When it comes to visiting Italy's lakes, most people head straight for Como or Garda. But there's a quieter and arguably even more magical spot: Lake Orta. Tucked away in Piedmont, it's a pre-alpine lake with a serene atmosphere and a collection of sleepy, olde-worlde villages. Lake Orta is brimming with things to do and surely tops the list for the least touristy lakes in Italy.
Best villages around Lake Orta
The lake is fringed with lovely little towns, each with its own distinct feel. They are places that value tranquillity and a slower way of living.
Orta San Giulio
This is the lake's showpiece. It's a medieval village on a small peninsula with cobbled lanes and historic palazzos. The main square, Piazza Motta, opens right onto the water. From here, you can see the tiny, picturesque Isola San Giulio, which is just a short boat ride away.
Pella
Situated on the quieter western shore, Pella is a more understated alternative to Orta San Giulio. It’s a great spot for a peaceful stroll along the lakeside promenade. The 12th-century Church of San Filiberto is a key landmark, and the view across the water to the island is wonderful.
Gozzano
At the southern end of the lake, Gozzano is known for its small churches and, most notably, its lido. It’s one of the best spots for wild swimming when the weather warms up.
Pettenasco
This village is a good base for outdoor enthusiasts. It has some nice beaches and is the starting point for several trails that wind up into the surrounding hills, offering excellent views.
Omegna
Located at the northern tip, Omegna is the largest town on the lake. It has a more industrial past, being the birthplace of design giants like Alessi and Bialetti, which gives it a different character from the more tourist-focused villages.
Weather in Lake Orta
The climate here is generally mild, but it changes distinctly with the seasons.
- Spring (March-May) sees mild temperatures and blooming flowers, though you should be prepared for some rain showers.
- Summer (June-August) is warm and sunny, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The lake breeze helps to keep it from getting too stuffy, but this is also the busiest time of year.
- Autumn (September-November) brings cooler temperatures and beautiful foliage. It's a great time for hiking and enjoying local food festivals centred around mushrooms and chestnuts.
- Winter (December-February) is cold and quiet. The nearby mountains are often snow-dusted, creating a scenic backdrop, but some restaurants and hotels may close for the season.
A 3-day itinerary for Lake Orta
In three days, you can see the highlights without rushing.
- Day 1: Wander through the village, then take the five-minute boat trip to Isola San Giulio to walk its meditative "path of silence". In the afternoon, make the gentle climb up to the Sacro Monte di Orta, an underrated Italian UNESCO site.
- Day 2: You could drive or take a ferry across to Pella for a coffee, then continue to Omegna to see where the famous Italian coffee pots come from.
- Day 3: Head to one of the beaches, like the Lido di Gozzano, for a swim. Or, for a lovely walk, the trail from Pella to the sleepy hamlet of Ronco offers fantastic views.
Getting around Lake Orta
- Car: the main road, SP 229, runs along the western shore, and SP 46 covers the east. Parking can be tight in the small villages during summer, so it's best to arrive early.
- Public Transport: local buses connect the main towns around the lake, though services can be infrequent. There is also a train line that stops at Gozzano, Orta-Miasino, Pettenasco, and Omegna.
- Boat: taking a boat is part of the experience. Public ferries run between the main villages, offering a scenic way to get around.
Beaches, parks and walks close to Lake Orta
Lake Orta is just as good for a lazy day by the water as it is for a proper hike in the hills.
Lakeside beaches
The Lido di Gozzano is probably the most popular beach, and for good reason. It's one of the few with actual sand and has all the facilities you might need. You'll also find the well-equipped Spiaggia Miami in Orta San Giulio and plenty of smaller, quieter pebbly spots if you just follow the shoreline paths.
Sacro Monte di Orta
The path winds gently uphill through a leafy wood, passing 20 chapels filled with frescoes telling the story of St. Francis of Assisi. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the views of the lake from the top are fantastic.
The Anello Azzurro
For a walk that takes in more of the lakeside scenery, the Anello Azzurro, or 'Blue Ring', is a well-marked trail that loops around the southern part of the lake. It connects several of the old villages and mule tracks, offering a great way to see the area on foot.
Monte Mottarone
If you're after a proper panorama, head up the mountain that sits between Lake Orta and Lake Maggiore. On a clear day, the view from the top is incredible, stretching across seven lakes and over to the snow-dusted Alps.
Val Grande National Park
For a real challenge, the Val Grande National Park is about an hour's drive away. It's one of Europe's largest wilderness areas, an untamed landscape of dense forests and deep valleys. This one is for serious and well-prepared hikers, not a casual afternoon stroll.
What to eat in Lake Orta
The food is firmly rooted in Piedmontese tradition, mixing hearty land-based flavours, classic Northern Italian pasta dishes, and fresh fish from the lake, like trout and perch.
One local speciality is Paniscia alla Novarese, a rich risotto made with borlotti beans, cabbage, and a local salami called salam d'la duja. Another regional classic is bagna cauda, a warm dip of garlic, anchovies, and olive oil, served with raw and cooked vegetables.
The area produces some excellent wines. The nearby hills are known for reds made from the Nebbiolo grape, like Ghemme and Gattinara.
What to see nearby
If you have more time, the surrounding area is worth exploring.
Novara
A short drive away, this city is known for the soaring dome of its Basilica of San Gaudenzio. It's an interesting city with elegant neoclassical architecture.
Lake Maggiore
The much larger and grander Lake Maggiore is very close. You could easily take a day trip to see the opulent Borromean Islands or the town of Stresa.
Wineries
The hills between Lake Orta and Gattinara are dotted with wineries, many of which are open for tours and tastings.
Living close to Lake Orta
Lake Orta is a place that people return to year after year. Its temperate climate and beautiful scenery make it a compelling spot to settle down or have a holiday home. It's a place for someone seeking a quieter pace of life, surrounded by nature and history. With idealista, you can explore the properties available in the area.
- Property for sale close to Lake Orta
- Long-term rentals close to Lake Orta
- Holiday rentals close to Lake Orta
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