Lake Orta, lies to the west of Lake Maggiore, in the northern Italy and being one of the less touristy places still offers economical accommodation in private villas and good food at an excellent price.
Although one of the smallest and least-known of northern Italy's lakes but without a doubt is one of the most beautifully romantic of the Italian lakes. its quiet, enchanting beauty and atmosphere was described perfectly by Robert Browning in his is poem "By the Fireside", which contemplates the beauty of a setting where alp meets heaven in snow and describes the lakeside village of Pella (to the east of the lake) as a luminous speck of white in the evening-glow.
What makes Orta different is not just the simple beauty of its landscape and its wealth of history and art, but the heart rendering, supernatural feeling where one can listen to the silence and where all the fascination of the more renowned lakes are entwined.
The Italians, like to keep this little gem to themselves and are reluctant to spread the news about this delightful place, which they consider superior to the tourist filled, larger lakes. The clear waters, the picturesque Italian Villas surrounding the lake, the sublime atmosphere and the enchanting island of San Giulio ,which, by day is an awe inspiring sight, and by night a romantic picture with an array of lights reflecting in the still waters.
The villages are all built facing the lake and Orta San Giulio, which Piero Chiara refereed to as "God's Watercolour", rises on the slopes of Sacro Monte forming the peninsula stretching, lazily out into the lake.
Many of the ancient historical villas, once used by the Italian Nobles during the holiday season have now been transformed into some of the most charming villa rentals in Italy available in the travel industry. No could ever visit Lake Orta and not be mesmerised by the 'light', which seems to change a the click of your fingers. At the crack of dawn the hovering haze veils the whole surface then gradually peals away to reveal the clear blue sky and brilliant sunshine. Throughout the day the varying colours and reflections that one can witness are unimaginable, changing constantly from a silvery grey, deep red and golden amber, and as dusk approaches the star lit heavens gently glistening on shiny lake is a sight for sore eyes.
This architecture, the enchanting island, the light, the shimmering water, the dramatic landscape and picturesque villages together with the the mild climate make this a popular place for writers, poets, and artists and we find many that have written about this unique spot.
The villages are made up of frescoed chapels. and narrow streets of ancient charm with lakeside bars and candlelit taverns serving delicious cuisine, excellent wines and cheese and ham platters with hot toasted bread soaked in olive oil which the Italians lovingly call 'bruschetta'.
You can, quite easily catch a boat, all year round, to the Island of San Giulio.
During the cooler months the varying weather offers fairy tale scenes, from bright, flickering sunshine, to gently falling snow revealing one of the most heavenly sights one could ever be blessed with, which just about sums up this beautiful Gem
Whenever one chooses to visit this lovely area one will always be captured by its beauty.

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