Lake Orta - Italy’s Most Loved Lake

Lake Orta has been an inspiration to poets and writers for centuries and is without doubt the most romantic lake in Italy and one of the most romantic places on earth.

I have spent many a weekend here with my wife, Maria, staying in various hotels and apartments (click to view our favorite place). Invariably, we come back home feeling more in love!

Lago di Orta, to give it its Italian name, is 13.5 km, or eight miles, long and surrounded by mountains covered in lush vegetation. The setting alone is breathtaking, but the jewel in the crown is...

The Island of San Giulio

The Island of San Giulio

Set in the middle of Lake Orta and dominated by its thirteenth-century basilica and convent, the little island of San Giulio.

You arrive by boat and then follow the pathway to peace and meditation, as the lane leading around the island is called.

It truly is a gorgeous walk, and you can't help but feel moved, maybe even a little overwhelmed by the beauty of your surroundings. Lucky indeed are the nuns, the only permanent inhabitants, who live in the convent housed in the abbey on the island.

The island's heart is the Basilica di San Giulio, a sacred sanctuary that was built back in the 4th century. It is spectacular, both inside and out.  The walls are covered by frescoes dating back four hundred years, and the silent, broody quality tends to put one in a very contemplative type of mood, which I suppose is the intention.

In the crypt, you can pay your respects to Saint Julius, the island's patron saint, who is believed to have expelled the snakes (and dragons) that once plagued the island and, together with his brother, built 100 churches across Italy and Greece (the brothers were Greek). Today, so I am told, there are still no snakes. They are banished for eternity, it seems.

When is the Best Time to Visit Lake Orta?

Winter on Lake Orta

Spring awakens Lake Orta with a burst of color. The hills around the lake are a colorful symphony of cherry blossoms and wildflowers, and the summer crowds are yet to arrive. May and June are two of the loveliest months to visit.

Summer is the season for water activities like swimming and boat rides. The balmy evenings are heavenly for lakeside dining, where you can savor fresh fish caught that very day. Anna, a local restaurateur, recommends, "July and August are the months to enjoy a lakeside dinner as the sun sets, and you'll feel the magic of Orta." It can get rather crowded in July and August though, and prices are at their highest.

Autumn paints the landscape with gold and russet foliage, turning Lake Orta into a golden wonderland.  September and October are certainly two of the best months to visit; days are cooler, and the leaves in the forests on the hills turn gold and copper.

Winter transforms Lake Orta into a tranquil retreat. Mist rises from the lake's glassy surface, and snow-dusted peaks frame the horizon. The atmosphere is perfect for fireside relaxation and hearty mountain cuisine. This is the most romantic of seasons to visit Lake Orta.

Staying on the Lake

Stay in Orta San Giulio on the shores of the lake; it is a charming car-free town and not at all touristy. These are the preferred options:

• The Relais & Chateaux Villa Crespi is the absolute best. It's an opulent and exotic mix of styles that works wonderfully. The Michelin-starred restaurant (three stars) is simply the cherry on top; it is considered one of the best restaurants in all of Italy. Combine the restaurant, the architecture, unmatched levels of service, and an incredible setting, and it is little wonder that this is one of the most highly rated hotels in all of Italy on Booking.com.
• If you are going for longer or in a big group, it's probably better to rent an apartment or villa (these are the ones I like).

Eating

The restaurant in the Villa Crespi serves superb food in its Michelin-starred restaurant, representing Italian cooking from across Italy, and is fantastic at hosting weddings. 

For traditional fare, cheaper prices, and a more rustic and down-to-earth atmosphere, try the Taverna Antico Agnello (Via Olina 18). Located in the village of Miasino, it's very popular with locals too, which is always a good sign.

Besides restaurants, make sure you take the time to enjoy a great sundowner or aperitivo on the lake shore while watching the sunset, or take an after-dinner stroll with a "gelato" in hand in the central piazza of Orta San Giulio. The piazza, with its frescoed sixteenth-century town hall built on stilts, provides lovely views at night right across the lake towards the illuminated island of San Giulio.

Lake Orta Beaches

Lake Orta has a number of beaches, and swimming in Lake Orta is a refreshing and revitalizing experience. The waters are remarkably clean; in fact, Lake Orta was voted as one of the cleanest lakes in all of Europe for swimming.

So, which are the best Lake Orta beaches? 

Top Recommendations:

Lido di Omegna (Omegna)
Located at the northern tip, this is one of the most equipped and family-friendly lidos. It features a sandy entry into the water, grassy areas, sunbeds, pedalos, and a pool. It's a great, convenient option for a full beach day.

Spiaggia dei Pescatori (Orta San Giulio)
This is the iconic, postcard-perfect spot. A small, pebbly beach right in the heart of Orta San Giulio, with the stunning Isola San Giulio directly in front of you. It's public, free, and offers an unforgettable swim. Arrive early as space is limited.

