Pettenasco is a charming comune in the Province of Novara, Piedmont, situated on the eastern shore of Lake Orta. Located approximately 100 kilometers northeast of Turin and 40 kilometers northwest of Novara, this tranquil municipality offers a serene escape for frequent travelers seeking authentic Italian lakeside experiences. With a population of around 1,300, Pettenasco serves as a peaceful base for exploring the region. The town is connected by daily ferry services to Omegna and other lakeside villages, facilitating easy access to the broader area. Nearby municipalities include Armeno, Miasino, Omegna, and Orta San Giulio. For hotel guests, Pettenasco provides a quiet retreat amidst the natural beauty of the Alps foothills, ideal for those looking to unwind away from crowded tourist hubs while remaining well-connected to major cities like Turin and Milan via nearby transport links.
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Accommodations are primarily located along the eastern shore of Lake Orta, offering panoramic views. Unlike busier tourist centers, Pettenasco provides a quieter, more intimate atmosphere ideal for relaxation. The surrounding frazioni such as Pratolungo add to the rustic charm, making it a perfect base for travelers seeking peace and natural beauty.
A daily ferry service connects Pettenasco with Omegna and other towns around the lake. This allows guests to easily explore the wider Lake Orta region, including nearby Orta San Giulio, without needing a rental car. It is a convenient and scenic way to navigate the area, enhancing the travel experience for those staying in local hotels.
Spring and autumn offer mild weather perfect for lakeside walks and exploring the Piedmont countryside. Summer is ideal for ferry rides and swimming, while winter provides a peaceful Alpine retreat. While accessible year-round, booking in advance is recommended to secure rooms with lake views, especially during peak seasons when tranquility is most valued by frequent flyers.
shrine in Orta San Giulio
mountain in Italy
Situated within the elegant Laqua by the Lake boutique hotel (part of the Cannavacciuolo “galaxy”), this restaurant boasts fine lake views to accompany the imaginative Mediterranean cuisine served by resident chef Giovanni Bertone. There are three tasting menus (the lake-inspired “Brezza”; the Neapolitan-influenced “Acquolina”, and a totally vegetarian menu), plus an à la carte option for anyone who wishes to choose their own individual dishes. Our inspector particularly recommends the amberjack, fennel and roe dish, as well as Antonino’s mouthwatering babà dessert.
WebsiteA short walk from the fairytale village and its postcard-perfect view of the lake and the island of San Giulio, the setting of this three-star restaurant is no less dazzling: a late nineteenth-century villa in Moorish style, an aristocratic dwelling where the Crespi family life unfolded, as imposing in its exterior appearance as it is fascinating in its interior rooms. Here the veranda offers glimpses and plays of natural light, while the other three rooms are embellished with elaborate ceilings and marvelous parquet floors. Today the star of the villa is Antonino Cannavacciuolo, a brilliant c
WebsiteSituated in the historic centre of one of the most romantic lakeside villages in Italy, and offering a picture-postcard view of bygone days, this small building houses a contemporary-style restaurant with a small private dining room and three romantic outdoor terraces (book well in advance). The cuisine here is creative and precise, with a menu that features fish and seafood alongside top-quality meat from the Piedmont. Each recipe is personalised, often focusing on contrasting flavours and textures (don’t miss the unstructured elderberry crêpe with pollen and pan brioche). The wine list is ov
WebsiteSet on the shores of the lake within the elegant hotel of the same name – now approaching its centenary after careful renovations – this restaurant boasts splendid views that extend as far as the Island of San Giulio. The cuisine is Mediterranean (try the beef bavette with red and yellow pepper sauce), with the occasional imaginative flourish (such as Carnaroli risotto with basil, black lemon, and purple shrimp). For an aperitif or after-dinner drink, a stop at the Roof Top Bar is recommended. In addition to cocktails, the wine cellar is also well stocked.
WebsiteSituated on the lakefront in the attractive town of Pella, this modern and welcoming restaurant occupies an old building which has been restored and furnished with a stylish and harmonious decor. Offering simpler options at lunchtime, the restaurant serves traditional cuisine reinterpreted and presented with a contemporary flavour. A lounge, garden, swimming pool and 11 guestrooms add to the exclusive appeal.
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