Unlike many Alpine lakes, Lake Orta is not only a place to admire beautiful scenery but also one of the best lakes in Piedmont for swimming. During summer, visitors can choose between free public beaches, equipped lidos, quiet lakeside lawns, and panoramic swimming spots with views of San Giulio Island and the surrounding mountains.
Water quality is one of the lake's greatest strengths. The Lido di Gozzano has repeatedly been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag, an international recognition granted only to beaches that meet strict standards for water quality, environmental management, safety, and visitor services. In 2026 it remained the only Blue Flag beach on Lake Orta and in the Province of Novara.
Lake Orta is also known among open-water swimmers. Every June, the lake hosts OCEANMAN Lago d'Orta, one of Italy's most important open-water swimming events. Hundreds of athletes from many countries come to the lake to compete in races ranging from sprint distances to the famous 14-kilometre crossing between Omegna and Gozzano.
The swimming season usually begins in June and lasts until September. Average water temperatures reach approximately 21–24°C in summer, with the warmest conditions typically occurring in July and August. Current water temperature can vary significantly depending on weather conditions and recent rainfall, so checking an up-to-date source before your visit is recommended.
Whether you are looking for a family-friendly beach, a peaceful place to swim, a beach club with sunbeds and restaurants, or a starting point for paddleboarding and kayaking, Lake Orta offers a surprisingly wide variety of options despite its relatively small size.
Type: Free public beach. Surface and water access: Pebble and rocky shoreline. There is very little natural shade, so bringing your own umbrella is recommended. Facilities: No toilets or changing rooms directly on the public section. Visitors commonly use the neighbouring beach club’s bar and restaurant, where they can buy drinks, ice cream, or snacks and use the facilities. Rentals and activities: An old pier is still used by visitors for jumping into the lake. Kayaks and SUP boards can be rented from the adjacent beach club. Families with children: Suitable for families. Dogs: Dogs are allowed. Crowding: 10/10
Type: Free public beach. Size: approximately 250 × 30 metres Surface and water access: Large grassy area with a shoreline of small pebbles and stones. The water remains shallow for some distance from the shore, making access gentle and family-friendly. Both sunny and shaded areas are available. Facilities: Sunbed and umbrella rental (€25 for two sunbeds and one umbrella); café and bar; showers, changing rooms, and toilets. Rentals and activities: Kayaks, SUP boards, and pedal boats. Families with children: Suitable for families. Dogs: Dogs are allowed on a leash. There is no official permission for dogs to swim during the main summer season. Crowding: 6/10
One of the best-known beaches on Lake Orta. The public grassy beach and municipal area are usually referred to as Spiaggia della Bagnera, while the restaurant, beach club, rental centre, and sunbed area are often known by the business name Luci sul Lago. It is one of the best family-friendly beach destinations on the lake. Official website
Type: Free public beach. Size: approximately 30 × 10 metres Surface and water access: Grassy beach. Facilities: Restaurant, bar, and toilet. Families with children: Suitable for families. Crowding: 6/10
Type: Free public beach. Size: approximately 30 × 20 metres Surface and water access: Soft grassy lawn with a pebble and stone shoreline. The lakebed is rocky and the water deepens relatively quickly. Water shoes are recommended. Facilities: Bar and toilet. Families with children: Children's playground. Crowding: 6/10
Type: Small free public beach. Size: approximately 10 × 10 metres Surface and water access: Grass and fine pebbles with a gentle entrance into the lake. The water in this part of the bay warms up quickly. Facilities: Shower. Families with children: Suitable for families. Dogs: Dogs are allowed on a leash. There is no official permission for dogs to swim during the main summer season. Crowding: 6/10
Located between Lido di Bagnella and Canottieri. This sunny, open swimming beach is lined with trees that provide excellent shade during hot summer days.
Type: Free public beach. A natural, unspoilt, green, and shady lakeside area. Size: approximately 30 × 15 metres Surface and water access: Mainly grassy shoreline with patches of sand and fine pebbles. The lakebed is rocky and pebbly, so water shoes are recommended. Facilities: Bars, toilets, and basic services are available nearby at Lido di Bagnella. Picnic area equipped with tables and benches. Open fires and barbecues on the ground are not permitted. Families with children: Suitable for families. Dogs: Dog-friendly. Crowding: 7/10
Type: Free public beach. Size: approximately 50 × 20 metres. Surface and water access: Sand and pebbles with a gentle entry into the lake. Water shoes are recommended. Facilities: Toilet and parking. Families with children: Suitable for families. Dogs: Dog-friendly. Crowding: 6/10
The beach offers one of the most beautiful and romantic views of San Giulio Island, the northern part of Lake Orta, and the Sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso.
