The best summer experiences on Lake Orta
Picturesque villages and crystal-clear waters for your true Italian summer.
Whether as a fleeting getaway devoted to total relaxation or the most refreshing stop on an energetic road trip with friends, Lago D’Orta is a gem not to be missed on your summer weekend breaks. This jewel of the Italian lakes is home to some of the country’s most picturesque villages, with charming cobbled climbs and ancient alleyways. Vibrant and fragrant by day, they reveal their best to anyone lingering along the shoreline until sunset, unfurling a breathtaking palette of amber hues.
That said, while exploring the secluded corners of these lakeside hamlets is an absolute must, summer is just as sweet enjoyed around a well-set table, immersed in the soothing bubbles of a hot tub, or soaring on an adrenaline-fuelled zip wire 60m above the water. Easily reached from all the main cities across northern Italy, this Piedmont jewel offers an enticing line-up of hotels, restaurants, wellness retreats and outdoor activities to brighten your holiday. Discover them below among the best summer experiences on Lake Orta.
Fuga romantica a Villa Crespi
Via Giuseppe Fava, 18, Orta San Giulio (NO)
The Cannavacciuolo family’s five-star luxury Relais & Châteaux welcomes visitors to the splendid village of Orta San Giulio with unmistakably Moorish charm and a 100% Italian hospitality philosophy. An ideal setting for a romantic escape, the hotel offers various options for those seeking an intimate, beautiful haven on the shores of Lake Orta, with bespoke stays featuring every comfort: from dinner at Antonino Cannavacciuolo’s three-Michelin-starred restaurant—featuring the new ‘Mettici l’Anima’ tasting menu, a delicious 10-course journey across land and sea—to relaxing treatments in the refined atmosphere of the wellness suite. To finish, enjoy an à la carte breakfast served in the privacy of your lake-view room.
Wellness experience Laqua by the Lake
Via Legro, 33, Pettenasco (NO)
Located in Pettenasco on the shores of Lake Orta, the resort Laqua by the Lake is the second address in the collection run by Antonino Cannavacciuolo and his wife Cinzia. It features an elegant hotel with 16 lake-view rooms and two penthouses. At the heart of the retreat lies the wellness area, an avant-garde sanctuary of beauty and relaxation that harnesses the power of cold therapy to restore natural harmony to body and mind. Innovative and sustainable, The Longevity Suite offers classic wellness treatments, including massages and body sculpting, alongside modern technologies like multi-sensory LED helmets and cryotherapy.
Uscita in Kayak
Lungolago Buozzi, 17, Omegna (VB)
For sports enthusiasts, Lake Orta is an ideal base to kick off your holiday with a water adventure. From kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards and pedal boats to water skis and jet skis, there are plenty of sports equipment hire centres ready to offer safe, thrilling outings. In Omegna, Canottieri Outdoor stands out for its wide choice of land and water activities. What are you waiting for? Pack your swimwear, sunglasses and plenty of sun cream: tranquil spots right on the water and scenic trails to explore on foot or by mountain bike await.
Zip line sul Lago d’Orta
Piazzale Lodi, 1, Bagnella (VB)
Unless you suffer from vertigo, the Zip Line sul Lago D’Orta is easily one of the most exciting activities for a thrill-packed day out. Departing from Omegna, the 450m cable runs across the crystal-clear waters of the lake, plunging 60m down towards the blue. Fly solo or in tandem, and remember your selfie stick to capture the breathtaking views (or the look on your companion’s face) from mid-air.
Pranzo da AM Bistrot
Via Olina, 18, Orta San Giulio (NO)
Located in the heart of Orta San Giulio, AM Bistrot is the charming terrace restaurant of Locanda di Orta. Ideal for a light lunch rooted in Piedmontese tradition, Andrea Monesi’s bistro balances relaxed dining with Michelin-starred refinement in an idyllic setting overlooking Isola di San Giulio and the historic rooftops of the village. For starters, the vitello tonnato is not to be missed, boasting a beautifully balanced savoury depth, followed by agnolotti del plin or potato gnocchi with mussels and parsley oil—a flavourful summer pasta with perfectly judged contrasts.
Aperitivo da Enoteca al Boeuc
Via Bersani, 28, Orta San Giulio (NO)
Just steps from the main square lies a small wine bar sheltered from the summer heat: an intimate spot clad in wood and wrought iron that has everything it takes to become your go-to aperitivo spot in Orta San Giulio. Relaxed, informal and brimming with village warmth, Al Boeuc welcomes guests with old-school hospitality, indoors or at the tables lining the narrow lane outside. Alongside the bottles lining the walls, the enoteca serves classic aperitivo drinks, paired with boards of charcuterie, local cheeses and crisp bruschette celebrating regional flavours.
Cena al ristorante l’Ustaria Cà dal Rat
Via Novara, 66, Orta San Giulio (NO)
Staying in Orta San Giulio, we turn to the project of Enrico Parvopasso and Carlo Marforio, maître d’ and chef of Ustaria Ca’ dal Rat. This romantic waterside restaurant makes a fine setting for a candlelit dinner or private celebration, thanks to its relaxed yet polished decor and welcoming service. In summer, do not miss the chance to dine on their terrace, an airy, luminous space where you can savour great food overlooking the lake. The menu spans land and sea dishes, with dedicated attention to top-quality ingredients.
A stroll along the lakefront in Orta San Giulio
Orta San Giulio (NO)
Recognised as one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, Orta San Giulio is steeped in history—a tapestry of noble clashes, popular uprisings and legendary figures. Today, visitors love it for its artistic corners, charming historic architecture and that captivating lakeside allure. To make the most of the water, the town features a scenic promenade along the lakefront, ideal for taking in the view, admiring historic villas built right by the shore and, on hot summer days, pausing for a cooling swim.
Visita al Sacro Monte d’Orta
Via al Sacro Monte, Orta San Giulio (NO)
An easy 15-minute walk from the centre of Orta San Giulio or a short drive, Sacro Monte di Orta is one of Lake Orta’s unmissable historical and spiritual sites. Dotted with 20 chapels depicting scenes from the life of Saint Francis, the hill is a seamless blend of nature, art and spirituality, explored along peaceful paths winding through the park. Inside the chapels, commissioned by the Bishop of Novara Carlo Bascapè between 1593 and 1615, you can admire sculptures and frescoes by artists such as Cristoforo Prestinari, the d’Enrico brothers, Dionigi Bussola and the Nuvolone brothers.
Aperitivo sul Lago all’Hotel San Rocco
Via Gippini, 11, Orta San Giulio (NO)
An elegant indoor lounge and two lakefront terraces, including a floating deck, await at Regina Bianca, the lounge bar of the four-star Hotel San Rocco in Orta San Giulio. For an evening of effortless romance and relaxation, settle in as gentle waves lap against the shore and treat yourself to signature cocktails mixed by skilled bartenders—the ideal finale to a day of scenic walks, water sports and lake adventures.
