Pettenasco sits on the eastern shores of Lake Orta (Lago d'Orta) in the Novara province of Piedmont region. One of the less discovered delights of northern Italy's Lake District, Orta is even referred to by the locals as the 'Cinderella' of the Italian lakes, keeping its charms somewhat to itself. It's much loved by the Italians though, who journey up for weekend retreats from Milan and Turin. Orta is the most westerly of the Italian Lakes, a near neighbour to the much larger and more popular Lake Maggiore.
Neighbouring towns include Armeno, Miasino, Orta San Giulio and Omegna, and Pettenasco has a permanent population of around 1300 people, having grown in popularity as a permanent home (and vacation destination) in the last decade or so. Pettenasco depopulated somewhat after World War II (in common with much of Italy) but visitors are increasingly cottoning on to a town that offers all the charm and beautiful scenery of the Italian Lakes, without the crowds (and the prices) of Lake Como and Lake Maggiore. Having rather foolishly let the cat out of the bag therefore, we advise you to go and enjoy one of northern Italy's hidden delights. You are within easy reach of the Swiss border here, and on the borders of Piedmont and Lombardy regions (two of Italy's finest for sumptuously rich cuisine, and with very good local wines too).
To the left you'll find a selection of hotels, to get you in the mood
- see also our full listings of Pettenasco hotels.
