Monte Isola

Monte Isola is a picturesque island in Lake Iseo, Lombardy.

Understand
Monte Isola is the highest European lake island and the largest Italian one.

Monte Isola has a population of approximately 1800 people spread over eleven villages and hamlets. There are several churches built between the 15th and the 17th century with frescoes, statues, altars in vernacular art.

On the island there are many small villages:
 * Siviano &mdash; the main village where there is the townhall;
 * Peschiera Maraglio &mdash; the most touristic village, by the lake side;
 * Carzano &mdash; by the lake side, every 5 years the village is decorated with thousands of paper flowers.

By boat
The only way to reach Monte Isola is using a ferry boat.

Navigazione Lago d'Iseo&apos;s routes link almost all Lake Iseo's towns (the main one is Iseo) with Monte Isola's harbours: Peschiera Maraglio, the main one, Sensole, Carzano and Siviano Porto.

A non-stop service Sulzano-Peschiera Maraglio and Sale Marasino-Carzano is also available. During the night the frequency of ferry boats is lower.

By plane
The nearest airport is:

Other airports in the surrounding area are:
 * Milan-Malpensa: Milan main airport with intercontinental destinations;
 * Milan-Linate: Milan city airport with domestic and European flights;
 * Brescia-Montichiari: Very small airport used only for cargo;
 * Verona-Villa Franca;

Get around
Driving restrictions are enforced, with mopeds and bicycles only allowed on the island. An extensive grid of dedicated bike lanes and hiking trails span all over the island, reaching the peaceful fishing villages with lakeside cafés and the Madonna della Ceriola chapel, nested near the summit of the island. A circular trail of almost 15 km (9 mi) allows a complete tour of Monte Isola.

Tourists can also take a public bus (timetables ).

See


All the villages on the island have got a church, some of them are very particular, others are very small or closed to the public.

Eat
Between Sensole and Peschiera Maraglio and in Carzano there are many restaurants. In those restaurant you can eat dealicuos dishes made with fresh water fishes.

An other traditional product is "Salame di Monte Isola", a salami.

Go next

 * Iseo &mdash; This picture-perfect Italian town, sandwiched between the imposing Rhaetian Alps and crystal-blue waters of Lake Iseo, boasts an extraordinarily well-preserved medieval castle.