Visit The Scenic Town Of Monte Isola

Monte Isola is a town and commune in Brescia, Lombardy. However, it is a little bit different to a lot of towns in Italy and a little more special as it is an island on Lake Iseo. In fact, it is actually the largest lake island in Europe. The town and its setting are both beautiful and this area is less swamped by tourist crowds than many of the other lake districts in Italy. Little known outside Italy, it’s smaller than the likes of Lake Como but is quieter and more charming. If you’re looking for a holiday full of lakeside pursuits, water sports, beautiful surroundings and the chance to get well and truly away from it all, then Monte Isola is the place for you! Just find a holiday rental in Lombardy and spend some time exploring this hidden gem of a town.

From the lakeside towns of Sale Marasino or Iseo, you can take a short ferry ride to Monte Isola. Once you step foot on the island, you’ll feel as though you’ve gone back in time. Only three kilometres in length, with just 2,000 residents and untouched by mass tourism, this remote island has a quiet calm. Another unique feature that makes it seem like a whole different world or era is the fact that there are no cars. Only the priest, doctor and mayor are permitted to own cars and the only vehicles allowed on the island are a public bus, motorbikes belonging to residents and bicycles. As you walk along the cobbled waterside paths and take in the views and charming buildings, it is hard not to feel completely at ease and as though you’ve truly escaped from the madness of modernity.

Peschiera Maraglio, an old village of fishermen and craftsmen, is where you’ll arrive on the island and it’s a fantastic place to start, as well. This village is very characteristic with the 17th-century church of St. Michael and its ancient lanes, which climb steeply up towards the mountain. Stop here to admire the handwoven nets draped from the buildings and make time to grab a bite to eat or coffee in one of the peaceful little local cafes. Other highlights of the island include Sensole and its olive groves, the 15th-century Rocca Oldofredi castle, Sinchignano’s 17th -century church of St.Charles, the recently restored 16th-century Villa Ferrata and the Madonna della Ceriola Sanctuary with its painting of the Madonna and 16th-century frescoes, such as the “Ecce Homo”. The sanctuary offers a panoramic view from the top of the island over the whole of Lake Iseo and is the perfect place to end your day by taking in the setting sun across the lake.

If you’re planning on holidaying in Lombardy, you’ll find nowhere else quite as perfect or peaceful as this extraordinary little island.