Provincia di Novara, in Piemonte, Italy, is a hidden gem for vacation rentals and chalet getaways. With shimmering lakes, rolling hills, medieval towns, and a delicious Piedmontese dining scene, this corner of the Piemonte region invites active travelers to slow down, breathe in fresh air, and savor every moment. I’ve chased sunrises and sunsets here with friends, planning weekend escapes that feel both cozy and adventurous. The chalet-style cottages and vacation rentals in and around the Province of Novara make it easy to balance outdoor activities with lazy afternoons by the water, and there’s always a new local experience to discover. If you’re hunting for chalet accommodations that put you in the heart of stunning scenery and easy access to culture, vineyards, and scenic trails, you’ll love what this area has to offer. For finding the perfect place to stay, look for options on searchandstay.com, a reliable site for vacation rentals in Provincia di Novara and beyond.
Chalet and vacation rental destinations in Provincia di Novara
Chalet-style stays are a natural fit for the Piemonte vibe here: wood-paneled walls, big windows with lake or hillside views, and fireplaces that make winter evenings feel magical. In the Provincia di Novara, you’ll find chalet accommodation options that feel both rustic and refined, crafted for groups of friends, couples seeking a romantic hideaway, or families who want easy access to nature without sacrificing comfort. Below are some standout bases that pair beautifully with outdoor adventures and local experiences.
Lake Orta: Orta San Giulio and the Lakefront Vibe
Orta San Giulio sits on the western edge of the Province of Novara, facing the tranquil blue waters of Lake Orta. A chalet near the lake gives you early-morning walks along the promenade, boat trips to the island of San Giulio, and evenings spent on terraces that glow with the sunset over the lake. In this part of Piemonte, wooden chalets often offer loft bedrooms, sunlit living areas, and kitchens that are perfect for quick pantries of antipasti and aperol spritz preparation before a night out with friends. Staying in a Lake Orta chalet means you can wake up to misty ripples on the water, lace up sneakers for a hillside stroll, and return to a warm fire after a day of exploring terraced villages and cobbled lanes.
Nearby villages around Orta San Giulio — including Sacro Monte di Orta with its sacred pathways and panoramic viewpoints — provide a sense of timeless charm. For a relaxed day, take a boat ride to the island, wander the narrow alleys, and stop for gelato or a light lunch at a lakeside trattoria. If you’re a foodie, the Orta area also offers seasonal specialties and fresh produce markets where you can sample local cheeses, olive oils, and wines produced in the surrounding hills.
The Colline Novaresi: Borgomanero, Ghemme, and the Wine Ridge
Within a short drive of Orta, the Colline Novaresi (the Novara hills) form a paradise for wine lovers and hikers. Chalet accommodations here are ideal for guests who want to combine outdoor exploration with wine tastings and scenic drives along winding lanes. Towns like Borgomanero serve as gateways to pastoral landscapes, while historic villages such as Ghemme and Boca offer medieval silhouettes, stone towers, and wine estates that age beautifully in alpine light. A vacation rental in this region can feel like a door to the countryside: a warm, sun-dappled living room, a deck where you can watch the vineyards stretch into the distance, and a kitchen stocked for long evenings of conversation and candlelight.
Wine is the star here, with the Colline Novaresi wine route showcasing varieties such as Nebbiolo and Vespolina, and a constellation of small family-run estates that welcome visitors for tours and tastings. Many chalet stays include close proximity to walking paths or cycling routes through vineyards, where you can pause for a cheese plate and a glass of red after a morning of hill climbs. For an authentic local experience, book a tasting at a winery with a scenic terrace, then return to your chalet to unwind and share photos from the day with friends.
Arona and the Southern Rim: River, Castles, and Riverbank Walks
Arona sits along the southern shore of Lake Maggiore, a short drive from the heart of the province. While you might not be right on the lake in every chalet setting, the Arona area is a superb base for outdoor enthusiasts who want easy access to gentle water activities, riverside paths, and fort-like hilltop views. A chalet in this corridor can offer you expansive sky views, breezy terraces, and proximity to local markets and bakeries for morning ritual coffee and cornetti. It’s a different flavor of Piemonte living: more river breeze, greenery, and a relaxed pace that makes day trips to nearby villages feel effortless.
