Considered one of Italy’s most romantic lakes, Lake Orta is a small pre-Alpine gem, just a few kilometres from Lake Maggiore and easily accessible from Milan and Turin. More intimate and understated than the better-known lake destinations, it retains an authentic and exclusive atmosphere, shaped by ancient villages, elegant villas, gardens overlooking the water and nature that remains very much at the forefront. One of the lake’s most appreciated features is the quality of its waters: clear and suitable for swimming, they invite visitors, during the warmer months, to enjoy the many beaches and small bathing areas scattered along the shores.
In recent years, the area has also become an increasingly sought-after destination thanks to its high-quality dining and hospitality offering. Renowned chefs have chosen these shores for their restaurants, while historic residences and properties immersed in nature have been transformed into refined boutique hotels and resorts. This growing interest is also affecting the property market. Buying a property on Lake Orta today therefore means not only choosing an exceptional quality of life, but also investing in an area with promising appreciation prospects, where the supply of prestigious properties remains selective and growing tourist appeal is enhancing its attractiveness.
At the centre of the lake rises San Giulio Island, the undisputed symbol of the area and a place of rare beauty. Opposite it, Orta San Giulio enchants visitors with its historic centre, narrow cobbled streets, boats bound for the island and its Sacred Mount, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A lakeside walk also offers the opportunity to admire some of the area’s most beautiful historic villas.
On the western shore, Pella retains a more intimate and peaceful character, with its pleasant lakeside promenade and privileged views of San Giulio Island and Orta. A short distance away, the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Sasso, built on a rocky spur overlooking the lake, offers one of the most spectacular panoramas in the entire area.
Continuing north, visitors reach Omegna, a lively town at the northern end of the lake and an ideal starting point for exploring the surrounding valleys. Nearby Mount Mottarone offers magnificent views of the lakes and the Alps, while the Ossola Valley is easily accessible for excursions and mountain days in every season.
A refined yet never ostentatious setting, where beaches, clear waters, nature and historic villages coexist in perfect harmony: an ideal destination for those wishing to experience the lake in its most authentic, private and captivating dimension.