A Privilege on Lake Orta

Considered the most romantic in Italy, Lake Orta is a pre-Alpine lake a few kilometers from Lake Maggiore and only an hour’s drive from Milan and Turin. It is already a much-loved destination for great chefs, who have opened renowned restaurants here, and for entrepreneurs who have created resorts and accommodation facilities of rare beauty. At its center lies the Island of San Giulio, symbol of the area, beautiful and unique of its kind, which every year attracts thousands of visitors. Among the most distinctive towns, in addition to Ameno and Miasino with the enchanting Villa Nigra, Orta undoubtedly stands out, with the Sacred Mount, the historic center full of cobbled alleyways, the main square from which boats depart for the Island of San Giulio, and the scenic lakeside walk among sumptuous villas. On the opposite shore we find Pella: a delightful town also reachable via a walk starting from the Gozzano lido. Not far away is the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Sasso, set on a rocky spur sheer above the lake. From here the view opens onto a thrilling, breathtaking panorama of slopes and green peaks reflected in the mirror of the water. Continuing north you will first come to Oira, certainly worth a visit, and then Omegna, one of the larger towns, where, curiously, the Strona stream flows in reverse. The waters of Lake Orta are clear and suitable for swimming, and many sports are practiced: from swimming to sailing, from canoeing to diving. Surrounded by green mountains, there are many trails for walking in nature, also reaching the summit of Mount Mottarone above Stresa. It is also not far from the Ossola Valley, a destination for those who love high-mountain trips both in the warm season and in winter.