A charming lake. Top 10 Things to do in Lake Orta Italy Piedmont – Lake Orta is located near the Piedmontese shore of Lake Maggiore; it is a small lake, a small world unto itself, and a real jewel.
Many love to come here to Lake Orta, especially in the summer, when in addition to being able to enjoy the view of nature and to be able to visit the characteristic villages that overlook the lake, they can also dedicate themselves to relaxing sunbathing in peace and tranquility and to water sports such as canoeing, stand up paddling and pedal boat rides.
To fully enjoy the beauty of this lake, an excellent idea, especially in spring or summer, is to go to Omegna and from here you can take a beautiful boat tour on Lake Orta.
The boat tour is not the only thing you can do here at Lake Orta; in fact on Lake Orta there are beautiful characteristic villages to visit, including one of the most beautiful and certainly Orta San Giulio, which is right in front of the island of San Giulio.
At lunchtime, when hunger strikes, you can choose to eat at the restaurant or even a lighter, less demanding lunch, perhaps tasting local products such as local salami and cheeses, honey and jams from Lake Orta. Lake Orta is at the foot of the mountains where you can find delicious and genuine products.
So, let’s find out together in this post what to see on Lake Orta!
FAQ Lake Orta
Can you swim in Lake Orta?
Yes, you can swim in Lake Orta but the people swim only in summertime when the high temperature allows you to enter the water. In winter the temperature is too low and usually, nobody swims in the lake.
TOP 10 Things to do in Lake Orta
Lake Orta is a beautiful lake nestled between the mountains and makes a spectacle of the surrounding nature. However, there is not lack of history, characteristic villages, and good food.
Due to its small size, Lake Orta lends itself to day trips. Moreover, Lake Orta is very close to Lake Maggiore. If you are in the area, it is certainly an excellent idea to dedicate a day to visiting Lake Orta. That said, what to see on Lake Orta?
Let’s find out together by continuing to read this post: “What to see in Lake Orta?”.
What to see on Lake Orta? Here’s what to see on Lake Orta and its surroundings.
- Omegna
- Boat ride on Lake Orta
- Orta San Giulio
- Island of San Giulio
- Ronco
- Miami beach
- Grand Tour of Lake Orta
- Pettenasco
- Visit Lake Maggiore and Verbania
- Point of Crabbia
We are also going to explore what to see in Omegna, Orta San Giulio and in other beautiful places on Lake Orta.
Video Lake Orta towns to visit and Lake Orta beauty
In the following 35-second video, you can see some of the most beautiful places on Lake Orta and some of the things to do at Lake Orta, Italy.
Omegna
Welcome to Omegna, a pearl set in a natural gulf surrounded by the Alps. The city is reflected in the lake’s waters. This is a small world to discover.
In the city that gave birth to Gianni Rodari, the Italian writer and journalist most famous for his children’s books, there are plenty of peculiarities to discover, from the birthplace of the illustrious storyteller to the Fantasy Park visited by thousands of children and families every year.
In Omegna, the main activity is walking along the two sides of the lake. Walking along the lake promenade and enjoying Lake Orta’s nature and panorama is delightful, regenerating, and relaxing.
From the lake lock gates, keen walkers can follow the course of the Nigoglia river, and venture along a suggestive path to discover the hidden corners of this city. Along the river, you can be attracted by a sign indicating Torre Capra’s past position. The Torre Capra, a building that once stood but is now gone, was taken down to make space for the oratory. Its former location is now only indicated by a sign. Constructed in 1800 and later demolished in 1915, the Torre Capra’s presence is now just a memory.
In Omegna, Thursday is market day, and has a particularly festive atmosphere, just like during weekends, when it’s difficult not to find something to do … or to taste.
Especially in spring and summer, you can embark on a boat called “Battello” in Italian to navigate the suggestive Lake Orta and discover its beautiful gems.
Yes, but that’s another adventure, and I recommend you watch one of these two videos. In the meantime, I greet you! please like and subscribe! Bye!
Top 10 Omegna: What are the best things to do in Omegna?
Omegna is the largest city on Lake Orta. It is certainly not the most characteristic town that overlooks this lake, but it is lively with several characteristics and very lovely corners.
Omegna, in my opinion, is the ideal starting point for visiting Lake Orta. Here’s what to see in Omegna and what to do:
- Boat tour on Lake Orta
- Omegna square: XXIV Aprile square
- Omegna lakefront
- Via Felice Cavallotti and Vicolo Fantello
- Goat Tower
- Omega Museum
- Gianni Rodari house
- Nigoglia stream
- Lago d’Orta Zipline
- Fantasy Park
Boat tour from Omegna
To fully enjoy the beauty of this lake, an excellent idea, especially in spring or summer, is to go to Omegna and from here you can take a beautiful boat ride on Lake Orta.
