Visit Lake Orta: between secret charm and romantic gem of Piedmont

Why choose Lake Orta for a getaway in Italy?

“The forgotten pearl of northern Italy”

What if the most enchanting of Italian lakes was not the largest, but the most secret?
In northern Piedmont, nestled between woods, hills, and old villas, Lake Orta welcomes you with open arms. Less known than the Lake Maggiore or the Lake Como, this small lake of rare charm holds unsuspected treasures: the mystical island of San Giulio, the basilica with silent frescoes, the medieval village of Orta San Giulio, and its alleys lined with colorful houses.

To read: Visit Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands

Each shore offers a different atmosphere. With every walk, a breathtaking new view. Whether you stroll through Piazza Motta, embark on a boat tour, explore the chapel of Sacro Monte, or enjoy a hidden garden in Pella or Omegna, every moment here is an invitation to softness and wonder.

Visiting Lake Orta means discovering a timeless place where Italian serenity reigns, even enhanced by autumn. Welcome to a true gem, nestled just west of Lake Maggiore.

An ideal destination for couples, families or solo travelers

Its peaceful ambiance, lack of mass tourism, and richness of cultural heritage make it a perfect haven for a romantic break, a family discovery, or a solo escape in search of silence and authenticity.

What to do at Lake Orta? The must-sees not to miss

Orta San Giulio, the Baroque jewel of the lake

Heart of the lake, Orta San Giulio is a village of rare beauty. Its cobbled streets wind between colorful buildings, flowered balconies, and charming small squares like Piazza Motta, lined with cafés and small shops. Don’t miss the Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta, perched high above the village.

Isola San Giulio: mystery, silence and spirituality

Accessible within minutes by boat, the island of San Giulio is a timeless sanctuary. It houses the magnificent basilica of San Giulio and a silent path called “the path of silence.” A meditative experience, between spirituality and contemplation. The boat trip to Isola San Giulio is truly a must-do.

The Sacro Monte: spirituality and panorama

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sacro Monte of Orta comprises twenty chapels dedicated to the life of Saint Francis of Assisi, set in a splendid natural environment. From the summit, the view of the lake and island is simply magical.

Lake tour by boat or paddleboard

Navigating the lake allows you to appreciate it in all its beauty. On a guided cruise or by renting a paddleboard or small motorboat, you can discover the wooded coast, perched hamlets, and secret beaches.

Other activities to enjoy around the lake

Swimming, sunbathing and picnicking on the beaches

Many public beaches line the lake, such as those at Gozzano or Orta Beach. Some are wild, others well-equipped, all offer easy access to the water for a relaxing family day.

Explore the picturesque villages around the lake

Villages like Pella, Omegna, or Miasino are worth a visit. You will find a gentle atmosphere, artisan workshops, old churches, and a typically Italian pace of life.

Hiking on the heights of Monte Mesma or Monte Mottarone

Many trails provide an elevated view over the lake. The loop around Monte Mesma is perfect for a half-day walk. Monte Mottarone, on the other hand, offers a spectacular view over several alpine lakes.

Hikes around Lake Orta 

Monte Mesma 

Duration: 2h30 – Level: Easy – Elevation gain: 250 m 

A pleasant loop through forest and clearings, with panoramic lake views. 

Sacro Monte di Orta 

Duration: 1h15 – Level: Very easy – Elevation gain: 150 m 

Spiritual route between 20 chapels illustrating the life of Saint Francis of Assisi. 

Monte Mottarone from Orta 

Duration: 4h – Level: Medium – Elevation gain: 700 m 

A more athletic hike offering an exceptional panorama of alpine lakes. 

Sentiero del Viandante (local segment) 

Duration: 2h – Level: Easy – Elevation gain: 200 m 

Path between hills, woods, and small hamlets, peaceful, near the lake

Practical information to organize your stay

When to visit Lake Orta?

The best periods are from May to June and from September to October. Summer is busier but the atmosphere remains pleasant. In winter, the lake is very quiet, almost mystical.

How to get to Lake Orta?

From Milan, allow about 1h30 by car. The train to Domodossola or Novara followed by a shuttle also allows easy access. Regional buses serve the main towns around the lake.

Travel time table from various major cities:

Where to stay around the lake?

Orta San Giulio offers several charming hotels with lake views. Other options include guest rooms in Miasino, vacation rentals in Gozzano, or well-equipped campgrounds on the west shore.

