Lake Orta - Italy’s Favourite Lake

Lake Orta, Italy's most romantic and beautiful lake.

The lake 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 apartment and villas (click to view our favorite place) .

Invariably we come back feeling more in love!

Lago di Orta – to give it its Italian name, is 13.5kms/ 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 in the middle of Lake Orta and dominated by its thirteenth century basilica and convent – more on that later!

The place to begin though is Orta San Giulio on the shores of the lake. A charming car-free town and not at all touristy.

Orta San Giulio is also the place to stay.

If you are going for longer or in a big group it's probably better to rent an apartment or villa. (these are our recommended places) .

Otherwise the seventeenth century convent – don’t worry it’s now a hotel - called the Albergo San Rocco is your best bet.

The hotel has great views over lake Orta and a private boat to take guests out to the the island of San Giulio. The restaurant in the hotel serves good food, representing Italian cooking from across Italy and is fantastic at hosting weddings. For more genuine local fare, far cheaper prices and a far more rustic and down to earth atmosphere try the Taverna Antico Agnello (Via Olina 18). Very popular amongst the local Piedmont people of the area.

The central piazza of Orta San Giulio with its frescoed sixteenth century town hall built on stilts provides lovely views at night right across the lake towards the island of San Giulio which is lit up gorgeously.

Enjoy a great sundowner/aperitivo here while watching the sunset or take an after dinner stroll with a "gelato" in hand.

From the centre of town you can follow the 1.5km “Motta” path that leads up to Sacro Monte. Sacro Monte is a Piedmont religious complex built between 1591 and 1700 and consisting of twenty chapels.

The chapels have carvings and frescoes that reflect the saint’s life. On the other side of lake Orta high up on the hill is the eighteenth century church of the Madonna del Sasso

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. The island is completely dominated by the basilica which is spectacular both from outside and inside.

The walls are covered by frescoes going back four hundred years and a the silent broody quality tends to put one in a very contemplative type of mood, which I suppose is the intention.

Walk around the little lane surrounding the basilica, admiring as you go the beautiful villas of the lucky people who are fortunate to own a villa here. If I had the money I would own one too. If you have the money check out our property page to see what might be available.

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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