Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
LAKE ORTA
Enveloped by thick, dark-green woodlands, tranquil Lake Orta (aka Lake Cusio) could
make a perfect elopers' getaway. Measuring 13.4km long by 2.5km wide, it's separated
from its bigger and better-known eastern neighbour, Lake Maggiore, by Monte Mottarone.
The focal point of the lake is the captivating medieval village of Orta San Giulio, often re-
ferred to simply as Orta.
If it's romance you want, come during the week and you'll have the place largely to
yourself. On spring and summer weekends, good-natured groups of day trippers from Mil-
an and beyond descend on the place, creating plenty of atmosphere, but crowding the town.
You can't blame them: it's perfect for a day out and a long Sunday lunch.
You could drive right around the lake in a day. Outside Orta, specific sights are few and
far between. The ride along the largely flat, east bank of the lake is the best for lake views,
while on the west bank, the main road runs mostly high up in the hills and out of sight of
the lake. Some out-of-the-way villages on the west bank are fun to explore, however.
Roads stretch away from the lake on either side to the mountains. To the east is Monte
Mottarone. To the northwest stretches the beautifully wild and little-visited Valstrona.
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Orta San Giulio
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There's a very northern Italian magic about Orta San Giulio, one of the prettiest old
lakeside towns you'll find anywhere. Aside from its lovely architecture and tangle of nar-
row lanes - it's the kind of place that rewards aimless wandering - it also serves as the
gateway to the lovely Isola San Giulio and is watched over by a forested hillside strewn
with chapels. As you can imagine, it's a great place to spend a few days, particularly during
the week when it's likely to be just you and the locals.
