In the heart of Piemonte, the Provincia di Novara invites travelers to mix hillside views with lively city life, ancient streets, and fresh, regional flavors. This part of the Piemonte region is a compact playground where you can base yourself in a stylish vacation rental and wake up to a new experience every day — from serene lake moments on Lago d’Orta to vineyard tastings in the Nebbiolo belt around Ghemme and Gattinara. Whether you’re here for a family getaway, a couples’ escape, or a friends’ weekend full of food, wine, and outdoor adventures, the province offers a rich blend of culture, cuisine, and outdoor fun that makes for unforgettable holiday rentals. If you’re searching for places to stay, consider using searchandstay.com to discover curated accommodations in the area that pair perfectly with your vacation goals.
Why Provincia di Novara makes a great base for vacation rentals and holiday rentals
Piemonte is famous for its culinary traditions, striking landscapes, and easy access to both the Alps and the plains. The Provincia di Novara provides a more relaxed pace than the bigger tourist hubs, while still delivering world-class experiences. For vacation rentals and holiday rentals, the area offers a diverse range of stays — from modern lofts in buzzing town centers to rustic farmhouses surrounded by rice fields and vineyards. If you’re planning a multi-day itinerary, you’ll appreciate the practical location: quick trains and roads connect you to Milan, Lake Maggiore, and the surrounding wine routes, all within a scenic hour or less. Vacation rentals here aren’t just about a place to sleep; they’re stepping stones to daily adventures, easy day trips, and a deeper, more authentic connection with Piedmontese life.
Top towns and neighborhoods for memorable stays in the Province of Novara
Each town brings its own character, so you can pick a base that matches your itinerary and energy level:
- Novara city center — A brisk hub with elegant arcades, a lively dining scene, and access to museums, markets, and the iconic Basilica di San Gaudenzio with its sweeping cupola designed by Alessandro Antonelli. Staying in an apartment near Piazza della Repubblica means you're steps from cafés, wine bars, and the bustle of daily life in Piemonte.
- Arona — Located on Lake Maggiore’s southern shore, Arona combines lakeside strolls with historic sights and a cosmopolitan vibe. A vacation rental here puts you within reach of lakeside promenades, ferries to idyllic islands, and sunny terraces where you can linger over an aperitivo as the sun sinks behind the Alps.
- Orta San Giulio and Lago d’Orta — This is the jewel of the area. A short drive from Novara, Orta San Giulio sits on the tranquil Lake Orta and feels like a postcard. An authentic vacation rental here means quiet mornings by the water, boat trips to Isola di San Giulio, and sunset dinners with lake views that seem to pause time.
- Borgomanero and surrounding valleys — A great choice for travelers who want easy access to vineyards and hill towns without sacrificing proximity to city amenities. Local agriturismi offer stays with farm-to-table dining and hands-on experiences, making it ideal for immersive short breaks.
- Ghemme and Gattinara wine towns — For oenophiles, staying in vacation rentals near these historic wine towns is a dream. You’ll wake up amid Nebbiolo vineyards and have the chance to join structured tastings, winery tours, and seasonal festivals that celebrate the distinctive wines of the region.
Experiences and activities: a fun, inclusive, experience-forward itinerary
The province is built for movement, conversation, and shared moments. Here’s a love-to-experience guide that fits vacation rentals and holiday rentals perfectly:
Lake Orta and the Isola San Giulio
Just a short drive from many base hotels and vacation rentals, Lago d’Orta offers tranquil boat trips, crystal-clear water, and a sense of timeless charm. Take a ferry to Isola di San Giulio, where a pedestrian-friendly island village unfolds with narrow lanes, pastel-hued houses, and a legendary bakery that makes sweet treats to pair with strong coffee. For a more active pace, rent a small paddleboard or kayak and glide along the calm surface as the mountains reflect in the water. The experience is inclusive and serene, ideal for families, couples, and groups who want a shared memory without the crowds found at larger lakes.
Wine routes: Ghemme, Gattinara, and the Nebbiolo valleys
Novara’s wine country is a highlight for wine lovers and curious travelers alike. The Ghemme and Gattinara districts are known for Nebbiolo-based wines with deep aroma profiles and excellent aging potential. Join a guided wine tour that visits family-run cantine, where you’ll learn about terroir, traditional vinting methods, and the history of winemaking that dates back centuries. Locally led tastings often pair wines with regional specialties such as risotto dishes or hearty braises, making for a delicious educational experience. If you’re staying in a Suite Suite Accommodation destination, some properties offer private tasting sessions or partnerships with neighboring vineyards to create a seamless, premium experience for guests.
