Lake Orta
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 13 March 2022
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Situated across the two provinces of Novara and Verbano Cusio Ossola, in the northern Italian region of Piedmont, Lake Orta covers a surface area of 18 square kilometres.
The lake is 143 metres deep at its deepest point and stands at an elevation of 290 metres above sea level, while the two main towns on the lake are Orta and Omegna along with the smaller Pella. |
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Lake Orta barely scrapes on to the list of top ten Italian lakes by measure of size with its surface area of 18 square kilometres but it could go toe to toe with any of its larger counterparts in terms of aesthetic charms.
Thee centrepiece and most iconic sight of the lake is the tiny Isola San Giulio: measuring a mere 275 x 140 metres, the island consists of a collection of medieval buildings seemingly squeezed together in order to fit them all in. The main sight on the diminutive island is the Basilica di San Giulio and its quiet streets are characterised by the silence coming from the convent.
Most people access the island from one of Italy's loveliest lakeside resorts: Orta San Giulio. From the town's Piazza Motta with its colourful buildings you can while away the hours staring across at the island, taking a small motor boat to visit it, or exploring the tight knot of streets around the town. Orta San Giulio can also boast a UNESCO World Heritage Site within its tiny confines: on the hill overlooking the town and the lake is the Sacro Monte di Orta, a religious sanctuary that's worth a visit even if just for its spectacular views of the lake.
Thee centrepiece and most iconic sight of the lake is the tiny Isola San Giulio: measuring a mere 275 x 140 metres, the island consists of a collection of medieval buildings seemingly squeezed together in order to fit them all in. The main sight on the diminutive island is the Basilica di San Giulio and its quiet streets are characterised by the silence coming from the convent.
Most people access the island from one of Italy's loveliest lakeside resorts: Orta San Giulio. From the town's Piazza Motta with its colourful buildings you can while away the hours staring across at the island, taking a small motor boat to visit it, or exploring the tight knot of streets around the town. Orta San Giulio can also boast a UNESCO World Heritage Site within its tiny confines: on the hill overlooking the town and the lake is the Sacro Monte di Orta, a religious sanctuary that's worth a visit even if just for its spectacular views of the lake.
The slightly larger Omegna is situated at the northern end of the lake and offers a different set of charms. It might not have that incredible sight of Isola San Giulio directly in front of it but it makes up for that by having more places to eat, walk around the lake or shop. It's also got some of the best accommodation options around the lake and is easy to reach by car.
Another way of making your way from place to place around Lake Orta is by ferry; the distances involved are quite short for each of the journeys but they should be looked at more in terms of an excursion rather than travel. Also, if you don't have a car then the ferries are the best way to get to the little village of Pella on the lake's western shore.
Pella has a much more low key feel to it than either Orta San Giulio or Omegna but it has some beautiful places to swim in clear blue water and enjoys a slightly different, but still close up view of Isola San Giulio.
Speaking of a lower key feel to life, Lake Orta as a whole offers a peaceful haven from the much larger and busier Lake Maggiore which is just 12 kilometres to the east and a 20 - 25 minute car journey.
Another way of making your way from place to place around Lake Orta is by ferry; the distances involved are quite short for each of the journeys but they should be looked at more in terms of an excursion rather than travel. Also, if you don't have a car then the ferries are the best way to get to the little village of Pella on the lake's western shore.
Pella has a much more low key feel to it than either Orta San Giulio or Omegna but it has some beautiful places to swim in clear blue water and enjoys a slightly different, but still close up view of Isola San Giulio.
Speaking of a lower key feel to life, Lake Orta as a whole offers a peaceful haven from the much larger and busier Lake Maggiore which is just 12 kilometres to the east and a 20 - 25 minute car journey.
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Provinces: Novara, Verbano Cusio Ossola
Region: Piedmont Surface area: 18 km² Maximum depth: 143 metres Surface elevation: 290 metres Close by: Lake Maggiore, Mergozzo, Varallo Sesia, Lake Mergozzo Recommended accommodation: Hotel Bocciolo (Orta San Giulio) |
Lake Orta Ferry Timetables and Prices (summer Season)
Orta San Giulio
Orta San Giulio, Piedmont
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Omegna
Omegna, Lake Orta, Piedmont
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Pella
Pella, Lake Orta, Piedmont
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Pettenasco
Pettenasco, Lake Orta, Piedmont
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Alzo
Alzo, Lake Orta, Piedmont
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Ronco Marina
Ronco Marina, Lake Orta, Piedmont
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