If you’re up for a day trip, consider a slow drive along the lakeshore toward the more widely known stops near Lake Maggiore, then circle back to your cozy chalet for a home-cooked dinner. The key is to balance exploration with plenty of downtime in front of a crackling fire—perfect for sharing stories and planning your next adventure with friends.
Activities and local experiences you can’t miss
The Province of Novara is bursting with opportunities for an active itinerary, whether you’re traveling with a crew of friends or planning a romantic escape with a twist. Here are some of the best vacation rental–friendly activities and local experiences you can enjoy from a chalet base.
- Lake Orta boat trips and island exploration: Take a short ferry ride to San Giulio Island, stroll the quiet lanes, and climb viewpoints overlooking the water. A lakeside chalet makes this a seamless day trip, with time for a late lunch by the harbor before returning to your retreat.
- Hiking and ridge walks in the Colline Novaresi: Follow gentle hillside paths or more challenging forest trails that loop through vineyards and ancient stone villages. Most chalet properties are within easy reach of starting points for day hikes, with picnic spots and panoramic overviews along the way.
- Wine tastings and cellar tours: The Novara hills are a haven for oenophiles. Plan a tasting at a family-run estate in Ghemme, Boca, or Lessona, and pair the wines with locally produced cheeses, salumi, and grilled vegetables. Return to your chalet with a sleepy glow and a new appreciation for Piedmont’s wine heritage.
- Gourmet Piedmontese dinners: A chalet kitchen is an excellent venue for showcasing regional dishes: agnolotti del plin, tajarin al tartufo (when in season), and bagna cauda with a platter of rustic veggies. If you’d rather dine out, many towns host seasonal food events and farm-to-table dinners at local eateries.
- Bike routes with scenic end points: Pedal-friendly itineraries wind through vineyards and terraced hills, offering easy-to-moderate rides for groups of friends. A well-located chalet base means you can swap stories at a sunset stop and continue the ride with plenty of daylight left.
- Cultural discovery in historic towns: Explore centuries-old churches, towers, and palazzos in Borgomanero, Gozzano, Romagnano Sesia, and Orta San Giulio. Even short strolls through these towns reveal the layers of Piedmontese history and architecture.
- Seasonal markets and market-to-table experiences: Local markets are perfect for picking up fresh produce, regional cheeses, cured meats, and homemade pastries. Cooking a meal together back at the chalet is a joyful way to end a day of adventures.
Seasonal planning: what makes a great stay in Piemonte all year
One of the joys of staying in Chalet accommodations around Provincia di Novara is how each season shows a different face of the landscape. Here’s how to approach a stay by season:
- Spring (March–May): The hills come alive with wildflowers and fresh greens. It’s an ideal time for hiking and bike rides, with fewer crowds and comfortable temperatures. Lake Orta begins to glow as early-summer light returns, and outdoor terraces start welcoming visitors again.
- Summer (June–August): Peak lake-season energy. Water activities on Lake Orta are abundant, and boat trips to the island become a daily ritual. Evening strolls along the waterfront are magical, and many chalets offer shaded outdoor spaces for sunset drinks with friends.
- Autumn (September–November): The Colline Novaresi wines are at their seasonal peak. Harvest time brings fragrant trails through vineyards and olive groves, with crisp air and dramatic landscapes that photograph beautifully. Cozy chalets with fireplaces make autumn evenings extra inviting.
- Winter (December–February): A snowy Piemonte backdrop invites a slower pace. From a chalet, you can plan visits to nearby towns with Christmas markets, enjoy hearty Piedmontese dishes, and savor a glass of Dolcetto or Nebbiolo by the fire after a day of light exploration.
