Island loop
About 9 km.
Creando — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Karlheinz Klingbeil from Germany — CC BY 4.0 · Karlheinz Klingbeil from Germany — CC BY 4.0 · pacj — CC BY 3.0 · Jon Shave — CC BY 2.0 · Karlheinz Klingbeil from Germany — CC BY 4.0
Monte Isola is the largest island in Lake Iseo, in Lombardy in northern Italy, about 7 km in a straight line south-east of the town of Iseo, and one of the largest lake islands in Europe. A wooded mountain rising about 600 m above the water, it is home to some 1,600 people in eleven villages and hamlets, and is listed among «The most beautiful villages of Italy». Visitors' cars are not allowed on the island, so it stays quiet: people get around on foot, by bicycle or on the small local bus. Ferries cross from Sulzano, Sale Marasino and Iseo to the harbour villages of Peschiera Maraglio and Carzano in a few minutes. A road and path circle the island along the shore for about 9 km, passing fishing villages of colourful houses, olive groves and small beaches. Monte Isola has a long tradition of fishing and of making fishing nets and wooden boats. Paths climb through chestnut woods to the top of the mountain, with wide views over the lake and the surrounding hills, while the Rocca Martinengo castle stands on a hill on the west side. The island is free to visit. Bikes can be hired at the harbours, and summer weekends are best avoided if you prefer calm.
About 9 km.
Colourful houses.
Lake views.
Lake Iseo, Province of Brescia, Lombardy, Italy
By ferry from Sulzano or Iseo.
No, visitors' cars are not allowed.