The view back to Orta, from the Pella side.

Lago d'Orta is another beautiful lake, close to Stresa, with charms of its own. Many of Stresa's tourists include a visit to Orta in their itinerary. Here, guest writer Tony tells us about another way to see Orta:


Orta San Giulio is a beautiful town, but you must park above and walk down and the walk back to the parking is tiring, and those pesky parking meters consume Euros. So park in Pella, they only charge on the weekends and holidays.

Orta from the other side is more level, and does involve a roundtrip on the lake boat Azalea or Ortensia and you can get off at the island if you wish.

But you were going to take a boat trip anyway.

Lake towns are of course graded by their lungolago, that walking area along the lake. And Pella has finished a modernization of theirs, even if it is interrupted in parts where you need to walk along the road. Look at the lake walk as you leave on the boat and consider walking when you return from Orta. Oh, another plus on Pella’s lungolago, nice new benches for sitting and reading or napping. If you have time before the boat comes into Pella you can have a glass at the bar restaurant near the boat dock. Or if you are not pressed, sit down at Antico Torre where they have their own gelato and make a variety of crepes. Very relaxing.

Pella is mellow compared to Orta’s many shops and hustle and bustle. But Orta has one of the most beautiful lake walks in Italy, just to the north of Hotel San Rocco, and dedicated to those lost on 9-11. It extends all the way around the lake back to the turn to Orta off the main road. And a few benches are complemented by docks out over the water that seem to invite those who wish to sun themselves like lizards. The Orta lungolago walk is a natural digestive for that lunch you had at one of Orta’s many restaurants.

Back in Pella you can walk the road north to Ronco. The road dead ends at Ronco, a small neighborhood town of Pella. There is no bar or market or hotel there, a question you will be asked frequently by those approaching you as you walk back with a thirsty look. Just a very very quiet little lake town. About two kilometers on a road that is above the lake. And there are a few benches down on the lakefront in Ronco.

Antico Torre in Pella.

Pella's lovely lungolago.

Here's the link to the main site for the Lago navigazione d'Orta: http://www.navigazionelagodorta.it/it/index.php

Also at Orta:
The Sacre Monte Near Stresa