Monte Isola with Kids: Best Things to Do for Families
on Lake Iseo
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Updated 13 May 2025
Of all the things to do around Lake Iseo, taking a boat trip to Monte Isola — the largest inhabited lake island in Europe — is an absolute must for any visitor.
If you have more than one day to explore the area, we highly recommend spending a full day on Monte Isola. It’s almost entirely traffic-free — only residents are allowed to use motorcycles or small cars, and just a few public minibuses circulate the island — making it a peaceful, safe, and family-friendly destination to explore on foot or by bike.
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How to Get to Monte Isola: Lake Iseo Ferry Information for Visitors
Lake Iseo Ferry Tips for Families
The ferry service from Sulzano to Monte Isola runs frequently throughout the day and night—even during the winter months—making it the most convenient and reliable option. Ferries from other towns around Lake Iseo, such as Iseo, Lovere, Riva di Solto, or Pisogne, typically operate only a few times per day. It's important to note that ferry timetables change throughout the year and may vary even during the summer months. We highly recommend checking the latest schedule before your trip to ensure you have enough time to enjoy your planned activities on the island and return to your intended destination without any issues.
Also, depending on your departure point, the ferry may not go directly to your intended village and could make multiple stops around Monte Isola. It's a good idea to double-check the name of the exact village you're heading to on Monte Isola — such as Peschiera Maraglio, Carzano, or Sensole — to avoid getting off at the wrong stop.
Getting around Monte Isola with kids
Regular Bus Service around Monte Isola
The island's regular bus service operates year-round, connecting key locations such as Peschiera Maraglio, Carzano, Sensole, and Menzino. This service is especially beneficial for visitors who prefer not to walk or cycle the island's hilly terrain. Tickets are priced at €2.00 per person per trip, with children under 6 traveling for free. Tickets can be purchased directly on board the bus.
Travel Tips
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Timetable Variations: Bus schedules may change seasonally. It's advisable to check the latest timetables before planning your trip.
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Accessibility: The bus service is suitable for families with children and individuals with reduced mobility, providing an inclusive way to explore the island.
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Ticket Purchase: Remember to have cash on hand, as tickets are purchased directly from the driver.
For detailed timetables and more information, visit the official Monte Isola tourism website.
Here's our guide to the best things to do in Monte Isola with kids:
01
Explore Peschiera Maraglio: A Picturesque Fishing Village and Monte Isola's Key Port
Peschiera Maraglio, Carzano and Novale are just some of the attractions of the centuries-old Isola mountain. These picturesque villages were once inhabited by fishermen. Even today they remain their unique charm, surrounded by Lake Iseo, forests and olive groves. We recommend heading to Peschiera Maraglio, the largest village on the island and the most popular with visitors. It's perfect for families, with a great choice of lakeside restaurants, gelaterias, and places to sit and enjoy the views. The waterfront promenade is stroller-friendly, and there’s no shortage of scenic spots for a picnic or a relaxed lunch.
02
Rent a bike and cycle around Monte Isola
If you're visiting Monte Isola with kids and want to add a bit of adventure to your family trip, we highly recommend renting bicycles and exploring the island on two wheels. Bike rental shops are conveniently located along the promenade in Peschiera Maraglio, the island’s main town. Monte Isola is ideal for families who enjoy outdoor activities, with hiking and cycling routes of varying difficulty. It takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to cycle around the whole island, making it a fun and manageable experience even with kids. Biking is also a great way to escape the crowds and discover quieter, scenic corners at your own pace. For shorter, family-friendly trips, you can ride towards Carzano, where a picnic area with a playground and stunning lake views awaits. There used to be the Blue Lake bar, which was a convenient spot for a snack break after cycling, but it appears to be closed now. Hopefully, it will soon be replaced by something else.
Another great option is the route to Sensole, which offers a peaceful lakeside ride and a playground along the way. These routes offer the perfect balance of activity and relaxation, making them great for families with young children.
03
Visit the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Ceriola - a must-visit spot on Lake Iseo
The Sanctuary of the Madonna della Ceriola is a must-visit spot on Lake Iseo. You can get there on foot or by minibus. Bear in mind that the hike to the Sanctuary is quite demanding and may not be suitable for families with small children. However, it’s one of the best family hikes on Lake Iseo, offering stunning 360-degree views of the lake from the top.
Special Bus Service to the Sanctuary of Madonna della Ceriola
From April 19 to November 2, 2025, a special bus service operates on weekends and daily throughout August, running from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM. This service connects Peschiera Maraglio to the Sanctuary of Madonna della Ceriola, offering a convenient option for visitors wishing to experience the panoramic views without the strenuous hike. Tickets are purchased on board (cash only).
Top Family-Friendly Activities to Enjoy with Kids on Lake Iseo
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Take this sightseeing cruise on Lake Iseo, sailing around the three islands of Monte Isola, San Paolo and Loreto, with champagne on board (not suitable for children under 6 years).
Final Thoughts for Visiting Monte Isola on Lake Iseo with Kids
Despite being in a remote part of Italy, the peace and tranquillity of Lake Iseo is amazing and well worth a visit! We definitely would recommend everyone to check it out.
Looking for more tips on traveling in Lombardy with kids?
Don’t miss our other guides to child-friendly destinations in Northern Italy!
