From Stresa to Lake Orta
Stresa has many pastimes for tourists deciding to spend their holiday on the shores of Lake Maggiore.
However, if you are regulars and believe you know everything about the town or would like to take a tour of the surrounding areas, you should know it only takes 40 minutes to get to Orta San Giulio, a delightful little town overlooking charming Lake Orta.
On the way to Orta San Giulio
There are two alternatives to reach Orta San Giulio. You can take trunk road 33, followed by trunk road 229, which takes you straight into town, or you can take provincial road 39, which directly connects the two towns.
Stopping in Gignese
It’s slow going on the provincial road, but you will benefit from an interesting stop in Gignese. It's home to the one-of-a-kind Museo dell'Ombrello (Museum of the Umbrella). And why not take advantage of the location and go for a stroll amongst the rare plants in the Giardino Alpinia (botanical garden).
Continuing your journey, if you’d like to tour more original museums, stop in Armeno and visit the Museo degli Alberghieri (Museum of Caterers). Indeed, this little town is renowned world-wide for being the birthplace of caterers.
Lake Orta
Once you have reached your destination, you'll immediately admire the shores of this fantastic lake and relax. Strolling along the shore, you see Villa Motta in its exceptional panoramic location.
If you’re hungry, try a risotto. Orta San Giulio is famous for this speciality. After you have had something to eat, take a boat tour and go to Isola di San Giulio (Island of San Giulio), which is in the middle of the lake. It is home to a basilica and the remains of the homonymous saint.
Before returning, go up to the Sacro Monte at the tip of the peninsula - it was described by Nietzsche as one of the most charming places in the entire world!
Photo gallery From Stresa to Lake Orta
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