Orta San Giulio is a quaint town on the edges of Lake Orta in Italy’s northwest Piedmont region. I spent eight weeks road-tripping in Italy. Two weeks were spent exploring Italy’s Northern Lakes.
Lake Orta sits nestled next to the popular Lake Maggiore, but I would argue that Lake Orta and, particularly, the little town of Orta San Giulio, are a little more special and definitely worth a visit!
Why? Orta San Giulio has a charming vibe, and it’s perfect for culture enthusiasts thanks to beautiful architecture like the Palazzo della Comunità and religious sites like the Basilica di San Giulio and the Sacre Monte di Orta.
It’s also a dream for romantic getaways, thanks to lovely enotecas like Al Boeuc, sunset boat trips and Island visits to Isola San Giulio.
Orta San Giulio is perfect for a day trip, and we spent hours enjoying the lovely town. Here’s everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip.
Visit Orta San Giulio Guide: Our Favourite Lake In Piedmont, Italy
In this post, I’m sharing our comprehensive guide to visiting Orta San Giulio in Italy. Topics include:
- Reasons why we think Orta San Giulio is worth visiting.
- The top attractions and things not to be missed, so you can decide if it’s somewhere you’d enjoy.
- A guide to planning your visit, including how to get there, where to stay, places to eat and more!
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Is Orta San Giulio Worth Visiting?
Yes, we absolutely think Orta San Giulio is worth visiting! The town is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful towns in Northern Italy, and after spending the day there, we have to agree!
It’s a fairly small town but in a stunning location, which, for some reason, often gets missed by tourists. When we were there in late September, it was busy but not crowded; we didn’t have to make reservations, and there was no queue for the boats to take you around Lake Orta.
The town held a relaxing old-age glow that we loved. It’s steeped in history and features a handful of cultural attractions, but Orta San Giulio isn’t just about history and culture. It’s also a tranquil oasis that offers a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Since we enjoy peaceful retreats set amongst nature, Orta San Giulio quickly became a favourite of ours. It’s built on a peninsula that juts out into the lake with idyllic views of Isola San Giulio. The island is home to a community of Benedictine nuns; they have taken a vow of silence, but you’re still able to visit the island.
We aren’t the only ones who think it’s worth visiting; Orta San Giulio used to be visited by eminent writers, poets, and philosophers such as Browning, Nietschke, and Lord Byron, all of whom fell for the town’s tranquil charm.
Who Will Love Orta San Giulio?
If you’re a lover of art, history, and nature, this charming destination is an absolute must-visit. The lake is surrounded by mountains and greenery, and the air is fresh. It’s a perfect spot for families looking to relax and unwind or for couples looking for a romantic getaway.
Orta San Giulio Map
Where Exactly Is Orta San Giulio?
In the northwest of Italy, on the eastern shores of Lake Orta, you’ll find Orta San Giulio. The small town is nestled on a peninsular within the Piedmont region and in the province of Novara. It’s about thirty minutes from Stresa on Lake Maggiore, one and a half hours from Milan and one hour forty-five from Turin.
The Best Things To Do In Orta San Giulio
In Orta San Giulio, you can take leisurely strolls along the lake’s shoreline, enjoy a boat trip over to a Benedictine monastery, or simply kick back and soak up the peaceful atmosphere. With its natural beauty, beautiful architecture, and laid-back vibe, Orta San Giulio is a true hidden gem.
1. The Lakeside Walk: Via 11 Settembre
We parked for the night halfway up the Via al Sacro Monte and walked down from there to join the lakeside path, which we followed to Orta San Giulio.
It’s a lovely walk lined with 19th-century neoclassical villas, and since we hardly saw other people, we could enjoy the peacefulness of the lake and the surrounding mountains all to ourselves. We noticed many gardens, some overgrown, others perfectly manicured, sloping down to the lake with rustic pontons jutting out.
The lake is known as one of the cleanest in Italy, and we could certainly see the water was very clear.
⭐ Pro tip >> To reach the town, you’ll need to follow Via 11 Settembre, which joins Via Ettore Motta, leading to Via Motta and finally to the Piazza Motta – the town’s main square. The walk is approximately 1.40km long and is flat and easy to navigate. It’s definitely worth taking this route to reach Orta San Giulio town.
2. Enjoy Piazza Motta
The town’s main square is Piazza Motta. You’ll notice that the centre of Orta San Giulio is completely pedestrianised, which makes it a really safe and comfortable space for families. The streets leading to the piazza are cobbled, narrow and picturesque, but the piazza opens up with spectacular views of Isola San Orta and Pella across the lake.
