Forget Garda: 10 Reasons to Choose Lake Orta for Your Next Italian GetawayThe Italian Lakes ignite the imagination. They are a symphony of shimmering water, dramatic mountains, and charming villages that have captured the hearts of travelers for centuries. When planning a trip, two names often dominate the conversation: the glamorous Lake Como and the sprawling, action-packed Lake Garda. But what if the most magical experience lies in a place far from the bustling crowds? What if Italy’s best-kept secret offers a more authentic, tranquil, and deeply romantic escape? Welcome to Lake Orta. Tucked away in the heart of Piedmont, this small, enchanting lake is a world away from the tourist-heavy shores of its larger sibling, Lake Garda. While Garda boasts size and a plethora of activities, Orta offers intimacy, authenticity, and a sense of peace that is increasingly rare to find. For the traveler seeking to connect with the true soul of Italy, the choice becomes clear. This article will guide you through a detailed comparison, exploring why Lake Orta, and the exquisite Villa Volpe on its shore, represents the superior choice for a truly unforgettable Italian holiday. We will delve into the atmosphere, crowds, landscape, activities, gastronomy, and value of each destination, revealing why this hidden gem is the alternative to Lake Garda you’ve been searching for. The Vibe: Authenticity vs. OvertourismThe fundamental difference between Lake Orta and Lake Garda lies in their atmosphere. It’s a contrast between serene authenticity and bustling, sometimes overwhelming, tourism. Lake Garda, as Italy’s largest lake, is a powerhouse of tourism. In 2023, it recorded a staggering 25 million overnight stays [1]. Towns like Sirmione are magnets for visitors, attracting over 1.3 million tourists annually, a figure that doesn’t even include the immense influx of day-trippers [2]. This popularity has come at a cost. In recent years, the term “overtourism” has become synonymous with Garda. In May 2025, the situation in Sirmione became so extreme, with 40-minute queues just to cross a small pedestrian bridge, that the town was forced to deploy “street tutors” to manage the crowds and ensure public order [2]. While vibrant, the atmosphere can feel commercialized and crowded, a place where the sheer volume of people can detract from the natural beauty. Lake Orta, on the other hand, is the antithesis of this. Described by travel writers as a “small, relatively undiscovered jewel,” it offers a peaceful and intimate experience [3]. The vibe here is one of quiet contemplation and authentic Italian life. The medieval village of Orta San Giulio, with its car-free, cobbled lanes, invites leisurely strolls, not frantic jostling. The island of San Giulio, known as “the island of silence,” is home to a working Benedictine monastery where peace is not just a concept, but a way of life. Choosing Orta is choosing to step back in time, to experience a corner of Italy that remains unspoiled by mass tourism. It is, without a doubt, one of the most quiet Italian lakes. Landscape & Scenery: Intimate Charm vs. Grand ScaleBoth lakes are stunning, but their landscapes offer vastly different experiences. Lake Garda’s scenery is one of grand scale and diversity. Its southern shores are characterized by rolling hills and vineyards, giving way to dramatic cliffs and the towering Alps in the north. The lake’s unique microclimate supports a Mediterranean feel, with olive and citrus groves. It is vast, impressive, and offers a wide variety of backdrops for a holiday. Lake Orta’s beauty is more intimate and mystical. Shrouded by lush, green woodlands and watched over by the snow-capped Monte Rosa massif, its landscape feels more like a painting. The lake itself is small enough to feel personal, its waters reflecting the pastel-colored houses and the romantic silhouette of Isola San Giulio. This is not a landscape that shouts for attention; it whispers, drawing you into its serene and romantic embrace. It is the definition of a hidden gem italian lakes destination.