Comparative table of accommodation types: prices, amenities, atmosphere

Ideas for stays and tours around the lake

A romantic weekend for two

Day 1: Start the day with a hand-in-hand stroll through the alleys of Orta San Giulio, among Baroque facades, flowered balconies, and shady little squares. Take a break at Piazza Motta over a coffee before visiting Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta. In the afternoon, take the boat to San Giulio island and let yourself be carried away by the mystical atmosphere of its path of silence. End the day with a boat ride at sunset, when the last golden rays embrace the calm waters of the lake.

Day 2: Climb to Sacro Monte early in the morning to enjoy the soft light and complete calm among the chapels. Have a rustic lunch on a discreet beach, such as Buccione or Pella, then relax by the lake, between swimming and reading in the shade. In the evening, reserve a table with a panoramic view: the lights reflecting on the water will create an unforgettable setting for your candlelit dinner.

A slow tourism week between nature, culture and relaxation

This week-long stay around Lake Orta is for those who want to take time to discover, feel, taste, and breathe. Start by exploring the heights with hikes on Monte Mesma and Monte Mottarone, offering spectacular views of the alpine lakes. Alternate with gentler days discovering the picturesque villages: Pella, Miasino, Quarna Sotto, and Omegna, each with its own features, markets, and artisans.

Take a ceramics workshop in a local studio, watch the stars from the heights, or search for hidden frescoes in small chapels. Allow yourself swimming breaks on the beaches of Gozzano or Orta Beach and savor local specialties in typical trattorias, on a terrace or in a shaded courtyard. A program both simple and rich, without stress or constraints, where each day unfolds according to your mood.

Following the footsteps of historic families of Lake Orta: villas, gardens, and forgotten patrons

Beyond its romantic charm, Lake Orta is a true stage of ancient stories carried by illustrious families. One of the most emblematic, the Bossi family, left its mark through the sumptuous Villa Bossi, now the town hall of Orta San Giulio. Located on the lakeshore, this villa with flowered gardens often hosts concerts or weddings and offers a magical view of Isola San Giulio.

But other names like Alessi or Crespi have also contributed to the region’s radiance: patrons of Sacro Monte, builders of chapels, commissioners of frescoes or Baroque buildings. While strolling through the alleys, you might come across a forgotten plaque, a walled garden, or an iron gate hiding an elegant 19th-century villa.

For a more complete immersion, it is possible to book a historical guided tour tracing the heritage of these families through the villages of Orta, Miasino, or Ameno. Another way to discover the lake: through the tales of those who shaped it, whose traces quietly but nobly remain on the shores of Cusio.

Good to know: Several local guides offer themed tours on request, including:

• visit of Villa Bossi (external view and garden only, interior not open to the public),
• passing through the old palaces of Ameno,
• discovery of family archives and historical anecdotes,
• access to certain private villas usually closed to the public.

Practical info:

• Departure from Piazza Motta or the central square of Miasino
• Average duration: 2 to 2h30
• Reservation recommended (limited places)
• Price: from €15 per person

To book your visit: contact the Lake Orta tourist office or consult specialized sites like navigazioneorta.it or guidelagomaggiore.it which retrace the heritage of these families through the villages of Orta, Miasino, or Ameno. Another way to discover the lake: through the tales of those who shaped it, whose traces quietly but nobly remain on the shores of Cusio.

Off the beaten path: original experiences and secret places

Getting started with local ceramics in Quarna Sotto

This small welcoming village offers ceramics workshops where visitors can create their own souvenir, guided by passionate artisans.

Star gazing from the summit of Monte Mottarone

Far from any light pollution, the summit of Mottarone is perfect for observing the night sky. Guided evenings by astrophysicists are sometimes organized there.

Discovering hidden frescoes in Miasino

Although often overlooked by tourists, this small village holds artistic treasures hidden in isolated chapels. A Baroque fresco hunt to undertake, off the usual routes. 

Tips and pitfalls to avoid for a successful stay

What guides forget to mention

Some museums close between noon and 3 p.m., boats do not run after 6 p.m., and some lake accesses are private or poorly marked.

Average budget to plan for 2 to 4 days

• Accommodation: €70-140/night
• Meals: €20-40/person
• Activities: €15-50 depending on options

Estimated budget table by profile (2 to 4 days)

Traveling to Lake Orta without a car: is it possible?

Yes, but it requires some organization: train schedules, shuttles, bike rentals. A slow travel stay on foot is entirely feasible.

Lake Orta, a gentle escape from another time

Between heritage, nature, encounters, and suspended moments, Lake Orta is much more than a destination: it is a way of life. Those who get lost there often come back.

“There is a place where silence speaks louder than words: it is on the shores of Lake Orta.”