The town square is surrounded by buildings overlooking the lake, but it’s still quite lovely, with park benches and a row of trees for shade. There are plenty of restaurants and shops with lakeside views. The Palazzo Della Comunita, the town’s gem, is also located here.
🌟 My top pick >> Explore the charming Orta San Giulio on this private tour with a local guide. Visit Isola San Giulio and learn about the town’s history as you stroll along cobbled streets.
3. Admire The Palazzo Della Comunita
On the north side of Piazza Motta, there is a beautiful building called Palazzo Della Comunita. It was built in 1582 and used to be the town hall. The building has a ground floor with a portico, which is a roof supported by columns. The town market was held underneath, while the first floor was used as a meeting room for council members.
Today, this historic building is a popular tourist attraction and features a blend of classic and rustic architectural styles. On the facade, you’ll notice frescoes, including the coats of arms of the bishops, the coat of arms of Orta, and two sundials. You can take a photo from the top of the external staircase.
Although the upper floor was closed during our visit, we were informed that it houses several artefacts from the region. If it’s open when you visit, be sure to take a look around!
Address: Piazza Mario Motta, 50, 28016 Orta San Giulio NO, Italy.
4. Visit The Wednesday Market
We were also told there was a market every Wednesday at Piazza Motta; we love markets and always try to visit them while we’re travelling. However, we missed the one in Orta San Giulio, but we did visit the Thursday market in Omegna, a town at the north end of Lake Orta.
I imagine they are very similar in attracting the same vendors. Markets are wonderful, vibrant places filled with delicious smells where you can expect lots of local produce, so it’s a good time to stock up. We found that many stalls had card readers, although it’s always a good idea to take cash.
If you can’t make a Wednesday visit to Orta San Giulio, it’s worth trying to visit another. Here’s a quick list of the markets around Lake Orta and Lake Maggiore:
| Location | Distance from Orta San Giulio | Market Day |
| Arona, Lake Maggiore | 30 minutes by car | Tuesday |
| San Maurizio d’Opaglio, Lake Orta | 20 minutes by car | Tuesday |
| Pettenasco, Lake Orta | 5 min by car | Tuesday |
| Gravellona Toce, Lake Orta | 20 minutes by car | Wednesday |
| Luino, Lake Maggiore | 1 hour by car | Wednesday |
| Omegna, Lake Orta | 15 minutes by car | Thursday |
| Borgomanero, Lake Orta | 20 minutes by car | Friday |
| Stresa, Lake Maggiore | 25 minutes by car | Friday |
| Verbania Intra, Lake Maggiore | 45 minutes by car | Saturday |
| Cannobio, Lake Maggiore | 1 hour by car | Sunday |
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5. Visit San Giulio Island (Isola Di San Giulio)
A visit to San Giulio Island (Isola di San Giulio) is probably the most common attraction in Orta San Giulio and features on most guides, so, of course, we pre-booked a boat ride.
It was a perfectly calm motorboat ride, and even Jack, who you might know isn’t a fan of boats (but still came island-hopping around south Thailand with me; gotta love him), said the ride was pleasant!
We did have a sunny day with blue skies, so the water was pretty flat. But even if you’re not a fan of boats, it’s such a short journey that it’s worth a visit, if only to see the tomb of San Giulio (Saint Julius).
How To Reach The Island?
At Piazza Motta, there is a row of pontons where you can catch the boats that will take you to Isola San Giulio. This is also the location for other boat rides around the lake. The island is located about five minutes from Piazza Motta, so you won’t be on the boat for long.
You can pre-book tickets, but it’s also possible to purchase tickets as you get on. Depending on the time of year, you might want to consider purchasing tickets in advance. July and August are the busiest, alongside Sundays, Wednesdays and national holidays.
How Much Are Tickets?
The return trip from Orta to Isola San Giulio is €5 per person. It’s a small shuttle boat which connects the island to the mainland and departs about every 15 minutes.
Lake Orta Boat Trips
There are also a number of alternative tickets which allow you to explore more of the lake. For example, you can visit Pella, tour the ancient villas or take a panoramic tour of Lake Orta.
Website: navigazioneorta.it
6. Visit Basilica di San Giulio
The first place to visit on Isola San Orta is the Basilica di San Giulio, a Roman Catholic church situated in the heart of the tiny island. According to legend, it was the last of the one hundred churches established by Julius of Novara and his brother Julian, and you’ll find his tomb (of Saint Julius), on the lower level.
