Isola San Giulio, an island in Lake Orta, is one of northern Italy’s best secrets! Lake Orta is part of the Italian Lakes District in northern Italy’s Piedmont region. Yet, despite how close it is to Lake Maggiore and Lake Como, it’s often overlooked.
But for those travelers in the know, surprises await. The tiny island has a spectacular 12th-century basilica and a circular pathway with secluded passages stemming off down toward the lapping waters of Lake Orta. From the shores, you’re surrounded by the crystal lake waters and shimmering Alpine vistas.
The history of this charmed island, dating back to the 4th century, is as mysterious and fascinating as a visit to it is today.
So, use the travel-tested tips in this guide to plan your visit to Lake Orta and Isola San Giulio. I live part of the year just an hour’s drive from the Island of San Giulio in Piemonte and have spent a lot of time getting to know beautiful Lake Orta.
With even half a day, you can experience this fairy tale island. I promise it’ll be one of the most intriguing and unforgettable spots you’ll find in northern Italy.
Where is Isola San Giulio?
Isola San Giulio is in the region of Piemonte in northern Italy and is the only island on spectacular Lake Orta. The lake is part of the Italian Lakes District along with other popular favorites including Lake Garda, Lake Como, and Lake Maggiore.
Lago d’Orta, as it’s known in Italian, is only 30 minutes from Lake Maggiore and 90 minutes from Lake Como. In fact, if you’ve spent time at Lake Maggiore, it’s easy to combine your time in the area with Lake Orta and the Isola San Giulio.
From Turin and Milan, Lake Orta is also about 90 minutes by car making it an enjoyable day trip from either city. If you’re in Piemonte enjoying the wines and truffles of the Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato or sightseeing in Genoa, Lake Orta and Isola San Giulio are about 2 hours away.
How to Get to Orta San Giulio and Isola San Giulio
The town of Orta San Giulio is one of the main towns along Lake Orta and the best access point for Isola San Giulio. The best way to get there is by car which also gives you the freedom to make other stops around the lake like at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sacro Monte di Orta.
You can park in Orta San Giulio outside of the historic center of the town. There are metered and paid parking areas. From there, it’s a short walk down the hill towards the town center.
From Piazza Motta, the main square in Orta San Giulio, boats take visitors to Isola San Giulio in just 5 minutes. The round trip ticket costs just 5€ with boats departing every 15 minutes or so. You can even book your boat ticket in advance to avoid any hassle.
You can also reach Isola San Giulio from other towns like Pella or even Omegna at Lake Orta’s northern tip. Ferries shuttle visitors around the lake which is a great way to see more of Lake Orta without driving.
If you don’t have a car, you can also take a train directly to the Orta-Miasino station from Novara and Domodossola. There are no direct trains from Milan or Turin so you’ll have to connect.
Once you arrive at the train station, it’s about a 1-mile walk to Piazza Motta in the center of Orta San Giulio.
History of Isola San Giulio
The story of the Island of San Giulio began around the year 390. It’s told that the island was a scary place infested with snakes and cold-blooded monsters.
Unable to find someone to take him there by boat, a man named Giulio (later San Giulio, or Saint Julius) sailed over to the island on his cloak and cast them from the island himself.
It’s for this reason the island is named after him and houses the Basilica in his name with his remains.
Archaeological evidence also points to humans on the island since Neolithic times. After the Roman Empire fell, the island may have also been a community of non-Christians that San Giulio may have wanted to build a church to convert those living on the island.
Things to Do on Isola San Giulio
Isola San Giulio is small and isn’t about checking off a to-do list. Instead, take the time to experience the island’s highlights while soaking up the tranquility that infuses the island.
Basilica di San Giulio
As you disembark from the boat, you’ll naturally filter towards the 12th-century Basilica di San Giulio which was built on top of an older church from the 5th century built by San Giulio.
On my first visit to the Basilica, I noted how the Romanesque church with its bell towers had such a simple appearance. I wasn’t prepared for how magnificent the inside would be!
You’ll find some of the most striking frescoes of the Apostles on the walls and domed ceiling you will ever see. When you realize these frescoes date back to between the 14th and 16th centuries, the vibrant colors and clarity of these frescoes are even that much more impressive.
Take your time. There’s a lot to wonder over in this gem. Be sure to admire the 4-pillared pulpit with its animal carvings that are as old as the church itself.
The Basilica is a treasure trove of relics, too. In particular, walk down the steps from the inside of the church to the crypt below where the remains of San Giulio are laid to rest.
The Way of Silence
At the center of the island is a Benedictine monastery where about 70 nuns live a life of prayer and silence. Looping around this monastery is a walkway called The Way of Silence. It’s a meditative walk meant to be done in silence. As you go, there are signs written in 4 languages with sayings to encourage reflection and inspiration.
It’s up to you which way you walk the path. You can read the signs either way either for messages about the power of silence or inspirational pieces of advice to meditate over.
Take a few photos of the walk if you’d like. But resist the temptation to be distracted by anything else. The walk is relatively short, taking just about 10 minutes to complete if you walk straight through but it’s worth it to pause to absorb Isola San Giulio’s solitude.
If you’re like me, you’ll be drawn in by what these few moments of silence can do for the mind. One of the signs read, “In silence, you receive all” and I couldn’t help realizing how true this could be.
