table well before your visit!
Practical Guide to Lake Maggiore Ferry Boat Stops and Routes
The scenic boat ride is an absolute highlight of the Borromean Islands tour, and thankfully, the ferry service remains active year-round. To help you plan your travel time and ensure you maximize your day, we’ve created this easy-to-read Ferry Boat Stops Map. This map highlights the essential stops and the core route taken by the public boats, ensuring you know exactly where to embark and disembark during the lower season months.
📅 Isola Bella & Isola Madre Opening Hours: Don’t Get Caught by the Closures!
While Isola Pescatori remains open year-round, the major attractions on Isola Bella and Isola Madre—the Palaces and Gardens—operate seasonally.
It is crucial to check the official schedule, as closing dates can vary slightly from year to year (usually occurring around the first Sunday of November). The opening hours for Isola Madre generally follow the same seasonal schedule as Isola Bella.
We highly recommend checking the official source directly before planning your low-season trip:
→ Check Official Opening and Closing Dates for Isola Bella & Isola Madre Palaces and Gardens Here: https://terreborromeo.it/en/isola-bella/hours-prices.
Is Isola Bella still worth visiting in late autumn, even if the Palace and Gardens are closed?
Absolutely. While the Borromeo Palace and Gardens operate seasonally and typically close around the beginning of November, the boat tour around the island runs year-round. As this close-up photograph (taken in late October 2025) demonstrates, the architecture of the Palace and the dramatic scenery, especially with the changing autumn foliage, are still magnificent and provide a fantastic visual experience from the lake.
Are you fascinated by the magnificence of the Isola Bella? Do you want to give a closer look? Don’t miss the opportunity to explore more about this island ,reading the following post where you can also find more pictures and videos:
Unveiling the Enchanting Beauty of Stresa’s Isola Bella in Lago Maggiore Italy
🧥 What to Wear: Essential Packing for the Autumn/Winter Tour
The key to enjoying the Lake Maggiore islands tour in the low season is layering, as the weather can change quickly and your time on the ferry is exposed.
Autumn (September to Early November):
Autumn often brings beautiful, sunny days, meaning you might not need heavy clothing. However, the temperature difference between sun and shade, or while you’re moving on the water, can be significant.
- Mid-Layers: A long-sleeved shirt is usually enough.
- The Wind Factor: Always pack a windproof jacket (giacca a vento) and a scarf. Even if it’s warm on the island, the wind chill on the ferry can be very strong.
- Twilight Cooling: The temperature drops significantly as soon as the sun goes down, making a jacket necessary.
Winter (Late November to March):
Winter is decidedly colder, given the lake’s proximity to the mountains, which often have snowy peaks.
- Core Clothing: A warm sweater and a heavier jacket are necessary.
- Head Protection: A hat or a jacket with a hood is strongly advised.
Ferry Boat Rule: Stay Outside!
A major benefit of dressing warmly is that it allows you to stay on the outside deck of the ferry. While the ferries have indoor seating, staying outside is essential to fully appreciate the stunning scenery and the views of the lake. If you stay inside, you will miss much of the overall beauty and experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Visiting Lake Maggiore in Autumn/Winter
Do restaurants stay open on Isola Pescatori during the winter low season?
Yes! One of the biggest advantages of visiting in the low season is that many of the restaurants on Isola Pescatori remain open year-round. This allows you to truly savor the local lake and mountain cuisine without the summer crowds, often offering a more intimate dining experience.
Does the ferry boat service run all year, even in winter?
Yes, the public ferry boat service (battello) operates year-round on Lake Maggiore. While the schedule is reduced compared to the summer months, you can still easily access Isola Pescatori and the mainland stops (like Stresa and Baveno) throughout the autumn and winter.
What time should I plan to visit the islands in autumn to avoid the shadows?
We strongly recommend visiting in the morning or early afternoon. Due to the mountains surrounding the lake, shadows can start falling over the islands as early as 3:00 PM (depending on the month), significantly reducing the amount of direct sunshine and obscuring the autumn colors.
Is Isola Madre open in autumn?
Isola Madre is generally open only during the first half of the autumn season. Its famous palace and gardens typically follow the same schedule as Isola Bella, meaning they close around the beginning of November (always check the official site for the final closing date).
Are the autumn foliage colors guaranteed on Lake Maggiore?
No, the intensity of the autumn colors is not guaranteed every year and varies significantly due to climate change. While the region often provides stunning colors, the true magic of a low-season visit lies more in the tranquility, the atmosphere, and the quality of the food, rather than just the foliage.
Do restaurants stay open on Isola Pescatori during the winter low season?
Yes, there are restaurants on Isola Pescatori that remain open year-round. This is a major advantage of visiting in the low season! It allows you to truly savor the local lake and mountain cuisine without the summer crowds, often providing a more intimate and authentic dining experience.
Embark on the Best boat tour for everybody
Do you want to know more about this tour? Go to the following post: Embark on the Best boat tour for everybody at the Most Beautiful Lake in Italy
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Featured image for the article: Lake Maggiore in autumn: Can I visit the Borromean Islands also in the fall season🍂?
