 By Eve Hartridge
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Some years ago, close friends invited me to a week-long wedding party at a hotel on Lake Orta. I duly RSVP-ed with an acceptance before investigating where on earth Lake Orta was located; I knew it was one of the Italian Lakes but, unlike Como or Garda, I had never heard of where I’d agreed to spend a week of my hard earned holiday. My friends had fallen in love with the place and fortunately each other on their first trip out to the Italian Lakes, and I had absolutely no idea that Lake Orta would have the same magical hold over me. I have returned several times since my first trip and firmly feel that this is a place that I will return to throughout my life. Despite what’s going on in the world, Orta is an oasis of calm and a perfect place to stay when you want to shut the rest of the world out.
About Lake Orta
The Lake is located around forty five minutes from Milan Malpensa Airport, and I’d advise hiring a car for the duration or your stay to explore this extremely picturesque part of Northern Italy. Located a short drive from the lake are also a number of factory stores and outlets including a fantastic Alessi factory shop. There is also a Gucci outlet and of course a drive to Milan for a days designer shopping is very feasible. Lake Orta is one of the smaller lakes and, in my opinion, the most beautiful. In the middle of the lake is the Island of San Giulio, named after the 4th century saint, Julian of Novara which can be walked around in a morning or afternoon - alternatively it is quite feasible to spend the day on the Island. The Island is dominated by the Basilica, named after St Julian and surrounding monastery, and it is the perfect place to come and reflect on life, as it is a very peaceful, even at the height of the season. There are water taxis running to and from the Island daily and, apart from a few cafes and tourist shops, the Island really is un-spoilt. In fact, may consider San Giulio to be the most beautiful Island in the world, and with it’s cobbled streets and original architecture it’s easy to see why.
Lake Orta is a place to visit in all seasons. In the summer you can enjoy the café culture of the local towns, and swim in the warm crystal clear water of the lake. In the winter you are only a short drive away from the ski resort of Mottarone, which is located in the western alps with an elevation of just under 1500 meters. The resort is small and very popular with Italian families, and the skiing is great without some of the hidden costs of the better known alpine resorts. Mottarone can also be enjoyed in the summer by keen walkers as the views are breathtaking, and the mountain peak, which can also be reached by cable car by the less enthusiastic hikers, is the perfect spot to see all seven of the Italian Lakes, with the Island of San Guilio looking like a tiny dot on the lake! Mottarone is known for producing cheese, and is also a great place to visit for a day to cool down in the height of summer.
The medieval town of Orta is full of craft stores, art galleries and cafes. The café overlooking the pontoon is very popular and a perfect place to people watch, and this is also the point to catch the water taxi across to San Guilio. It is possible to spend the day in Orta exploring the cobbled streets, enjoying traditional long Italian lunches, and the town is very pretty, with many artists painting or photographing the town and Island.
Where to Stay
In the area there are many beautiful apartments and Villas to rent, whilst there is also the stunning Villa Crespi, with it’s Moorish architecture and 2 Michelin star restaurant.
On my first trip to Lake Orta I was advised to book into The Hotel Giardinetto, a three star family run hotel. Skeptically I did, and now there is nowhere that I would rather stay on the lake. The hotel is a real home from home, the rooms are comfortable and decorated to a high traditional standard - although, anyone looking for minimal urban chic may not be convinced. However, the hotel is perfectly located on the banks of the lake, and many rooms have balconies almost over the water. The first time I opened the doors onto my balcony and terrace, the view literally took my breath away.
The hotel is well equipped with a swimming pool and a manmade ‘beach’ on the lake, along with a pontoon where you can moor a pedalo or boat. Giardinetto has a large function room, roof terrace and gorgeous restaurant with outside seating, and the best dining view of San Guilio, especially at night time. The restaurant food is extremely good and the regional specialties are well worth sampling, along with the extensive wine list of over 450 choices- including some local choices such as an outstanding Gavi. The alfresco dining at Giardinetto is arguably the most romantic restaurant and certainly for me, the most beautiful spot on the lake.
www.giardinettohotel.com
www.hotelvillacrespi.it
How to get there
BA Fly daily to Milan Malpensa with business class starting at around £550 per person.
www.ba.com
Hertz Hire car is located just inside the airport terminal with weekly prices starting at around £160
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