Provincia di Novara in Piemonte is a hidden gem for travelers seeking vacation rentals and unique accommodation destinations. This corner of northern Italy blends serene lake days with hillside terraces, historic towns, and a culinary scene that tastes like sunny picnics and slow dinners with friends. From the glassy expanse of Lake Orta to the lush rolling hills of the Collina Novarese, this part of Piemonte lets you build a holiday that’s equal parts active and laid-back, with plenty of opportunities to explore, taste, and reconnect with the people you’re traveling with. If you’re searching for vacation rentals or holiday rentals that feel more like a mini-resort and less like a hotel chain, you’ll find options that fit every vibe—from chic lakefront lofts to rustic farmhouses with modern comforts. And for booking your base, a quick search on searchandstay.com makes it easy to compare accommodations, check availability, and secure a stay that places you in the heart of the experience.
Whether you’re planning a weekend escape with friends, a wellness-focused retreat, or a longer break to chase the light across Piemonte, Provincia di Novara offers a landscape that invites movement, laughter, and spontaneous adventures. The region is a natural playground for an active crew, with water-bound days on Lake Orta, scenic drives along vineyard-filled hills, and historic towns that reward curious walkers with hidden alleys, local markets, and artisan shops. Along with outdoor activities, the area serves up a steady rhythm of culinary stops: a pastry-filled morning, an espresso in a sunlit piazza, a long lunch of risotto and Monte Bianco chocolate desserts, and an evening retreat in a warm, well-appointed vacation rental where the conversation flows as freely as the wine. This is the Piemonte you’ll remember—the kind of place that makes a group look at a map, grin, and say, “Let’s do this.”
Where to stay in Provincia di Novara: unique accommodation destinations
The province offers a spectrum of vacation rentals and holiday rentals that blend comfort, character, and close proximity to nature, culture, and la dolce vita. Here are some of the standout bases for a memorable break.
- Orta San Giulio and Lake Orta area — Picture a lakefront villa with a private terrace where the Alps shimmer in the distance, or a bright apartment perched on a hillside with a view that instantly elevates your mood. In Orta San Giulio and nearby towns, staying in a lakeview property means you’re never far from the water’s edge: early-morning jogs along the promenade, spontaneous gelato stops after a boat ride to Isola San Giulio, and evenings that begin with aperitivo on the balcony as the sun sinks behind the mountains. A short boat ride transports you to Isola San Giulio, a peaceful island with narrow lanes, the Basilica di San Giulio, and a handful of intimate cafés—perfect for a relaxed day with friends who love sightseeing without rush.
- Borgomanero and the Collina Novarese — The rolling hills here are dotted with agriturismi, boutique inns, and family-run guesthouses that feel like home away from home. Wake up to the scent of fresh bread and coffee, walk via quiet lanes through vineyards, and join a cooking class to learn Piemonte’s comforting classics. It’s the kind of stay that makes you want to linger over a long lunch, tasting Nebbiolo and Vespolina wines, followed by an afternoon nap under a sun-dappled pergola.
- Arona and the Lake Maggiore shoreline — A lakeside apartment or a historic residence here puts you in easy reach of waterfront strolls, cafés, and ferries that connect the towns along this stretch of the lake. Days can start with a jog along the promenade, a late-morning boat ride, and end with a sunset aperitivo where the lake’s surface glows like glass.
- Novara city center — For those who want an urban flavor with a side of culture, Novara’s center offers design-forward lofts and stylish vacation rentals close to cafés, markets, and Baroque churches. The city’s elegant piazzas and arcaded streets create a refined backdrop for evening strolls, pastry stops, and galleries that spark conversations long into the night.
- Gozzano and nearby lakeside towns — Quaint townhouse stays and modern boroughs near the water provide a peaceful base for day trips to Isola San Giulio, the vineyards of the Collina Novarese, and the markets in nearby towns. It’s a balance between quiet mornings and lively evenings, with plenty of outdoor space to stretch out with friends.
Active days: activities and local experiences in Provincia di Novara
Active travelers will love how the region effortlessly blends outdoor adventures with memorable cultural encounters. The inventory of experiences is broad enough to satisfy a group with varied interests, yet intimate enough to feel authentically Piemonte.
- Lake Orta adventures — The lake invites you to be outdoors without compromising on comfort. Rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards to explore coves and inlets, or opt for a guided tour that highlights natural scenery and hidden shoreline paths. The water is refreshing, the scenery dramatic, and the pace of the day perfectly suited to a group that loves to be active but not rushed.
- Isola San Giulio visit — A short boat ride delivers a day of slow exploration. The island’s quiet lanes, the church and cloister, and the views from elevated terraces create an ideal backdrop for photos, conversations, and moments of pure relaxation. Lunch at a lakeside trattoria after a morning on the water is a classic move.