Activities & Experiences: Action-Packed vs. Soul-EnrichingYour ideal lake depends on what you want to do. Lake Garda is an adventure playground; Lake Orta is a cultural and spiritual retreat. Lake Garda is the undisputed champion for high-energy activities. The reliable winds make it a European hotspot for windsurfing, sailing, and kitesurfing. The surrounding mountains are a paradise for hikers and mountain bikers. Add to this the proximity of Gardaland, Italy’s largest amusement park, and it’s clear that Garda is geared towards families and thrill-seekers [4]. Lake Orta offers a different kind of engagement. Here, the focus is on culture, history, and relaxation. The primary activity is simply soaking in the beauty. Explore the 20 chapels of the Sacro Monte di Orta, a UNESCO World Heritage site dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi. Take a small boat to the mystical Isola San Giulio and walk the “Way of Silence.” Discover artisan shops in the village, enjoy a long lunch in Piazza Motta, or simply relax by the water’s edge. It’s an alternative to Lake Garda that prioritizes enrichment over adrenaline. Gastronomy: A Tale of Two TastesBoth lakes offer fantastic culinary experiences, but they cater to different palates. Lake Garda’s gastronomic scene is heavily influenced by the Veneto region, known for its world-famous wines like Bardolino, Valpolicella, and Soave. The cuisine is excellent, with a focus on fresh lake fish, olive oil, and classic Italian dishes served in a multitude of lakeside restaurants. Lake Orta, however, holds a trump card for fine dining enthusiasts: Villa Crespi. This opulent Moorish-style villa is home to the 3-Michelin-star restaurant of celebrity chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo, making Orta a pilgrimage site for gourmands [5]. Beyond this pinnacle of haute cuisine, the region offers the rich, earthy flavors of Piedmont—think truffles, risotto, and robust red wines like Nebbiolo. The experience is less about catering to international tourists and more about celebrating deep-rooted local traditions. The Cost of Beauty: A Price ComparisonWhile both destinations offer a range of options, the sheer demand at Lake Garda often translates to higher prices. The pressure of mass tourism affects everything from accommodation to dining. Tourist taxes are also a factor, with rates in some Garda towns being higher than in other parts of Italy. Lake Orta, by contrast, offers better value, particularly in the luxury segment. It’s possible to find exceptional quality and a more personal experience for a price that would be unimaginable on the more crowded lakes. This allows for a more relaxed and indulgent holiday, where your budget stretches further, allowing you to fully enjoy the local culture and cuisine without the feeling of being in a tourist trap. Accessibility & Getting ThereBoth lakes are conveniently located in Northern Italy and are easily accessible from Milan’s airports. Lake Garda is situated between Milan and Venice, making it a popular stop on grand Italian tours. Lake Orta is located west of Lake Maggiore and is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), making it an easy and direct destination to reach. The key difference is not getting to the lake, but getting around it. The roads around Lake Garda can become heavily congested, especially in summer. Navigating Lake Orta is a far more pleasant and stress-free experience, contributing to the overall sense of relaxation. Your Perfect Stay: Finding Luxury and Seclusion at Villa VolpeAfter exploring the tranquil beauty and authentic charm of Lake Orta, the question of where to stay becomes paramount. To truly embrace the spirit of the lake, you need an accommodation that mirrors its unique qualities: elegance, privacy, and a deep connection to the stunning surroundings. Look no further than Villa Volpe. This is not just a place to stay; it is an integral part of the Lake Orta experience. Perfectly positioned in Orta San Giulio, this top-rated luxury villa offers everything the discerning traveler could desire. Owned and managed by Alberto Broggi, who has welcomed over 570 guests from more than 10 countries, Villa Volpe is renowned for its impeccable hospitality and breathtaking location. Imagine waking up to panoramic views of the mystical Isola San Giulio from your window, enjoying breakfast in your private garden that stretches down to the water, and taking a dip from your own private beach. The villa combines modern luxury with a profound sense of place, offering a sanctuary of peace and comfort. Furthermore, Villa Volpe is a beacon of accessible luxury, thoughtfully designed to be completely barrier-free, ensuring that all guests can experience the magic of Lake Orta without limitations. Choosing Villa Volpe Lake Orta is choosing an experience that is as exclusive and memorable as the lake itself. The Verdict: Choose the Experience, Not Just the DestinationThe choice between Lake Garda and Lake Orta is a choice between two different philosophies of travel. Lake Garda offers a vacation; Lake Orta offers an escape. Garda is for seeing; Orta is for feeling. If your idea of an Italian lake holiday involves vibrant nightlife, theme parks, and a constant buzz of activity, then Garda may be for you. But if you are drawn to the romance of hidden alleyways, the peace of a silent island, the taste of world-class cuisine in an intimate setting, and the joy of discovering a place that feels like your own secret, then Lake Orta is waiting. It is the clear winner for those who seek authenticity over crowds, and tranquility over tourism. It is, quite simply, the perfect Italian lake experience. References
