At just under 14 kilometres long and only 2.5 kilometres wide, Lake Orta is a fairly manageable body of water in northern Piedmont. All destinations can be reached quickly by boat. This leaves all the more time to explore the small communities around the lake or to enjoy the marvellous view from one of the many pavement cafés or restaurants. There is plenty to discover.
The water is ideal for trailer boat captains. There are several places where you can launch your boat. And if you have a motorhome as a towing vehicle, you will also find a parking space. In contrast to the large and well-known lakes in northern Italy, however, things are much more tranquil. Tourism is also less dominant here than at the usual destinations. This is why the Milanese also call the lake La Cenerentola, meaning "Cinderella". There is a reason for its low profile, as industry dominated the area around the lake until the 1980s. The water was in poor condition. All in all, an ambience that did not exactly attract tourists. However, this has changed dramatically over the last 30 years. Today, the industrial operations have largely disappeared and the water quality is at a top level. The beautiful landscape in the middle of the mountains makes Lake Orta almost an insider tip for fans of Italian culture and lifestyle who want to escape mass tourism. If you don't want to bring your own boat, there are also charter options. And these are particularly interesting for budding water sports enthusiasts who do not yet have a boating licence. This is because different rules apply on Italian waters. Here, boats with an Italian licence and engines up to 29.4 kW (40 hp) do not require a licence. The range of charter boats, which are generally offered with flange-mounted 40 hp outboards, is also organised accordingly.
outboards. The power is completely sufficient, especially for the small Lake Orta, to be able to glide to the beautiful destinations on the shores with the family on board.
The village of Pella is located on the steep western shore of the lake with a view of the Isola San Giulio. There is a lakeside promenade with a jetty in the centre. There is also a free slip ramp and caravan parking spaces at the entrance to the town. If you want to charter a boat, Motonautica San Giulio ( www.msg-bassotto.it ) four Prua al Vento Jaguar 5.4 with Honda BF 40 for day trips. On the Bassotto family's premises there is a small harbour, full service with crane, moorings and one of two petrol stations on the lake. In addition, Casa Wanda ( www.casawanda.de ) and Casa Gora dei Mulini ( www.casagora.de ) has two holiday homes on offer. Just a few steps back in the centre of the village is the excellent Ristorante Imbarcadero ( www.ristoranteimbarcadero.com ) directly on the shore. There are also several small beaches and bays for boaters in the immediate vicinity of the village.
Those who set off along the north-west coast will not be able to visit any other places before the largest town of Omegna at the northern tip, as the cliffs dominate here. Anchoring is possible in some places for a swim. In one of the districts at the end of the lake, the small harbour Porticciolo Di Bagnella awaits, where pleasure boats can moor. The village has been inhabited since the late Bronze Age and looks back on an eventful history. It is a centre of the metalworking industry. Well-known Italian brands such as Alessi and Bialetti are based in Omegna. A museum of art and industry in the Omegna Forum ( www.forumomegna.org ), the history of the household goods industry, which was once strongly represented in the region, can be viewed.
A stroll through the town allows you to enjoy the beautiful scenery with numerous historical buildings. These include the church of Sant'Ambrogio from the late Romanesque period, the remains of the old city gate Porta della Valle from the 12th century and the old bridge from the 15th century.
You can end the day in one of the many restaurants in the city centre.
On the east side of Lake Orta is a mecca for campers with water sports ambitions, as there are five campsites right on the lake. The game begins a little south of Omegna with Camping Punta di Crabbia ( www.campingpuntacrabbia.it ). The campsite has a beach and a restaurant. Many water sports such as water skiing, diving and fishing are on offer. Jet skis and motorboats can be hired. A little further south is Camping Allegro ( www.campeggioallegro.it ). There is also a crane for launching and six berths on the jetty. Pitches for trailers are also available. The infrastructure around the site is within walking distance. This is followed by Camping Verde Lago ( www.campingverdelago.it ) in Pettenasco, just one kilometre from Orta San Giulio with a private sandy beach and pizzeria. Trailers can be parked on the site. Buoy moorings are also available. Camping Orta ( www.campingorta.it/de ) is located in the bay directly on the peninsula. There are facilities for launching boats, trailers and buoys as well as a jetty. There are also catering and shopping facilities. If you are looking for more peace and quiet, you will find it at the southern end of Lake Orta at Camping Miami Di Rossini Antonio ( https://camping-miami-di-rossini-antonio.business.site/ ) with a sandy beach. Some buoys are also available here, but you will have to go to a different place to get into the water. As with almost all lakes, there are of course rules on Lake Orta that must be observed. There is a general distance of 100 metres from the shore. This area may only be used for mooring and casting off at a maximum of five knots and at right angles to the shore. Water skiing and wakeboarding are only permitted from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. with a maximum speed of 25 knots and a board sportsman, but are not permitted between the island and Orta. The maximum speed for other boats is 20 knots during the day and four knots at night. Fishing from a boat is possible with a fishing licence - available from the municipal office or tourist office.
The largest concentration of pretty destinations can be found on the peninsula around Orta San Giulio. The picturesque village is the tourist centre on the lake. At its heart is Piazza Mario Motta with its pavement cafés and restaurants as well as a magnificent view across the harbour to Isola San Giulio, which also belongs to the municipality. There has been a weekly market on the square every Wednesday since 1228, and it is also home to the former town hall from 1582 and many other historic buildings, many of which have lovingly run shops selling culinary specialities and souvenirs. A short walk leads to the church of Santa Maria Assunta, built in 1485, at the upper end of the town.
Another church in the village of Oratorio di San Rocco dates back to the Baroque period. A special highlight of sacred architecture, the Sacro Monte d'Orta, can be reached after a good kilometre's walk. The path to the place of worship in honour of Francis of Assisi is lined with 20 chapels and meets the church of San Nicolao Francesco at the summit. What is impressive about the complex, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the elaborate arrangement of highly detailed terracotta statues. Villa Crespi, which was built in 1879 by an industrialist as a Moorish-style country residence and is now a hotel, is also located on the way to the mountain. We recommend a stroll along the lakeside promenade with a marvellous view over the lake and the island.
Isola San Giulio is just 400 metres from the shore in Orta and can be easily reached by boat. Excursion boats also offer the crossing. The small island measures just 275 by 140 metres and is largely built up. The central buildings are the Basilica di San Giulio and the associated bishop's palace. According to legend, St.
Giulio is said to have freed the island from snakes and dragons and then built a church there. Originally, the clergy dominated events here and the Bishop of Novara resided in the Palazzo del Vescovo di Novara. The former seminary from the 19th century is currently used by Benedictine nuns. Today there are also a few private houses on the island. The clearly visible jetties in the south are reserved for ferry boats. However, a little further north on the eastern side, directly on the shore, is the Ristorante San Giulio ( www.ristorantesangiulio.com ) with some mooring facilities on the private jetty for guests arriving by boat. The restaurant in Villa Tallone, one of the oldest buildings on the island, has an 18th century dining room and a wonderful panoramic terrace with a view of Orta San Giulio. There is hardly a better way to enjoy a boating holiday on beautiful Lake Orta.
Need more information? The district portrait "Small and fine" can be found with more pictures and a service section in BOOTE issue 02/2022 - since 12 January 2022 at newsstands or online in the Delius Klasing shop Delius Klasing Shop.
