Considered one of the most romantic lakes in Italy, Lake Orta is a peaceful place, full of history and breathtaking views. If you want to find some peace and spend a few hours or a weekend in total relaxation, this is the right place! Perhaps it is a little known lake compared to its neighbors Lake Maggiore and Como, but it has nothing to envy, on the contrary … the secret of its charm lies in being immersed in nature, in a spectacular setting that has the “final” pearl the picturesque island of San Giulio , which rises in its waters. Less chaotic than the more famous nearby lakes, Lake Orta is ideal for those looking for a magical and less “touristy” atmosphere.
How to get there
IlLake Orta or Cusio is located in Piedmont , west of Lake Maggiore. It is the one located to the west of the pre-alpine lakes of northern Italy, with an area of ​​about 18 sq km. The reference airport is Malpensa (which is 42 km away), while by means of transport such as car, train or bus you have these possibilities to reach it:
- By car : Lake Orta can be reached via the A26 motorway (Genova Voltri / Gravellona Toce) with the Gravellona Toce exit (towards Omegna – 18 km) or with the Borgomanero exit (towards Borgomanero – 16 km). Or via the A8 / A26 motorway (Milan lakes / Gravellona Toce) with the Arona exit, towards Borgomanero, km 12. Get directions
- By train : Domodossola – Novara line (connections from Milan and Turin):
Orta San Giulio station fr. Legro / Omegna Station, via Vaemenia / Crusinallo Station.
From Como it takes 3 hours (2 – 3 changes) with a cost of € 12.00.
From Milan there are 2 hours (1 change) with tickets starting from € 9.00.
From Turin the travel time is 2 hours and 20 minutes, always with a change, for € 10.00 - By bus : Comazzi bus services: Arona – Borgomanero – Omegna / Fontaneto section: Stresa – Armeno – Orta section and Stresa – Gignese – Orta section. From Como the journey time by bus is one hour for 83 km. From Turin it is 126 km for an hour and twenty. From Milan 84 Km for an hour.
What to see: villages and places of interest
Among nature reserves, ancient Romanesque basilicas, panoramic balconies and particular villages that are the corollary, certainly there is no shortage of things to see on Lake Orta! Here, then, is all the information you need to better organize your trip to Lake Orta.
1 – Orta San Giulio
Considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, it is an unmissable stop on your visit to the lake. Appreciate it by strolling through its characteristic streets and observing its palaces, elegant arcades and villas, shops and local taverns .
SEE ALSO : The most beautiful villages in Italy
Its heart is Piazza Motta, full of restaurants and shops, from which ferries leave for the island of San Giulio. Do not miss the Church of Santa Maria Assunta with its numerous frescoes and Villa Bossi , from which you can enjoy a spectacular scenery.
- How to get there: from the Orta-Miasino railway station, the center is 700 meters away on foot. If you arrive by car, you can leave it in one of the many car parks and continue on foot. Directions
- Information : admission to the Church of Santa Maria Assunta is free – Hours: 9.00 – 18.00
2 – Sacro Monte d’Orta
Located in the hilly area overlooking Orta San Giulio, the Sacro Monte d’Orta is dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi . Here you can embark on a path – almost spiritual – which includes 20 chapels frescoed with episodes from the life of San Francesco and which lead to the final chapel, San Nicola di Mira. From this mountain you can enjoy an amazing view of the lake and of Orta San Giulio.
- How to get there: from Piazza Motta in Orta you can take via Palma. The journey is 1.5 km for about 26 minutes on foot.
3 – San Giulio Island
Photo by Vito Mandina. The Island of San Giulio is located in front of Orta and is the jewel of the lake: a small and enchanting island that houses the Abbey of the cloistered nuns and the Basilica of San Giulio. Once you arrive, you will be greeted by a staircase and a single perimeter road that you can take, the ” path of path and meditation “: a perfect combination of spirituality and architecture, and a peaceful corner full of houses, courtyards and glimpses.
- How to get there:
the Orta San Giulio landing stage is located in Piazza Motta (Get directions). While from the west shore of the lake you can take the ferry from Pella, San Filiberto or Lagna. - Information : € 3.15 round trip with a travel time of 5 minutes. Ferries operate from 10.00 to 19.00.
4 – Basilica San Giulio
Photo by Laurom. The Basilica of San Giulio is a pearl that is worth seeing. In Romanesque style, its facade and staircase directly overlook the lake, creating beautiful reflections. Under Ottone I it suffered serious damage and, to date, some Romanesque elements and the original presbytery have survived. Only the ambo in black Oira marble and the crypt where the remains of San Giulio are kept are of interest .
- How to get there: it is located in the center of the island and since there is only one road, it will be easy to find it.
- Information : Free admission, opening hours: 09.30-12.15 / 14.00 – 19.00
5 – Omegna
Photo by Vito Mandina. Omegna , a small village north of Orta San Giulio and founded by the Romans, is crossed by the Nigoglia canal along which you can take a walk up to the Parco della Fantasia , a space designed for children in honor of Gianni Rodari , who here spent his first years of life. Do not miss the Church of San Gaudenzio, the collegiate church of Sant’ambrogio from the 10th century and the Porta Romana .
