This Is Italy
Everyone knows its big brother: Lake Maggiore. Just west of it is Lake Orta (Lago d'Orta in Italian). And as it is with little brothers, it is often overlooked. But that is now changing. Here are the best tips for a trip to Lake Orta.
The charming Lake Orta is located in the north of the Italian region of Piedmont and is 14 km long and 2 km at its widest. The circumference of the lake is about 33 km. As with most Italian lakes, there is also an island.
1. Orta San Giulio
We recently mentioned this medieval village – the most famous village around Lake Orta – in our article about the 10 most beautiful places in Piedmont. And not without reason!
The main street Via Olina leads to the central Piazza Motta, on the lake shore. From here you look out on a very different part of the village and that is located on the island of San Giulio.
The square is lined with the most important historic buildings with their porticos, including the 16th-century Palazzo della Comunità della Riviera di San Giulio.
Admire the little Santa Maria Assunta, and don't miss the Palazzo Gemelli and the neoclassical Palazzo Penotti Ubertini with a ballroom with a beautiful Venetian floor.
Of course you also want to go to the island, which is only 275 meters long. Still, it's full of medieval sights, including an abbey, a palace, and a basilica.
Take a walk and enjoy the beautiful antiquities and real island atmosphere that prevails here. You can go there by ferry several times a day during the summer season.
2. Cycling around Lake Orta
Many of the northern Italian lakes may be a size too big. But Lake Orta is nice and compact. Here you can cycle a round of about 40 km on excellent cycle paths, with plenty of breaks along the way at cozy terraces and beaches.
The route is called L'anello azzurro di Girolago and it starts and ends in Omegna, which brings us right to the next tip in this list.
You can also choose another popular route. This runs between Lago Maggiore and Lago d'Orta and is 59 kilometers long. It is not for the faint of heart, because during this route you climb to the top of the Mottarone (1.491 meters).
3. Omega
The village of Omegna is located at the northernmost point of Lake Orta. The Nigoglia River, which drains the water from Lake Orta, flows right through the center here.
In the last week of August you can enjoy the Omegna festival here, but every Thursday there is also a nice local market. There are also cozy shops, cafes and restaurants.
4. Pella, Ronco and Nonio
Do you like to visit less touristy villages during your trip to Lake Orta? Then visit the authentic villages of Pella, Ronco or the elevated Nonio.
Narrow streets, a relaxed atmosphere and charming vistas while you can enjoy all that beauty in peace. Many other villages (such as Ameno, Miasino, Pettenasco, Legro, Gozzano) that you can discover around the lake are also worth a visit.
Take the bike and you will see a lot!
5. Sacro Monte di San Francesco
The Sacro Monte di San Francesco – literally: the Holy Mountain of Saint Francis – is 400 meters high and you will find numerous statues, frescoes and chapels dedicated to Saint Francis. Take a walk between the shrines and enjoy the views over the lake.
6. Hiking through the surrounding mountains
Are you a hiking enthusiast? Then Lake Orta is a must-do! In the hills and mountains surrounding the lake you can enjoy many hiking trails for both inexperienced hikers and experienced hikers.
Are you going for a real mountain trip? Or do you opt for a walk with a beautiful view of the lake? The choices are wide and you can start in almost any village around the lake. Ask the local tourist office for a map and tips.
7. The Mottarone
The Mottarone mountain was recently in the news due to the tragic accident with the cable car between Stresa and Mottarone (which is now closed until further notice). Closed). But you can also climb the mountain on foot, if you are in good shape and in good shape.
At almost 1.500 meters you have a fantastic view over seven lakes. In addition to Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta, further east you can also explore the More from Mergozzo (also recommended!), Lake Biandronno, Lake Varese, Lake Monate and Lake Comabbio.
Is the weather clear? Then you may even be able to see all of Milan.
8. Day Trip to Milan from Lake Orta
Speaking of Milan: if you are at Lake Orta, you can also take a trip to this one big city. Milan offers many sights, has rapidly developed into Italy's hippest city and is a true paradise for the shopper with an expensive taste.
A short film about Lake Orta:
Camping at Lake Orta
Adventurous travelers may also want to pitch their tent at Lake Orta. on Camping Orta this is perfectly possible, but you can also rent bungalows there. The campsite is divided into 2 parts, separated by a road with a pedestrian tunnel.
The part directly on the shore of the lake is the most charming, but on the higher second part you do have beautiful views.
Lago d'Orta in The Taste of Italy
The latest edition of The Taste of Italy pays attention to Lake Orta in the article Lago d'Orta in 48 hours. In the article you will find more tips, backgrounds and addresses. You can order the magazine easily online here.
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