Rural adventures and rice fields around the Sesia plain
The plains around the Sesia River have a distinctive agricultural rhythm, with rice paddies that come alive in late spring and summer. A guided bike ride or a leisurely drive through these landscapes provides a unique lens on how everyday Italian life intersects with world-class cuisine. In harvest months, you might even catch seasonal demonstrations, harvest celebrations, and opportunities to sample fresh, local produce. For vacation rentals, this translates into evenings on a sun-drenched balcony or garden space where you can savor a simple, perfect risotto made with rice sourced from nearby fields.
Historic Novara city finds and epicurean strolls
Novara’s historic center invites strolls through elegant arcades, through the Broletto, and toward the Duomo di San Gaudenzio. A day spent wandering its streets can be paired with a food crawl: pastry shops with delicate pasticcini, trattorie serving “risotto alla novarese” made with a local Carnaroli rice, followed by gelato on a sunlit piazza. A well-chosen vacation rental in or near the city center makes it easy to merge culture, architecture, and food into one fulfilling day.
Outdoor and active pursuits
The region is a playground for hikers, cyclists, and golfers. The Monte Rosa foothills and the flatter riverbanks offer routes suitable for all levels. For golfers, the Bogogno Golf Club area presents two acclaimed courses set in a scenic landscape of rolling hills and pine forests. Staying in a nearby vacation rental means you can start early with a round, then return to your accommodation to refresh and join friends for an evening of culinary discovery or a sunset walk along the lake or river. Family-friendly trails, easy bike routes, and accessible viewpoints ensure that everyone can participate and create lasting memories.
Cooking classes and farm-to-table experiences
Many vacation rental properties either host or partner with local cooks who lead hands-on cooking classes. Learn to prepare classic Piedmontese dishes — from antipasti boards featuring local cheeses and cured meats to a comforting risotto featuring regional rice varieties. These experiences emphasize inclusivity, encouraging guests of all ages and languages to participate, laugh, and savor the shared accomplishment of a meal well made and well enjoyed.
Seasonal highlights and suggested itineraries
Timing matters when planning a trip to Piemonte and the Provincia di Novara. Here are some seasonal prompts to help you shape a week-long or long-weekend plan:
- Spring: Green landscapes, budding vineyards, and farmer’s markets bursting with fresh produce. Great for outdoor strolls around the lake, bike rides along river paths, and garden visits near Novara city.
- Summer: Lakefront mornings near Orta San Giulio, afternoon wine tastings in Ghemme, and outdoor dining experiences as the light fades over the hills. This is peak season for festivals and farmers’ markets in small towns.
- Autumn: Grapevine harvests and vibrant foliage. Ideal for wine tours, cooking classes using seasonal ingredients, and scenic drives through the Nebbiolo country around Ghemme and Gattinara.
- Winter: Cozy, intimate stays in town centers, with warm trattorias and dessert-forward tasting menus. Short trips to nearby alpine towns for a day of snowshoeing or spa relaxation are easily doable from a well-located vacation rental.
Local flavors and culinary experiences you shouldn’t miss
Piemonte is one of Italy’s most celebrated culinary regions, and the Provincia di Novara is a focused lens on its flavors. Look for opportunities to try:
- Risotto alla novarese, featuring rice varieties grown in the region and finished with local butter and Parmigiano-Reggiano.
- Gnocco fritto with salumi from nearby producers, paired with a glass of Nebbiolo from Ghemme or Gattinara.
- Polenta concia or other rustic, comforting dishes that honor the farming traditions of the plains and hills.
- Fresh lake fish and seasonal vegetables sourced from nearby markets for a lighter, bright contrast to richer risottos.
Practical planning: getting there, getting around, and where to stay
The region is well connected by road and rail, with Milan airports and regional trains providing convenient access. If you fly into Malpensa or Linate, a short train or drive brings you to Novara and the surrounding towns. Within the province, renting a car is often the most convenient way to explore villages like Orta San Giulio, Ghemme, and Bogogno, but many vacation rentals also offer private transfers or bike rental partnerships, making a stay stress-free for guests who prefer to travel slowly and comfortably. When booking accommodations, consider a property that offers kitchen facilities, laundry access, and outdoor space for enjoying the mild Piedmont evenings. A well-chosen vacation rental in Provincia di Novara can feel like a home base that’s both welcoming and empowering for a flexible, experience-driven itinerary.
