Lake Orta Holidays

Holidays to Lake Orta take you to the best kept secret of the Italian Lakes in Northern Italy. It remains one of the most untouched areas in Italy, and one of most beautiful. The incredible architecture of the town of Orta San Giulio, with its pastel coloured buildings, picturesque streets and lakeside location add to the enchanting island of Isola San Giulio to make this destination a real hidden gem.

Perfect for couples, this lakeside retreat offers a peaceful break and a chance to casually wander around taking in the scenery and culture. For historians and culture seekers, there is plenty to intrigue and entertain; visit the UNESCO-protected Orta Sacro Monte, a collection of centuries-old chapels located in Orta San Giulio or the Church of Santa Maria Assunta on the western side of the lake, with its striking classic medieval façade.

Stay in one of our superior hotels to make your stay truly unforgettable. Hotel Giardinetto offers a tranquil retreat on the shores of Lake Orta. Enjoy dinner on the lakefront terrace and relax by the pool after a day spent exploring the area. Or you could opt for Hotel San Rocco, a former monastery dating back to the 17th Century, located on the lakeside.

Explore Lake Orta like no other

With almost 90 years of experience, at Citalia we know Italy better than anyone else, helping you to enjoy Lake Orta like no other.

Visit San Giulio Island and take the ‘walk of silence’ around the island. If you are lucky you may hear the hauntingly beautiful chants of the Benedictine nuns as you circumnavigate the small island. Explore the island’s charming little church with its wonderful frescoes and get a feel for the spirituality of the island; the perfect trip for those seeking true calm.

For those wanting to travel further afield, Lake Maggiore is 19km away and is home to Isola Madre, a magical island which is a botanical garden on water. Part of the Borromean archipelago, this island is home to a mixture of exotic plants, flowers and birds such as peacocks. It’s easy to spend an afternoon experiencing the restaurants and little shops, and taking in the stunning views from the island

As one of the smallest Italian lakes, Lake Orta has stayed off the radar, helping to preserve its natural charm and peaceful nature. With its pretty lakeside towns, picturesque views and stunning local cuisine, it has everything you need for a relaxing holiday away from the crowds.

Take a day trip to Omegna, a town at the lake’s northern tip, and wander along the riverside passageways and over beautiful bridges, exploring the historic centre. The perfect place to experience real Italian culture, Omegna is a local town with local people –  you won’t find any tourist shops here. Great for cyclists too, there are plenty of circular routes to enjoy such as the 40km loop around Lake Orta.

Build your Lake Orta holiday beyond your hotel and take a train to Milan, Italy’s fashion capital. A contrast to quaint Lake Orta, the city offers sophisticated shopping, historic architecture and world-renowned galleries, a must-see while you’re in the region.