Isola San Giulio, Lake Orta:
What to Do, How to Get There & Whether It’s Worth Visiting
Lake Orta (Italian: Lago d’Orta) often gets overshadowed by its famous neighbors, Lake Maggiore and Lake Como. But for many, it’s still one of Piedmont’s true hidden gems: smaller, quieter, and refreshingly authentic.
The lake’s most famous sight is Isola San Giulio, a tiny island right in the middle of the water, well-known among Italians, but still off the radar for most international visitors.
So, is it really worth the trip? Or is the island actually crowded and overrated?
I spent a weekend in October at Lake Orta and of course had to check it out for myself. I took the ferry across, visited the basilica, walked the circular path twice, and picked up a few things you’ll want to know before you go.
In this post, you’ll get my honest take and practical tips: Which boat connection makes sense (and when)? How much time should you plan for? And what’s the real vibe on the so-called “Island of Silence”?
How to get to Isola San Giulio
Reaching the tiny island is easy: It’s only about a five-minute ride from Orta San Giulio, whether you take the public ferry or a small motorboat.
On my first day, I chose the ferry and ended up waiting until 10:20 a.m. before I could finally cross. By the time I arrived, the island was already getting busy.
Looking back, I’d definitely recommend taking one of the early motorboats, especially on weekends or during peak season.
They start running earlier, are more flexible, and get you to the island before the tour groups show up. That way, you can stroll along the narrow island path in peace and soak up the quiet atmosphere, without the crowds.
Boat options for visiting Isola San Giulio
Public ferry (Navigazione Lago d’Orta)
The larger boats of Navigazione Lago d’Orta depart right from the small harbor in Orta San Giulio. They don’t just go to Isola San Giulio, they also connect a few other villages around the lake.
A round-trip ticket to the island currently costs a ridiculously low €3.80, and you can buy it directly on board. The schedule varies slightly depending on the season, but during the day, ferries usually run every 30 to 45 minutes. It’s convenient, though not always the most flexible option.
Motorboats
The smaller motorboats also leave from the lakeside promenade and usually depart as soon as enough passengers have gathered or roughly every 15 minutes.
A round-trip ticket to Isola San Giulio costs €5, and these boats often start operating much earlier than the first ferry. You pay directly on board, no need to book ahead. Technically, you can buy tickets online, but it won’t save you money or time.
The captains, easily recognizable by their traditional navy caps, often approach people along the promenade to let them know when the next boat is leaving. This is the best option if you like to keep things spontaneous or want to head out early in the morning.
Good to know: The motorboats and ferries are operated by different companies. Tickets are only valid for a round trip with the same type of boat. Meaning you can’t take a motorboat one way and return by ferry with the same ticket.
Boat tour around the lake
If you’re in the mood for more time on the water, the public ferry also offers a small lake tour. For just €5.90, you can first visit Isola San Giulio, then continue on to Pella, stroll around for a bit, and take the same ticket back to Orta later in the day.
There’s also a day pass for €10.70, which lets you hop on and off ferries all day around Lake Orta. It’s a great option in summer if you want to explore several villages at your own pace.
Important: During the winter schedule (in October), the ferry only runs to Isola San Giulio and Pella. All other stops around the lake are suspended for the season. ⇨ Ferry Timetable
Summary: Boat options to Isola San Giulio
| Motorboat | Public Ferry | Ferry Lake Tour |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Starts earlier and runs more frequently, very flexible | ✅ Cheapest option (€3.80 round trip to the island) | ✅ Great for a full-day trip with multiple stops |
| ❌ Only goes to the island, no lake tour | ❌ Starts later, fixed schedule, often crowded | ❌ Less spontaneous, fixed schedule, can get busy |
My tip: These days, I’d definitely start with an early motorboat to the island. It’s worth it for the light, the calm atmosphere, and that quiet, almost magical mood you only get in the morning.
If you’re staying overnight in Orta San Giulio, spend your second day on a relaxed ferry tour around the lake, maybe combining it with another quick stop on the island. It’s the perfect way to make the most of your stay, without feeling rushed.
What to do on Isola San Giulio
Isola San Giulio is tiny, about 275 meters long and 140 meters wide, and the only lane on the island forms a short circular path called the Via del Silenzio (“Path of Silence”), roughly 500 meters in length. Despite its size, it’s considered the spiritual heart of Lake Orta.
