Luxury Villas on Lake Orta

About Lake Orta

Lake Orta really is a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered. Situated just west of Lake Maggiore, the pace of life on Lake Orta is rather a slow, sleepy and peaceful one. This is certainly one of the romantic and tranquil of the Italian lakes.

Towns and villages of Lake Orta

The most well-known town on Lake Orta is Orta San Giulio. It is one of the prettiest towns on any of the Italian Lakes. Incredibly picturesque, it is filled with charming lanes and alleyways that weave their way past Renaissance and Baroque art and architecture. Little squares are lined with cafes, boutiques and antique shops and it’s an extremely pleasant place to while away a few hours. The town’s main square is the Piazza Motta. From here you can catch a boat to the island that sits just off its shores – Isola san Giulio. Visit Orta san Giulio on a Wednesday to stock up on local food delicacies in the central Piazza Motta. Incidentally, for food lovers, Lake Orta definitely packs a punch when it comes to flavour. There are two Michelin star restaurants in Orta san Giulio alone.

However, Orta San Giulio is by no means the only town worth visiting on Lake Orta. On the western shores of the lake sits Pella. This is home to the 12th Romanesque Church of San Filiberto and its main square is where you can enjoy some of the best views of the lake. Gozzano and Pettenasco are both towns with great beaches. And there is Omegna at the northern end of the lake. As well as occupying a scenic spot on the lake, it is also home to the Alessi factory store.

Also worth a visit is Legro near Orta san Giulio. This is one of over 200 towns across Italy that participates in an initiative where artists paint murals on the buildings of a village, effectively creating an outdoor art gallery. In Legro, there are now over 60 outdoor artworks. focused on the theme of cinema.

What to see and do on Lake Orta

Orta san Giulio is usually the first stop on any visit to Lake Orta. From here, a short 400 metre long boat ride costing just 5 euros will take you to the nearby island of Isola san Giulio. There are very few places in the world like Isola San Giulio. This is a place of silence that weaves its magic very quickly. As you come on shore, you will first discover the crypt of Saint Giulio within the 12th century Romanesque basilica that dominates the island. You will then have the opportunity to enjoy the walk around the island itself. A single path takes you around Isola San Giulio. Known as the Way of Silence (voie du silence), signs posted at regular intervals share thoughts about the power of silence. At just 275 metres long and 140 metres wide, the walk will not take long. But it is amazing how, if you put away your phone and simply enjoy the moment, you can feel yourself relax as you make your way round.

Above Orta San Giulio is  the Sacro Monte di Orta UNESCO World Heritage site. This site consists of a series of 20 chapels surrounded by woodland and built between the 16th and 17th centuries. Each depicts a different event from the life of Saint Francis through the use of sculptures and paintings. The site also boasts some of the best views of Lake Orta itself. For those keen on walking, there are plenty of other hikes to enjoy in the hills around the lake, many in the Val Grande Natural Park.

And finally, it is worth visiting the Tornielli Palace in Ameno. This was once the country home of the aristocratic Tornielli family. These days, it’s home to a museum with a collection of contemporary art by artists such as Enrica Borghi, Piero Gilardi and Johannes Pfeiffer. An impressive park surrounds the villa which is also open to the public. Here you will find 100 year old trees, numerous well kept flower beds, a circular classical pavilion and icebox.

Of course, like with so many of the Italian Lakes, the waters of Lake Orta are crystal clear and clean. So, when your feet are tired from exploring, it’s worth enjoying time on the many beaches if visiting during the warmer months. A couple of our favourites are the Explora Beach and the beautiful Lido di Bagnella beach. Or head to the beautiful Cascata della Qualba, a waterfall close to Lake Orta.

When to visit Lake Orta

With a climate identical to the weather on Lake Maggiore, visitors can expect to enjoy the warmest and sunniest weather in July and August. This is when you will be able to maximise your time on the beaches and in the lake waters. However, the Spring and Autumn also work well for a holiday on Lake Orta. This is when you can typically combine lazy days in the sunshine with plenty of sightseeing.