The lake of Orta or Cusio is a small Alpine lake in the province of Novara and Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, in Northern Italy. Located entirely in the region of Piedmont, Lake Orta is one of the most romantic and quiet in the plain of the Po. Lake Orta is parallel to Lake Maggiore, which is separated by the mount Mottarone (1,491 m) and is located on the road to Domodossola in Novara. It is the western most of the Alpine Lakes created by the glacier of the Simplon, its waters out to the North to join the Toce (via the Strona) then Lake Maggiore. It is 13.4 km long and 2.5 km wide with a perimeter of 33.5 km and an area of 15,15 km with a maximum depth of 143 metres. It is located at an altitude of 292 metres (100 m higher than Lake Maggiore). San Giulio island it is 400 metres from the shore where regular shuttle buses make the trip from Orta. Towns on the Lake are Omegna (important industrial center and tourist resort), Orta San Giulio (charming small medieval town) and Miasino. Since prehistoric times, it operates on its surroundings iron deposits.
Tips
If you like walking, it is the ideal place, full of charm. to visit in any season of the year because the landscape will enchant you every time. In winter, the Alps covered with snow at the background give all the beauty and majesty to the place.
A visit to the island of San Giulio, is required.
If you want to buy typical products of the region, visit the lake from Orta San Giulio, where you will find some shops that sell (different kinds of salami, sausages, cheese, beverages, etc.). You will also find several cafés, bars, restaurants and ice cream parlors, to taste something while you enjoy the natural scenery.
