Centro Storico di Monte Isola
Centro Storico di Monte Isola
Centro Storico di Monte Isola
4.5
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4.5
722 reviews
Excellent
369
Very good
274
Average
47
Poor
19
Terrible
13
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Greg H
Colico, Italy25 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
There were not too many tourists on the island, in Brescia, or Sulzano. Beautiful views. Relaxed vibe. We ate at the Castello Oldofredi restaurant, a short walk from the ferry terminal. It was absolutely first class and great food--the highlight of the trip.
Don't bother going to the top of the island, its not really worth it. It's much better along the lake. The Cathedral of San Michele, close to the lake, is beautiful and worth seeing.
A cautionary tale: We stayed in a BnB in the village of Cure, the last bus stop towards the top of the island. It was a GroupOn deal. This turned into a nightmare. The rooms were priced double what they should have been. The bedding, towels, and mattress were old and worn. Worse, it was the gathering place for a large clan of unfriendly people. On the second night of our stay, about 15 people were seated next to our small table in the dining room. We were the only guests. They were all related to each other or close friends. They were yelling and screaming and laughing, and we definitely felt like intruders. They acted as if we weren't there. We literally couldn't hear each other in the chaos. The host tossed out a meager meal, way oversalted, and we ended up walking out. Later, I went to the kitchen to get some water and one of the clan walked past me, almost bumping into me without speaking. He had a surly look on his face. Very hostile environment. The din continued past 10 pm with loud motorcycles, thumping music up the street, screaming kids, and people shouting. The first loud engine noise started up at 4:45 in the morning. Avoid this place except as a quick stopover.
Don't bother going to the top of the island, its not really worth it. It's much better along the lake. The Cathedral of San Michele, close to the lake, is beautiful and worth seeing.
A cautionary tale: We stayed in a BnB in the village of Cure, the last bus stop towards the top of the island. It was a GroupOn deal. This turned into a nightmare. The rooms were priced double what they should have been. The bedding, towels, and mattress were old and worn. Worse, it was the gathering place for a large clan of unfriendly people. On the second night of our stay, about 15 people were seated next to our small table in the dining room. We were the only guests. They were all related to each other or close friends. They were yelling and screaming and laughing, and we definitely felt like intruders. They acted as if we weren't there. We literally couldn't hear each other in the chaos. The host tossed out a meager meal, way oversalted, and we ended up walking out. Later, I went to the kitchen to get some water and one of the clan walked past me, almost bumping into me without speaking. He had a surly look on his face. Very hostile environment. The din continued past 10 pm with loud motorcycles, thumping music up the street, screaming kids, and people shouting. The first loud engine noise started up at 4:45 in the morning. Avoid this place except as a quick stopover.
Written 5 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lorena S
Milan, Italy3,196 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
We had been there years ago and appreciated it but this year I would say no!
It's not an absolute no out of respect for those who have a business but otherwise I'm not interested in going back.
The beautiful shops have almost disappeared. There are refreshment points but if I have to have lunch or dinner outside, where scooters and bees pass by and discharge gas down my throat, then I opt for a cleaner place!
The ferry arrived late, despite being almost empty I would say it dropped a star!
Limiting their passage to early mornings or late evenings wouldn't be a bad thing, also because there are already enough bicycles!
The Church of San Michele Arcangelo is beautiful!
It's not an absolute no out of respect for those who have a business but otherwise I'm not interested in going back.
The beautiful shops have almost disappeared. There are refreshment points but if I have to have lunch or dinner outside, where scooters and bees pass by and discharge gas down my throat, then I opt for a cleaner place!
The ferry arrived late, despite being almost empty I would say it dropped a star!
Limiting their passage to early mornings or late evenings wouldn't be a bad thing, also because there are already enough bicycles!
The Church of San Michele Arcangelo is beautiful!
Written 23 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lady Trisha R
Province of Milan, Italy94 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Really useless island if you don't do cycling, sports or tracking. A hot actress, there is no historic center, no shops, nothing. Lost a couple of hours and died of heat. Not even, and believe me I have traveled the world 🌏
Written 4 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Add-Jay
Utrecht, The Netherlands102 contributions
Mar 2015 • Couples
Possibly the best thing to do in this area. You can only reach the island by boat - we opted for the ferry leaving every 20 minutes from Sale Marasino to Carzano, on the northeastern tip. Decided to take a walk, although there are buses connecting the villages and many cyclists - no cars allowed, besides the priest's and few others :) If you walk on the asphalt roads (which we tried to avoid), you don't really need hiking boots, but if you follow the trails you do. Couldn't find much hiking information on the internet, but once you're there you realize trails are very well marked. I particularly suggest the path connecting Peschiera to the Madonna della Ceriola Sanctuary (actually it starts off from Peschiera's upper road), which provides you with beautiful views on the lake and the olive groves. Also the descent, from the sanctuary to Masse and Olzano, has some nice spots. We did it in 4 hours, lunch & coffee break included. It's one of those idyllic places where, on your way back to the mainland, you seriously consider moving there one day.
Written 21 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mrsmon2016
Leeds, UK329 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
We took a pleasant 20 minute ferry ride from Iseo to Monte Isola. The ferry stops first at Sensole where you can walk to
the larger village of Peschiera. The walk along the waterfront is
very pleasant and you can admire the locals gardens full of Pomegranates, lemons and Sharon fruits. It is very picturesque.
and the walk only takes around 40 minutes with plenty of places to sit down along the way. We also spotted a scarce swallowtail butterfly?
In Peschiera there are plenty of restaurants and it is the second boat stop. From here you can catch the special bus to
take you up
the mountainside every 20 minutes. From there it is a steep climb to Santauario Della Madonna Della Ceriola monastery.
