I’m betting you’ve heard of Northern Italy’s lakes region and some of its most famous lakes. But, have you heard of Lake Orta?
Lake Orta is in northern Italy’s Piedmont region, just west of Lake Maggiore and about 50 miles northwest of Milan. It’s the smallest of the Italian lakes but don’t let that fool you. Lake Orta is a stunner sitting in the hills at the base of the Alps.
Orta San Giulio is the main town on the eastern shore of the lake. The town of Pella is just across the lake from Orta San Giulio and Omegna is at Lake Orta’s northernmost point. Lake Orta is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Michelin restaurants, and plenty of spots to hike, bike, or simply sit for a lakeside aperitivo.
Lago d’Orta, as it’s called in Italian, is a quick trip from my house in Piedmont. I’ve been lucky to spend a lot of time at Lake Orta whether to bring friends and family or just enjoy a day by the lake.
Lake Orta isn’t as popular as other Italian lakes, like Como, Maggiore, or Garda. But the secret is slowly spreading!
Let me share with you what makes Lake Orta so special and how you can have an amazing time at this gem of an Italian lake.
Orta San Giulio
I’ve spent many days wandering the town of Orta San Giulio. It’s one of my favorites in Italy’s Piemonte region. You don’t want to miss it!
The heart of the old town is Piazza Motta, a straight-from-the-movies Italian piazza right on the lake. If all you did was relax in this piazza with a gelato or coffee while watching the boats on the water, it would be time well spent!
The piazza has one of the prettiest rows of pastel buildings you’ll ever see. The Palazzo della Comunità , an elevated building with a faded frescoed facade, will also catch your eye. The building dates back to the 1580s. And sprawling out from the square is beautiful Lake Orta with the Isola (Island) San Giulio in the distance.
Orta San Giulio is the epitome of “charming!” And the best way to soak it all up is to weave your way through the town’s narrow cobblestone streets. I always love to walk into the gardens at the town hall that are set back from Via Bossi. It’s a great viewpoint of Lake Orta. (Incidentally, it’s also a good spot to lick a quickly melting gelato!)
Stumble into the Church of San Rocco. It’s tiny but has pretty frescoes and an ancient feel to it. When the itch stops you, browse at one of the many shops. Then, make the climb to the Church of St. Mary the Assumption which you’ll see at the top of the hill leading away from Piazza Motta.
What I love about Orta San Giulio…is all of this! You get the classic, Italian lake ambiance and the gorgeous scenery, but with a lot fewer people compared to the more popular lakes nearby!
Isola San Giulio
When you’re standing in Piazza Motta staring out at Lake Orta, you can’t miss the Isola San Giulio. It’s a small island and the only one in Lake Orta. It’s also a must-see when you’re visiting Orta San Giulio.
From Piazza Motta, take the 5-minute boat ride to the island. Tickets can be easily purchased but if you’re visiting on a summer weekend, it’s worth it to have your ticket ahead of time. These aren’t big ferries, just small boats that can only carry limited numbers of people.
The Isola San Giulio has a mysterious and peaceful feeling that you can sense as soon as you step ashore. It’s said that Saint Julius (San Giulio) rid the island of the snakes and dragons that lived there. Today, it’s home to a working Benedictine Monastery and the Basilica di San Giulio with amazing frescoes from the Middle Ages.
Around the island is the “Via del Silenzio,” or “Way of Silence.” This circular path loops the island and is quick and easy to walk. Be sure to read the signs (front & back) that encourage you to walk silently with your thoughts. I also love to dart down the alleyways that lead to the lake to feel the water and, sometimes, have a lakeside spot all to myself…even if only for a few minutes.
Isola San Giulio also has one restaurant that is open seasonally. I’m not sure what I loved more, the food or the views!
Sacro Monte di Orta
The first time I visited the Sacro Monte di Orta I was stunned. I was standing among the chapels of a UNESCO World Heritage Site with sweeping views of Lake Orta and Isola San Giulio…and I was the only person there.
Admittedly, the Sacri Monti have been a bit neglected over the years and are only now seeing more people discover them. These sets of chapels are spread across nine sites in the regions of Piedmont and Lombardy. They sit in high-up spots on hills and mountains surrounded by nature and were trekked to by religious pilgrims.
The Sacro Monte di Orta has a series of chapels telling the life story of St. Francis of Assisi that date back to the 1580s. Inside each one of them, you’ll find frescoed ceilings and amazing life-sized statues. It’s well worth your time to see at least a few!
The best part is the location overlooking Lake Orta. The views are gorgeous!
You can hike from Orta San Giulio or drive up the hill to the site.
Lake Orta Beaches
Lake Orta is one of the cleanest lakes in all of Europe and it shows. From the shoreline, it’s so clear you can see to the bottom.
So, if you’re hoping to swim or sunbathe by an Italian lake, Lago d’Orta is a great choice.
Funny enough, Lake Orta has a beach called “Miami Beach” or Spiaggia Miami which is south of Orta San Giulio. It’s a full-service beach with calm water. Families love it!
Gozzano Lido is on the southern end of Lake Orta and has beautiful lake views with the Alpine foothills in the distance. Even Orta San Giulio has an area just a short walk from Piazza Motta where you can go for a swim or sit along the grassy or pebbly shoreline. (Look for Spiaggia di Sassi on Google Maps.)