As soon as you step ashore, you climb a short staircase that leads straight to the Romanesque Basilica di San Giulio, the island’s main attraction.
From the outside, the church is barely visible since it’s surrounded by buildings, almost hidden in the cluster of houses. But once you step inside, it’s surprisingly beautiful, with an intricately carved pulpit, ancient frescoes, and a small, mysterious crypt.
Photography isn’t allowed inside, something the friendly church attendant had to remind me of… twice. When I visited, a choir was singing, and the sound filling the stone hall gave me chills.
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Behind the basilica begins the Path of Silence (it: La Via del Silenzio), a cobbled loop that winds through the island’s narrow alleys.
Along the way you’ll come across several metal plaques with meditative quotes in four languages about silence and listening, such as “Silence is language” or “Peace begins within yourself”. It may sound a bit corny, but it actually fits the mood of the place.
The path leads through narrow passages, past stone walls and old houses. If you’re expecting a panoramic walk around the island, you might be a bit disappointed, as there are almost no direct views of the water and only a few spots where you can actually see the lake.
Some visitors find that a little underwhelming, and honestly, so did I. I’d hoped for more open views. But if you’re after a peaceful, almost monastic atmosphere, this place delivers. It’s definitely a spot to slow down and be quiet, just not a classic photo stop.
Other than that, the island has a small souvenir shop, one restaurant (which was closed during my visit), and two places to stay overnight.
My tip: You’ll need no more than 30 minutes to walk around the island, even at a slow pace. I spent about 45 minutes there in total, walked the loop twice, and spent around 10 minutes inside the basilica.
Is Isola San Giulio worth visiting?
That really depends on what you’re expecting. If you’re hoping for a picture-perfect island with lake views, cafés by the water, and a panoramic walking path, you’ll probably be disappointed.
The Path of Silence runs almost entirely through narrow alleys lined with high walls, with hardly any lake views. You can only reach the water at a few small spots.
Still, the island has something special, and if you’re already in the area and visiting Orta San Giulio, one of the prettiest villages in Piedmont, it’s definitely worth including.
Especially early in the morning when you take one of the first motorboats across and the silence is almost tangible. No crowds, no music, no kiosks.
Just cobblestone alleys, church walls, and quiet voices. If that kind of atmosphere speaks to you, you’ll appreciate this place.
But you don’t need to plan half a day for it. Maximum two hours is plenty, including boat ride, visiting the basilica and walking the full loop. And that’s assuming you don’t arrive at the same time as two tour groups.
My personal take: Yes, it’s absolutely worth it, but not as a full day trip. Think of it as a quiet stop along the way.
Photo tip: The best photos aren’t actually taken on the island itself but from the lakeside promenade in Orta San Giulio, especially early in the morning or just before sunset.
Isola San Giulio: A Glimpse Into Its History and Legends
The story of Isola San Giulio goes way back, and like so many things in Italy, it begins with a legend.
The island is named after Saint Julius of Novara, a priest and missionary from Greece who traveled through Piedmont in the 4th century to build churches and spread Christianity.
According to legend, when he reached Lake Orta, the island was still inhabited by snakes and dragons. Giulio is said to have laid his cloak on the water, crossed the lake on it, and driven the creatures away.
He then built his 100th and final church on that very spot, today’s Basilica di San Giulio. His relics are kept in a beautifully decorated glass shrine in the church’s crypt.
During the Middle Ages, the small island became an important religious center. The Romanesque basilica was built in the 9th century, followed later by a bishop’s residence that remained active until the 18th century.
Afterward, the Church gradually withdrew, and the island was eventually handed over to the Benedictine nuns, who still live there today in strict seclusion, completely apart from public life.
Walking around the island, you can almost feel that long history. The narrow lanes, old stone walls, and the deep silence make it seem as if time has barely moved for centuries.
What to do next
Isola San Giulio isn’t the place for selfies or a packed sightseeing itinerary, and it’s not a destination you’ll need a whole day for either.
But it makes a beautiful stop along the way, especially if you’re on a road trip through Piedmont and looking for a quiet, peaceful break.
