Lake Orta has an interesting history : it was once considered one of the most polluted lakes in the world, due to effluent discharge from a steel plant in the north and a synthetic rayon textile mill in the south (both closed down). Due to the sustained efforts of local communities, the lake was cleaned up and is now a case study in rehabilitation. It's a beautiful lake, we visited the San Giulio Island and also the charming town of Orta San Giulio. It's unfortunate that public transport connections here are sketchy - the SAF bus from Stresa to Orta only runs June to September - I hope that is being reconsidered to improve access.

A real hidden gem. A beatiful place. Realy cozy, nearly romantic. The other lakes, Como, Maggiore and Garda are the ugly sisiters. Unfortunaltly it starts to get crowed here too. So either come in the early morning or after 4 p.m. Acctualy I should not comment on this lake , just to keep the otherones away ;)

Beautiful village on Lake Orta, full of alleys overlooking the lake and shops. Recommendation to make the boat trip (5 minutes trip, cost 5 euros a / r) on the island of San Giulio (you turn it in 20 minutes). Many restaurants and excellent ice cream parlors. The only flaw parking quite expensive.

Orta san giulio is a village of the past, set like a diamond in front of the island of San Giulio. The charming and romantic streets are only pedestrian, the shops follow one another in an atmosphere pervaded by beauty, people of all nationalities and continents meet in every corner. The lake is clean and bathing everywhere, in short, a dream place that leaves you speechless.

We spent a beautiful day at the lake, visiting the center of Orta and walking along the perimeter of the lake itself. We decided to bring a packed lunch so we could stop by the lake, but it is a place full of restaurants. For only 5€ (round trip), you can also go to the island of San Giulio, also wonderful to visit. It is possible to swim at the lake, except in some well-marked area, although we did not intend to do so. The only problem we found was parking, not so much to find it, but the biggest problem was using totems to pay for the ticket itself. We were in an uncovered parking lot near the Diana parking lot. Maybe they were slowed down and malfunctioning even because of the heat that day, but several people did not let them choose the dwell time, but only withdrew the cost of an hour (2-2.50€) without giving way to go back in the settings. However for the whole day parking costs 10€.

After 30 years we returned and I must say that it was full of foreign tourists, maybe they realized that the place deserves. Too bad the hotel vegetable garden that 30 years ago was the most beautiful now falls apart. The islet of San Giulio is worth a trip. Il.ticket 3,50round trip

After spending 4 nights on Lake Como @ Hotel as Lac in Bellagio & 3 nights on Lake Maggorie @ Grand Hotel Dino in Baveno, I believe that I am well qualified provide a solid review. Lake Orta was hands down the prettiest & funnest of all 3 lakes. The Island and all the shops / restaurants were 1st class. The vibe @ Lake Orta was so fun! Go quick, great places like this will change over time.

Characteristic village on the shores of the lake. Old town, lakefront promenade, boats that connect with the island of S.Giulio. Possibility to take a train to visit Legro and its murals and the sacred mountain