{"id":44762,"date":"2022-03-07T08:00:47","date_gmt":"2022-03-07T07:00:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/?p=44762"},"modified":"2022-04-21T18:33:41","modified_gmt":"2022-04-21T16:33:41","slug":"lake-orta-bike-villages-beaches","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/2022\/03\/lake-orta-bike-villages-beaches\/","title":{"rendered":"Tour of Lake Orta by bike, between villages and beaches"},"content":{"rendered":"

Here it is, nestled between the green of the Alps and the dense woods of the hills. We are in front of Lake<\/strong> Orta<\/strong>, an unmissable destination for all those who are in Piedmont<\/strong>. Of course, it’s not as majestic as Lake Maggiore, or glamorous like the more famous Lake Como. But, precisely because of its more human-sized dimensions and its rustic aspect, Lake Orta has an even more engaging<\/strong> and evocative<\/strong> beauty<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"Lake
Photo via Canva Pro<\/div><\/div>\n

The bicycle<\/strong> is perfect for following its contours and for discovering the small villages<\/strong> that dot its banks. Once in the saddle, we are ready to face the 40 kilometers<\/strong> of the Blue<\/strong> Ring<\/strong>, a route that follows the circumnavigation<\/strong> of the lake. Ideally, the starting point is Orta, but you can start in any other town overlooking the lake. The itinerary<\/strong> does not present major difficulties, except for a few short<\/strong> climbs<\/strong>, but given its length, it is still advisable for those who are a little trained.<\/p>\n

\"View
Photo via Canva Pro<\/div><\/div>\n

It is all a succession of coves<\/strong> and equipped beaches<\/strong>, pine<\/strong> forests<\/strong>, historic<\/strong> villas<\/strong>, architectural treasures, reeds, woods<\/strong>, ancient villages. Honor\u00e9 de Balzac<\/strong>, one of the many writers who fell in love with Lake Orta, described it well. He wrote: “A delightful little lake, like Lake Orta at the foot of Monte Rosa, an island lying in its calm waters, flirtatious and simple, natural yet adorned, solitary and well accompanied: elegant groves of trees, statues of beautiful effect. All around, shores now cultivated now wild: the grandiose and its tumults outside, within human proportions<\/em>“.
\nThe path<\/strong> is perfectly marked<\/strong> and certainly, there is no lack of opportunities to make stops.<\/p>\n

What to see on Lake Orta<\/h2>\n
\"Omegna\"
Photo via Canva<\/div><\/div>\n

The Blue Ring allows us to discover romantic villages, prehistoric caves, historic buildings, Romanesque basilicas, unspoiled nature, and panoramic balconies; all from our bike. For example, there is Omegna<\/strong>, the main center of Lake Orta. Located on the northern offshoot of the lake, the village offers us a suggestive lakeside<\/strong> promenade and picturesque views. Do not miss Porta Romana, the collegiate church of S\u2019Ambrogio, and the Romanesque church of San Gaudenzio.<\/p>\n

\"San
Photo via Canva Pro<\/div><\/div>\n

Orta San Giulio<\/strong> is certainly a must. Walking through the characteristic alleys full of stately buildings and elegant arcades, we fully experience the charm of Lake Orta. In front of the village, there is also the gem of the lake: San Giulio Island<\/strong>. Accessible by small boats, the island now houses a female monastery<\/strong>, but also ancient residences, splendid gardens, and the beautiful Basilica of San Giulio.<\/p>\n

\"Villas
Photo via Canva Pro<\/div><\/div>\n

But Lake Orta still gives us many jewels: the eighteenth-century palaces and elegant villas of Miasino<\/strong>, the Sacro Monte Nature Reserve<\/strong>, the ancient village of Pella<\/strong>, and Mount<\/strong> Mottarone<\/strong>. Riding your bike you feel part of these places, where life flows slowly and in close contact with nature.<\/p>\n

A green stay with a lake view<\/h2>\n

\"Eco<\/p>\n\n\t\t