La Darbia Blog
Unforeseen places, which are most unlikely to be found in tourist guides. Follow our posts and you will discover places, people, products and everything that makes our region unique.
A WALK BETWEEN THE SPIRES
A stroll along the terrace of Milan's famous cathedral? What a romantic tale… (especially at sunset… whether you are in love or not!)
ANGERA AND ITS ROMANTIC ROCCA
A scalloped castle, a collection of dolls and a series of fairytale weddings …… this is the Rocca of Angera, a virtually magical place!
BREAKFAST ... WITH A VIEW
A special breakfast that you will find in La Darbia, a pleasure to savor in total relaxation and a way to start the day with energy and sweetness.
IT'S NOT SUMMER WITHOUT THE «FESTIVAL OF FIREWORKS»
A season full of lights and sounds, a riot of colors and melodies, a true pyrotechnic event: it is the most explosive festival of the summer!
PASSWORD? #SHOPPINGTIME
Almost all of us have been bitten by the shopping bug and, particularly, when we are on holidays we tend to indulge and pamper ourselves with precious, little, well-deserved gifts...
ORTA'S SACRO MONTE , A SPIRITUAL PLACE
Walking along the Sacro Monte paths, past the ancient frescoed chapels and the wonderful plants in the park, makes you feel as if you were in a corner of Paradise.
A HERMITAGE OVERLOOKING THE WATER
The old “Santa Caterina del Sasso” monastery, built high above Lake Maggiore, offers breathtaking views.
ARONA IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA
A colourful stroll, a colossal statue and an air acrobatics show over the lake are among the surprises Arona has in store for its visitors.
MILAN, PASSION for the NAVIGLI
The modern-day, vibrant heart of the city revolves around the canals, planned by Leonardo, in the New Darsena among the typical tenement buildings and artists ateliers.
TODAY I AM GOING FOR A RUN
One thing for sure is that the weighing scales have no mercy… after so many big meals at Easter, it is time to get back into shape! Wide awake at dawn, technical clothing, sneakers..
A «BALCONY OVER LAKE ORTA»
The Madonna del Sasso sanctuary is just like a huge balcony towering over Lake Orta: formidably striking it dominates the entire area and offers spectacular views.
A DAY AT THE SPA
A day spent at the spa resort Terme di Premia bathing in the salubrious water, pampered by the treatments at the wellness centre, submerged in the quiet of the mountains, is a trul..
MOTTARONE a MOUNTAIN BY THE LAKE
For those of us who grew up at its foot, Mottarone is a mountain par excellence, with its perpetually fresh air, its green grassy fields and the distinctive rounded summit which st..
OUTLET & CO
There are many places where you can purchase glamorous things at reasonable prices by shopping smartly in manufacturers' outlet stores nearby the lake.
OCTOBER TEMPTATIONS
On Lake Orta the magic of autumn is approaching, October awaits us with its delights: enveloping fragrant smells, warm colours and rich flavours enrapture us before the harsh winte..
The emotion of hanging off a wire
Do you enjoy hair raising, spine chilling adventures? Do you adore the thrill of high speed? Is danger what your job is about? Then this place is definitely for you!
“CHIM CHIMINEY CHIM CHIM CHEREE…” THE FESTIVAL OF THE “COAL-BLACK” MEN
«Or blow me a kiss and that's lucky too» sang the chimney sweep in the famous film, Mary Poppins.
STRESA, THE PEARL OF LAKE MAGGIORE
Relaxation and charm await you in Stresa, regal witness to the grandeur of former days
Work up an appetite for some good food!
Many of our La Darbia friends refer to us for advice about restaurants and other trendy locales around Lake Orta. There can be no better way to crown an otherwise perfect holiday ..
#ONLY GOOD VIBES
A great atmosphere and only the best of music at the AmenoBlues Festival, makes this event one of the most exciting in the coming summer.
My secret place
As a young boy of about 11 years of age I entered a writing competition. It meant I had to do "composition" As a child of the 1950's in those days this meant...
SPRING AT VILLA TARANTO
The Villa Taranto Botanical Gardens are one of the most beautiful and renowned attractions in our area: they are simply charming
OUT and ABOUT in NOVARA
Near Lake Orta, set among plains and surrounded by rice fields, Novara welcomes visitors with style and reveals its charm slowly but surely.
ORTA, A DIVINE WATERCOLOUR
Honoured by many poets and writer, Orta always exudes an air of antiquated and romantic charm.