Privacy and Prestige on Lake Orta

Considered Italy’s most romantic, 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 San Giulio Island, the symbol of the area—beautiful and one of a kind—drawing thousands of visitors every year. Among the most distinctive towns, besides Ameno and Miasino with the enchanting Villa Nigra, Orta undoubtedly stands out, with the Sacred Mount, the historic center full of cobblestone alleys, the main square where boats depart for San Giulio Island, and the scenic lakeside walk among sumptuous villas. On the opposite shore is Pella, a delightful town also reachable via a walk starting from the Gozzano Lido. Not far away is the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rock, set on a rocky spur overlooking the lake. From here the view opens onto a thrilling, breathtaking panorama of slopes and green peaks reflected in the water. Continuing north you will first find Oira, well worth a visit, and then Omegna, one of the larger towns, where the Strona stream, curiously, 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, even 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 outings both in the warm season and in winter.