Monte Isola, the highest island of European lakes, is a green mountain in the middle of Lake Iseo, which dominates making it even more precious.
The villages of the island are 11, some in close relationship with the lake, points of connection with the "mainland" as: Peschiera, Sensole, Port of Siviano and Carzano. Others are located along the flat hill of mid-hill: Siviano and Menzino; some towards the top of the mountain: Olzano, Masse, Cure and Senzano. The municipality of Monte Isola also includes the two islets of San Paolo and Loreto.
The inhabitants of this oasis are about 1800 and these solve their problems of internal displacement with motorcycles and a 30-seat bus that carries out the transport service and connection between the villages of the island. The connections with the "mainland" take place on a boat, which connects Monte Isola to the magnificent villages of Sulzano, Sale Marasino, Iseo, Lovere and Sarnico.
So many places to visit and discover
The knowledge of Monte Isola can start with a bike ride, which takes place in an hour, or on foot in about two hours. In addition to the circumnavigation, you can follow the mule tracks and the paths that lead from the coast to the top of the Island. where there is the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Ceriola (reachable from March to October with a special bus service), an extremely interesting place, not only under the naturalistic and panoramic, but also artistic, for the beauties enclosed in its small church , the most ancient of the island, which is a reference point for the whole Lake. In the paths towards the Sanctuary it is essential to stop in the oldest hamlets of the Island, where the characteristics of a millenarian peasant culture are more preserved: artistic small churches surrounded by small squares, large white stone houses of the place, wooden tools, arcades, courtyards, beautiful views.
In Siviano, the most populated and capital of the island, are the Town Hall, the schools, the post office, the clinics, the bank and two small supermarkets. It is a country with medieval characteristics, exposed to the sun from sunrise to sunset in every season, which is located in front of Tavernola Bergamasca.
Peschiera is an interesting fishing village that has always been deeply linked to water and preserves almost intact its characteristics related to water, fishing and fish conservation.
The beauty of Monte Isola conquers thousands of Italian and foreign tourists every year and continues to fascinate the residents of these areas. What's more romantic than a lakeside picnic at one of the island's many parks?
For all these reasons, the island is named as the Best European Destination for 2019, the only Italian along with Florence and Rome to run for this prestigious award that contributes to enhance even more the beauty of Lake Iseo in the eyes of residents who of tourists.
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Iseo, Lovere & Rovato: Monday - Friday: 9.00 - 13.00 / 15.00 - 19.00
Ponte di Legno: Shop Ponte di Legno - Monday, Tuesday 10.00-12.30 / 15.00-18.30 - Wednesday 10.00-12.30 - Thursday 15.00-18.30 - Friday, Saturday 10.00-12.30 / 15.00-19.00 Sunday 10.00-12.30 / 15.00-18.30
