Monte Isola – Lake Iseo: paths, glimpses of the lake and traditions alive on a car-free island. Monte Isola is located in the center of Lake Iseo and is the largest inhabited lake island in Europe. Its verdant profile emerges from the water in an unmistakable way and preserves villages, mule tracks, olive groves and a rhythm of life out of time. Private motor vehicles are forbidden here: you can get around on foot, by bike or with small electric buses. 🚶 Scenic walks and authentic villages: The island can be explored along a ring that connects the main towns, such as Peschiera Maraglio, Siviano, Carzano and Sensole. The internal paths climb upwards, offering glimpses of the lake from different perspectives and crossing olive groves, vegetable gardens and chestnut woods. 👉 Tip: Take the road that leads to the Sanctuary of Ceriola, on the top of the island: a challenging walk but full of viewpoints and a cozy atmosphere. 🚤 Connections and life on the lake: Monte Isola can be reached by boat from several ports on the lake, including Sulzano, Iseo and Sale Marasino. Access is quick and frequent, and the journey already allows you to enjoy the view of the island and the Brescia coast. Once there, you can move with ease between cobbled streets and quiet lakefronts. 👉 Tip: Leave Sulzano in the early hours of the day to avoid crowds and experience the first stretch of the island in complete quiet. 🌿 A well-kept territory, between olive trees and ancient crafts: Monte Isola retains a strong rural identity: the terraces planted with olive trees, the fishing nets hung out to dry and the old wooden boats testify to a traditional economy that is still alive. The island is also famous for the artisanal production of fishing and drying nets, which are exported all over the world. 👉 Tip: Stop in Carzano to get a closer look at the traditional nets and ask about the Festa di Santa Croce, a spectacular event held every five years. 🍽️ Local flavors by the lake: Monte Isola's cuisine is based on simple and genuine ingredients. Lake fish, especially dried fish (agoni, sardines), is the protagonist of many recipes, together with local extra virgin olive oil and baked goods. Restaurants and trattorias overlook the lake and offer typical dishes in family environments. 👉 Tip: Try casoncelli all'isolana or barbecued sardines in a trattoria in Sensole, accompanied by a white wine from Franciacorta. Monte Isola is a place where time has another step: between silent alleys, paths that rise to the sky and gestures that still speak of craftsmanship and seasons.