Living in Monte Isola

Situated only 33km from the city of Brescia, and 48km from Bergamo Lago d’Iseo (Lake Iseo) is a dazzling lake located in the beautiful region of Lombardy. Sitting inside the heart of this lake is the picturesque island town of Monte Isola, boasting charming hamlets and serene settlements. The island is well served by ferries that travel to romantic and charming cillages that dot the banks of Lake Iseo, in fact, trips to Sulzano, Sale Marasino, or Iseo town itself are only a short boat ride away, while the entire island can be rounded on foot in less than 2 hours (or a 19 minute drive).

The amount of restaurants, cafés, and commercial attractions surrounding Monte Isola are plentiful, but the island community itself has its fair share of amenities. Boutiques like Le Coccinelle are joined by markets and grocers such as Salumificio Monte Isola and Alimentari Turla. Seafood stores sell the fresh lake fish that is used in the island’s excellent restaurants, while bakeries, picnic areas, parks, and playgrounds are plentiful. The attractive community of Peschiera Maraglio on the southern corner of the island has a pharmacy, bicycle rental, banks, and other shops, as well as ferries bound for Sulzano and Iseo town – both of which are well serviced by buses and train stations, making traveling around the lake and through Lombardy’s countryside very convenient.

Historic churches like the San Giovanni Battista and the San Michele Arcangelo are richly decorated with ornate interiors and impressive bell towers. In the neighbourhood of Sensole the Castello Oldofredi stands regally atop a hill surveying its surroundings, while a nearby soccer field provides recreational activity. Just south-east of the locality of Cure is the Sentiero Del Santuario Della Madonna Di Ceriola. Known in English as the Path of the Sanctuary of the Madonna Di Ceriola, an enchanting flagstone trail passes by several stone shrines and through lush green forest before finishing at an exquisite timeworn church with a bell tower – offering a commanding view over Lake Iseo.

Living and walking around Monte Isola is almost like being sent back in time to renaissance Italy. Incredible stone roads and winding alleys snake between traditional homes and apartments, sporting their iconic balconies and red terracotta tile roofs in true Italian fashion. Impressive masonry intermingles with modern pastel coloured walls, creating a delicate balance of history and beauty.

Mouth-watering cuisine can also be found in every part of the island, offering a regular and high quality taste of Italy. Highlights include the delicious seafood from Trattoria del Sole in Sensole, the fantastic hearty pizza from Ristorante Pizzeria La Torre in Siviano, and the pleasantly affordable fine dining experience of Hostaria Milago in Peschiera Maraglio.

All throughout the smaller districts of Monte Isola, such as in Silviano and Masse, breathtaking residences can be found akin to the charming countryside villas – surrounded by gorgeous orchards, and are well spaced apart, almost like old-word homesteads. Despite this feeling of rural relaxation, contemporary conveniences and local community life are never too far away - and it is this accessibility and connectedness that sets Monte Isola apart, making it a prime location for those from any walk of life.