It looks like a volcanic lake, but it was shaped by ice. Lake Orta, west of Lake Maggiore, between the provinces of Novara and Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, packs an elegant waterside village, a tiny monastic island and a UNESCO-listed Sacro Monte into just a few kilometres. Two days are enough on Lake Orta to combine scenery, art and a bit of peace and quiet without rushing, travelling on foot and by boat.
Orta San Giulio: a waterside piazza terrace
The heart of a visit is Orta San Giulio, on the eastern shore. This pedestrian-friendly village slopes down towards Piazza Motta, a genuine terrace over the water with direct views of the island. It has the feel of a compact, well-kept place where the smaller details matter: flower-filled balconies, internal courtyards and views that open up without warning.
