by Janis / 0 comments - Orginally published:26th March 2016

Lake Orta is a hidden gem

Compared to its larger siblings of Maggiore and Como, the peace and tranquillity surrounding Lake Orta (also known as Lago d'Orta or Cusio) eerily bring an unknown calmness to your well-being, inviting you to relax and unwind.

Lake Orta is known for its beauty, often referred to as the "little sister" of the more famous Lake Maggiore.

We've stopped at Orta San Giulio, known for its cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and beautiful lakeside setting.

The pin image of our post - 'Shhhhh, don’t tell anyone, Lake Orta, Italy'
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Where is Lake Orta?

Where to stay in Lake Orta

Hotel Leon D'Oro

This is a beautiful lakeside hotel with sun terraces and views of Lake Orta and San Giulio Island.

Being in the centre it is a traffic restricted area. There is no on-site parking, but free public parking is about 800 metres from the hotel.

The little secret 'Lake Orta'

So keep it to yourself!
The mountainous backdrop provides tranquillity to the scene.
The view from the lakeside to the small island of Isola San Giulio on Lake Orta
The view from the lakeside to the small island of Isola San Giulio on Lake Orta, Italy

The small town of Orta San Giulio, nestled on the slopes of a steep hill on the eastern shores of Lake Orta, is a delight.
 
Strolling south out of the town along the lakeside path, Via Giovanetti, this shady, tree-lined route allows you to see the lake from a slightly different perspective.

The tree lined via giovanetti that runs alongside lake orta in orta san giulio, italy
The tree lined Via Giovanetti
A narrow cobbled lane line with shops and homes in orta san giulio on the shores of lake orta, italy
A cobbled lane in Orta San Giulio

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The Heart of Lake Orta

Piazza Maria Motta
A historic square in Orta San Giulio, on the edge of Lake Orta, lined with restaurants with al fresco dining areas our front with their parasols keep the sun off the dinners.
Piazza Motta in Orta san Giulio
This is a great place to take the weight off your feet and watch the world go by.
A narrow cobbled lane that leads through an arch to piazza maria motta in orta san giulio on the shores of lake orta, italy
The tiny, cobbled alleyway that leads to Piazza Maria Motta

The brightly coloured buildings that grace this town's streets are a unique sight, evoking images of Italian town folk bustling around attending to their daily chores.
 
The medieval 16th-century town hall at one end of the main square is a living testament to a bygone era, still bearing traces of its rich history.

As you wander the streets, you can feel history, hundreds of years of history.
The fresco-covered medieval palazzo della comunitàin in orta san giulio on the shores of lake orta, italy
The Palazzo della Comunità
As you wander the streets, you can feel history, hundreds of years of history.
A medieval home in orta san giulio on the shores of lake orta, italy
A beautiful building in Orta San Giulio
The little island of Isola San Giulio, which is only 902 feet (275 metres) long and 459 feet (140 metres) wide, can be seen from the bay of Orta San Giulio.
A boat returning from Isola San Giulio on Lake Orta where the convent and church dominate this historic little island. Again the backdrop is green mountains.
Isola san Giulio on Lake Orta

The most famous building on the island is the Basilica di San Giulio, a stunning example of Romanesque architecture. Originally built in the 12th century, it has since been converted into a Benedictine monastery for nuns, adding to its historical and cultural significance.
 
This island can be accessed by boat from Piazza Maria Motta, and the stroll around the island on the cobblestone streets is a serene experience, with silence draped over the streets out of respect for the inhabitants.

A view across the roof tops of orta san giulio on the shores of lake orta to the small island of Isola San Giulio
A view across the roof tops

If you're hooked like us and want to tour around the beautiful Italian Lakes in northern Italy, then take a look at this DK Eyewitness book.

This Top 10 Pocket Travel Guide is invaluable, I find them extremely informative, easy to follow and the pictures and maps tempt you into discovering more.

DK Italian Lakes Cover

Discovering Lake Orta

From the Driver

If, like us, you are staying on the shores of Lake Maggiore, the drive to Orta San Giulio is stunning.
 
Our route from Stresa took as through a private toll road. As we climbed, the roadside was littered by the cars of locals. Spotting them heading into the heavily forested areas , baskets looped over their arms; best guess, foragers, possible truffle hunting.
 
The drop down into the town was beautiful, too. It was nice to find plenty of parking just on the outskirts of the small town.
 
A matter of minutes walk, and a beautiful walk at that, onto the lake edge.

Have You?

Have you discovered Lake Orta? It's a gem, a real place of beauty - find a quiet spot, open a book and relax.

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