Enchanting Lago D'Orta

The medieval town of Orta San Giulio lies on a peninsula and is packed with charm and character with pastel washed buildings, cobbled streets and a charming lake front promenade where sunbathers lie on wooden jetties and families eat their picnics.

Winding up the wooded hillside from Orta is Sacro Monte di San Francesco, a route still followed by pilgrims but also offering breath-taking views for many visitors. From the water bus jetty at Piazza Motta you can take a ferry across to the island and across the Lake to Pella or Omegna. The ride itself is a relaxing way to spend the day or you can get off and walk back or simply sit and watch the boats come and go from one of the many cafes, restaurants or gelaterias.

Truly Italian and quieter and less ritzier than Como and Maggiore this little lake is now firmly on our radar.