A dissemination blog about travel and gastronomy

Orta San Giulio: A Hidden Charm in the Heart of Piedmont, Italy

Place Description

Orta San Giulio is a picturesque village located in the Piedmont region of Italy. This charming place is situated on the eastern shore of Lake Orta, one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy. With its narrow cobblestone streets, colorful old houses, and panoramic views of the lake and mountains, Orta San Giulio is a tourist destination that seems straight out of a fairy tale.

Tourist Interest

One of the main attractions of Orta San Giulio is the Island of San Giulio, a small island located in the center of the lake. It is home to the Basilica of San Giulio, a Romanesque church dating back to the 12th century, and the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery, where Benedictine nuns lead a life of silence and prayer.

In the center of the village, Piazza Motta is a must-see for visitors. Surrounded by old buildings and café terraces, this square offers a spectacular view of the lake and the island. Here you will also find the Town Hall, a beautiful 16th-century building.

For nature lovers, the Orta Mountain Natural Park offers numerous hiking and cycling trails. This park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna and offers breathtaking views of the lake and the Alps.

Surroundings

The surroundings of Orta San Giulio also have much to offer. A few kilometers away is Mount Mottarone, from where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the region's seven lakes. In winter, this mountain becomes a popular skiing destination.

Another place of interest is the city of Novara, famous for its cathedral, its ancient palace, and its lively historic center. Additionally, less than an hour's drive away is Milan, the fashion and design capital, with its impressive cathedral, luxurious shops, and vibrant nightlife.

In summary, Orta San Giulio is a tourist destination full of charm and beauty, ideal for those looking for a peaceful and picturesque place to escape the hustle and bustle of big cities.

Gastronomic Products of Orta San Giulio

Piedmont Wines

Orta San Giulio, located in the Piedmont region, is famous for its high-quality wines. The region's wines are known for their elegance and complexity, with varieties such as Barolo, Barbaresco, and Moscato d'Asti. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings at the many wineries in the area.
Tartufi (Truffles)

Piedmont is known for its truffles, especially the white truffles of Alba. These truffles are a rare and expensive delicacy, used in a variety of dishes, from pastas to risottos. In Orta San Giulio, visitors can enjoy truffle dishes at local restaurants or even participate in a truffle hunt.
Risotto al Barolo

This is a typical dish from the Piedmont region. The risotto is slowly cooked with Barolo wine, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish. It is often served with braised beef, creating a satisfying and comforting meal.
Baci di dama

Baci di dama are traditional cookies from Piedmont. These cookies, whose name translates to "lady's kisses," consist of two hazelnut cookies joined with chocolate. They are a popular dessert in Orta San Giulio and a delight for sweet lovers.

Highlighted Gastronomic Places in Orta San Giulio

Orta San Giulio, in the Piedmont region, is a place of great culinary richness. From restaurants with lake views to cozy taverns on cobblestone streets, here are some of the most notable spots:

Villa Crespi Restaurant

Located in a 19th-century villa, Villa Crespi Restaurant offers a high-end culinary experience. Its chef, Antonino Cannavacciuolo, has earned two Michelin stars for his cuisine that blends the traditions of northern and southern Italy. Although the prices are high, the quality of the ingredients, the presentation of the dishes, and the views of Lake Orta make it worthwhile.

Locanda dell'Isola Comacina

This restaurant is located on the only island in Lake Orta and is famous for its fixed menu, which has remained unchanged since 1947. Diners arrive by boat and enjoy a seven-course menu that includes local specialties such as trout, polenta, and goat cheese. The atmosphere is rustic and cozy, with panoramic views of the lake.

Al Boeuc

Al Boeuc is a traditional tavern located in the heart of Orta San Giulio. It is known for its excellent selection of wines and its menu of Piedmontese dishes, such as risotto and game meat. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with rustic décor featuring wooden beams and stone walls.

Venus Bar Gelateria

For a sweet ending, don't miss Venus Bar Gelateria. This ice cream parlor is famous for its artisanal gelato, with flavors ranging from classic to more innovative ones. They also offer delicious pastries and coffee. Located in the main square of Orta San Giulio, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a dessert while watching the hustle and bustle of the town.

Sports Activities in Orta San Giulio

Hiking

Orta San Giulio offers a variety of hiking trails that allow visitors to explore its stunning natural landscape. The Mottarone trail, for example, offers panoramic views of Lake Orta and the Alps.

Cycling

Cycling is an excellent way to explore Orta San Giulio and its surroundings. There are numerous cycling routes that vary in difficulty, from flat trails along the lake to challenging climbs in the nearby hills.

Bicicleta de montaña Mountain Bike Infantil

Schwinn Remix - Bicicleta de montaña infantil
Impulsa la pasión por la aventura en los más jóvenes con la Schwinn Remix, una bicicleta de montaña infantil diseñada específicamente para niños entre 5 y 8 años. Con ruedas de 20 pulgadas y un marco SmartStart en acero ligero, esta bicicleta combina durabilidad con un manejo óptimo adaptado a los pequeños ciclistas. La suspensión frontal y las 6 velocidades ofrecen una experiencia de conducción suave y adaptable a diversos terrenos. Perfecta para exploradores en ciernes, la Schwinn Remix en su vibrante color azul, es la compañera ideal para aventuras inolvidables. Fomenta el amor por el ciclismo desde temprana edad; elige la Schwinn Remix para el próximo gran viaje de tu pequeño.

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Swimming

Lake Orta is a popular spot for swimming during the summer months. The water quality is excellent, and there are several beaches and swimming areas around the lake.

Speedo Hyperboom Placement Muscleback
Impulsa tu natación con el bañador Speedo Hyperboom Placement Muscleback, diseñado para ofrecerte estilo y rendimiento en el agua. Con su corte muscleback para libertad de movimiento y estampado dinámico, este traje no solo mejora tu velocidad sino que también te hace destacar. Perfecto para entrenamientos intensos o días de competición, el Speedo Hyperboom es esencial para cualquier nadadora seria. Adquiérelo ahora y lleva tu rendimiento acuático al siguiente nivel.

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Canoeing

Lake Orta is ideal for canoeing. Visitors can rent canoes and explore the lake at their own pace. There are also several companies that offer guided canoe tours.

Sail

Lake Orta is a popular spot for sailing. There are several sailing schools in the area offering courses for beginners and boat rentals for the more experienced.

Nearby Places to Orta San Giulio

If you are in Orta San Giulio and want to explore a bit more, here are some nearby cities and towns that offer unique tourist and gastronomic experiences:

Omegna

Omegna, an Italian gem on Lake Orta, offers a unique tourist experience with its picturesque lakeside landscape, lively markets, and exquisite local cuisine, featuring fresh fish dishes, cheeses, and wines from the Piedmont region.

Stresa

Stresa, an Italian gem on Lake Maggiore, offers stunning alpine views, botanical gardens, and island palaces. Its local cuisine delights with fresh fish dishes, risotto, and exquisite wines, all within an atmosphere of authentic Mediterranean charm.

Verbania

Verbania, an Italian gem on the shores of Lake Maggiore, is famous for its botanical gardens and vibrant food scene, offering delicious fresh fish dishes, risottos, and local wines in its charming restaurants and cafés.