Beaches of Lake Orta and bathing areas

Complete guide to discover the most beautiful and public: Blue Flag, free zones and equipped areas, parking, parking, crystal clear waters and practical tips for families and couples. Updated guide 2027.

Practical information

How to get there: Lake Orta can be reached from Milan in about 1 hour and a half via the A8 motorway with exit at Arona and continue on the SS229.

Navigation: The public navigation service connects Omegna, Pettenasco, Orta, Isola di San Giulio and Pella from March to October. New route Orta–Pettenasco active in the 2026 season.

Best period: From June to September for bathing. The beaches are also frequented in May and October for walks and relaxation.
Attention to parking: they are limited

Lake Orta is a popular destination in the summer months, especially on weekends and holidays. The parking lots available near the beaches and the main villages are few and often run out already from the early hours of the morning. This applies in particular to:

Orta San Giulio — the main car park is for a fee and fills up quickly; in high season it is almost impossible to find a place after 10:00
Gozzano — the Lido attracts many cars, and the surrounding rest areas are limited
San Maurizio d'Opaglio — the beaches of Prarolo and Pascolo have narrow access with very few parking spaces
Pettenasco — the lakefront offers small parking spaces compared to the summer turnout

The practical advice: arrives early (by 9:00), consider leaving the car in one of the exchange parking lots and continue on foot or by public transport, or take advantage of the scheduled boat that connects Omegna, Pettenasco, Orta, Isola di San Giulio and Pella. Alternatively, consider visiting the lake on midweek days, when the pressure on parking lots is decidedly less.
Beaches of Lake Orta: Bathing directly from the villages along the lake

Another thing that many visitors do not know: it is not necessary to reach a beach equipped to take a bath. Along the entire perimeter of Lake Orta there are several points of access to the water directly from the riparian villages, often hidden among the houses, squares or alleys that descend towards the lake.

Villages such as Orta San Giulio, Pella, Pettenasco, Ronco and Omegna offer ladders, piers and small landings where you can dive directly, without having to reach a real beach. They are less known places, often frequented by residents, that allow you to combine a walk in the village with a refreshing bath overlooking the lake and the island of San Giulio.

These “urban” accesses to the water are particularly convenient for those who:

wants to avoid the crowds of the main beaches
look for an authentic and local experience
prefer to combine culture and relaxation in a single day
is on foot or by bike and does not want to move the car

Please note: in these places there are no services (cots, umbrellas, bathrooms), so bring the essentials with you. Always respect the environment and local bathing rules.
Useful links to the beaches of Lake Orta

Lakefront of Pettenasco — beach equipped with lake view
La Bagnera di Orta — pebble beach in Orta San Giulio
Ortello Beach — small hidden corner behind Villa Crespi
Orta San Giulio — guide to the village and its attractions

For more information write to our editorial staff