Sense time standing still by this magical, beautiful lake located close to Lake Maggiore in the beautiful region of Lombardy. You can have an unforgettable experience with a boat trip to the romantic small island, San Giulio, take walks in the atmospheric, narrow streets with cobblestone or have a true Italian culinary experience in one of the many restaurants.
The lake formerly served as inspiration to poets as well as philosophers.

The landscape of Lake Orta

The vegetation of the area is characterised by the mild climate, you could for instance see palm trees, olive groves and mimosa. Green forests with, among others, ash, oak and pine trees surround the entire lake.

Large cities by Lake Orta: Pettenasco and Gignese

For the ones interested in art, the city Pettenasco has an exhibit of turned wooden art, and in the slightly larger city, Omegna, North of the lake, there is a collection of holy art, collected from chapels and churches. In Quarna, there is a museum for local history and culture as well as blowing instruments.

In Gignese, which is located approx. 15-20 min by car from Orta, there is an interesting and original museum for umbrellas and parasols with a collection of more than 1000 different models.

Tourist attractions by Lake Orta

One of the most important monuments in the area is located on the small island, San Giulio. The fascinating Basilica di S. Giulio has frescos created back in the 15th to 17th centuries. An old saying goes that Saint Giulio cleared the island from the snakes that had been tormenting it.

Sports activities by Lake Orta

The beautiful surroundings encourage walks on old paths between the small towns around Lake Orta and further up in the mountains. By mountain bike, you can take a ride into the hilly terrain. The lake is a fine fishing spot, and close to the lake, there are two golf clubs. There are also several possibilities of horseback riding by the lake.
 
In the winter, you can ski on the mountain Mottarone that separates Lake Orta from Lake Maggiore.

On the lake, all kinds of water sports are offered, a couple of examples are kayaking, diving, sailing and waterskiing.

Gastronomic characteristics of Lake Orta

The area is famous for its two delicious cheeses Robiola and Toma Piemontese as well as the delicate, white truffles.

The climate of Lake Orta

The area is famous for its mild climate and has temperatures in the summer of up to 30 degrees in the daytime.

Some of the photos are kindly lent out from the Italian Tourist Office. Photographer: De Agostini Picture Library.