Why start from Omegna? Why, if you start from Omegna, you can take a more extended tour of the lake and admire Lake Orta and its characteristic villages directly from the lake from a privileged position.
If, on the other hand, you take the boat from a town located in the center of the lake, you will only see a much smaller portion of Lake Orta.
Usually in spring/summer the boat leaves from Omegna twice a day: early in the morning at about 9 am and in the afternoon at about 2/2.15 pm.
It is advisable to arrive a few minutes before the scheduled departure time as the boat has very precise timetables and as there is only one boat in the morning and only one boat in the afternoon it is advisable not to miss it.
For more information about the tour on the lake, go to the subtitle dedicated to this topic.
Omegna square: XXIV Aprile square
Piazza XXIV Aprile in Omegna is a pretty little square that overlooks Lake Orta directly. The building that most characterizes this square is certainly the town hall or town hall. The Palazzo di Città has arcades and is a beautiful building that is the protagonist of the square. Around it there are also bars where people can easily relax, perhaps enjoying an aperitif or having breakfast, depending on the time of day.
From Piazza XXIV Aprile you can see the lake on one side and the Nigoglia stream which flows into Lake Orta on the other. It’s nice because you can walk and on one side you have the lake and on the other side you see the scenery of this stream with also some very characteristic houses.
Via Felice Cavallotti and Vicolo Fantello
Passing in the street parallel to the Nigoglia stream, or in via Felice Cavallotti, on the right you can see some glimpses of the stream.
From via Felice Cavallotti you can also exit directly where the stream is as there are several passages. This way afterwards you can walk right along the stream following vicolo Fantello and see all this side of Omegna.
Goat Tower
A curiosity of Omegna is that not only are the things to see marked here but also a building that no longer exists.
The building in question is the Torre Capra, which once was there but is no longer there precisely because it was demolished to make way for the oratory. Now only the place where it was located is marked with a sign. The Torre Capra was built in 1800 and then demolished in 1915.
Omega Museum
In Omegna, you can also visit the museum located in Via Carrobbio 45 in Omegna.
Here is the location on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/3CUxvRVtkymR3uDR8 .
The museum is open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 3 to 6 pm, while Saturday and Sunday in the morning from 10 to 1 pm and in the afternoon from 3 to 6 pm. The single cost of the ticket is 10 euros for a whole ticket. Timetables and prices verified in August 2023.
Gianni Rodari house
Omegna is the city where Gianni Rodari, an illustrious writer of fairy tales, was also born. Here in Omegna you can admire his house.
Nigoglia stream
Lovers of walking can follow the course of the Nigoglia to discover the most hidden and characteristic corners of the city of Omegna.
Fantasy Park
Here in Omegna there is also the Parco della Fantasia.
Boat ride on Lake Orta
To fully enjoy the beauty of this lake, an excellent idea, especially in spring or summer, is to go to Omegna and from here you can take a beautiful boat ride on Lake Orta.
Starting from Omegna you will have the opportunity to admire the lake from the lake, to better appreciate the nature that characterizes Lake Orta, admire some characteristic villages of Lake Orta such as Ronco and easily reach unique places such as Orta San Giulio and the Island of San Giulio.
However, before organizing the trip on Lake Orta, I advise you to check the boat timetables on the following website: https://www.navigazionelagodorta.it/en/index.php.
Usually in spring/summer the boat leaves from Omegna twice a day: early in the morning at about 9 a.m. and in the afternoon at about 2/2.15 p.m.
It is advisable to arrive a few minutes before the scheduled departure time as the boat has very precise timetables and there is only one boat in the morning and only one in the afternoon it is advisable not to miss it.
Tickets can be purchased on the Lake Orta navigation website or directly on the boat. In addition to cash, credit cards are also accepted on the boat for payment.
During the boat tour the 2 main places you will see are the Island of San Giulio and Orta San Giulio.
You can also take the boat to Orta San Giulio to visit the island of San Giulio. This could be convenient for you as from Orta several boats go to the island throughout the day. However, the disadvantage of taking the boat to Orta is that you only make a short stretch on the lake as the island is located right in front of this town on Lake Orta.
From Omegna, on the other hand, a few boats leave during the day, but the tour on the lake is much longer and more scenic. Taking the boat from Omegna, you spend a much more beautiful and pleasant day on Lake Orta.