Type: Free public beach. Size: approximately 50 × 20 metres Surface and water access: Sand, gravel, and rocky sections. The water deepens gradually. Water shoes are recommended. Facilities: Dense greenery providing natural shade, shower, toilet, and bar. Rentals and activities: SUP board rental and lessons, pier with ladder for jumping into the lake, and beach volleyball. Safety: Lifeguard service. Families with children: Suitable for families. Dogs:Dogs are allowed on a leash. There is no official permission for dogs to swim during the main summer season. Crowding: 7/10
Type: Free public beach. Size: approximately 50 × 20 metres Surface and water access: Grassy beach with a rocky lakebed. The water deepens gradually and is exceptionally clear, warm, and transparent. Facilities: Shower, portable toilets, and kiosk bar. Rentals and activities: Pier suitable for diving into the lake. Dogs:Dogs are allowed on a leash. There is no official permission for dogs to swim during the main summer season. Crowding: 7/10
A scenic beach with beautiful views. The relatively small car park is usually full by around 10:00 AM, and cleanliness may vary during the busiest periods.
Type: Small free beach. Size: approximately 25 metres long Surface and water access: Concrete, sand, and some pebbles. The lake becomes deep very quickly, reaching around two metres just a few metres from the shore. Water shoes are recommended. Facilities: Basic facilities, including a toilet. Dogs: Dogs are welcome. As an unmanaged public beach, it is a popular place for visitors with pets. Crowding: 7/10
A good choice for visitors who want to swim within walking distance of the historic centre of Orta San Giulio.
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Beach location. The nearest small parking areas are located along Corsa Roma, next to the Tourist Office (free and paid ). If no roadside parking spaces are available, you can leave your car in the paid parking area next to the Dolphins bar/restaurant.
Type: Small free beach. Size: approximately 30 × 20 metres Surface and water access: Sand and pebbles. Facilities: Restaurant and bar located within the nearby hotel complex. Families with children: Suitable for families. Crowding: 6/10
Type: Small free public beach. Size: approximately 10 × 10 metres Surface and water access: Sand and pebble shoreline with a shallow, gentle entry into the lake. Facilities: Bistro bar, restaurant, and toilets. Rentals and activities: Boats, pedal boats, kayaks, and SUP boards. Families with children: Children's playground. Dogs:Dogs are allowed on a leash. There is no official permission for dogs to swim during the main summer season. Crowding: 6/10
A small urban beach in the heart of Omegna. During summer, beach parties are held here almost every weekend.
Type: Small free public beach. Size: approximately 30 × 15 metres Surface and water access: Well-maintained grassy lawn with a narrow strip of pebbles and small stones along the shoreline. Facilities: Bar and toilet. Rentals and activities: Long wooden pier, ideal for diving directly into deep water. Families with children: Suitable for families. Crowding: 6/10
Across the road stands the Complesso di San Filiberto, an 11th-century Romanesque church with an ancient bell tower and monumental Stations of the Cross chapels. This beach is ideal for visitors who appreciate beautiful scenery, crystal-clear water, and a peaceful grassy lakeside setting overlooking San Giulio Island.
Type: Small free public beach. Size: approximately 40 × 5 metres Surface and water access: Fine pebbles and sand with a shallow, comfortable entry into the lake. Rentals and activities: Small pier suitable for diving into the lake. Families with children: Suitable for families. Dogs: Dogs are allowed on a leash. There is no official permission for dogs to swim during the main summer season. Crowding: 6/10.
This is more of a small public swimming area than a traditional beach. It consists of a narrow pebble shoreline beside the historic harbour and boat pier. Popular with local residents looking for a quiet place to swim, but visitors should not expect extensive facilities.
Type: Beach club with a large semi-public area to the right of the parking lot. Access to the beach area requires an entrance fee, including the semi-public section: €6–7 per person (adults and children over 6 years old). A beach set (entrance, sunbed, and umbrella in the equipped area) typically costs between €15 and €20 per person depending on the season. Size: approximately 130 metres long Surface and water access: Mostly sandy beach with some pebbles. Facilities: Sunbed and umbrella rental; restaurant and beach bar; changing rooms, toilets, and hot showers. Rentals and activities: Kayaks, canoes, SUP boards, and pedal boats; sports facilities; famous 3-metre diving platform. Safety: Lifeguards on duty. Families with children: Suitable for families. Crowding: 9/10
For information and reservations, call +39 0322 913150. Closed on Wednesdays. Open from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM on most days and until midnight on Sundays. This beach is popular with a wide range of visitors, from families with young children to those looking for a relaxing day by the lake. Official website.
