Lombardy’s jewel of an island

By Emma BirdMonte Isola rises sharply from the middle of Lake Iseo in Lombardy, its medieval hamlets strung around the shore and climbing the wooded slopes. Car-free and officially recognised as one of Italy’s most beautiful small towns, it has preserved an atmosphere of seclusion even as neighbouring lakes have become playgrounds for the international jet set.Although tiny, covering an area of just 4 sq kms, it is the largest lake island in Europe and climbs to an altitude of 600 metres. From the top, visi ...