Arriving

Nearest airport is Milan Malpensa. This is 45 minutes by road from Orta. Taxi Malpensa-Orta costs 100 euro (2007) for one to four passengers.

Other airports are Milan-Linate and Bergamo Orio al Serio. For those without hire cars it is necessary to go to Milan Central Station by airport shuttle and then take a train to Arona, then taxi (about 50 euros) to Orta or to Novara (see below).

Arriving by public transport is hazardous, not worth the trouble. Orta is very badly served. There are trains from Novara (Domodossola line) but very few (see www.trenitalia.it), the station (Orta-Miasino) is a kilometre and a half uphill, you're lucky if there is a taxi to Orta centre (10 or 20 euros at least). I've taken this problem before the Regione and the Provincia but nothing is done. And as for the Town Council - well, the least said, the better, I get the impression the Mayor is only interested in those who pay 2 euros an hour for parking. There is no interest in improving public services.  

Those arriving by car from Milan or Turin take the autostrada in the direction of Gravellone Toce  and exit at Arona. Turn left at the end of the motorway and then you will see Lake Orta signposted.

Staying  

The Piccolo Hotel Olina has rooms in old buildings over the centre plus two hotels, one in the main square, the Hotel Araceli, and another 20 minutes walk uphill, Santa Caterina. Best breakfasts, I'm told, and good restaurant.

The Contrada dei Monti is a pretty, small hotel very near the centre.  

Hotel San Rocco is on the lake near centre with swimming pool and terraces. 

Villa Crespi is Arabian Nights luxury and Nouvelle Cuisine 15 minutes walk from centre.

Other hotels on the lake are Leon d'Oro and Hotel Orta, both on lake, old  hotels and look it.

Eating  

Ristorante Olina is good value. Agnello Antico is rather more expensive. So is I Due Santi in the main square. And Hotel San Rocco. If you want to splash out, Villa Crespi, Michelin star. More modestly there is a pizzeria, La Campana, in Via Giovanetti and most of the bars in Orta serve food. For wine, the Enoteca in the square and the charming Beuch in Via Besani, a candle-lit cellar which serves good wines, cheese and salami platters and the local speciality, cruditè in a dip of hot olive oil, anchovy and garlic.

Buying

Excellent local honeys, cheeses, salami and dried Porcini mushrooms. Wine, of course, from vineyards of the region.