- Wine and food experiences in Collina Novarese — The hillside vineyards around Ghemme and Sizzano are the heart of the area’s wine culture. Guided tastings showcase Nebbiolo-based wines with a rustic seafood or mushroom-in-season lunch that celebrates local produce. You’ll learn about the regional wine history, the soils, and the small family producers who keep Piemonte’s wine traditions vibrant and welcoming.
- Cycling routes and hikes — The wine route across Collina Novarese is a scenic, low-traffic network ideal for daylong rides or shorter loop routes. Hikers can pick trails that wind through vineyards and orchard groves, rewarding you with panoramic views of the lake, the plains, and the distant Alps. It’s the kind of landscape that makes you want to stop often for photos, snacks, and a friendly chat with locals along the way.
- Historic towns and architecture — Novara’s historic center offers essential architecture and grand churches, while Borgomanero’s markets and streets reveal a slower, more intimate pace. A guided route through these towns can be tailored to your group’s interests—art, architecture, markets, and artisan crafts—ensuring you collect stories as you go.
- Cooking classes and hands-on tastings — Sign up for a Piemonte cooking class at a local agriturismo or cooking studio, where you’ll craft pasta, risotto with seasonal mushrooms, and a dessert that captures the season’s flavors. Cooking together is a social activity that travels well with a group of friends and finishes with a shared, memorable meal.
- Markets and al fresco dining — Seasonal markets in Borgomanero and Novara put the day into a delicious rhythm: wander stalls of fresh fruit, local cheese and cured meats, then settle into a long terrace lunch. The region’s outdoor dining culture thrives in warm months, inviting you to linger over espresso, gelato, and the simple joy of good company.
- Day trips to nearby lakes and nature reserves — Expand the itinerary with half- and full-day excursions to nearby lakes and nature reserves. Whether you’re exploring the shores around Arona or following a winding road into green countryside, you’ll find pockets of quiet beauty and moments to savor with your companions.
Practical tips for planning a trip to Provincia di Novara
Being strategic about when and where you stay helps you maximize every moment. Here are practical tips to guide your itinerary and ensure your vacation rental becomes the hub of your Piemonte adventures.
- Best time to visit — Spring brings blossoms and mild days for lake strolls and hill hikes. Autumn delivers harvest energy, wine tastings, and comfortable walking weather. Summer is ideal for water activities and long days in the sun, while winter offers cozy indoor moments by a fireplace in a well-appointed vacation rental.
- Where to stay for easy access — Choose a base with the right balance of water views, hillside scenery, and proximity to towns with markets and restaurants. An Orta San Giulio or Arona base puts you near the water and the island, while a hillside stay near Borgomanero offers a quick drive to wine stops and tranquil countryside.
- Getting there — The easiest international access is via Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), followed by a short drive to Novara. From Milan or Turin, fast trains connect you to Novara and Arona. Renting a car after arrival gives you the freedom to explore scenic detours and hidden spots that aren’t as accessible by public transit.
- Transit and transport inside the region — If your group wants to maximize time for activities, a car is the most practical option. Buses connect major towns, but the flexibility of a car makes day trips, vineyard visits, and spontaneous lake stops effortless and fun with friends.
- Language and currency — Italian is the local language, with many hospitality hosts fluent in English. The currency is the euro; credit cards are commonly accepted, though some family-run places in rural areas may prefer cash for small purchases at markets or farm stands.
- Booking and accommodations — Look for vacation rentals and holiday rentals that offer ample living space, outdoor areas, and a kitchen for group meals. A well-chosen rental becomes your group’s home base, where you can plan lake days, wine tastings, and sunset walks without the logistics of hotel check-ins and room-hopping.
- Safety and respect — Piemonte is welcoming and easygoing. Respect local customs, especially in rural farms and vineyards. When visiting religious sites or quiet villages, dress appropriately and be mindful of noise levels in the evenings, especially in smaller towns where residents value a calm atmosphere.
Find your perfect stay with searchandstay.com
For a curated selection of accommodations in Provincia di Novara and the surrounding Piemonte area, searchandstay.com makes it simple to discover vacation rentals and holiday rentals that match your style. Whether you want a lakeside apartment with a sun-drenched terrace, a hillside villa with panoramic views, or a rustic agriturismo that offers hands-on cooking experiences, you’ll find options that place you close to Isola San Giulio, the Collina Novarese wine country, and the charming town centers where evenings glow with conversation and good food. Use searchandstay.com to compare properties, check availability, and book directly with hosts who know the region best. Your Piemonte getaway starts with finding the right home base, and searchandstay.com helps you find it fast.