Italy Lakes Como & Maggiore » !30 Isola Superiore

Isola Superiore
Isola Pescatori (full name Isola Superiore dei Pescatori) is a complete contrast to Isola Bella and Isola Madre but it is equally as captivating. Its narrow cobbled streets, pretty harbour and charming houses make it an enchanting place to visit.



Up until the middle ages the island was part of the Borromean family’s territory but is now part of Stresa and is thought to have been first inhabited in the 10th century. There are now approximately 50 permanent residents on the island who live there all year round. At one time the principal occupation of the islanders was fishing and there are several characteristic blue fishing boats along the shores that some families still use to fish the lake although the main income for the inhabitants of Isola Pescatori is tourism. Other evidence of the fishing tradition can be found along the island’s “tail”; there are still remains of the iron supports that were once used to hang the nets.



The quaint old houses on the island have been built in such a way as to avoid the flood waters to which the island is susceptible in the spring and autumn. You will notice that the doors are situated on the inner streets which are at a higher level than the lakeside in an effort to stop water entering.