Lake Orta: things to do and to visit for an unforgettable Italian journey
Lake Orta is a small pearl of water set in the Piedmont area in the province of Novara, on the slopes of Mottarone and it is one of the most visited place in the Northern Italy: let’s talk about the best things to do and to visit in the area. Just a few kilometers from the town of Stresa, a popular destination for weekend walks and shopping, it is full of things to see and do, which make it the ideal stop for a trip out of town or for some travel during your destination wedding, that I will be happy to organize together with my team, for you and your guests.
Are you curious to learn more about the beauties that this corner of Italy has to offer? Read on below!
Lake Orta is one of the smallest lakes in Northern Italy, but in terms of beauty and things to visit it has nothing to envy to the nearby Lake Maggiore or Como.
Orta San Giulio
Orta San Giulio is among the most beautiful villages in Italy, with its alleys full of elegant buildings, elegant arcades, artisan shops and local taverns. Enchanting is the picturesque and colorful Piazza Motta which houses the Palazzo Broletto, embellished with frescoes and a bell tower.
Isola di San Giulio
Defined as the “Island of silence”, it is an oasis of peace, reachable only by water via small ferries. The island is home to a monastery of cloistered nuns, who are dedicated to crafts and prayer and meditation. All around, residences, palaces, courtyards and splendid gardens. A true place of beauty.
Villa Crespi
Not far from Orta, there is Villa Crespi, the starred restaurant of star chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo. Recently reopened for lunches and dinners, here you can have a real experience of taste and senses.
This is also one of the most charming wedding venue of the area, read more here.
Sanctuary of the Madonna del Sasso
On a rock overlooking Lake Orta, there is the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Sasso. The square in front of the church offers a breathtaking view of the whole lake, which is why it is called “the Balcony of Cusio”.
Omegna
Near Mount Mottarone, there is the town of Omegna, a small village which however gave birth to the entrepreneur Alfonso Bialetti, inventor of the moka, and to the journalist and writer Gianni Rodari, to whom the Parco della Fantasia is dedicated. Characteristic is the lakeside promenade, along which you can admire ancient arcades, portals and centuries-old stone decorations.
The Mottarone
Mottarone is a very popular destination in Piedmont, both for sports tourism (skiing, trekking, climbing), and for the panoramic views it offers: from up there, on fine days, you can glimpse the Maritime Alps, Monte Rosa, the Po Valley and the seven lakes.
Perfect destination not only for an unforgettable “yes”, Lake Orta offers numerous ideas for trips in the name of culture and nature: let’s organize them together!
