Take your pick. Any of northern Italy’s “lake region” lakes are not going to disappoint. Not even one of the smallest of the lot, the often-overlooked Lago di Orta.  Tiny Lake Orta lies furthest west of Italy’s famed lakes, the understudy to the grand dames of Lake Maggiore, Lugano, and Como. Like her well-known counterparts, Lake Orta is a heavenly slice of clear water, quaint old villages, and idyllic marinas framed by emerald mountains…but pleasingly more tranquil. 

As a recent first-time visitor here, it took only moments to reach smitten. Spectacular views, oh yes, but there was room to breathe, opportunity to become lost in delicious thought, and endless possibility to absorb the natural beauty. Summer months become more crowded, naturally, but it seems Italians have kept this little lake a quiet secret to enjoy without too much tainting from excessive tourism.