Italy's Hidden Jewels: A Journey Through Its Enchanting Lake Islands (Beyond Maggiore)

Italy's famed lake districts—Garda, Como, and Iseo—are synonymous with glamour, history, and breathtaking alpine scenery. While Lake Maggiore’s Borromean Islands rightly claim fame, the other Italian lakes guard their own insular treasures, each offering a unique and often less-crowded experience. To explore these islands is to step into a world where time slows down, nature dictates the rhythm, and history is woven into the very fabric of the landscape. This is a guide to the most captivating lake islands beyond Maggiore, promising adventures that are as diverse as they are unforgettable.

Lake Garda: The Lush and The Legendary

As Italy's largest lake, Garda boasts a dramatic personality, shifting from Mediterranean palms in the south to rugged alpine cliffs in the north. Its islands are microcosms of this stunning diversity.

1. Isola del Garda: The Venetian Fantasy

Just off the coast of San Felice del Benaco, Isola del Garda is the lake's largest island and arguably its most spectacular. Its history is a rich tapestry: a retreat for Franciscan monks, a haven for poets, and finally, the private residence of the noble Borghese Cavazza family, who still call it home.

Visitors arriving by boat are greeted by a vision straight out of a Venetian dream: a magnificent Neo-Gothic palace that seems to rise directly from the water. Designed by architect Luigi Rovelli in the early 20th century, the palazzo is an eclectic masterpiece of pointed arches, loggias, and crenellations. The true magic, however, lies in its surrounding gardens. Meticulously landscaped terraces descend to the lake, featuring Italianate hedges, vibrant flowerbeds, ancient cypress trees, and hidden pathways that lead to serene viewpoints. Guided tours of the palace and gardens are available, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of aristocratic elegance and artistic passion. The island is not a public park but a cherished private home, making a visit feel like a privileged invitation.

2. Isola dei Conigli (Rabbit Island) & Isola di San Biagio

For a completely different experience, head to the southern end of the lake near Manerba del Garda. Here, you’ll find two tiny, neighbouring islets.

• Isola di San Biagio: Often called "Isola dei Conigli" (Rabbit Island) interchangeably with its smaller sibling, San Biagio is larger and more accessible. In summer, a narrow sandbar emerges, allowing visitors to wade or walk across from the mainland. Covered in lush vegetation with a small, deconsecrated church, it is the quintessential spot for a picnic. Families spread out blankets under ancient trees, swimmers dive into the crystal-clear waters, and the atmosphere is one of pure, unpretentious relaxation. It’s a public park and a beloved local retreat.

• The True Isola dei Conigli: Sitting just a stone's throw away, this even smaller, uninhabited rock is a sanctuary for waterfowl and, as the name suggests, was once home to a population of rabbits. It’s a picturesque spot for a quick swim around its perimeter, offering a perfect view back towards San Biagio and the mainland.

Lake Como: The Aristocratic and The Authentic

Lake Como, the glamorous "Y"-shaped lake, has long been a playground for the elite. Its islands reflect this blend of opulence and serene simplicity.

1. Isola Comacina: The Island of History and Mystery

A short boat ride from the picturesque town of Ossuccio, Isola Comacina is Lake Como's only island. Its modest size belies its profound historical significance. Once a thriving Roman stronghold and a powerful bishopric, it was famously razed and cursed in 1169 after siding with Milan against Como in a brutal war. Legend has it that the local bishop excommunicated the island and declared that no building should ever be erected there again.

For centuries, it remained abandoned, a place shrouded in myth. Today, it is an open-air archaeological site. Visitors can wander among the ruins of ancient churches, foundations of old houses, and evocative stone remnants, all set amidst wild olive and laurel trees. The curse was finally "lifted" in the 20th century, and now the island is also home to a small, charming bar-restaurant and three artist's houses built in a rationalist style. The annual Sagra di San Giovanni festival in June, featuring a spectacular fireworks display over the lake, celebrates the island's storied past.

2. The Floating Pearl: Villa Pliniana

While not a natural island, the Villa Pliniana deserves an honourable mention for its utterly unique setting. Located in Torno, this majestic 16th-century villa appears to float directly on the water's surface. It is famous for its intermittent spring, first described by the Pliny the Younger (hence the name), which ebbs and flows mysteriously every few hours. A private residence that has hosted legends from Napoleon Bonaparte to Lord Byron and Mary Shelley, it is best admired from the water on a private boat tour. Its isolated, aqueous location gives it the romantic aura of an island castle, making it an unmissable sight on any Lake Como itinerary.

Lake Iseo: The Artistic and The Unexpected

Nestled between its more famous siblings, Lake Iseo offers an intimate and surprising escape. Its star attraction is not just an island but a revolutionary work of art.

Montisola: The Mountain-Island

Towering over the centre of Lake Iseo, Montisola is not merely an island; it is the largest lake island in southern Europe and feels like a world unto itself. Rising 600 meters above the lake, its profile is unmistakable—a miniature mountain emerging from the water.

Life here moves at a different pace. The main villages of Peschiera Maraglio, Siviano, and Carzano are connected by a winding road, but the best way to explore is on foot or by bicycle (note: cars are mostly forbidden for non-residents). Hike up to the summit of Monte Isola for breathtaking 360-degree views of the lake and the surrounding Alps. The island has a rich tradition of net-making and fishing, and you can see artisans at work in small shops.

The true magic of Montisola is its atmosphere. It’s a place of quiet forests, olive groves, and charming harbours filled with colourful fishing boats. Enjoy a meal at a family-run trattoria serving freshly caught lake fish, and you'll experience an authenticity that is sometimes lost on the more tourist-heavy lakes.

The Two Satellites: Isola di Loreto and Isola di San Paolo

Floating near Montisola's shore are two tiny, privately-owned islands that add to the fairy-tale scenery.

• Isola di Loreto: boasts a miniature castle, complete with a small harbour and watchtowers, built in the early 20th century. It’s a stunning visual, especially when illuminated at night.
• Isola di San Paolo: is entirely occupied by a secluded Venetian-style monastery, now a private home.

While generally not open to the public, their presence enhances the mystery and beauty of the lakescape. They are best admired from the ferry or from the shores of Montisola.

Christo's Floating Piers: A Legacy of Art

While temporary, the 2016 installation "The Floating Piers" by artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude fundamentally changed how the world saw Lake Iseo. For 16 days, a dazzling 3-kilometre-long walkway of shimmering yellow fabric connected the mainland town of Sulzano to Montisola and the island of San Paolo. Hundreds of thousands of people walked on water, creating a unforgettable shared experience. Though the artwork is gone, its spirit of accessibility and wonder continues to draw visitors to this unique corner of Italy.

Conclusion: A Voyage of Discovery

The lake islands of Italy are more than just destinations; they are experiences. From the aristocratic grandeur of Isola del Garda and the ancient mysteries of Isola Comacina to the sprawling, authentic world of Montisola, each offers a unique narrative. They provide a escape from the well-trodden paths, inviting travellers to slow down, explore deeper, and connect with the soul of the Italian lakes. So, on your next journey, look beyond the shore and set a course for these extraordinary islands—hidden jewels waiting to be discovered.