How to dress for a boat ride in the summer?
A T-shirt and shorts are usually enough to take the summer boat tour. If you are afraid of being cold, you should bring something to put over your shoulders, for safety, especially if you return in the evening.
Where to buy boat tickets?
Tickets can be purchased on the Lake Orta navigation website or directly on the boat. In addition to cash, credit cards are also accepted on the boat for payment.
Where to park the car in Omegna for the boat ride?
Not far from the embarkation point for the boat there are also some parking lots. Here you can park your car and some car parks are subject to payment, others with a parking disc.
Better not to use parking discs with parking discs as the ride on the lake lasts several hours in total, however the duration of the parking disc here is only 1 hour. Therefore better to choose another type of parking.
The program and times of our tour are as follows: 2.15 pm departure from Omegna, arrival at 3.05 pm at the island of San Giulio and departure at 3.45 pm from the island towards Orta.
Navigation of Lake Orta to visit the island of San Giulio and Orta.
To help you better understand what the boat tour on Lake Orta is like, we are describing our August 10, 2023 tour.
At 1:50 pm we show up in front of the boats embarkation in order to be sufficiently early and do things calmly.
We also have time to check the boat timetables, especially those in the lake’s center. In fact, in the central lake area there are more boats and therefore you can choose to get off or on in different locations. Arriving earlier we also have time to take some pictures.
The embarkation of the boat or the landing stage is located in this position: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pVQyB9zccD4AX9hC8
In front of the Omegna landing stage, where you can take the boat, there are also benches facing the lake where you can relax and wait for the boat.
These benches are in the sun in the early afternoon, so if you take the boat in the early afternoon it is better that you move a little more in the shade, otherwise they are perfect for waiting for the departure time.
Not far from the pier there are also games for children, including a slide. If you are early and have children you can safely wait for the boat schedule in this playground.
While we wait for the departure we see that the boat is already parked here in Omegna but it is still off and the driver has to arrive. So we wait for it to be opened for us to go up.
Although it is August, everything is very quiet as not many people are waiting to get on the boat. While we wait, we can therefore fully and peacefully enjoy the place, the view, the mountains and the pleasant sound of the lake water. Only a few mopeds to interrupt the peace.
Not many people are waiting for the boat because Omegna is one of the terminus and the starting point of the boat tour. As we stop at the intermediate stops, more people will get on the lake ride.
We get on the boat and get the tickets directly on board at the scheduled time. Both cash and credit cards are accepted for payment. Price reductions are available for those with disabilities.
We leave by boat from Omegna and immediately head towards the widest part of Lake Orta. We can appreciate the beautiful surrounding nature, as Lake Orta is nestled between the green mountains and is also a much wilder place than other lakes. Apart from the few main towns of Lake Orta, there are no large inhabited centers all around the lake. Then we can truly see the beauty of this place.
At times we see the rock of the mountain that plunges into the lake, this rock is covered with green vegetation of trees. We can say that it dives into the lake as it goes straight down to the lake as if it were a cliff, but the effect is very different and particular because it is the mountain, the mountain mainly covered by the forest. In this stretch of lake we have only a few houses scattered here and there at the top. These houses must certainly have a magnificent view of Lake Orta.
Continuing the navigation, we see that the dense vegetation is sporadically interrupted to make room for small corners of paradise: white beaches that appear almost by surprise or waterfalls that descend from the mountain. But all this is to be seen and discovered as we sail on Lake Orta, one of a kind in terms of beauty and nature, although it is not a large and well-known lake as other lakes can be.
The predominant color is green, the green of the vegetation, the green of the lake water as the lake water reflects everything around it. A tone-on-tone show with truly vivid colors, it is a different show from what you can see in the other lakes you find around here.
After a while we see the first town. Until now we have only seen single villas and isolated beaches. We are now going towards the real first inhabited center, also set in the luxuriant greenery. The town we are talking about is Ronco.
We stop in Ronco to let other passengers get on the boat and once we leave Ronco we begin to glimpse the island of San Giulio.
However, it is not yet time to head towards the island as we head first towards the other side of the lake, the other side.
As we sail towards the other shore of Lake Orta we see a few houses in front of us and people sunbathing peacefully lying on the grass. Here we are now at our next location overlooking Lake Orta: Punta di Crabbia.
Once we leave Punta di Crabbia, we head towards the direction of the Island of San Giulio.