After walking one way, I went back the way I came to read the meditative quotes of inspiration. My favorite? “Walls are in the mind.”
Ristorante San Giulio
Ristorante San Giulio is the only restaurant on Isola San Giulio. And after spending time at the Basilica and walking The Way of Silence, its idyllic setting with lakefront views is the perfect way to linger longer on this serene island.
The more you travel in Italy, you realize the beauty of the food is its regionality. Ristorante San Giulio serves classic Piemontese dishes like Vitello Tonnato (thinly sliced veal with tuna sauce) and agnolotti but also highlights the flavors of the lake’s freshwater fish.
Make reservations (you can also call or email directly) to ensure you get a table
ProTip: The Basilica di San Giulio is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday-Sunday. On Mondays, the Basilica is only open from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Similarly, the restaurant’s hours change with the seasons to accommodate the busier summer months and the quieter off-season months. Be sure to check opening days and times during your visit.
Nearby Lake Orta and the Island of San Giulio
Isola San Giulio is not to be missed on a visit to Lake Orta. But, as you plan your northern Italy trip, a few other places should be on your radar.
Sacro Monte di Orta
In addition to the island and the nearest mainland town, Orta San Giulio, you should not miss the UNESCO-recognized Sacro Monte di Orta.
The Sacri Monti are a set of 9 sites, 7 of which are in the region of Piemonte (the other 2 are in nearby Lombardy), with collections of small chapels telling stories from the Bible and about the lives of different saints. The Sacro Monte di Orta tells the story of St. Francis across 20 chapels.
What makes these chapels really spectacular are the life-like sculptures inside that bring the scene to life. Together with the frescoes, each chapel is like its own human-sized diorama. The paintings and sculptures were created over a series of years with the earliest beginning in the 16th century.
As with all the Sacri Monti, the chapels sit atop hills or mountain peaks. The Sacro Monte di Orta is positioned on a hilltop that also offers sweeping views of Lake Orta and Isola San Giulio. Even if you have time to visit a few chapels, it’s worth making the drive up the hill for the gorgeous lake panoramas.
As with the visit to the Basilica di San Giulio, the Sacro Monte di Orta is free to visit on your own.
Villa Crespi
This 3 Michelin Star restaurant is located in Orta San Giulio, though not the historic center. Only about 140 or so restaurants in the world have earned this many stars so it’s pretty amazing that one of them is right here just steps from Lake Orta. If you’re a foodie, this is definitely an experience to consider!
ProTip: Villa Crespi is also a hotel with 14 rooms if you’re looking for an upscale stay at Lake Orta.
Madonna del Sasso Sanctuary
Perched at over 2000 feet over Lake Orta, the views of Lake Orta and Isola San Giulio from this church are stunning. If you find yourself on Lake Orta’s western side, it’s worth the drive up to swoon over some of the best views of Lake Orta.
How to Plan a Visit to Lake Orta and Isola San Giulio
I understand that your northern Italy itinerary is likely chock full of amazing things to do. You could plan a visit to Orta San Giulio and Isola San Giulio, with a short stop at the Sacro Monte di Orta for the views in half a day.
If you can, though, I recommend dedicating a full day to Lake Orta so that you’re not rushing.
Ideally, you’d spend the morning enjoying the town of Orta San Giulio and Isola San Giulio. You can enjoy the scenic Piazza Motta, the churches, shops, and lakefront views before making your way to the island. It’s also easier from a parking perspective to be one of the first visitors of the day. Wednesday is the Orta San Giulio’s market day and weekends are busier than weekdays.
Plan to have lunch at Ristorante San Giulio or, if you prefer, one of the restaurants in the town on the mainland. Afterward, enjoy Lake Orta either by swimming at one of the lakeshore beaches (Lake Orta is one of the cleanest lakes in Europe!), touring the lake by boat, hiking on one of the many trails around the lake, or taking extra time to stroll and shop in Orta San Giulio.
Before leaving the area, visit the Sacro Monte di Orta. Allow yourself an hour or so to admire the birds-eye views of Lake Orta and Isola San Giulio.
Where to Stay
Although you may find one or 2 villas for rent on Isola San Giulio, I wouldn’t recommend staying on the island. I’d recommend staying in or near Orta San Giulio so that you have more access to activities and restaurants. You could also stay at Lake Maggiore and easily go between both lakes.
If Lake Orta is your final lake stop before heading to another place in Piemonte or perhaps Liguria or Lombardy, you could spend the day at Lake Orta and make the drive to a hotel in your new location to position yourself for the next day.
Hotel San Rocco was part of a 16th-century monastery. Its spectacular lakeside position with views of Isola San Giulio and a rooftop garden is my top Lake Orta hotel recommendation.
Near Lake Maggiore, I recommend looking at Hotel Splendid. The hotel is on the shores of the lake with its own beachfront and is just a short distance from ferries that will take you to the Borromean Islands.
Is Isola San Giulio Worth Visiting?
Absolutely, yes! Isola San Giulio on Piemonte’s Lake Orta is a special place away from the crowds of Lake Como or Lake Garda.
If you’re traveling in northern Italy, especially in Piedmont or doing a Lakes District tour, don’t miss the chance to visit!
What are your questions about Isola San Giulio?
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