Monte Isola, Italy

Things to do

2 days in Monte Isola

Day 1

  1. MorningTake the short ferry from Sulzano and rent a bike to cycle around the car-free island.
  2. AfternoonWalk up through the olive groves to the Madonna della Ceriola sanctuary at the top.
  3. EveningHave dinner in the harbour of Peschiera Maraglio as the lake turns gold.

Day 2

Taste sparkling wine in the Franciacorta region nearby.

What to eat

Sardine di lago, dried and grilled lake sardines, with polenta.

Local tips

Make the most of Monte Isola

Beat the crowds

Summer weekends are busy. Weekdays are calm.

Best photo spot

Lake Iseo from the sanctuary of the Madonna della Ceriola at the top of the island.

Getting there

Ferries run often from Sulzano and Sale Marasino, about 10 minutes.

Don't miss nearby

Lake Iseo's shore towns and the Franciacorta wine area.

Good to know

The island is car-free; walk or rent a bike. Try the local dried sardines, a speciality of the lake.

Secret spots

2 secret spots near Monte Isola

Our most hidden places around Monte Isola: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of Monte Isola to take with you.

62 km away
87 km away
Unlock the secret spots · €2.99+ VAT · one payment, valid for a year

Plan your visit

Getting to Monte Isola

Getting there

  • Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY)30 km away
  • Milano Linate Airport (LIN)70 km away
  • Bergamo35 km away
  • Milan75 km away

Reachable by car or public transport; a car gives you more freedom to explore the area. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeApr–Oct
TypeNature spot
Good forNature, Food
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay1 night
CountryItaly

Questions

Monte Isola: good to know

Is Monte Isola worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like nature and food. A car-free island in the middle of Lake Iseo.

How many days do you need in Monte Isola?

Plan 1 night. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Monte Isola?

The best time to visit is Apr to Oct. Summer weekends are busy. Weekdays are calm.

How do you get to Monte Isola?

The nearest airport is Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY), about 30 km away. Ferries run often from Sulzano and Sale Marasino, about 10 minutes.

What is there to see near Monte Isola?

Nearby hidden places include Bergamo (33 km), Varenna (70 km) and Milan (75 km).

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