Lake Orta is a lake situated in the north of Italy, just west of Lake Maggiore. Incredibly beautiful and away from the much more bustling streets of Lake Como or Lake Garda, life on Lake Orta seems to operate at a slightly slower pace than everywhere else! We always recommend a day trip to Lake Orta when staying at one of our Lake Maggiore villas or apartments. So, what exactly is there to see and do on Lake Orta? Here is our list of the top 12 things you should tick off your Lake Orta bucket list.
Visit Isola san Giulio
A short boat ride costing just a few euros and taking less than 5 minutes will take you from the lakeside town of Orta san Giulio to the nearby island of Isola san Giulio that sits just 400 metres from the shore. The island itself measures just 275 metres long and 140 metres wide from east to west and is dominated by its Romanesque basilica. This is certainly the island’s main attraction along with the adjacent 19th century bishop’s palace and Benedictine Abbey. The latter was a seminary that dated back to the 1840s but it has been a Benedictine monastery since 1976 and is now home to a convent of nuns who live permanently on the island. The monastery is not accessible to the public but the 13th century basilica is and it’s worth heading inside to admire its wall and ceiling frescoes. It’s also worth taking the peaceful ‘voie du silence‘ (trail of silence), a pathway that leads around the island.
Visit in June to enjoy the Cusio Festival of Ancient Music when a series of concerts are held in the setting of the 18th century Casa Tallone on the island. As part of this festival, musicians from all over the world perform the music on ancient instruments.
Explore the streets and alleyways of Orta san Giulio
Orta san Giulio is one of the prettiest towns on any of the Italian Lakes. It is incredibly picturesque, characterised by charming lanes and alleyways that weave their way past Renaissance and Baroque art and architecture. Little squares are filled 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. Here you will find the Palazzo della ComunitĂ (town hall).
For some fantastic views over the lake, take a walk from here to the 15th century Church of Maria Assunta. Its yellow facade is easy to spot. This is also where the local residents will get married!
Go swimming!
The waters of Lake Orta are incredibly clean and clear. Head to one of the many lakeside beaches for a dip. These include Explora Beach and the beautiful Lido di Bagnella beach amongst a number of others.
Visit the waterfalls
The Cascata della Qualba is a waterfall in Verbania close to Lake Orta. It’s a beautiful spot and well worth a visit.
Stock up on designer homeware at the Alessi factory store
Alessi is an Italian homeware brand that has epitomised Italian design for over a century. In Omegna, you will find the Alessi factory and offices along with a factory store where you will be able to drool over current Alessi designs as well as purchase previous ranges and seconds at discounted rates.
Explore 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.
Take a hike!
Lake Orta offers numerous trails and paths for keen walkers. These include lakeside walks exploring the charming lakeside villages, pleasant walks up the slopes surrounding the lake or more challenging hikes in the higher mountain ranges above Lake Orta. Most will have plenty of stunning views en route.
Visit the Gothic Park & Tornielli Palace
Situated in Ameno, the Tornielli Palace was once the country home of the aristocratic Tornielli family, a place where they could host balls and parties. 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 amongst others. It’s also possible to explore the parkland that surrounds the palace. Here you will find 100 year old trees, numerous well kept flower beds, a circular classical pavilion and icebox.
Sanctuary of the Madonna del Sasso
This 18th century church complex (Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rock) sits on a huge granite rock which overhangs Lake Orta below. It comprises three buildings – the church, the bell tower and the priest’s house. It is worth a visit for the views alone over Lake Orta, the Mottarone and Alps that it boasts from the square in front called ‘Cusio’s balcony‘! However, head inside to also admire the incredible frescoes and works by Lorenzo Peracino and Fermo Stella da Caravaggio. Also keep an eye out for the incredible 16th century organ which has 700 pipes and 58 keyboard keys.
Enjoy a tree-top adventure
Set just away from the lake in the woods that surround it is the Adventure Park Lago d’Orta Le Pigne. Here you can enjoy the chance of swinging through the trees, 12 metres above the ground. With a series of different challenges to suit all ages from 3 years to adults, it’s a great family day out!
Shop until you drop!
The weekly market in Orta san Giulio is held every Wednesday in the central Piazza Motta. It’s a great opportunity to stock up on some local food delicacies.
Fill your stomach!
Whilst Lake Orta may be one of the smaller Italian Lakes, it certainly packs a punch when it comes to flavour. Orta san Giulio is home to two Michelin star restaurants – Andrea Monesi’s 1 star Locanda di Orta and the lakeside Villa Crespi which has secured 2 Michelin stars under the leadership of its Neapolitan chef.
Admire the outdoor art gallery in Legro
Legro is a small hamlet near Orta san Giulio. It 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, over 60 artworks have been painted this way, focused on the theme of cinema.
Check out the Lake Maggiore villas which would be a great base from which to enjoy a day trip to Lake Orta.