Two-bedroom apartment with lake view in the heart of Orta San Giulio

Regarded as Italy’s most romantic lake, Lake Orta is a pre-Alpine lake just a few kilometres from Lake Maggiore and only an hour’s drive from Milan and Turin. It has long been a favourite destination for renowned chefs, who have opened acclaimed restaurants here, and for entrepreneurs who have created resorts and accommodation facilities of exceptional beauty. At its centre lies San Giulio Island, a symbol of the area, beautiful and unique in its kind, attracting thousands of visitors every year. Among the most characteristic towns, besides Ameno and Miasino, with its enchanting Villa Nigra, Orta undoubtedly stands out, with its Sacro Monte, historic centre filled with narrow cobbled streets, central square from which boats depart for San Giulio Island, and panoramic promenade among sumptuous villas. On the opposite shore lies Pella, a delightful town also reachable via a walk starting from Gozzano Lido. Not far away is the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Sasso, situated on a rocky spur plunging steeply towards the lake. From here, the view extends across a breathtaking panorama of slopes and green peaks reflected in the water. Continuing north, we first come to Oira, certainly worth a visit, and then Omegna, one of the largest towns, where the Strona stream, unusually, flows in the opposite direction. Lake Orta’s waters are clear and suitable for swimming, and many sports can be enjoyed here, from swimming and sailing to canoeing and diving. Surrounded by green mountains, it offers numerous nature trails, including routes reaching the summit of Mount Mottarone, above Stresa. It is also close to the Ossola Valley, a destination for lovers of high-mountain excursions, both in the warmer months and in winter.