- How to get there: by car, Get directions. By train Novara-Domodossola line, Omegna station. By Bus: VCO Trasporti Lines from Verbania, Domodossola, Novara / SAF Solcio Stresa Omegna Line / Strona Valley – Omegna Forno – Omegna Luzzogno – Omegna Germagno lines.
- Information : Parco della Fantasia opening hours Saturday 9.30 – 12.30 / 14.30 – 18.00 and Sunday from 9.00 to 18.00. Prices: half day € 8.00 and full day € 13.00
6 – Pella
Photo by Alessandro Vecchi. Located on the opposite bank of Orta San Giulio, Pella is a small town that allows you to observe the lake from a magnificent perspective and, from here, you can still take a few moments to admire the island of San Giulio. To see the Piazza di Rialzo , enhanced by the Church of San Giovanni Battista which includes 4 chapels inside and a single wide nave and the Parish Church of Sant’Albino , with a noteworthy mosaic floor and some works by Giovanni Valtorta .
- How to get there: by car, Get directions. By train, the station is located in Gozzano (Novara – Domodossola section). Bus: the lines that connect it are by Trasporti Comazzi.
7 – Madonna del Sasso
Photo by Alessandro Vecchi. If you visit Lake Orta you cannot miss the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Sasso , located on a rock overlooking the lake in the Borgo di Boleto area . The sanctuary boasts a dome frescoed by Lorenzo Peracino , sculptor and painter, as well as a painting by Fermo Stella da Caravaggio, disciple of Gaudenzio Ferrari , the “Deposition of Christ”. However, what will strike you most will be the fact of being able to admire, from up here, the whole basin: for this reason the sanctuary is nicknamed the ” Balcony of Cusio “.
- How to get there: by car, Get directions. By train, the closest railway station is Gozzano (10 km).
- Information : free admission. Opening hours 07.00 – 12.00 / 15.30 – 20.00
The most beautiful beaches in Lake Orta
Photo by Vito Mandina.
- Ortello : Free and free beach located in Orta, precisely behind Villa Crespi, reachable on foot from the historic center. Get directions
- Miami Beach : also in Orta San Giulio, this is an equipped beach that offers a restaurant, a bar, umbrella and sun lounger rental. Get directions
- Lido di Gozzano : probably the best equipped beach on the lake, it offers the widest beach and a series of services. It also features the highest lake springboard in Europe. Get directions
- Rialaccio Municipal Beach : another free beach located in the hamlet of Roncallo sul Lago in Pella. It offers a beautiful view on the island of San Giulio. Get directions
- Dolphin’s Beach : located in Pettenasco, it offers both a free area and an equipped area with restaurant, bathroom, showers and bar. Get directions
- Pascolo Beach : another free municipal beach, located near an appreciable kiosk. Get directions
- Orta Beach – Luci sul lago : is a private beach located at the Luci sul Lago restaurant, about 1 km from the center of Orta San Giulio. It is equipped with umbrellas, sunbeds and various services, and offers rates from € 15.00 per day. Get directions
Where to eat: the best restaurants
- La Tavernella restaurant in Bassilico Carmine : Via Lago, 14, 28891 Nonio VB (get directions) – Telephone number 0323 889622. Restaurant overlooking Lake Orta and typical cuisine, with dishes that vary according to the seasonality of the products. Average prices per person € 40.00
- Landing stage: Piazza Motta, 28010 Pella NO (get directions) – Telephone no. 0322 918003
Romantic place overlooking the lake, with fish specialties. Average prices per person € 50.00 - L’Ustaria Ca dal Rat : Via Novara 66, 28016 Orta San Giulio NO (get directions) – Telephone number 0322 066538. Elegant restaurant overlooking the lake that offers refined dishes of land and sea, with fresh and quality products. Average prices per person € 40.00
- Villa Crespi : Via Fava, 18, 28016 Orta San Giulio NO, (get directions) – N. Telephone 0322 911902
Restaurant of the Michelin starred chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo, which offers regional dishes of haute cuisine. Average prices per person € 90.00 - Al Boeuc : Via Bersani, 28, 28016 Orta San Giulio NO (get directions) – Telephone number 339 584 0039
Small restaurant / wine bar with delicious typical Piedmontese dishes, especially meat. Average prices per person € 35.00
Where to sleep
Certainly Orta San Giulio is the most recommended town to stay, as being in a central point it allows you to easily reach the opposite shore of the lake (in 20 minutes). The areas with the lowest prices are those near the station , because prices increase by the lake. For the same reasons, and a strategic point of Pella , located just in front of Orta. Finally, I recommend Omegna , which is a fairly large village (in relation to the others in the area) and therefore offers various accommodation options at affordable prices. I remember that it is located in the extreme north of the lake and to move to the opposite side, for example to Gozzano, it will take you about half an hour.
- Orta San Giulio : Hotels and b & b from € 57.00 per room – look at the offers
- Pella : Hotels and b & b from € 55.00 per room – see the offers
- Omegna : Hotels and b & b from € 54.00 per room – see the offers