Feeds RSS

Monday, August 2, 2010

Isola dei Pescatori

We didn't stay in Milan for long. As soon as Avis Car Rental opened its counter at 8 am, husband had been waiting there to claim the car which he has booked on line. Then, he drove us straight to the lake side. He said Italian Lakes are one of the major attraction for this trip.

*

*

I was exhausted. Luckily it isn't too far away from Milan Malpensa Airport to our first destination, a town along Lake Maggiore, called Baveno. At around 10.30 am, we parked our car safe at the pier side.




Lake Maggiore (Lago Maggiore) is a large lake located on the south side of the Alps. It is the second largest of Italy and the largest of southern Switzerland. Lake Maggiore is 68 km long, with a breadth which varies from 3 to 10 km. Like the other great lakes, it was created by glaciers, leaving a long footprint through steep-sided mountains.




Borromeo is a famous family name around this region. The Borromean Islands (Isole Borromee) are a group of three small islands and two islets in the Italian part of Lake Maggiore. They are a major local tourist attraction for their picturesque setting.

The 3 major Borromean islands are Isola Madre, Isola Bella, Isola Pescatori (also called Isola Superiore).



According to the local weather forecast report, this won't be a good day (heavy rain with occasionally thunder storm). So, we were kind of expecting rain fall at anytime.


Frankly speaking, I wasn't too excited when I saw the lake for the first time. To me, this lake seems nothing too spectacular, just a bit bigger than normal lake.
*
*


Husband pointed to the small island in front of us and said we should go there for a tour. Although there aren't many pictures he could find from the internet, husband said the reviews about those small islands are generally good. I doubted, for their size look like a mosquito to me. Wonder how good it can be?




This is the water ferry that bring tourists from the popular Lake Maggiore towns of Stresa, Baveno and Verbania to the nearby islands.


The ferry's time table is considered frequent, around 15-20 min one boat. We boarded the one that sail on 11.50 am.




Leaving Baveno....




The pier we waited for ferry just now...





10 minutes later, the ferry approached the island slowly.





Oh ok, the island is not that isolated as I thought, for relatively big houses, big hotels and big restaurants can been seen.



In fact, I started to feel excited of the scenes that came into my eyes later on...










This island is called Isola dei Pescatori. Its full name is Isola Superiore dei Pescatori, but that name is too long for this very small island. Therefore it is more commonly known simply as Isola Pescatori, Island of the Fishermen for over 1000 years.



With a population of about 50, it is the only one to be inhabited all year round. Unlike Isola Bella and Isola Madre, the island no longer belongs to the Borromeao.










We didn't know this small island got such a nice restaurant. Otherwise, we won't be taking our simple brunch at Baveno Pier just now, should have dined here while enjoying good views.






As soon as we get off the ferry, this tree greats us charmingly over there. Instantly, I like this place already.





Indeed, this is a very charming place, something like a lost paradise on earth.




While the traditional occupation of fishing still exists, local restaurants providing a ready market for the fish. Tourism has become a central to the economic life of the island as its picturesque charms have made Isola dei Pescatori a popular destination, particularly for day-trippers but also for more extended visits.

*

*

The island is about 350 meters long by 100 meters wide. A narrow street running along its spine is joined by cobbled alleys to the promenade which encircles the island.



In addition to the hotels and restaurants, there are gift shops and boutiques selling craft products.

*


*

*

The promenade is frequently flooded and the housed built against it are constructed to allow for this, usually a bit higher than the lake level.

*

*


Ristorante = Restaurant (tend to high class)

*

*

*

*

The trees over here are unique, I feel that they are too beautiful to be real.

*

*

*

*


Another nearby island, called Isola Bella. We would go there after this.



























Such a lovely place for dining.









Yeah, a great lake it is. I wonder what's the color of the water like under a bright sun?

*

Small island it is, but provide enough space for the kids to run around.

*


Looking back at where we came from.




Like most of the tourists do, we walked along the promenade leisurely.




This corner is one end of the island, 270 degree surrounded by lake.





Around 20 minutes like that, we had completed the round-island walk, and back to where we had landed just now.





Life can be as simple and quiet like this....









We didn't wait for too long for the ferry to come to pick us to the next island. Great.



*
*
My comment about Isola Pescatori : Small but beautiful.
*
*
*
*

0 comments:

Post a Comment