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Lake Orta... let's live it!
Ø Routes for hikes and mountain bike rides
Several protected areas offer tracks and excursions in the unspoiled
nature: there are plenty of possible itineraries around the whole Lake
Orta, along the slopes of Mottarone, in the green Strona Valley, in the
Special Natural Resorts of the Sacro Monte of Orta, Monte Mesma and
Buccione Tower and up to the alpine pastures above Quarna, not to
mention the area around Madonna del Sasso. Ø Lake sports Lake Orta offers a whole range of water sports: from swimming to sand sports on its delightful beaches, from sailing to canoeing and rowing, windsurfing, water skiing and diving. Ø Winter sports Besides lake sports, all snow sports can be practiced on the mountains in the nearby centres of the Mottarone and the Ossola Valley: from downhill to cross-country skiing to snowboard. And for those who don't ski: walks in snow shoes, sledge and ice rinks are only other ways to have fun and fully enjoy the snow and the mountains. Ø Golf Easy to reach are the several golf courses of “Golf Club Lago Maggiore”, tucked away amidst nature in a scenery of extraordinary beauty, such as the Alpine Golf Club in Gignese (Lake Maggiore) and the Golf Club Castel Conturbia, located in the most enchanting surroundings of Lake Orta. Tourist information
Lake Orta (also known as “Cusio”)
is a lake of Piedmont located between the
provinces of Novara and Verbano-Cusio-Ossola. Framed by picturesque
alpine landscapes, favoured by a rich and beautiful vegetation, this
lake is a renowned tourist destination.
Breathtaking panoramas, ancient little villages overlooking the clear
waters of a romantic, enchanting lake; churches, museums and a first
class art and architecture heritage. Lake Orta is the ideal starting point for unforgettable excursions. Orta and its Island, Stresa with the Borromee Islands and Villa Pallavicino, Pallanza with the famous gardens of Villa Taranto, Arona with the giant statue of San Carlo (known as “San Carlone”), Mount Mottarone with its alpine landscapes, the natural park of Ticino, museums, medieval castles and nearby Switzerland with its countless attractions. A lake to be experienced all year round Lake Orta is a fascinating, unforgettable place at any time of year. In the spring, the exhibition of blooming azaleas, rhododendron, camellias, jasmines and magnolias attract visitors from all over the world. In the summer, it looks like a seaside town: streets packed with tourists, activities on the lake, music in the squares until late at night... It's in the autumn, however, that the lake turns into a really enchanting place: its silvery waters and the colours of nature typical of that season melt into a very special atmosphere. The winter is the quietest and most evocative season: far from mass tourism, the lake offers then its most intimate, cosy side. It is the perfect time for visiting us with attention and interest. Ø Art These apparently quiet places have been the background for historical events of great interest - with the resulting artistic and architectural expression. When we say “art”, we mean painting, sculpture, architecture, music, cinema, literature: they are all represented here... one only has to choose the right itinerary! Ø Nature The naturalistic aspect is the main subject of our divulgation services. Some of the excursions we suggest are in fact centred on the peculiarities of this territory from a botanical and geological point of view, where Man and his history are seen from an anthropological slant. Ø Places of worship Since the fourth century A.C. Lake Orta became a property of the Bishops of Novara and the seat of many religious communities. The Island of San Giulio, with its precious Basilica and the Mater Ecclesiae convent, is still evidence of that. The Sacro Monte (“Holy Mountain”) of Orta, with its twenty chapels dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi, attracts the many Italian and foreign tourists who are interested in the deep meaning it represents. We can also recommend a visit to the “Sacro Monte” of Varallo Sesia, Ghiffa and Domodossola. Ø Wine and food In our country it is impossible to keep tourism and gastronomy separated: wherever one goes, wine and food are always there. We, too, offer the option "Visit and Tasting" where we give a cultural introduction to the products to be tasted. We remind that this is the land of rice, of fine wines such as Ghemme and Gattinara, of cheese and cold cuts (Mortadella of Orta). And for dessert, we propose a fancy selection of chocolate and tropical coffee blends.
How to get to Lake Orta
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