Orta San Giulio, Lake Orta

Romance oozes from every street and piazza in the enchanting town of Orta San Giulio on Lake Orta, Northern Italy. Built on a promontory on the eastern bank of the lake, this gorgeous town surrounded by lush forest-covered hills is a place you won’t want to leave. Winding streets reveal pretty amber and ochre renaissance buildings with beautiful hanging baskets. Wander around the main square, Piazza Motta and take a seat at a café terrace for a lakeside view. From the shore you’ll see the ethereal village of Isola San Giulio. This little village on an island is simply dream-like. Here you can visit the Basilica of Saint Giulio, now a Benedictine Monastery, then enjoy an evening meal gazing at the wistful shoreline lit up at night. Somewhere so romantic is not without its suitors. Writers Lord Byron, Robert Browning and Samuel Butler are a few writers who have fell in love with this very special lake.