During archaeological excavations conducted inside the church, remnants of an ancient basilica (dating back to the 5th to 6th century) and a small north-oriented chapel with a single apse were discovered.
As we explored, we noted the church contained various frescoes and vaulted ceilings and boasted a valuable 12th-century Romanesque ambon sculpted in green serpentine marble.
Today, the basilica is home to a Benedictine monastery that was established in 1976. It’s definitely worth a visit while you’re in Orta San Giulio.
It’s free to visit.
7. Explore Isola di San Giulio
After you’ve visited the Basilica of San Giulio, the next thing to do is wander along the narrow cobble-stone alleys. You’ll notice there isn’t much happening on the island. Instead, this is a place to renew the soul in a peaceful oasis.
The island presents a calm and tranquil vibe, perfect for reflection. There is one route circling the island, but you can go in either direction. The walk around the island is known as the Pathway of Silence (La Via del Silenzio) and is waymarked by black signs featuring biblical passages.
⭐ Pro tip >> In total, you should plan for half an hour on the island (it really is small). There is one restaurant that has a terrace overlooking Orta San Giulio and a couple of small craft shops, but other than that, you’ll be left alone to explore.
8. Boat Trip To Pella
Continuing on, it’s possible to resume your journey across the lake to Pella. We didn’t do this, but had we known, we would have. Pella looks like a lovely, laid-back lakeside town with beautiful views of Orta San Giulio.
⭐ Pro tip >> If you’re visiting, make time for a stroll along Via Lungo Lago, Pella’s lakeside promenade, and stop for a quick refreshment before heading back to Orta San Giulio.
9. San Rocco Church
Back in the quirky town of Orta San Giulio, you might be interested in stopping by San Rocco Church. It’s inside a run-down-looking building along Via Motta. You’ll actually pass it before you reach the Piazza Motta if you’re walking along the lakeside path.
It was a charming church, with a lovely atmosphere and soft music playing when we visited. We lit a candle and sat for a few minutes admiring the simple yet beautiful interiors before continuing on with our day.
10. Wander The Side Streets
There is no better way to explore the Baroque town of Orta San Giulio than wandering around the streets and alleys on foot. This is usually when we find the most adorable hidden gems, such as Al Boeuc Bistro.
Not only that, but this is a great opportunity to gawk at the architecture and visit other attractions in the town, like the Church of Saint Mary the Assumption at the top of Via Caire Albertoletti. The street to the church is wonderfully cobbled and slopes upwards, leading to the church at the very top with mountain views.
⭐ Pro tip >> Other notable streets to visit are Via Olina, Via Bersani and Via Bossi. All three link up from the main Via Motta and are filled with cages, shops and towering buildings. Lastly, Via Geovanetti will lead you away from the town’s hub to continue walking around the peninsula.
11. Purchase Local Products
As we strolled along the streets, we couldn’t help but purchase some local specialities. In Orta San Giulio, shopping is a must! There are lots of small shops and delis selling all sorts of produce from the region. Piedmont is renowned for its wine, but cheese, porcini mushrooms, and salami are on sale in every nook and cranny.
But you’ll also find gift items, jewellers, art galleries, bookstores and upholstery shops, all with an antique sort of flair. Keep in mind that much of Italy is closed on Mondays, especially in these smaller, less touristy spots!
Since we were travelling Itay on a budget, it was super hard to resist all the goodies that surrounded us. It was so hard that I didn’t do a very good job of resisting. We enjoyed plenty of wine and cheese!
12. Hike To Sacro Monte Di Orta
After you’ve finished exploring the town, there’s really only one more place you need to head to: Sacro Monte di Orta. It features as a top attraction on most guides, but if I’m completely honest, it was probably our least favourite thing to do in Orta San Giulio.
We visited many Sacro Monte (sacred mountains) while travelling in Italy, and this one was just missing something for us. We much preferred the Sacro Monte in Varallo.
Anyhow, it is worth a visit if you enjoy religious art and can appreciate the frescoes more than we can, and it does have one of the best photo spots in the whole of Orta San Giulio. So, if it’s just to grab the perfect photo, it’s worth adding to your itinerary.
Sacro Monte Di Orta
The Sacro Monte di Orta is a group of twenty chapels located on a hilltop overlooking Lake Orta. Each chapel tells a story about the life of Saint Francis through sculptures and paintings, which you can visit one by one as you follow the path around the site.
