Orta

This must be one of the most charming and character-filled towns we've seen!

It was a short ferry ride from our campsite. The €4.50 included a trip to the picturesque Isola San Guilio. It didn't take long to walk around. Everything is still closed up until summer starts in earnest. The church and monastery dominates at the top and all the big houses around the edge have garages for their boats built underneath terraces.

We were happy to get back to Orta where the colorful houses welcomed us as our ferry arrived at the spacious piazza. Lots of restaurants, although some not yet open for the season. Little shops tucked away and crammed with beautiful things. Nothing overpriced. Friendly people. Tiny narrow, cobbled streets only good for a Fiat Bambino. We were very surprised to see a BMW 6 series.  Don't know how he managed it. There are underground carparks disguised behind old walls. Maybe there is a secret entrance somewhere.

Elegant old hotels and villas sit on the lakefront with fabulous views of the lake, mountains and island. The villas are just starting to wake up for summer with hedge clipping and lawn mowing and tubs of flowers being installed. They say it has been very wet here and the temperatures unseasonably cool.

This is a delightful little place to visit and explore.