Day trip
Monte Isola: discovering Europe's largest lake island
Monte Isola rises out of Lago d'Iseo, with the hilltop sanctuary Madonna della Ceriola around 600 metres above the water. At about 4.5 km² it is the largest inhabited inland island in Europe — and it is car-free: you get around on foot, by bus, by scooter or by bicycle. Its eleven villages (such as Peschiera Maraglio, Sensole, Siviano, Senzano) are connected by hiking and cycling paths.
A day trip is enough for the highlights: the short ferry crossing, a stroll along the lakeside promenade, the climb to the sanctuary and a long lunch in a fishing village.
Getting here & ferries
The ferries of Navigazione Lago d'Iseo run year-round — mainly Sulzano — Peschiera Maraglio (only a few minutes' crossing) and Sale Marasino — Carzano. In winter boats run approximately every 15–20 minutes; at night a ferry runs hourly between Sulzano and Monte Isola until around midnight. A single crossing costs approx. €2.60; a return ticket is usually cheaper. Bicycles can be brought on board for a surcharge.
Note: since 2025 the island municipality charges a landing fee of €1.50 per person. If the car is not parked at the departure point (e.g. Sulzano), it is best to plan a return trip or a water taxi in good time.
Visiting for the day without a car? In summer (12 June–13 September) the seasonal Iseo Express (Arriva) brings you from Bergamo Airport to Iseo with no changes; from there continue by train or bus to Sulzano and across by ferry to the island.
The Giro dell'Isola and the ascent to the Ceriola
A classic circular route (approx. 9.3 km, around 2–3 hours) starts in Peschiera Maraglio, leads via Sensole and Menzino (old fortress remains) to Siviano and then up to the sanctuary Madonna della Ceriola — from the summit the view extends across the entire lake to the Alps. For the summit only: approx. 2.6 km from Siviano to the sanctuary, approx. 45 minutes. Sturdy footwear recommended.
Flat waterfront paths or the almost 9 km circuit along the island road are also possible — flat, with the option of taking the bus as a shortcut.
Villages, salami & an insider tip
Peschiera Maraglio and Carzano on the shore live from fishing and boatbuilding; Siviano and Senzano lie higher up. A local speciality is the air-dried Salame di Monte Isola — best enjoyed alongside perch, polenta and house wines.
For a special meal, G.Lab at the Sensole Locanda is a lovely address: only a few tables, a view of the lake, modern cuisine with fish from Lago d'Iseo and reservation required. Depending on the season the ferry line also calls at Sensole; otherwise take the ferry to Peschiera Maraglio and walk along the shore.
Insider tip for a more laid-back island moment: Bar Al Coren above Senzano — reached by a short climb from Senzano or a longer walk from Peschiera Maraglio, popular with locals, with beer, simple dishes and a view over the lake. Trattoria Portole is not on the island but above Sale Marasino — a great detour with a panoramic view of Monte Isola.
The villages in detail
Peschiera Maraglio is the largest village and the main ferry landing from Sulzano — the waterfront promenade starts here, with bars and shops. Sensole is quieter with the restaurant G.Lab. Siviano is the administrative centre and the starting point for the final ascent to Madonna della Ceriola.
Senzano lies on the eastern side of the island, less visited and correspondingly quieter. Carzano is the landing for the ferry from Sale Marasino and has its own charm — smaller, more unspoilt, less touristy. Between all the villages runs the waterfront road, which no private car is allowed to use.
| Village | Location | Reachable via | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peschiera Maraglio | Southern shore | Ferry from Sulzano (every 15–20 min) | Main landing, promenade, bars & shops |
| Sensole | South-west | Ferry from Iseo (seasonal) or olive-grove path from Peschiera (~20 min) | Quiet, restaurant G.Lab, view of San Paolo |
| Siviano | West, 250 m | Island bus or on foot | Administrative centre, start of the summit climb |
| Senzano | East side | Island bus / on foot from Siviano | Little visited, very quiet |
| Carzano | North-east | Ferry from Sale Marasino | Small, unspoilt, its own landing |
The main villages on Monte Isola compared.
A perfect day on Monte Isola
09:30 — By train or car to Sulzano (10 min from Iseo), park, ferry to Peschiera Maraglio (every 15–20 min, 5 min crossing). Arrive on the island just before 10 when the promenade is still quiet.
10:00 — Espresso on the harbour promenade in Peschiera, then a gentle stroll along the shore towards Sensole. On the way, views of the private island of San Paolo. If you like, rent a bicycle — e.g. at Noleggio Guizzetti or Bertelli in Peschiera Maraglio (1 March–1 November, daily 9:30–18:00, no e-bikes) — and circle the island on the flat shore road.
12:30 — Lunch: refined lake cuisine at G.Lab in Sensole (reservation required) or rustic and cheaper at a trattoria in Peschiera. Be sure to try the air-dried Salame di Monte Isola.
14:30 — Ascent to Madonna della Ceriola: about 45 min on foot from Siviano (or part of the way by island bus), with a panorama over the whole lake to the Alps. If you prefer to take it easy, stay down by the water for an aperitivo.
17:00 — A final stroll, buy a piece of salami and local olive oil as a souvenir, then take the ferry back to Sulzano. Those who stay overnight experience the island almost deserted in the evening.
Shopping: salami, fish & souvenirs
The Salame di Monte Isola is the must-buy souvenir. Small butchers and delicatessens in Peschiera Maraglio and Siviano sell it at various stages of ageing. There is also local olive oil, handmade fishing nets (a traditional craft of the island) and local wine.
The small fishing co-operative in Peschiera sells fresh fish directly: Coregone, Tinca and Agoni are the typical Lago d'Iseo fish.
Frequently asked questions
- Can you take a car to Monte Isola?
- No. Monte Isola is car-free. Park at one of the mainland departure points (e.g. Sulzano or Sale Marasino) and take the ferry. On the island there is a bus, scooters and bicycles.
- How much time should you allow?
- For the promenade, lunch and a short climb, half a day to a full day is enough. Anyone walking the Giro dell'Isola (9.3 km) in full should plan for a whole day.
- Is there an entrance or landing fee?
- Since 2025 a landing fee of €1.50 per person is charged on arrival. The ferry crossing itself costs just a few euros on top (approx. €2.60 single).
- How much does the ferry to Monte Isola cost?
- A single crossing Sulzano-Peschiera Maraglio costs around €2.60. Since 2025 a landing fee of €1.50 per person is added. Bicycles cost extra (around €1–2).
- What is Salame di Monte Isola?
- An air-dried salami made from pork, produced on the island using a traditional method. Firmer and more aromatic than typical Milanese salami, with PGI recognition. Available in the village shops of Peschiera Maraglio and Siviano.
- Are there places to stay on Monte Isola?
- Yes — small hotels, B&Bs and holiday apartments. Those who stay overnight experience the island in a completely different atmosphere in the evening, when the day-trippers have gone.
- How do you get around Monte Isola?
- On foot, by the local bus, by bicycle or by scooter — private cars are not allowed. The island bus links the villages and runs part of the way towards Madonna della Ceriola. Bikes can be rented in Peschiera Maraglio (e.g. Noleggio Guizzetti or Bertelli, 1 March–1 November, daily 9:30–18:00, no e-bikes); the flat shore road is ideal for the island loop.
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