Approaching the central part of the lake, then approaching the island and towards Orta San Giulio, there are some very nice small hotels as they are located directly on the lake. I must say that in my opinion they do not disfigure the landscape because they are always set in the greenery.
Continuing the navigation and observing what surrounds us, I notice that in this area there are more villas along the lakefront and we see more and more people doing water sports, such as, for example, going on stand-up paddle boards and coasting along the lake. The central lake area appears at least in the summer to be more experienced and popular than the areas just outside Omegna.
At this point of our navigation we too are very close to the shore and some swimmers greet us.
We are sailing very close to shore as we are close to our next stop, Pettenasco.
Even here in Pettenasco, there is a lawn right next to the boat landing and people sunbathe in peace.
The journey by boat we are making at the moment is part of the green line that starts from Omegna.
The Red Line of the boats is instead that of the center of the lake, which starts from Orta San Giulio, goes to the Island of San Giulio, Lagna, San Filiberto and Pella.
We have now stopped at L’Approdo which is also the stop where the l’Approdo hotel restaurant is located, which is also located below Pettenasco. Here, too, people quietly sunbathe and swim.
Finally in front of us we see first Orta San Giulio and then the Island of San Giulio. We admire this beautiful panorama and discover more and more the beauty of the Island of San Giulio as we get closer and sail around the island.
In the meantime, we note that here at Lake Orta many people love canoeing probably because, given how it is made, it is particularly suitable for this type of sport.
The estimated time for arrival on the island of San Giulio was 3.05 pm but we arrived a little late and more precisely at 3.10 pm. However, now we have the opportunity to visit the island and then choose to take the boat to Orta San Giulio at 3.45 pm or 4.25 pm, depending on how long it takes for the visit.
However, the island of San Giulio is quite small and you don’t need a lot of time to visit it. If you take the first boat you will then have more time to stay in Orta San Giulio, alternatively the one at 4.25 pm gives you more time to explore not only the main streets of the island of San Giulio but also enjoy the more hidden glimpses. It depends on your schedule and what you prefer to do.
During the tour on the island of San Giulio we notice that there are signs. On these signs there is a QR code that allows us to have information on the history of various places in order to make a more meaningful visit.
First we see the basilica of San Giulio dating back to the XI-XII century. What is striking about this basilica is the magnificent art it holds inside both paintings and sculptures, despite the church’s small size.
In the basilica you will also find stairs that allow you to go down to a lower floor. Going down the stairs you go into the room where the remains of the saint are kept and preserved and passing further you find yourself in another room, which acts as a small museum, and where you can read some historical notes.
Leaving the basilica we walk in the streets of the island to go to the discovery. Here we find a shop where to buy some souvenirs.
On the island there is also a restaurant, the San Giulio restaurant and therefore you can come to the island of San Giulio and eat here.
At 3:42 pm we are already back to the embarkation of the boats as it was not the first time we had been to the Island of San Giulio and even if we could relax more and spend more time on the island we prefer to go to Orta San Giulio to take something to drink or a good ice cream in the square and therefore spend more time in this magnificent location on Lake Orta.
Upon arrival of the boat we go up and in a few minutes we will be in Orta San Giulio. As we approach Orta San Giulio by boat we can see the lakefront of Orta SG, the soft colors of the houses overlooking the lake: some colors are soft blue, yellowish, pink and white.
Upon arrival at the tourist port of Orta San Giulio we notice motorboats and private boats parked that take people to the island of San Giulio. So to go to the Island of San Giulio, in addition to the scheduled boat service, you can also use these private services: it’s a bit like what happens to Lake Maggiore for a visit to the Borromean Islands.
As soon as you get off the boat in Orta San Giulio you are in Piazza Motta. Piazza Motta is very beautiful as here you find several medieval-style buildings, some of which are also painted. There are several bars and ice cream parlors where you can get something good to eat or drink with a beautiful view of the island of San Giulio and Lake Orta in front.
The building from Piazza Motta that remains most impressed is the Orta San Giulio palace. It is one of the symbols of the city and was built in 1582.
Piazza Motta is certainly not the only thing you can see here in Orta San Giulio. In fact, walking through the streets of the center you can see the windows of many small shops with very special things.
In addition, there are also fantastic grocery stores where you can taste the typical products of the area such as salami, wine, mushrooms, cheese, pasta and many other delicious foods with your eyes and palate. A real temptation for all gourmets and more!