It is worth the walk as the views are fantastic.
the larger village of Peschiera. The walk along the waterfront is
very pleasant and you can admire the locals gardens full of Pomegranates, lemons and Sharon fruits. It is very picturesque.
and the walk only takes around 40 minutes with plenty of places to sit down along the way. We also spotted a scarce swallowtail butterfly?
In Peschiera there are plenty of restaurants and it is the second boat stop. From here you can catch the special bus to
take you up
the mountainside every 20 minutes. From there it is a steep climb to Santauario Della Madonna Della Ceriola monastery.
It is worth the walk as the views are fantastic.
Written 19 August 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Italindo
Ponte dell'Olio, Italy20 contributions
Sept 2015 • Family
A beautiful island in the middle of lake of Iseo. Can be reached by small boat from Iseo and you can rent bicycles to go around the island which will take around 1 hour and there is alot of restaurants that offer fishes from the lake and the traditional side dishes which is the polenta.
Written 29 October 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kpiddy
Brisbane, Australia13,998 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
Monte Isola was definitely on our list of places to visit on our recent stay in Sale-Marasino at Lake Iseo. This lovely small island was so easy to access by ferry from Sale-Marasino to Carzano which operates 24/7 every twenty minutes, once on the Island there is no car traffic, either explore on foot like we did or cycle. There is another ferry service from Sulzano to Perschiera Maraglio.
On the Island we had two choices for hiking, either hike the 9 kilometre perimeter or hike from Carzano up to the highest point on the Island to the Shrine of Our Lady of Ceriola down the opposite path to Perschiera Maraglio then back along the road to Carzano, which is what we chose to do.
The Island is great to explore, peaceful and with stunning views around the lake. Within the villages on the Island there are stores, cafes and restaurants to visit but we self-catered for our half day visit.
On the Island we had two choices for hiking, either hike the 9 kilometre perimeter or hike from Carzano up to the highest point on the Island to the Shrine of Our Lady of Ceriola down the opposite path to Perschiera Maraglio then back along the road to Carzano, which is what we chose to do.
The Island is great to explore, peaceful and with stunning views around the lake. Within the villages on the Island there are stores, cafes and restaurants to visit but we self-catered for our half day visit.
Written 20 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
maggiesimone
Rotterdam, The Netherlands22 contributions
Jul 2015 • Family
We went on the Iseo Lake this summer in order to pay a visit to friends of us and they brought us in Monte Isola: out of time! Please, go there.
Is a little jem in the middle on the lake where everyone who loves nature and quiteness should go. The trip on the ferryboat is amazing and once you arrive on the island you find yourself surrounded by the lake, fields, trees and silence. There aren't cars on the island and you can walk for hours and stop when you want to swim a little and then go on walking. We went to the old castle, and the view from above there was amazing.
We spent a very nice day on the island and it should be a pity be on the Lake and not go there.
Is a little jem in the middle on the lake where everyone who loves nature and quiteness should go. The trip on the ferryboat is amazing and once you arrive on the island you find yourself surrounded by the lake, fields, trees and silence. There aren't cars on the island and you can walk for hours and stop when you want to swim a little and then go on walking. We went to the old castle, and the view from above there was amazing.
We spent a very nice day on the island and it should be a pity be on the Lake and not go there.
Written 29 January 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Harmonicaharold
Philadelphia, PA1,417 contributions
Aug 2015 • Friends
Almost all the tourist left the boat at Peschiera. Perhaps we should have too. But we got off at the next small village Carzano. We then headed north on foot towards the next port at Siviano. Unfortunately it was all uphill for half an hour to a grateful park bench where we discovered the most magnificent view. (see photo) It was another half an hour more up hill to the next village and we got there huffing and puffing. Luckily there was a lovely restaurant named Tina with an amazing terrace view and fabulous Moretti beer as compensation. The walk down to the port was easy and we were lucky to catch the last boat of the day just as we got there (around 2pm) otherwise I don't know how we would have ever gotten back to civilization. What an experience. Lesson learned: study the locale well before taking impulsive steps.
Written 26 August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sfbabroad
Eastbourne, UK47 contributions
Jul 2015 • Couples
We were only on the island for a couple of ours as we had to change ferries. What a delightful island. There were easy walks around the harbour area and plenty of restaurants and spectacular lakeside views. We visited a delightful village church and had a meal but would have loved to have stayed longer. Particular thanks to the lady at the Tourist Office who was helpful and even checked the times of our onward ferry and bus services. Certainly a place to return to.
Written 20 July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am going to Bergamo on Wednesday because I wanted to see that area along with trying to go see Monte Isola, but I'm now looking at the ferry schedules and it looks like this is very far away. Can someone tell me if they ever did a trip Monte Isola but staying in Bergamo?
Written 18 October 2017
Hi, Bergamo-Iseo by car takes less than 1 hour...
Same time if you come to Predore...
From Iseo (or Predore) take the ferry to Monte Isola...
Written 19 October 2017
In che periodo/i dell'anno si consiglia di visitare questa località?
Written 30 May 2017
Direi che la primavera, possibilmente in giorni feriali per evitare maggiore caos, è la più indicata. Tuttavia anche una mite giornata di fine settembre/ottobre può regalare gli splendidi colori dell'autunno.
Buona gita!
P.S: ...e scusi il ritardo nella risposta...
Written 2 June 2017
I will be staying in Menzino. Is there any wifi on the island? Thank you.
Written 15 June 2016
Är det lätt att ta sig till och från om man bor i Bergamo? öppna restauranger i april?
Written 27 February 2016
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