Lake Orta and Arona: a day trip from Lake Maggiore
Lake Orta is a small lake just west of Lake Maggiore. Its main village, Orta San Giulio, is about 55 minutes from the villa by car (A26, toll). Arona, near the southern end of Lake Maggiore, is on the way – about 40 minutes from the villa.
Orta San Giulio
The historic centre is pedestrian: park outside and walk in. The heart of the village is Piazza Motta, an arcaded square on the water.
Isola San Giulio
Boats leave from Piazza Motta and cross to the island in a few minutes. The island has the Basilica of San Giulio and a Benedictine monastery. A single path, the "Via del Silenzio", loops round it; visitors are asked to keep quiet.
Sacro Monte di Orta
Above the village, a wooded hill holds 20 chapels with frescoes and statues telling the life of St Francis of Assisi. It is part of the "Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy", a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2003, and has good views over the lake.
Arona and the San Carlone
On the hill above Arona stands the San Carlone, a statue of St Charles Borromeo about 35 metres high, completed in 1698. Visitors can climb inside up to the head; the last part is a steep vertical ladder, so it is not for anyone uneasy with heights or confined spaces. Children under 6 are not allowed inside, and closed shoes are required. Outside July and August the statue is closed on some weekdays – check statuasancarlo.it. Arona's lakefront looks across to the Rocca di Angera, 20 minutes from the villa on our side of the lake.
More day trips: Stresa and the Borromean Islands · Lugano, Locarno and Como
Opening times and timetables change each season; please check the official sites before you go.
Stay at Villa Lago Maggiore
Our whole villa in Arolo, across the lake from Stresa, sleeps up to 10, with a private heated infinity pool and lake views. See also distances from the villa.