The chapels were built in 1590 thanks to Abbot Amico Canobio from Novara and Capuchin architect Cleto from Castelletto Ticino. They invited famous artists to work on the project to create realistic scenes using both early seventeenth-century Lombard art and lively theatrical Baroque style.
The route ends at the Church of San Nicolao, a proto-Romanesque building, which we actually visited first. It houses an ancient group of wooden statues representing Our Lady of Mercy and is adorned with beautiful frescoes and vaulted ceilings.
Address: Sacro Monte di Orta, Via al Sacro Monte, 28016 Orta San Giulio NO, Italy
Website: sacrimonti.org
When To Visit?
You can walk along a path and enjoy beautiful views of the lake and San Giulio Island.
Weekdays: Monday to Friday, 9.30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Weekends: Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
13. Day Trip To Varallo
Since I mentioned Varallo above, I thought I’d dive a little deeper into the town and include it as a day trip from Orta San Giulio. It will take about 45 minutes by car, but it’s quite a scenic drive along a meandering road through the forest.
We loved Varallo, and actually, I wish we had spent more time there. That said, it can be seen in a day, and if you have time, I recommend visiting.
⭐ Pro tip >> The top sites include the Sacro Monte di Varallo (which you can either walk or catch a cable car to), Ponte Antonini (a bridge with lovely views) and Via Pio Alberganti (a small alley filled with antique shops).
14. Go Swimming In Lake Orta
Did you know that Lake Orta is one of the top ten best lakes for swimming in Europe? That’s a fantastic achievement since Europe is huge and filled with many stunning lakes.
There are a number of sandy and/ or pebble beaches and lidos to choose from; the closest is Ortello Beach (Spiaggia di Sassi), but the most popular is Miami Beach; further south, there you can rent pedal boats and canoes. Other notable swimming sites include Bagnera Orta and Gozzano Beach.
15. Arrange A Bike Trip
We saw a lot of people biking while we were at Lake Orta, but unless you’re an avid cyclist, I imagine the hilly roads can be quite challenging. However, if you’ve got an e-bike, I reckon it could be quite fun!
To add a little adventure to your trip, add this e-bike trip and local waterfall visit to your itinerary. You’ll get to enjoy Lake Orta from a local’s point of view, go off the beaten track, explore nature and finish with an aperitif before tasting local dishes.
⭐ Pro tip >> And what makes this bike trip even better? It departs just five minutes from Orta San Giulio in the next town along, Pettenasco. We actually spent one night here at the Campeggio Allegro; it was great, as we had a private beach!
Our Experience At Orta San Giulio
We visited Orta San Giulio in late September and had excellent weather. To be honest, we had fantastic weather for the majority of our trip through Italy, but in September, the weather was perfect, around 24°C/75.2°F and blue skies.
For me, Orta San Giulio was a little treasure that we stumbled upon, deciding at the last minute to make a stop. We were heading for the Valsesia Valley for mountain hiking. Having already spent over a week in Lake Maggiore and a day trip in Omegna, we weren’t expecting Orta San Giulio to be much different.
However, even though they are very close, Orta San Giulio provided a completely different atmosphere than that in Lake Maggiore or even Omegna, which is on Lake Orta and the northernmost tip.
I found it more peaceful, escaping the hustle and bustle of Lake Maggiore’s popular towns like Stresa, Arona and Verbania. It was tranquil, charming and pleasantly old-fashioned. We enjoyed walking along the lake, exploring the town’s quirky allure and walking along the Pathway of Silence on Isola San Giulio.
With enough activities to fill up a day, it’s also perfect for a relaxing day trip if you’re staying at Lake Maggiore.
Planning Your Trip To Orta San Giulio
If you’ve decided that Orta San Giulio is somewhere you’d like to visit, I’ve put together a quick travel guide to help you plan your trip. This includes tips and practical information on how to get there, when to visit, top hotels and places to eat.
How To Get To Orta San Giulio
It’s very easy to get to with well-connected roads. The SP229 road runs along the eastern shore of Lake Orta, connecting Borgomanero to Gravellona Toce; Orta San Giulio sits in between the two larger towns. This road is not tolled.
If you’re arriving from Milan, consider a private taxi transfer for an easy and comfortable journey to Orta San Giulio.
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Parking At Orta San Giulio
For daytime parking, there are a number of car parks.
- The closest and most accessible to the Piazza Motta is Parking Diania (shown as Parking Basement). It costs €2 per hour or €10 per day.
