Considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, Montisola on Lake Iseo is an ideal destination for those seeking peace and tranquility. Here, in fact, cars are not allowed to circulate, only two-wheeled vehicles and some authorized vehicles. Therefore, especially families will find a perfect environment for a day trip or a day outdoors with their children.
Montisola, however, is much more, because on its territory there are several attractions to visit and places to enjoy pleasant and relaxing experiences. Between a lunch based on local typical products, a walk along the lakeside and breathtaking views, Montisola really offers a lot to those who choose it for a short or long holiday period.
How to Reach Montisola
The only way to reach Monte Isola is by ferry departing from all the small towns overlooking Lake Iseo. The most frequent runs depart from the port of Sulzano, from which a ferry leaves about every 20 minutes. The navigation on the lake lasts only a few minutes but offers great emotions, both for adults and especially for children.
Also, in every departure location, there are several paid parking lots especially in Sulzano. Alternatively, if you don't want to use a car, you can always take a train (Brescia – Iseo – Edolo line) and get off at Sulzano. For more information or to purchase tickets, you can visit the official website of Montisola.
How to Visit Montisola
The best way to visit Montisola is by renting bicycles. On two wheels, you can reach all the most beautiful places and enjoy the ride in total relaxation. There are plenty of shops to choose a model that suits your needs, so everyone can find the best bicycle to enjoy their holiday.
You can cross the characteristic and charming fishermen's villages, ride roads surrounded by greenery, among olive groves and fantastic views of Lake Iseo, or challenge the surrounding mountains and reach the other islands of San Paolo and Loreto. Montisola covers just over 9 km and has no particular difficulties or rough trails, so the bike ride will be very pleasant and relaxing.
What to See in Montisola on Lake Iseo
One of Montisola's main attractions is the Sanctuary of Madonna della Ceriola, not only a sacred place of great charm but also the best panoramic viewpoint on the entire island. From here, you will enjoy a 360° view both over Lake Iseo and the Franciacorta area.
To reach the Sanctuary of Ceriola, you can choose the bus or the bicycle. In the latter case, however, you will face a steep climb of about 3 kilometers, but when you reach the top, you will be speechless. The sanctuary is the symbol of civil unity of the Municipality of Monte Isola and one of the greatest examples of 15th-century Baroque architecture .
A visit to Montisola cannot miss the ancient fishermen's villages, among which the most important are Sale Marasino, Peschiera Maraglio, Carzano and Novale. These are places full of charm and very picturesque, where you can get lost and live a very fascinating experience among the lake, woods and olive groves.
In particular, Peschiera Maraglio and Carzano are right on the lake shore, making them perfect for those who want to enjoy some beach time. Novale, instead, is located higher up and consists of a group of houses forming a sort of balcony from which you will have a breathtaking view.
Finally, you cannot miss The Floating Piers, the installation created by artist Christo that allows visitors to walk on water. Even today, it remains one of Montisola's main attractions, drawing tourists from all over the world.
A Food & Wine Experience in Montisola on Lake Iseo
Monte Isola is not only famous for its natural and architectural beauties, but also for some typical products that must be tried during a stay here. Among the most appreciated are Montisola salami, local extra virgin olive oil and dried sardines.
The island is full of small restaurants, trattorias and inns where you can enjoy a pleasant food and wine experience. Here, since the 1700s, dried sardines have been one of the most traditional local dishes and were even used as barter goods. Then there is coregone, a highly appreciated fish also served as bottarga. In this case, one of the most recommended dishes is gnocco, which tempers its strong flavor and creates a remarkable balance.
Regarding the salami, it is a low-fat product but very salty and spicy. It cannot be missing during a tasting or as an appetizer during lunch or dinner. Also, Montisola olive oil is a typical product and a must on tables, with a pleasant flavor of artichoke, almond and aromatic herbs. In Montisola, there are as many as 17 thousand olive trees, so much so that in recent years the oil has also been exported to the mainland.
Finally, regarding desserts, Montisola on Lake Iseo offers an excellent wild berry jam and various marmalades, always made with seasonal fruit. Their characteristic is to reflect the lake sweetness and to have a truly special flavor. Spongada, on the other hand, is a very ancient sweet from this area found in local bakeries. It is a dough made of flour, sugar, honey, eggs, brewer's yeast, milk and a pinch of butter and is the ideal companion for every breakfast or snack.