Monte Isola

On the island there are many small villages:

• Siviano — the main village where there is the townhall;
• Peschiera Maraglio — the most touristic village, by the lake side;
• Carzano — by the lake side, every 5 years the village is decorated with thousands of paper flowers.

Monte Isola is the highest European lake island and the largest Italian one.
Monte Isola has a population of approximately 1800 people spread over eleven villages and hamlets. There are several churches built between the 15th and the 17th century with frescoes, statues, altars in vernacular art.

By boat

The only way to reach Monte Isola is using a ferry boat.
Navigazione Lago d'Iseo's routes link almost all Lake Iseo's towns (the main one is Iseo) with Monte Isola's harbours: Peschiera Maraglio, the main one, Sensole, Carzano and Siviano Porto.
A non-stop service Sulzano-Peschiera Maraglio and Sale Marasino-Carzano is also available. During the night the frequency of ferry boats is lower.

By plane

The nearest airport is:

• Bergamo-Orio al Serio international airport

  phone: +39 035 326323
  address: Via Aeroporto 13, Orio al Serio
  The fourth busiest airport in Italy, it serves many destinations in Europe and North Africa. Its main airline is Ryanair; other companies are Wizzair, with flights to the Central-East Europe and Air Dolomiti, which connects the airport with Munich.

Other airports in the surrounding area are:

• Milan-Malpensa: Milan main airport with intercontinental destinations;
• Milan-Linate: Milan city airport with domestic and European flights;
• Brescia-Montichiari: Very small airport used only for cargo;
• Verona-Villa Franca;

Driving restrictions are enforced, with mopeds and bicycles only allowed on the island. An extensive grid of dedicated bike lanes and hiking trails span all over the island, reaching the peaceful fishing villages with lakeside cafés and the Madonna della Ceriola chapel, nested near the summit of the island. A circular trail of almost 15 km (9 mi) allows a complete tour of Monte Isola.
Tourists can also take a public bus (timetables ).

• Rocca Martinengo

  address: Menzino
  The Castle is private and rarely open to tourists. Former Castello Oldofredi, it was built to protect the westertn side of Iseo Lake. The castle is situated above the Sesole Gulf, between Peschiera and Menzino. In 1427 the Republic of Venice conquired also the weastern side of the lake and the defensive function of the castle was not more necessary. The building was converted into a palace.

All the villages on the island have got a church, some of them are very particular, others are very small or closed to the public.

• Chiesa Parrocchiale dei SS. Faustino e Giovita

  address: Siviano
  Built between 1740 and 1754, its clock tower is visible for miles. In the interior there are many beautiful frescos.

• Chiesa Parrocchiale di S. Michele

  address: Peschiera

• Chiesa Parrocchiale di S. Giovanni Battista

  address: Carzano
  Built in the second half of 18th century, it is dedicated to John the Baptist, fishermen protector. In the church there are many relics and the main one is probably the Holy Cross.

• Santuario della Madonna della Ceriola

  address: Above Cure
  Built in the 13th century, it is on the highest part of the island, at 600 m above sea level. From the Sanctuary you will be able to admire the entire lake, from Sarnico to Pisogne and Lovere.

Between Sensole and Peschiera Maraglio and in Carzano there are many restaurants. In those restaurant you can eat dealicuos dishes made with fresh water fishes.
An other traditional product is "Salame di Monte Isola", a salami.

• Iseo — This picture-perfect Italian town, sandwiched between the imposing Rhaetian Alps and crystal-blue waters of Lake Iseo, boasts an extraordinarily well-preserved medieval castle.