The best time to swim in Lake Orta is in the summer.
Hiking at Lake Orta
When you stare out at the views of Lake Orta and the surrounding foothills, you don’t see the network of hiking trails and scenic walks crisscrossing the hills, passing through villages, and leading to the shoreline. It would be impossible for me to name them all here!
You have plenty of choices no matter how much time you have and what kind of difficulty (if any) you want to take on. The “Anello Azzurro” (Blue Ring) trail circles the lake, and many Lake Orta hikes include sections of this path.
From Orta San Giulio, you could make the hike up to the Sacro Monte di Orta or simply walk along the lakeshore on Via 11 Settembre starting from the town center. Ferries can also take you to places like Pella and Pettenasco to see other areas of the lake or help you position yourself so that you finish in Orta San Giulio.
For example, take the ferry to Pettenasco. See the views from the lakeside promenade and walk through the village. Head towards Carcegna and Miasino as a way to reach Legro, known as the “Painted Village” because of its 60 murals on display in a kind of open-air museum. After that, walk towards Orta San Giulio to finish your walk.
Michelin Starred Dining
I haven’t yet been to Villa Crespi, Lake Orta’s most famous restaurant. But it’s worth pointing out because, remarkably, it’s one of only a few 3-Michelin-starred restaurants in the world!
If you’re visiting Lake Orta and you’re a foodie who would appreciate an experience like this, it’s definitely worth looking at availability to taste one of Chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo’s dishes. He’s one of the most famous chefs in Italy.
Villa Crespi is also a 5-star hotel with 14 luxurious suites. Judging by the photos, you’d 100% be living your best Italian lake life!
Beyond Villa Crespi, Lake Orta has 4 more Michelin-recognized restaurants and many others with excellent food.
Sanctuary of the Madonna Del Sasso
This beautiful church sits on a ridge more than 2,000 feet above Lake Orta.
Not surprisingly, the panorama over Lake Orta and the surrounding mountains is breathtaking. The sanctuary is on the opposite side from Orta San Giulio so the views look to the east towards Mottarone Mountain and the Alps.
The church was finished in 1748 and has a spectacular painted interior.
You can drive up the winding road from the town of Pella or do the steep hike up. Pella also has a sightseeing train that you can take up to the sanctuary.
Omegna & the Alessi Factory Store
Omegna is a cute town on the northern end of Lake Orta. It has a walkable old town and fun bike-themed lake activities. If you’re near this area of the lake, it’s a good spot to stop for lunch or an aperitivo.
And in case you’re a fan of Alessi, the iconic Italian brand that makes beautifully designed kitchenware and other household objects. Their factory store is in Omegna, not far from the lakeshore.
Best Time To Visit Lake Orta
May to September is the ideal time to visit Lake Orta. The weather should be warm and sunny, perfect for some time at the lake! July and August are the busiest, so I suggest June or September for fewer crowds but still summer-like temperatures.
However, I’ve also visited Lake Orta during the early spring and late fall and had bright blue-sky days with refreshingly comfortable temperatures.
Winters are quiet and cold. Expect that some hotels and restaurants may be closed for the season.
If you do visit during the peak summer months, try to visit Orta San Giulio during the week. You’ll avoid the biggest groups of daytrippers who also include many Italians.
Where To Stay at Lake Orta
Unless you decide to splurge on Villa Crespi, I recommend staying right in or just a short walk from the heart of Orta San Giulio. The town is one of the prettiest in northern Italy and has restaurants, shops, and boats to explore other parts of the lake.
Here are a few hotels to look at:
How To Get to Lake Orta from Milan and Turin
I always drive to Lake Orta and I recommend you do, too. Public transportation is limited and makes it hard to do a day trip.
Once you’re at Lake Orta, you can use boats to connect between some places, for example, Orta San Giulio and Pella. Otherwise, it’s best to have a car.
Trains do stop at the Orta-Miasino station. From there, it’s about a 20-minute walk or a taxi ride to Orta San Giulio.
From Milan:
- Car: It’ll take about 90 minutes to drive from Milan to Orta San Giulio.
- Train: The fastest train from Milan will take about 2 hours to get to Orta-Miasino station.
From Turin:
- Car: It’s about a 90-minute drive from Turin to Orta San Giulio.
- Train: The fastest route by train from Turin will take about 2 hours. You’ll need to transfer in Novara and go to Orta-Miasino Station.
Parking in Orta San Giulio
I usually park just up the hill from the steps that lead into Orta San Giulio. You can’t drive into the town because of traffic zone restrictions.
There are a few parking lots just before Orta San Giulio. I usually navigate to this one and then park in the lot across the street which is bigger. During peak times of the year, these parking areas are quite busy so arrive early.
From there, just walk 5 minutes down the hill, past the mini-golf, and you’ll see a set of stairs that’ll take you into the town center.
ProTip: On the stairs down, you’ll find a pretty decent public restroom if you need it!
Ready to Visit Lake Orta?!
Lake Orta is a true gem in northern Italy that gets overshadowed by its more famous neighbors, Maggiore and Como. But now that you know that Lake Orta awaits with its classic Italian lake atmosphere and incredible natural beauty…all that’s left to do is plan your visit.
I hope to see you there!
Have questions about visiting Lake Orta?
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