May 27, 2025, 3:02 pm | Read time: 3 minutes

While lakes such as Lake Maggiore, Lake Garda, and Lake Como have been among Europe’s most popular travel destinations for years and are even grappling with overtourism in some areas, Lake Orta, also known as Lago d’Orta, remains a true insider tip. This idyllic lake in the Piedmont region of northern Italy is just as beautiful as its famous neighbors.

The Most Beautiful Vacation Spots at Lake Orta

In terms of scenery, Lake Orta is on par with its famous neighbors like Lake Maggiore or Lake Garda. It’s all the more surprising that it remains relatively unknown. The lake offers plenty for tourists. On the eastern shore, the charming vacation village of Pettenasco invites visitors with its idyllic waterfront promenade, several beach resorts, and a wide range of vacation rentals, campsites, hotels, and guesthouses.

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Particularly picturesque is the town of Orta San Giulio, which juts out into the lake on a peninsula. The old town impresses with numerous Renaissance facades. High above the town lies the region’s most popular photo motif–the “Sacred Mountain of Orta” (Sacro Monte d’Orta), a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Capuchin monks built the church complex in the 16th century on a hill about 400 meters above the lake.

Beach Vacation at Lake Orta

Like Lake Garda or Lake Como, Lake Orta is perfect for a beach vacation from May to October. The water is considered particularly clean. The southern side of the lake is especially well-suited for those seeking beautiful swimming spots. These are often pebble beaches that have been covered with sand. The most popular beach resorts include those in Orta San Giulio, Pella, and San Maurizio.

While the infrastructure on the western shore, where Pella is located, is somewhat less developed, this is precisely what makes the region so appealing. Here, Lake Orta reveals its quieter, more original side. Pella itself is a small paradise for travelers who love to stroll along a picturesque waterfront promenade and indulge in homemade ice cream from one of the best Italian gelaterias.

Not far from Pella, the impressive Basilica Madonna del Sasso sits atop an imposing limestone rock–a worthwhile excursion destination with spectacular views. From Pella, the lakeside road continues to the tranquil village of Ronco, a true insider tip for those who want to enjoy sunny hours in absolute peace and seclusion.

Also interesting: The best travel tips for Lake Como

Travel to Piedmont at Lake Orta

For those traveling by plane, Milan-Malpensa Airport is about 50 kilometers away and offers the best bus connections to the lake. Alternatively, the airports Milan-Linate (about 90 kilometers away), Lugano (about 100 kilometers away), and Turin (about 120 kilometers away) are also options. Drivers can reach Lake Orta most quickly via the A26 highway (Genoa–Gravellona). Train travelers will find the nearest major station in the town of Omegna on the northern shore of the lake.

Text contribution: Jasch Zacharias