Discover the territory
STROLLING THROUGH CUSIO BETWEEN LAKE, MOUNTAINS AND VALLEYS
Cusio is an area straddling the provinces of Novara and Verbano-Cusio-Ossola in the upper Piedmont region.
Around the small and enchanting Lake Orta, 25 municipalities spread out to occupy mountains, valleys and hills, each making its own contribution of beauty, history and tradition.
Just cross the borders of Cusio to have a unique experience at your fingertips: a thousand, in fact!
THE LAKE AND THE RIVERS
Lake Orta is an enchanting stretch of crystal-clear water in which the surrounding mountains, towns and quaint villages are reflected.
Theisland of San Giulio, opposite the town of Orta, has always fascinated visitors, and in the evening its lights offer a stunning spectacle.
There are eight municipalities along the shores of Lake Orta: from Omegna , the gateway to Cusio, proceeding along the eastern shore one comes to Pettenasco, Miasino, Orta San Giulio and Gozzano . On the opposite shore, crystal-clear waters lap the towns of San Maurizio D’Opaglio, Pella and Nonio.
Each locality has its own story to tell, its beauties to present … its experience to offer!
The shores of the lake present very different scenery: lively little squares with their cafes and romantic lakeside promenades alternate with sunny beaches and many hiking trails to enjoy on foot or by MTB, such as the Blue Ring or the Grand Tour of Lake Orta.
Considered to be the most romantic lake in Italy, Lake Orta is the perfect place for a regenerating stay as well as for a holiday dedicated to sports and entertainment or for the organisation of cultural events or sports competitions.
A WORLD BEYOND THE LAKE
The villages and small hamlets scattered among green hills and mountains reveal all the charm of Cusio, contributing to making it a destination full of surprises and opportunities to be enjoyed all year round .
The Strona Valley rises from Omegna to Campello Monti, a village of ancient Walser origin: along the valley the towns of Germagno, Loreglia, Massiola and Valstrona preserve traditions and trades handed down for generations, a wild landscape to admire or to conquer by walking the steep paths.
From Omegna, the gateway to Cusio, a road overlooking Lake Orta leads to “Quarne“: two villages – Quarna Sotto and Quarna Sopra – with a rich history, a strong link to traditions and a natural landscape that leaves you speechless.
Along the eastern side of Lake Orta, leaving Omegna behind and proceeding southwards, one comes across the municipalities of Armeno, Bolzano Novarese, Ameno, Soriso and Gargallo and their hamlets. The itinerary allows us to appreciate the great variety of landscapes of the area: surrounded by the green hills sloping down to the Novara plain, each of these localities conceals authentic treasures: noble palaces, churches and richly frescoed chapels.
As one moves away from the southern end of Cusio towards the provincial capital, the soft hilly landscape again gives way to lake scenery.
Along the western side of Lake Orta, passing through the municipalities of Pogno, Madonna Del Sasso, Arola and Cesara, the area offers unique emotions: from the pure and simple contemplation of the beauty of the landscape to hiking or mountain biking, to the excellent cuisine that can be enjoyed in the many restaurants and farmhouses in the area.
Proceeding from Omegna in the direction of Lake Maggiore, one comes across Casale Corte Cerro and Gravellona Toce, two realities that best express the variety of the Cusio area. The two municipalities share a long rural and industrial tradition and today look optimistically to the future of the area thanks to a thriving economy and the growth opportunities offered by the natural heritage of which they guard with expert care.