Lido di Gozzano (Gozzano)
A well-maintained public lido on the western shore with a large grassy park, volleyball court, playground, and a gentle, shallow entry into the water. Perfect for families and groups.

Spiaggia di Ponte di Buccione (Orta San Giulio)
A small, free, and less crowded pebble beach near the ancient Buccione Tower. It offers a more "local" feel, beautiful views, and easy access to a historical landmark. There's a simple bar nearby.

Area Relax Lagna (Miasino)
For a more natural and secluded experience, seek out this small, tranquil spot on the eastern shore. It's a simple grassy area with stone slabs for sunbathing and steps into the deep, clear water—ideal for a peaceful dip surrounded by nature.

Pro Tips for Lake Orta "Beaches":
Footwear is Key: Water shoes are highly recommended for most spots, as the entries can be rocky or pebbly.

Explore by Boat: The best way to discover hidden, secluded spots for a swim is to rent a small rowboat or pedalò or take a taxi boat.

Tours of Lake Orta

A Lovely Walk

To truly understand Lake Orta, one must ascend. A gentle pilgrimage begins just beyond the town's last cobbled street, where the "Motta" footpath waits—a serene, 1.5-kilometer ribbon of earth and stone that winds its way upward through a hushed, sun-dappled forest. Your destination is not just a viewpoint but a story written in stone and faith: the Sacro Monte di Orta.

Built over more than a century (1591-1700), this UNESCO-listed sanctuary is not a single church but is composed of twenty chapels. Each one is a sanctuary unto itself, housing lifelike terracotta sculptures and vibrant frescoes that vividly depict the life and miracles of Saint Francis of Assisi. Moving from chapel to chapel is akin to walking through the pages of a living, breathing sacred text, where art and devotion are inextricably woven together.

From this sacred terrace, the reward is a breathtaking panorama of the entire lake basin. And it is here that your gaze is drawn across the shimmering water to a second spiritual sentinel. Perched majestically on the opposite hillside, the eighteenth-century Church of the Madonna del Sasso holds its lonely vigil.

Take a Boat Ride

From Orta San Giulio, boats run across to the island, or if you are feeling more energetic, you can rent a boat and row yourself over—not difficult, as even I managed it.

Where is Lake Orta?

How to get to Lake Orta?

from Torino:

From Turin, you can make your way to Lake Orta by train, car, or bus. Here's how to get there:

1. By Train:

• Start your journey at Turin Porta Nuova Railway Station. It's a major transportation hub with connections to various Italian cities.
• Take a train to Novara, which is a major train station on the route to Lake Orta. The journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on the train.
• From Novara, you can take a train to the closest train station to Lake Orta, Orta-Miasino. This train ride takes about 30 minutes.
• Orta-Miasino is located on the eastern shore of Lake Orta, just a short walk or taxi ride from Orta San Giulio, one of the main towns on the lake.

2. By Car:

• If you prefer driving, you can rent a car in Turin and take the A4 highway toward Milan.
• Exit the highway at Arona, and from there, follow the signs to Orta San Giulio. The drive takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic.

From Milan

From Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP):

• Milan Malpensa Airport is the largest and most well-connected airport in the region.
• To reach Lake Orta from Malpensa, you can take a combination of a train and a bus.
• From the airport, take the Malpensa Express train to Saronno, a journey of about 20 minutes.
• At Saronno, transfer to a regional train to Novara. This ride takes approximately 30 minutes.
• From Novara, you can catch a train to Orta-Miasino, the nearest train station to Lake Orta, which takes around 30 minutes. Taxis can take you the 5-minute drive to Orta San Giulio or, if you haven't much luggage, it is a pleasant 30 minute walk.
• Buses from Novara are available for the final leg of the journey, taking you to various towns around Lake Orta, including Orta San Giulio.

From Milan Linate Airport (LIN):

• Milan Linate Airport is another option, albeit smaller than Malpensa.
• To get to Lake Orta from Linate, you can take a bus or a taxi to Milan's central railway station, Milano Centrale.
• From Milano Centrale, follow the steps mentioned in the previous response to get to Lake Orta by train.

Getting to Lake Orta from Milan City:

If you're starting your journey in Milan city, you have several options to reach the beautiful Lake Orta. Here's how to get there:

By Train:

• From Milan's central railway station, Milano Centrale, you can take a train to Novara. The journey typically takes around 30-45 minutes.
• At Novara, transfer to a train heading to Orta-Miasino, which is the closest train station to Lake Orta. The train ride from Novara to Orta-Miasino is approximately 30 minutes.

By Car:

• If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car in Milan and take the A4 highway (Autostrada A4) towards Turin. Exit the highway at Arona, which is near Lake Maggiore.
• From Arona, follow the signs to reach Lake Orta. The journey by car from Milan to Lake Orta typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.

Prefer to visit Lake Garda? You must read Maria's guide!

Looking for romance in Italy? This fairy tale castle is the answer!

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