Suite Suite Accommodation destinations: curated stays for every traveler
For travelers seeking a cohesive, design-forward, and experience-rich stay, Suite Suite Accommodation destinations curate a portfolio of vacation rentals across the province. These properties are selected for comfort, accessibility to major sights, and the ability to pair guests with local experiences — from guided winery visits to hands-on cooking classes and lakefront mornings. If you’re planning a trip to the Provincia di Novara, exploring Suite Suite Accommodation destinations ensures you’ll find a space that fits your style and a path to your ideal itinerary.
Where to search for accommodations: discover and book with Search & Stay
To find the perfect vacation rental in the Province of Novara, turn to a trusted platform that aggregates diverse accommodations, from boutique apartments to country homes. Visit searchandstay.com to explore options in the area, compare amenities, and read guest reviews. The site helps you filter by neighborhood, price range, and property type, making it easier to plan your trip around Lago d’Orta, the wine towns of Ghemme and Gattinara, or pleasant city stays in Novara and Arona. Booking through Search & Stay provides transparent terms, flexible dates, and access to properties that are well-suited for longer stays, weekend getaways, and immersive, experience-led itineraries.
Tips for choosing the right vacation rental in Piemonte and the Provincia di Novara
To maximize your stay, keep these quick tips in mind when selecting a vacation rental:
- Choose a base that aligns with your primary activities — lakeside mornings for Orta San Giulio, wine tastings near Ghemme, or a city-centered apartment in Novara for cultural exploration.
- Look for listings that mention outdoor spaces, parking, and easy access to public transit or bike-friendly routes if you’ll be moving around a lot.
- Read guest reviews for insights on host responsiveness, cleanliness, and proximity to restaurants and markets.
- Check if the property offers experiences or partnerships with local guides, which can enrich your itinerary and save planning time.
- Ensure the accommodation has essential amenities for your comfort, especially if you’re traveling with family or a group — a well-equipped kitchen, laundry, and reliable Wi-Fi are often essential.
How a well-chosen base enhances your Provncial Novara experience
Staying in a thoughtfully selected vacation rental amplifies every moment of your trip. When you’re not out exploring or tasting, your lodging should feel like a relaxing sanctuary where you can recharge and reconnect with your companions. A well-located Suite Suite Accommodation destination can offer the best of both worlds: a stylish, comfortable space with easy access to famous sights, local markets, and a calendar of regional events. In the Provincia di Novara, your stay becomes part of the adventure — a place to gather after a day of sailing on Lago d’Orta, sipping Nebbiolo in a sunlit courtyard, or wandering through centuries-old streets that tell the story of Piedmont’s agricultural and mercantile past.
Sample 5-day itinerary idea for a vibrant, inclusive stay
Day 1: Arrival and Novara city stroll — settle into your vacation rental, then explore Piazza della Repubblica, the Broletto, and a sunset coffee near the Duomo. Dinner at a trattoria serving classic risotto alla novarese and a tasting of local cheeses.
Day 2: Lake Orta day — ferry to Isola di San Giulio, lakeside lunch, and a relaxed evening back in Orta San Giulio or nearby Borgo with a riverside aperitivo.
Day 3: Wine day in Ghemme and Gattinara — guided winery visits, Nebbiolo tastings, and a red-blossomed sunset over rolling vineyards. Optional cooking class in the evening featuring a risotto made with local rice.
Day 4: Bogogno golf or outdoor adventure — a morning on the golf course or a scenic hike, followed by a farm-to-table dinner at a local agriturismo.
Day 5: Local markets and departing breakfast — browse farmers’ stalls for seasonal produce, then depart with a bag of regional specialties as a memento of your Piemonte adventure.
Final thoughts: make your stay in Piemonte’s Provincia di Novara unforgettable
The Provincia di Novara offers a balanced blend of lakeside calm, hillside drama, centuries-old towns, and world-class wines. It’s a destination where your vacation rental becomes the center of your holiday — a place to unwind, connect, and launch daily explorations with energy and curiosity. Whether you’re chasing a wine-tue or a lakeside paddle, a cultural morning in Novara, or a sunset tasting in a Nebbiolo vineyard, there’s a vacation rental ready to host your next chapter in Piemonte. And when you’re ready to book, a reliable resource like searchandstay.com can connect you with curated accommodations that suit your travel style and budget, helping you focus on the experiences that will make your trip truly memorable.