You seem to stumble into a nineteenth century time-warp when you enter the atmospheric village of Lagna; it may be just a kilometre from the massive valve and tap factories of San Maurizio d'Opaglio but the place feels a world away.

 

To get to the centre of the hamlet, take the small side-road that comes to a dead-end halt in the village or, even more atmospherically, you can take an alternative route which crosses a stream by means of a small ford.

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Comprising a scenic ensemble of peeling houses, there are no particular sights of interest other than a pleasant olde world feel, so take the cobbled lane downhill from the village centre to the lake. Notice the old mill house and the sluice in which water still flows. Down by the water, there is a tiny wedge of a beach and a lovely wooden jetty served by Lago Orta's ferry service.

If you are pressed for time, the beach makes a great spot for a quick dip but if you're looking for a place to while away an afternoon, we thoroughly recommend Lagna's second beach, just a couple of hundred metres along the lake shore and visible from the jetty, but only reachable by heading back inland.

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Look out for the car-park on the road down from San Maurizio; leave your car here and follow signs or the other beach-goers on their way to Lagna’s main beach: Prarolo.

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Prarolo

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It's a ten-minute plod from the car-park, but well worth the effort – you'll be rewarded by a spectacular view over the lake.

Prarolo beach is deservedly very popular with the young crowd. The beach area, backed by woods, is totally devoid of cars and houses. There is a narrow, stony beach, a woodland with sunny clearings and a wonderful, one-of-a-kind, wooden platform over the water for sunbathers and divers.

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If you’re looking for somewhere quiet to soak up some rays, don’t leave it too late though as Prarolo gets left in the shade much earlier than beaches on the sunnier eastern shore. Prarolo is very much a young person’s playground with impromptu football or volleyball games being organised amongst the trees and plenty of shouting as boys show off their diving technique from the pier.

Also, unless you arrive early and are able to grab a spot on the wooden pier, a thick towel or even a beach lounger will certainly help you forget the stone-strewn beach.

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The views from Lagna beach are unrivalled, especially in the late afternoon when the sun loses its intensity and San Giulio island and its stunning convent are magically side-lit, clearly standing out against the mountains in the background. The little island is so picturesque from this angle that you won't be able to keep your finger off your camera button.

 

Good news for dog lovers

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Prarolo is one of the few beaches where dogs are allowed, provided they are kept on a lead.