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.
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.
Semel in anno licet insanire
That's exactly what the ancient Romans used to say to justify going a little crazy and being carried away by the infectious euphoria at Carnival time.
IN TURIN THE “LUCI D’ARTISTA” ARE COMING ON
Even the New York Times is aware that Turin, the artistocratic city of the Savoy dynasty, deserves a foremost position among the Italian destinations worth visiting.
AN «ORPHAN» MOUNTAIN AND AN ANCIENT ELM
Do you fancy some nature or a little hiking? Or perhaps you would prefer to go for a ride on a mountain bike? This itinerary is just perfect for you!
CALDERARA: ART within a stone's throw of LA DARBIA
Let's draw inspiration from the art of a great master Antonio Calderara: his homestaed is now a museum rich in precious masterpieces at a short distance from La Darbia.
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY VESPA!
It is an important birthday for the most famous Italian scooter in the world. Why not take the opportunity to go for a Vespa ride on the roads around Lake Orta?
THE MAGIC OF A TOWER
The Buccione Tower has dominated the southern part of Lake Orta for centuries back; it recalls a fascinating medieval past and still awards us with a spectacular view of the Alpine..
I LOVE SHOPPING … IN MILAN
While here on holiday lots of our guests at La Darbia decide to dedicate a whole day to discovering Milan. Now that is something really worthwhile.
WALTER'S LAKES
A period of navigation that lasted two years and a graphic book with splendid pictures of both Lake Orta and Lake Maggiore; the extraordinary experience of the photographer Walter ..
WHITE HORIZONS
The Ossola Mountains, not so far from La Darbia, were the outstanding feature of the latest edition of Meridiani Montagne. Evocative scenery between snow and silence…