Lake Orta
Lake Orta, Piemonte, Italy
A beautiful and quiet lake not far from Lake Maggiore
Close to Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta is a small, green and quite gem of an island with beautiful little villages, great Michelin starred restaurants, lovely views and hotels.
Lake Orta History & Other Information
View across lake Orta
Isola San Giulio (San Giulio Island)
Isola San Giulio (San Giulio Island) was believed to have been first inhabited during the Iron Age. One of its first buildings, a small chapel, was built in the 5th century.
These days the small island is home to a Benedictine Monastery and Romanesque basilica.
The island has cobblestone path around the perimiter giving views across the lake. This path is called the way of silence, a meditational walk, and has plaques with inspirational/meditative comments along the way.
Things to see around Lake Orta
Palazzo della Comunita, Lake Orta. Image © Stockitalia/Alamy
THINGS TO SEE
In Orta San Giulio, take time to enjoy Piazza Motta, the main square. Sit, enjoy a cool drink or coffee, people watch and enjoy the lake view
Palazzo della Comunita is the faded building you will see here with archways and worn frescos (pictured here).
The Church of Santa Maria di Assunta with its distincive shape and yellow colour, this church dates back to the 15th century. The interior has gold leaf decoration and the church ceiling is covered with beautiful frescoes.
The Sacro Monte di Orta, dedicated to St Francis of Assisi, is set just outside Orta San Giulio on a hill (walkable frm Orta San Giulio). Construction began in 1583. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It has a number of artworks created by some of the most highly thought of painters and sculptors of the period
Food & Drink
Church of Santa Maria di Assunta, Lake Orta. Image © Stockitalia/Alamy
You will find a number of places to enjoy a leisurely meal, coffee or aperol spritz here. For something more special, Lake Orta is home to two Michelin star restaurants.
Villa Crespi, with 3 Michelin stars in Orta San Giulio. Once the aristocratic residence of the Crespi family. Today, the villa’s leading light is Antonino Cannavacciuolo, who is now at the helm of a number of Michelin-starred restaurant.
Locanda di Orta, also in Orta San Giulio, is a one Michelin star restaurant.
The next village up from Orta San Giulio, Pettenasco, is home to Cannavacciuolo by the Lake with one Michelin star and has three tasting menus along with an a la carte one.
Finally, Al Sorriso, a short drive away from Lake Orta, holds one Michelin star.
Sport in and around Lake Orta
SPORT
Bikes, mountain bikes, e-bikes, pedalos, canoes, motoboats and paddleboards are available for rent in Orta San Giulio and at various other lakeside locations.
Lake Orta also has a variety of hiking trails, from easy walks to more challenging treks, with many offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
BEACHES
The sandy Miami Beach is near Corconio and is one of the more highly rated beaches in the area and is a full-service beach with bar, restaurant and toilets and a shower.
Bagnera beach is public green beach with restaurant and kiosk nearby. You can also rent pedalloes and paddleboards.
FERRY INFORMATION
Cafes and square, San Giulio, Lake Orta © Stock Italia/Alamy
There are ferry boat services (Green Line & Red Line) across Lake Orta.
See our ferry information page for more (link below)
Hotels around Lake Orta
There are a number of highly rated hotels on Lake Orta.
Relais & Chateaux Villa Crespi, a few minutes walk from Orta San Giulio, with its Michelin starred restaurant.
This hotel is breathtakingly beautiful! Feels like you’re staying in your very own private castle. Stunning architecture, lavish rooms, a relaxing atmosphere, superb views of Lake Orta, convenient but secluded location, a world-class restaurant, delicious breakfast and faultless service from the staff!
Laqua by the Lake is set in Pettenasco and has a private beach area, swimming pool and great reviews
The hotel is absolutely stunning! We had a room facing the lake and it was amazing. Huge room with a sitting area, well equipped kitchen, large bathroom and bedroom with big closets. We also had a private balcony overlooking the lake.
LOCATION
Lake Orta’s Location
Lake Orta is just to the west of Lake Maggiore.
The lake is connected by the road network (the ss229 on its east side and the ss46/47 on its west side).
From Stresa (lake Maggiore) to Orta San Giulio is approximately 30 minutes by car.
All Lake Orta Hotels & Apartments
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Lake Orta Hotels
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Lake Orta Apartments
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Orta San Giulio Weather
Lake Orta, Weather
Lake Orta Webcams
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Omegna, Lake Orta Webcam
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Orta San Giulio, Lake Orta Webcam
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