Making a brief summary of when we departed from the island of San Giulio for Orta, I can say that: we departed from the island of San Giulio at 3:45 pm and arrived in Orta in 5 minutes, i.e. at 3:50 pm. We stayed 2 hours in Orta San Giulio. Having enough time we were able to relax eating a good ice cream comfortably seated and we also walked and explored the streets of the center. In this way we were able to discover the beautiful shops and characteristic corners of Orta San Giulio, which inspired us to take beautiful souvenir photos.
At 6:00 pm we take the boat back to Omegna. The boat to return to Omegna is very convenient as it stops in the various towns of Lake Orta but you don’t have to get off and you don’t have to change boats. Go up to Orta San Giulio and get off at Omegna. Very comfortable and relaxing because what you only have to do is enjoy the view.
We arrive in Omegna with a slight delay, i.e. at 7:05 pm, instead of 7:00 pm.
How was the day spent at Lake Orta?
The day on Lake Orta was really beautiful and with just one day we were able to see and visit many things in relaxation and without breathlessness. We arrived late morning in Omegna, which we got to see and explore. Again in Omegna we enjoyed a good lunch and in the afternoon we took the boat and made a very pleasant tour on Lake Orta. Experience to do and possibly to repeat.
Orta San Giulio
The lakefront of Orta San Giulio is characterized by the soft colors of the houses overlooking the lake: some colors are soft blue, yellow, pink and white.
Marina
Upon arrival at the tourist port of Orta San Giulio, we noticed motorboats and private boats parked that take people to the island of San Giulio. So to go to the Island of San Giulio, in addition to the scheduled boat service, you can also use these private services: it’s a bit like what happens to Lake Maggiore for a visit to the Borromean Islands.
Motta square
As soon as you get off the boat in Orta San Giulio, you are in Piazza Motta. Piazza Motta is lovely and is enriched by the presence of several medieval-style buildings, some of which are also painted. There are several bars and ice cream parlors where you can get something good to eat or drink with a beautiful view of the island of San Giulio and Lake Orta in front.
The building from Piazza Motta that remains most impressive is the Orta San Giulio palace. It is one of the symbols of the city and was built in 1582.
Old Town
Walking through the streets of the center you can see the windows of many small shops with very special things that can brighten your shopping.
In addition, there are also fantastic grocery stores where you can taste the typical products of the area such as salami, wine, mushrooms, cheese, pasta and many other delicious foods with your eyes and palate. A real temptation for all gourmets and more!
Island of San Giulio
The Island of San Giulio is a small island in size, but very beautiful to see and fascinating. It is located right in front of the town of Orta San Giulio from which it can be easily reached by boat in a few minutes by boat. Also during the day and especially in summer there are countless boats that connect Orta San Giulio to the island.
The Island of San Giulio is a small island and you don’t need a lot of time to visit it. An hour should be enough for you, even much less if you simply go around the island without dwelling on the details.
During the tour on the island of San Giulio we notice that there are signs. On these signs there is a QR code that allows us to have information on the history of various places in order to make a more meaningful visit.
First we see the basilica of San Giulio dating back to the XI-XII century. What is striking about this basilica is the magnificent art it holds inside both paintings and sculptures, despite the church’s small size.
In the basilica you will find stairs that allow you to go down to a lower floor. Going down the stairs you go into the room where the remains of the saint are kept and preserved and passing further you find yourself in another room which acts as a small museum and where you can also read some historical notes.
Leaving the basilica we set out to discover the streets of the island. We also find a shop where you can buy some souvenirs.
Is there a restaurant on the Island of San Giulio on Lake Orta?
On the island of San Giulio there is also a restaurant, the San Giulio Restaurant and therefore you can come to the island and eat here.
Are there public baths or toilets on the island of San Giulio?
Yes there are public bathrooms or toilets on San Giulio Island.
Grand Tour of Lake Orta
One of the things you can do at Lake Orta is the grand tour, which is a journey of 115 km in 5 stages that guides you to discover Lake Orta.
It allows you to discover Lake Orta in terms of nature, art, history, villages and surrounding territories. This is a path that combines trekking, outdoor experience, culture and even food and wine.
Visit to Lake Maggiore and Verbania
Omegna is located on the northern tip of Lake Orta about half an hour from Verbania. Therefore, you can visit Lake Orta and Lake Maggiore even in one day if you want.
Clearly I recommend dedicating at least one day to visiting Lake Maggiore and one day at Lake Orta. In this way, you can better enjoy the beauty and particularity of the 2 lakes.
However, if you don’t have the opportunity to dedicate a day to each lake, it may be an excellent idea to dedicate a few hours to Lake Maggiore and a few hours to Lake Orta. This way you can spend a different day and see more things.
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