The Borromeo Palace, also known as Palazzo Borromeo, is not only a majestic building, but the true heart of Isola Bella. Built in the 17th century at the behest of Carlo III Borromeo, the palace was intended as a luxurious summer residence for the Borromeo family. Today, converted into a museum, it offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.

Crossing the threshold of the palace, one enters a world of splendor and elegance. The Throne Room, with its impressive frescoes and gilded decorations, takes us back to a time when the aristocracy lived in unimaginable luxury. For younger explorers, this is the perfect opportunity to feel like real princes and princesses.

One of the most fascinating places in the palace is the Sala degli Arazzi, where we can admire a collection of Flemish tapestries depicting mythological stories. This is a great opportunity to tell children about ancient legends and spark their imagination.

The Picture Gallery is a real feast for art lovers. Works by masters such as Titian and Rubens adorn the walls, creating an extraordinary atmosphere. For families with children, it's a great opportunity to introduce the little ones to the world of art by playing at finding details in the paintings or telling the stories behind them.

However, a real hit for young and old alike are the Grotte. These unique rooms on the first floor of the palace, stylized as natural caves, delight with decorations made of shells, stones and marble. For children, this is a magical place where they can feel like explorers of the mysterious underworld.

It is worth remembering that visits to the palace are possible every day (as of 2023), and the price of admission is about 21 euros for an adult. This price also includes admission to the gardens, which makes the visit even more attractive. It is recommended to check the current prices and opening hours on the palace's official website before planning a visit.

The Borromeo Palace is not only a lesson in history and art, but above all a place where families can spend time together, discovering the secrets of the past and enjoying the beauty of the surroundings. Each room hides new surprises, and the guides are eager to share fascinating stories that make history come alive before our eyes.

After a fascinating journey through the interiors of Palazzo Borromeo, it's time to discover the other, equally stunning part of Isola Bella - the famous Baroque gardens. Designed with a grandeur worthy of the most elaborate palaces, these extraordinary green spaces are a true paradise for the senses and imagination, offering an unforgettable experience for adults and children alike.

The Isola Bella Gardens are a masterpiece of horticultural art, spread over ten terraces that rise majestically over the surface of Lake Maggiore. Each level of the garden offers different attractions and views, making walking through them like a journey through different wonderlands.

For the youngest explorers, the gardens are a veritable playground full of surprises. Hedge mazes encourage games of hide-and-seek, while numerous fountains and water cascades create a magical atmosphere, as if taken alive from a fairy tale. Children will be delighted to discover hidden corners and secret passages.

One of the most impressive features of the garden is the Teatro Massimo, a monumental structure adorned with statues, fountains and stairs. It's the perfect place for family photos and stories about the mythological heroes whose statues adorn this remarkable structure.

Nature lovers will be delighted by the abundance of vegetation. In the gardens you can admire rare species of trees, exotic flowers and carefully trimmed hedges. This is an excellent opportunity to teach children to recognize different plant species and tell them about the importance of biodiversity.

The majestic white peacocks strolling freely through the gardens also provide an unforgettable experience. These beautiful birds are a real attraction for young and old, offering countless opportunities for observation and photography.

Note the viewpoints located in different parts of the garden. They offer breathtaking panoramas of Lake Maggiore and the surrounding mountains, ideal for family picnics and moments of relaxation.

Isola Bella's gardens are available to visit throughout the tourist season, usually from March to October (it's always a good idea to check the current opening dates). It's best to visit on a sunny day, but even if it rains, as some visitors mention, a visit can be an unforgettable experience.

Keep in mind that entrance tickets to the gardens are usually combined with tickets to the palace, allowing you to fully experience the charm of Isola Bella. The price of about 21 euros per adult (as of 2023) includes both a tour of the palace and unlimited access to the gardens.

The Isola Bella gardens are not only a place to relax and contemplate the beauty of nature, but also a living lesson in history, art and botany. It's a space where every member of the family will find something to enjoy, from fascinating historical stories to the simple pleasures of communing with nature. A visit to these gardens is a guarantee of unforgettable memories and inspiration for years to come.

When planning a family trip to Isola Bella and Palazzo Borromeo, keep in mind a few practical tips that will help make your visit even more comfortable and enjoyable.

First, remember to plan your time accordingly. A tour of the palace and gardens can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on your family's pace and interests. It's a good idea to reserve a full day for this tour, taking into account time for getting there, meals and any unplanned attractions.

As for transportation, Isola Bella can only be reached by boat or ferry from nearby towns such as Stresa and Verbania. Cruises are regular and usually last a few minutes, which in itself is already an attraction for children. It's worth checking the cruise schedule before you go and possibly booking tickets in advance, especially during the high season.

When planning your visit, pay attention to the weather. Although the palace can be visited regardless of weather conditions, the full charm of the gardens will be appreciated on a sunny day. However, if rainy weather hits, don't be discouraged - as some visitors mention, even in the rain Isola Bella has its own unique charm.

Remember to wear comfortable shoes - walking through the gardens involves climbing many stairs and uneven surfaces. For children, it's a good idea to bring light rain jackets, even on warm days, due to the changing weather conditions at the lake.

As for food, there are cafes and restaurants on the island, but prices can be higher than on land. It's a good idea to bring your own provisions and have a picnic in the gardens - this is allowed and can be a great activity for the whole family.

For families with small children, it's worth knowing that the palace is suitable for visiting with strollers, although extra hands may be needed to help in some places. There are toilets in the gardens and places where you can change an infant.

To get the most out of your visit, consider purchasing an audio guide or joining an organized guided tour. Small tasks or games related to the palace and gardens can be prepared for children, making the tour more interactive and fun.

Also remember your camera - Isola Bella offers countless opportunities for beautiful family photos. However, it's worth checking the current rules regarding photography inside the palace.

Finally, an important note on pricing and availability. As of 2023, an entrance ticket costs about 21 euros for an adult and includes both the palace and gardens. Children and seniors can expect discounts. It's always a good idea to check current prices and opening hours on the official Palazzo Borromeo website before planning a visit.

Isola Bella and Palazzo Borromeo is a place that delights both adults and children. With the right preparation, your family trip can become an unforgettable experience, full of discovery, fun and wonderful memories. Regardless of age, there is something for everyone, from fascinating history and art, to natural beauty and simply relaxing in the fairy-tale scenery of an Italian island.