Practical tips for planning your chalet stay in Provincia di Novara
To make the most of vacation rentals in Provincia di Novara and to book with ease, keep these practical tips in mind:
- Transportation: The easiest way to reach the Provincia di Novara is to fly into Milan Malpensa International Airport and rent a car. Trains from Milan or Turin connect to Novara and then to smaller towns. A chalet stay is often most convenient when you have a vehicle for day trips and hillside drives.
- Choosing the right chalet: Look for properties with flexible sleeping arrangements, a well-equipped kitchen, a deck or terrace with views, and proximity to lakes or wine routes. If you’re traveling with friends, a larger living area and multiple bathrooms can be a big plus.
- Local tips: In Piedmont, dining times differ from some other regions; plan meals around local hours. Booking wine tastings, guided walks, or farm-visit experiences in advance can ensure you secure slots during peak seasons.
- Shopping and groceries: Most towns have weekly markets with fresh produce, cheeses, and specialty meats. A chalet with a well-stocked kitchen will let you create your own feast to savor with friends after long days of exploring.
- Seasonal considerations: If you’re visiting in high season, book accommodations well in advance. Shoulder seasons often offer better rates and still excellent weather, ideal for hiking and gentle lake activities.
What makes a stay in Provincia di Novara unique
What sets stays in this part of Piemonte apart is the sense of connection you feel to the land and to local communities. The chalets and vacation rentals here aren’t just places to sleep; they’re gateways to experiences that stay with you long after you return home. You’ll find hospitality that blends rustic charm with modern comforts, scenic views that invite long conversations over coffee or wine, and easy access to outdoor adventures that are both restorative and exhilarating. The region’s cuisine, wine culture, and historic towns create a layered travel experience—one where a chalet isn’t a backdrop, but a part of the adventure itself.
For travelers who crave authentic moments, Piemonte’s Provincia di Novara offers a rhythm that suits a holiday with friends: mornings spent on outdoor trails, afternoons of tasting fine wines, and evenings gathered around a table with good bread, cheese, and local specialties. The landscape, from lakefront promenades to vineyard crescents on rolling hills, provides a constantly shifting canvas for your memories. And for those who prefer planning to spontaneity, you can easily curate a schedule that balances nature, culture, and social time, all centered around your chalet accommodations.
Find your ideal chalet accommodation today
Whether you’re envisioning a lakeside retreat near Orta San Giulio, a hilltop chalet with vineyard views along the Colline Novaresi, or a cozy Arona-area base from which to explore the riverfront and surrounding villages, the Province of Novara has a wealth of vacation rental options. The best way to start is by exploring chalet and vacation rental listings that emphasize comfort, location, and access to nature and culture. For a reliable starting point to find accommodations in Provincia di Novara, check searchandstay.com. It’s a great resource to compare chalet accommodation destinations, read about features that matter for your group, and book with confidence.
In addition to great chalets, you’ll find curated experiences and recommended day trips that help you craft a flexible, enjoyable itinerary. From scenic lake walks to wine tours that showcase the Colline Novaresi, your trip can blend adventure with relaxation, all while staying in a home away from home. And if you’re dreaming of a holiday with friends that feels both intimate and energetic, the Piemonte scenery of Provincia di Novara is tailor-made for shared memories, delicious meals, and plenty of laughter.
Ready to plan your vacation rental escape?
As you plan your next getaway in Provincia di Novara, remember that the right chalet accommodation can elevate your entire trip. Choose a base with easy access to Orta San Giulio, the Colline Novaresi wine route, and the scenic lake walks that make Lake Orta a standout destination in the Piemonte region. Whether you’re booking a weekend with a small crew or a longer break with a bigger group of friends, this part of Italy offers a balanced blend of outdoor activity, cultural immersion, and culinary delight. To discover a wide range of vacation rentals and Chalet Accommodation destinations in this area, start with searchandstay.com and find a place that matches your style, your dates, and your dream itinerary in Provincia di Novara, Province of Novara, Piemonte, Italy.