Type: Beach club. Entrance fee (for visitors using the sandy beach area): adults €6 for the full day (€4 after 1:30 PM); children €3. Size: approximately 120 metres long Surface and water access: Predominantly fine beige sand. Facilities: Sunbed and umbrella rental (advance reservation recommended during summer); restaurant and beach bar; showers, changing rooms, and toilets. Rentals and activities: Kayaks and SUP boards. Safety: Lifeguard and first-aid service. Dogs: Only small dogs up to 15 kg are allowed in the equipped beach area. A veterinary passport and up-to-date vaccinations are required. Crowding: 10/10 Official website.
Type: Beach club / hotel. Day pass: €20 on weekdays (€15 after 2:00 PM). Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays: €30. Advance booking is mandatory on weekends. Size: approximately 30 × 20 metres Surface and water access: Wooden sun deck and landscaped lakeside garden with easy access to the water. Facilities: Swimming pool, heated whirlpool, sunbeds, umbrellas, toilets, restaurant, and beach bar. Rentals and activities: Kayaks, SUP boards, pedal boats, motorboat excursions with skipper, an official Italian Water Ski Federation water-ski school, and a certified diving centre offering diving and snorkelling activities. Tennis court and mini-football pitch. Families with children: Children's playground. Safety: Lifeguard service. Crowding: 5–7/10
This four-star hotel is a high-end private resort combining a lakeside beach, pools, private marina, boat rentals, and water sports facilities. Official website.
Type: Beach club / hotel. The minimum price for the day-use "Light" package (10:00 AM–6:00 PM) for non-hotel guests is €110 per person on weekdays and €130 on weekends. The package includes beach access, sunbed, beach towel, a light lunch (one dish at the beach bar), water, and coffee. Size: Small private beach area. Surface and water access: Elegant lakeside terraces with direct access to the water. Swimming platforms and steps lead directly into the lake. Facilities: Sunbeds, umbrellas, stylish lounge areas, and a heated panoramic infinity pool. Showers, changing rooms, and designer restrooms. The luxury The Longevity Suite spa offers cryotherapy and massage treatments. Guests can also enjoy Cannavacciuolo Lake Orta Bistrot, serving Mediterranean and local cuisine, as well as a beach bar. Rentals and activities: SUP boards, kayaks, and electric boats for silent cruises on the lake. Families with children: Children are welcome. Crowding: 5/10
The resort has been awarded one Michelin Key for its exceptional level of comfort and design. Due to limited capacity and advance booking requirements, the atmosphere is generally quieter and more exclusive than at most public beaches on Lake Orta. Official website.
Type: Beach Club & Water Sports Centre. Beach packages (entrance, sunbed, and umbrella): €16 per person on weekdays, €24 on weekends and public holidays. The All Inclusive package costs €36 per person and includes a premium beach spot with a large African straw umbrella, sunbeds, and unlimited sports equipment rental throughout the day. Size: approximately 80 × 20 metres Surface and water access: Grassy beach with a small-pebble lakebed and a gentle entry into the water. Facilities: Sunbeds and umbrellas, picnic area with barbecue facilities, showers, changing rooms, toilets, and a beach bar. Rentals and activities: Kayaks, canoes, standard SUP boards, electric SUP boards, and large Family SUP boards. Motorboats and speedboats are also available for hire. Some boats can be rented without an international boating licence. Dogs: Dogs are welcome, including on boat trips. Crowding: 6/10
Rather than a traditional lido, Explora is Lake Orta's leading water sports and boat rental centre with a small beach area. The entire complex can also be rented for private events and birthday parties. One of the most popular activities is a SUP excursion to the scenic waterfall on the opposite shore of the lake or a private boat trip to San Giulio Island.
Type: Beach club. Beach packages (entrance, sunbed, and umbrella): €16 per person on weekdays, €24 on weekends and public holidays. The All Inclusive package costs €36 per person and includes a premium beach area with a large African straw umbrella, sunbeds, and unlimited sports equipment rental throughout the day. Size: approximately 200 × 30 metres Surface and water access: Clean pebble beach with a rocky lakebed. Facilities: Sunbeds, umbrellas, swimming pool, showers, changing rooms, toilets, café, and bar. Rentals and activities: Pedal boats, kayaking, SUP boarding, football, and beach volleyball. Safety: Lifeguard and first-aid service. Families with children: Excellent for families thanks to its shallow water, picnic areas, and large open spaces for children to play. Dogs: Dedicated dog area. Dogs are welcome on a leash. Crowding: 7/10
One of the best-equipped beach resorts on Lake Orta. It combines shaded picnic areas beneath mature trees with a modern sports centre, swimming pools, and direct lake access. Official website.