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A Story of Dragons, Miracles, and a Hundred Churches
San Giulio was born in 330 AD on the Greek island of Aegina. It is said he had a brother, San Giuliano, who followed him in his wanderings around the world. As a young man, after clashing both with local pagans who opposed Christians and with early Christians who were already arguing over the interpretation of Christianity (and who appeared to San Giulio's eyes as heretics), he left Aegina and landed in Italy. During his pilgrimage through Italy, he obtained authorization from the Emperor to tear down old pagan temples and build Christian churches on top of them. Wandering through the land, he finally arrived in the area of Lake Orta. He saw the island and was fascinated by its beauty and isolation, thinking it would be wonderful to erect a church in honor of Christ in such a marvelous place. He asked to be ferried across by a boatman to begin building yet another church. It is said this was to be the hundredth church that he—together with his brother, who had remained in Gozzano—was destined to build. However, he could find no one who dared to take him to the island. All the inhabitants of Orta refused to land there, claiming it was infested with dragons, serpents, and terrible, dangerous, gigantic beasts. And so, San Giulio performed his first miracle: he spread his cloak (or carpet) over the water, stepped onto it, ordered it to carry him to the island, and arrived there fresh, happy, and completely safe from being swallowed by the waters. Once on the island, he managed to drive away all these monsters. As proof that there were indeed enormous and dangerous beasts, a very large vertebra of a frightening creature, of absolutely abnormal dimensions, still hangs today from the ceiling of the sacristy of the Church of San Giulio, suspended by a small cord. Having reached the island, San Giulio began the construction of his church. The legend says that this was meant to be the hundredth church. Meanwhile, the existence of his brother Giuliano is sometimes called into doubt—historians cannot identify whether there were truly two brothers, Giuliano and Giulio, or if Giulio was sometimes referred to as Giulio and other times as Giuliano. The question has never been fully resolved, so to this day, two different saints are venerated: San Giulio and San Giuliano. The idea that there was a brother seems to stem from the fact that it was said the body of one of the two brothers, San Giuliano, was once on the Island of San Giulio, before being transported and preserved in Gozzano, where it remains today. Meanwhile, the body of San Giulio remained on the island and lies in a beautiful crypt beneath the altar, which can be visited, where his body is still visible to the faithful today. The Island of San Giulio has borne his name ever since. It was San Giulio who, having founded a church there, first decreed the possession of the island by the Christian Church—specifically the Bishops of Novara—and placed the island under the protection of the Novarese Curia. Friends and guests frequently asked me if it is possible to swim in Lake Orta... To reply to this simply question I would like to tell you the story of the lake and the way it has evolved. Lake Orta used to be an emblematic case of industrial pollution by heavy metals and other chemical products produced by steel factories. The consequence was low pH values which created a toxic environment for life. As many know, pH level is crucial for flora and fauna to ensure basic life conditions. My grandpa remembers that in that period it was barely possible to see fish and other animals and the water was really murky. He is an engineer and with other chemists, they dedicated themselves to make a plan to recover this tragic situation. They studied the possibility of pouring an enormous quantity of bicarbonate, similar to baking soda, to help pH level to increase to a healthy value, suitable for life. Technically this process is called liming. The solution was similar to helping a person to digest with bio carbonate. The result at the lake was close to a big BURP. The liming process started at the beginning of the 90’s, gradually bringing back the pH to balanced values, determining the precipitation of the metals and the recovery of normal chemical conditions. The entire process took approximately 10 years and nowadays Lake Orta’s water is super clear and water’s life has reborn. Today it is possible to admire fish, turtles, birds and all the unique lake wildlife. The lake has been our playground since I was a child, and this was the place where I had my first sailing experience and where we were able to learn how to swim. Lake Orta is located in northern Italy, at the bottom of the Alps, and as the lake was an ancient glacier cave it’s very deep and steep below the waterline. The deepest point is between San Giulio’s Island and the beautiful village of Pella, and it measures 469ft (143mt). This aspect is the only thing you have to worry concerning swim in Orta Lake, in particular if you travel with kids. So, after years of industrial pollution, thanks to a bunch of chemists and engineers Lake Orta is one the cleanest italian lakes, and it is waiting for you to have a bath in a non salty water.   |
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