No wonder many Milanese flee the busy city on weekends to surrender to the magical and poetic beauty of tiny Lake Orta. On San Giulio Island, which seems to float on the lake, lies the imposing "Mater Ecclesiae," the largest Benedictine monastery in the world. The nuns live there in absolute silence. From the Piazza Motta of the cozy and traffic-free town of Orta San Giulio, on the eastern shore, you have a wonderful view of the island. Just 3 km away is the small and recent hotel Laqua by the lake, right on the water, as the name implies.
The hotel is open from mid-March to early November.
18 suites.
You can check in from 3pm. Check-out is by 11am.
From 473 euros.
Locals call Lake Orta 'La Cerentola' (= Cinderella). The small lake lies in the shadow of its 2 famous 'sister' lakes, Maggiore and Como, but should not be inferior in terms of beauty.
The spacious suites between 52 and 82 m² have a lounge, a fully equipped kitchen and a terrace or small garden. The modern bathrooms have a shower.
Those who want a beautiful lake view will certainly be charmed by the Panoramic Lake view Executive Suite. The King and Master suites are ideal for families as they have two bedrooms.
Between May and October, enjoy yourself at the heated outdoor swimming pool. At the lake, there is a small sandy beach with free loungers.
The hotel offers free guided activities such as Nordic walking, stretching, meditation and jogging. Pilates is subject to a supplement. Water sports such as water ski, wakeboard, wake-surf and stand-up paddle are available for a fee. Electric boats and bicycles can be rented at reception. The hotel has its own jetty. Be sure to visit the 'Sacro Monte', at 400 metres, with 20 chapels, life-size statues and frescoes dedicated to the life of Saint Francis of Assisi.
Children of all ages are welcome here. There are suites with kitchenettes and one or two separate bedrooms, ideal for families.
Be sure to choose a table with the best view of the lake.
Casual chic.
At the 1-Michelin-starred Cannavacciuolo Bistrot By The Lake, when the weather is fine on the terrace, you will enjoy a beautiful view of the lake and refined, gourmet cuisine centred on the search for excellence in produce and traditional flavours. The restaurant is closed on Wednesdays.
The hotel is quietly located right on Lake Orta. Picturesque Orta San Giulio, with its weekly market on Wednesdays, is about 3 km away: from here you can take the boat to San Giulio Island. Stresa, on Lake Maggiore, is 23 km away. At 17 km is Monte Mottarone, between Lake Orta and Lake Maggiore. Those who reach the top are treated to a 360° panorama of no fewer than 7 lakes and the summit of Monte Rosa.
The nearest airport is Milan Malpensa at 50 km.
A transfer from Milan Malpensa airport to the hotel is 150 euros each way.
Free parking and charging point for electric cars is available.
Small hotel with a quiet and idyllic location near the small and picturesque lake. The spacious and stylishly decorated suites, the delicious and refined cuisine and the friendly and helpful team complete the picture.
