Pettenasco
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Latest page update: 26 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Pettenasco
Pettenasco has a small but appealing selection of established lakeside hotels, reflecting its peaceful setting on the shores of Lake Orta. Most accommodation is positioned close to the water or just above the lake road, giving visitors convenient access to the promenade, small beaches and the walking routes that link the village with Orta San Giulio. The best-reviewed hotels focus on comfort, lake views and a relaxed atmosphere suited to quiet breaks.
Among the leading options, Hotel L’Approdo offers a lakeside location with a pool, gardens and consistently positive guest feedback for comfort, hospitality and direct access to the water (€€€). Hotel Giardinetto, set on a small bay, provides rooms with lake views, a terrace over the water and steady satisfaction for its setting and facilities (€€€). For a smaller alternative, Hotel La Sibilla Cusiana delivers friendly service, well-kept rooms and a peaceful position close to the lakeside footpaths, making it a practical and good-value choice (€€).
Among the leading options, Hotel L’Approdo offers a lakeside location with a pool, gardens and consistently positive guest feedback for comfort, hospitality and direct access to the water (€€€). Hotel Giardinetto, set on a small bay, provides rooms with lake views, a terrace over the water and steady satisfaction for its setting and facilities (€€€). For a smaller alternative, Hotel La Sibilla Cusiana delivers friendly service, well-kept rooms and a peaceful position close to the lakeside footpaths, making it a practical and good-value choice (€€).
Where is
Where is Pettenasco?
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The lakeside town of Pettenasco is situated in the Province of Novara, on the shores of Lake Orta. It has a population of around 1,300 residents and is located 130 kilometres north east of Turin, the regional capital of Piedmont.
It has its own train station, while nearby places of interest include Alzo, Isola San Giulio, Orta San Giulio and Omegna. |
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Comune di Pettenasco
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Province: Novara
Region: Piedmont Population: 1,304 (in 2024 - source) Size: 7 km² Elevation: 331 metres Transport options: train Close by: Alzo, Isola San Giulio, Orta San Giulio, Omegna Recommended accommodation: La Sibilla Cusiana |
What People Ask About Pettenasco, Piedmont
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Discover
Discover Pettenasco
Pettenasco is a village in the province of Novara, located on the eastern shore of Lake Orta. The settlement combines a lakeside position with wooded hills rising behind, offering a mix of natural scenery and traditional architecture. Its compact centre has narrow streets, stone houses, and a small harbour that reflects its history as a fishing and trading community.
Landmarks include the Church of Santi Audenzio e Caterina, which preserves Romanesque elements, and a restored water mill now used as a museum dedicated to traditional crafts. Pettenasco also provides access to lakeside beaches and walking paths along the shore. Road and rail connections link it with Orta San Giulio and with other villages around Lake Orta.
Landmarks include the Church of Santi Audenzio e Caterina, which preserves Romanesque elements, and a restored water mill now used as a museum dedicated to traditional crafts. Pettenasco also provides access to lakeside beaches and walking paths along the shore. Road and rail connections link it with Orta San Giulio and with other villages around Lake Orta.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Pettenasco
- Lakeside Promenade and Small Harbour line the shore of Lake Orta, with benches, flowerbeds, and mooring spots for small boats. The promenade connects with cafés, gelaterias, and picnic areas, offering a calm setting and clear views towards the Island of San Giulio. It is easily accessible from the village centre and nearby accommodations.
- Parish Church of Santa Caterina stands close to the lake and dates back to the 18th century, replacing an earlier medieval structure. The church features a modest façade, a bell tower, and an interior with painted chapels and a carved altar. It remains active for religious services and local celebrations.
- Museo dell’Arte della Tornitura del Legno is a small museum dedicated to the traditional woodturning craft once common in the area. Exhibits include vintage tools, finished wooden objects, and multimedia displays explaining the techniques. The museum is housed in a restored lakeside building and is open seasonally.
- Public Beach and Swimming Area is located near the centre and includes a grassy area, changing facilities, and shallow water suitable for families. The beach is free to access, with paddleboat hire and cafés nearby. It is a popular spot during summer and within walking distance of most village hotels.
- Walking and Cycling Path to Orta San Giulio runs along the lakeshore and connects Pettenasco with neighbouring villages. The route includes shaded sections and occasional viewpoints over the lake. It is suitable for casual walkers and cyclists and forms part of the longer circular trail around Lake Orta.
Tours and Activities
Pettenasco Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Pettenasco Photo Gallery
Piedmont Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Piedmont
1. Orta San Giulio
2. Lake Maggiore
3. Langhe
4. Turin
5. Borromean Islands
6. Monferrato
7. Reggia di Venaria Reale
8. Asti
9. Val di Susa
10. Barolo
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Piedmont
1. Orta San Giulio
2. Lake Maggiore
3. Langhe
4. Turin
5. Borromean Islands
6. Monferrato
7. Reggia di Venaria Reale
8. Asti
9. Val di Susa
10. Barolo
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Piedmont
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Pettenasco
By Rail: Pettenasco has its own small train station on the Novara–Domodossola line, operated by Trenitalia. Regional trains connect the village to Novara in about 1 hour and to Domodossola in roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes. From Milan, the journey takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes, usually with a change at Novara. The station is located close to the lakefront and within walking distance of the centre.
By Road: Pettenasco is situated on the eastern shore of Lake Orta, a few kilometres north of Orta San Giulio. From Novara, the distance is about 55 kilometres, with a driving time of around 1 hour. From Milan, the journey is approximately 85 kilometres and takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes via the A8 and A26 motorways. Parking is available near the lakefront and at designated car parks around the village.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Pettenasco is situated on the eastern shore of Lake Orta, a few kilometres north of Orta San Giulio. From Novara, the distance is about 55 kilometres, with a driving time of around 1 hour. From Milan, the journey is approximately 85 kilometres and takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes via the A8 and A26 motorways. Parking is available near the lakefront and at designated car parks around the village.
Nearest International Airports:
- Milan Malpensa Airport: About 50 kilometres from Pettenasco, with a drive of around 50 minutes. The nearest airport, offering extensive European and intercontinental flights.
- Milan Linate Airport: Approximately 100 kilometres away, with a driving time of about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Serves mainly domestic and European routes.
- Turin Caselle Airport: Roughly 135 kilometres from Pettenasco, taking about 1 hour and 40 minutes by car. Provides domestic and European connections.
Private Transfers
Pettenasco Private Transfers
A private transfer is the most convenient way to reach Pettenasco or continue your journey from the town, avoiding the need for multiple transport connections or driving narrow lakeside roads yourself. You’ll be collected from your chosen location and driven by a local, professional driver, ensuring a comfortable and reliable journey.
From Pettenasco, the nearest hub is Milan Malpensa Airport, which can be reached in about 1 hour 15 minutes, a distance of 75 km. Milan Linate Airport is around 1 hour 40 minutes away at 100 km, while Turin Caselle Airport can be reached in about 1 hour 45 minutes, covering 120 km. A transfer to Novara takes around 1 hour with a journey of 60 km, while Milan city centre is about 1 hour 40 minutes away, a distance of 95 km.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
From Pettenasco, the nearest hub is Milan Malpensa Airport, which can be reached in about 1 hour 15 minutes, a distance of 75 km. Milan Linate Airport is around 1 hour 40 minutes away at 100 km, while Turin Caselle Airport can be reached in about 1 hour 45 minutes, covering 120 km. A transfer to Novara takes around 1 hour with a journey of 60 km, while Milan city centre is about 1 hour 40 minutes away, a distance of 95 km.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
