Lake Orta on a sailing boat: tips and itineraries

Lake Orta on a sailing boat: tips and itineraries You won’t believe it but it’s tantalizing to see Lake Orta on a sailing boat for the many wonderful places it offers. The beautiful Lake Orta is located in Piedmont, disputed between the province of Novara and that of Verbania. It is considered a real jewel for the beauty of the landscape, nature and the atmosphere of quiet and spirituality. Spending a holiday entirely on the shores of this lake is an enchanting experience, as you can visit delightful villages, participate in festivals, parties, see fireworks and take refreshing baths in its waters.

THE CLOSING MONASTERY 

Lake Orta is bordered by the island of San Giulio. This is an island that is almost entirely occupied by the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery where the cloistered Benedictine Sisters have lived since 1973. The Abbey hosts spiritual retreats throughout the year for religious but also lay people. There are 468 female cloistered monasteries in Italy (2004 figure) and the presence of one of them already makes this lake ‘magical’ and original in itself.

Then it is obvious that it is not all based on the Clausura Sisters, but there are very few other residents on the island, and they can be counted on the fingers of one hand. The only street on the island, which you can only walk on foot, has the evocative name of ‘the way of meditation and silence’. And precisely in this ‘tour’, you may hear the songs of the Sisters who accompany religious rituals and make the atmosphere ‘mystical and spiritual’.

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS AND SOUNDS 

During the summer, parties and festivals on Lake Orta delight the eyes and palates of tourists. Getting around for shopping sprees also helps you, among other things, to admire the lake from all its angles. They are all great, of course, but the locals who care most (considering it one of the favorite parties) are ‘Lights and Sounds on the Lake’ which takes place every year in Pettenasco. The village of Pettenasco is another gem that can be enjoyed if you visit Lake Orta. It has a very beautiful lakefront and, on the occasion of the festival, on its shores you can attend Band performances, dances, tastings of typical products and also see the fireworks at the end of the evening.

It is also possible to dine inside the tent set up in the square for the occasion. Usually, this festival takes place around mid-July each year. These places are beautiful to reach with a sailing boat, which gives you the thrill of limestone the water and at the same time to enjoy the wonders of the mainland.