- Otherwise, there is the multistorey Piazzale Paraondo, which is the same price but is slightly further away.
You will notice blue lines at the car parks; this indicates a paid space. If you’re lucky and find white lines, it’s a free spot. Stay away from yellow as these are permitted parking.
If you’re driving from Stresa, Lake Maggiore, it will take you approximately half an hour to get there. It’s also possible to visit Orta San Giulio on an organised tour from Lake Maggiore, or you can arrange for a walking tour once you’ve arrived at Orta San Giulio.
We parked for the night at Area di Sosta Camper. It has space for eight campers, although parking is a little tricky. If you’re visiting in a camper, I suggest reversing in through the exit, as the entrance is extremely steep and on a corner.
⭐ Pro tip >> There is also a large space here for cars, which is free. It is halfway up the hill to the Sacro Monte, so be prepared for a downhill/uphill walk to town and back. It took us about half an hour to reach the Piazza Motto from our parking via the lakeside walk.
How Long Should You Stay
Orta San Gilio can be visited on a day trip. It’s a small town with enough activities to keep you busy for the whole day. However, if you choose to base your trip at Orta San Giulio, there are boat trips, water activities and day trips to other towns and lakes to keep you busy.
You could go for an overnight trip, which would allow you to catch the sunset while having a tipple. There are many restaurants overlooking the lake, and the sun sets behind the mountain in front of Piazza Motta.
Helpful Accommodation Ideas
- Locanda di Orta Hotel: – Check and review prices on Booking│ Book a room on Agoda.
- OrtaFlats – Gli Archi: Check and review prices on Booking│ Book a room on Agoda.
- Relais & Chateaux Villa Crespi Check and review prices on Booking│ Book a room on Agoda.
- B&B Al Dom: Check and review prices on Booking│ Book a room on Agoda.
Where To Eat And Drink
One of the best places to eat is at the Piazza Motta. There are numerous cafes and restaurants in the square with non-obstructed views of Lake Orta. Otherwise, there are a number of other places hidden along the smaller streets. There are also a handful of fast-food spots like pizzerias and deep-fried seafood.
Check out these top-rated places to eat in Orta San Giulio:
- Focacceria Ligure ($)
- Pan & Vino Gelataria ($)
- Pan & Vino Enogastronomia ($$)
- Enoteca re di Coppa ($$) – wine bar
- Al Boeuc ($$) – wine bar
- AM Bistro ($$$)
When Should You Visit
Although Orta San Giulio isn’t a crowded tourist spot, it can get busy. Weekends, when the locals arrive from nearby cities, like Milan, make it busier. Bank holidays, July and August, are also the most crowded.
We visited in late September, and it was perfect. Therefore, September to early October are the best months to visit Lake Orta. May and June are also good times to visit if you want to avoid crowds.
If you want the best weather, the best time to visit is between July and September.
Resources For Italy
Is it your first time visiting Italy? We’ve written lots of useful posts to help you plan your trip. You can check them all out on our Italy Page here, but below are some of our most popular articles:
- Read this post if you want to visit the best Botanical Gardens in Italy, on Lake Maggiore!
- We spent a lot of time in Tuscany; find out what we thought of Florence here.
- For your next trip, consider visiting France’s Alsace region.
- If you love charming medieval towns, Alsace is full of beautiful places to visit!
- We can’t rave enough about how much we enjoyed Strasbourg; find out why here.
- Make sure you plan your trip to Italy at the right time for your adventures!
⭐ Pro tip >> If you’re going to be using your phone, don’t forget about overseas data roaming. You’ll get charged for using your data. Try Airalo’s eSIMs, and download a digital data pack. It’s quick and easy; great if you’re in a hurry.
In Summary: Visiting Orta San Giulio Guide
As always, I finish this guide with a few final thoughts about visiting Orta San Giulio and why I think it’s worth it. It was a beautiful visit; we had a warm day, and the sun was bouncing off the water. From the walk along the lake to exploring the narrow streets, Orta San Giulio was like we stepped back in time. It is charming.
We enjoyed exploring the town and soaking up the views. The trip over to Isola San Giulio was calm and peaceful, as was our walk around the island. It’s possible to see it all in a day. We spent the afternoon in Orta San Giulio and then the morning at Sacre Monte di Orta, but only because we arrived at midday.
Plan your trip well, arrive early, and you’ll be able to see it all in one day without feeling rushed. That said, watching the sunset while sipping a fruity white would’ve been idyllic. We had our own charcuterie board and wine that night, although the trees obstructed our view.
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