Orta San Giulio
Top things to do in Italy’s Hidden Gem on Lake Orta

I spent two full days in Orta San Giulio and honestly, the timing couldn’t have been better. Not too short, not too long. Just enough to explore at a relaxed pace and soak in the atmosphere without feeling rushed.

For years, I’d driven along the highway above Lake Orta, always catching a glimpse of the little island down below. And every single time I thought, One day, you really need to stop here.

Well, I finally did and I was surprised by how much this tiny village has to offer. A true hidden gem in Italy, often overshadowed by nearby Lake Maggiore.

Think: narrow cobblestone alleys, a sacred hillside park above town, and the incredibly photogenic Isola San Giulio.

In this post, I’ll show you exactly what to see and do in Orta San Giulio. Plus my personal tips to help make your visit feel special, stress-free, and far from the tourist crowds.

1. Walk the Peninsula Trail Along the Waterfront

The short, scenic loop trail around the peninsula of Orta San Giulio is an absolute must and honestly, it was my personal highlight of the trip.

I walked it on both days, simply because it was so beautiful. Just under two miles, almost no elevation, well-maintained (part paved, part gravel, part wooden boardwalk), and completely stress-free.

You can walk the loop in either direction. If you’re into photography, you might want to keep an eye on the sun’s position but otherwise, it doesn’t matter at all.

If you’re only in town for a day, the trail is easy to combine with a visit to the Sacro Monte and a stroll through the historic center. Both lie right along the way.

What makes this trail so special? Most visitors stay near the main square or just wander a bit along the waterfront promenade. Very few actually walk the full loop.

But as soon as you leave the center behind, it gets quiet and that’s when the real charm kicks in. You’ll walk mostly right along the lake, with wide-open views of the water, passing villas, gardens, and little hidden swim spots.

Only a short section doesn’t follow the lake directly: from the bus parking lot and tourist info center, past the striking Villa Crespi (a five-star hotel with Moorish-style architecture), continuing down to Spiaggia di Sassi and the small dock at Ortello.

Even at a relaxed pace, the whole loop takes no more than 90 minutes. It’s the perfect low-effort walk with maximum lake views – peaceful, easy, and totally worth it.

2. Stroll Through the Historic Old Town

Orta San Giulio is part of the official association I Borghi più belli d’Italia, making it one of the most beautiful villages in Piedmont.

With a population of just around 1,200, the town is small and that’s exactly what makes it so special. No traffic, no noise, no stress. Just cobblestone lanes, winding alleys, and pastel-colored facades that seem frozen in time.

The area around Piazza Motta is the liveliest part of town, lined with lakeside cafés and restaurants, a few small shops selling local products, and a tiny harbor where boats depart for the island.

Still, even here, the atmosphere stays calm, especially in the early morning or late afternoon, once the day-trippers have left.

There are two easy-to-miss highlights you shouldn’t skip: First, the Chiesa Parrocchiale di Santa Maria Assunta, just above the historic center. You’ll reach it via a short uphill side street and it’s worth the detour.

From up there, you get a lovely view over the rooftops of the village, and the church interior is also well worth a look.

Then, right behind the tourist information office, you’ll find the Giardino del Municipio, a small public garden with benches and direct access to the lake.

One especially photo-worthy detail: a bronze statue of the painter with the palette, donated to the town by Austrian actor and director Carl Heinz Schroth.

Bottom line: The old town may be tiny, but it’s perfect for a slow stroll with plenty to discover. And it’s definitely one of the most photogenic spots on Lake Orta, especially if you’re willing to peek around a few quiet corners.

3. Take a Boat to Isola San Giulio

The small island in the middle of Lake Orta is the iconic landmark of Orta San Giulio, and visiting it is simply a must. Even the view from the lakeside promenade, with the basilica and the large monastery rising above the water, is absolutely stunning.

I probably took a hundred photos from every angle – in sunshine, in mist, at sunset, and of course from my hotel room at Hotel San Rocco. And honestly, the island looked a little different every single time.

Boats leave regularly from Piazza Motta, and you can buy your ticket right at the dock. A round trip costs between €3.80 and €5.00 depending on the operator, which is honestly a great deal.

There are also full lake tours available, but for just visiting the island, the standard trip is what you want to do.

On the island, there’s only one path that loops around it, known as the Path of Silence. In one direction, you’ll pass signs with quotes about silence, and in the other, about listening.

At first I thought it might be a bit cheesy, but surprisingly it fits the peaceful atmosphere really well. Most of the buildings now belong to a Benedictine convent, which is closed to the public.

But you can visit the Basilica di San Giulio, right next to the dock. When I was there, a choir was singing (or maybe rehearsing), and it was one of those moments that gave me chills.

What stood out the most inside: the ornate black marble pulpit and the small crypt. If you take your time, you’ll need around 45 to 60 minutes to visit the island at a relaxed pace.

My tip: Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to visit. The light is much better for photos, and it’s way more peaceful once the crowds are gone.

4. Explore the Sacro Monte

The Sacro Monte of Orta San Giulio is one of nine sacred mountain sites in Piedmont and Lombardy that together form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Each of them combines religious art, nature, and architecture in a unique way. Some are grand and ornate, like the Sacro Monte of Oropa. Others are quieter and more nature focused, like the one in Domodossola. The one in Orta sits somewhere in between.

Even the short walk up from the old town is worth it. It takes less than 15 minutes to reach the entrance, and along the way you’ll already catch some beautiful views of the lake, the island, and the rooftops of Orta.

At the top, you won’t find a traditional museum. Instead, it’s an open air site with 20 chapels, each containing life size terracotta figures and frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Saint Francis of Assisi.

What I loved most was the mix of culture and nature. The paths wind through old trees, with shady sections, small clearings, and plenty of benches where you can rest. And the views over the lake? Simply incredible in some spots.

Entrance is free, the area is always open, and best of all: even during high season, it stays surprisingly quiet. Most visitors don’t make it up here, even though the Sacro Monte is just a short walk from town.

My tip: Include the Sacro Monte as part of your walk around the peninsula. The path up starts right along the trail, so it’s easy to add without going out of your way.

Tips for Your Visit to Orta San Giulio

How much time do you need in Orta San Giulio?

I spent two full days there, and it felt just right. It gave me plenty of time to explore everything at a relaxed pace, visit Isola San Giulio, walk the peninsula loop twice, and enjoy the Sacro Monte without feeling rushed.

If you only have one day, that works too. But honestly, you’ll probably find yourself wishing for a little more time.

And if you have three days, even better. I’d recommend taking the boat and hiking to the Sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso on the opposite side of the lake. The views from up there are absolutely breathtaking.

Best Time to Visit Lake Orta

If you’re planning a trip to Piedmont, be sure to include Orta San Giulio. Especially in spring or fall when the region is at its most peaceful and beautiful. The temperatures are mild, the light is gorgeous, and it’s noticeably quieter.

Try to avoid peak summer and weekends if you can. Italians know and love Orta San Giulio, and you’ll feel that in the crowds. On holidays and during the summer months, it can get very busy.

If you’re tied to specific dates, aim for early mornings or late evenings. Once the day-trippers leave, the town takes on a calm, almost magical atmosphere.

One important thing to know: the regular ferry service runs from spring through fall, but with reduced schedules and fewer destinations in the off-season. When I visited in October, the boats only went to Isola San Giulio and to Pella.

The city of Omegna was no longer part of the route. In winter, ferry service is very limited and only operates on selected days. ⇨ See time table and ferry routes.

Nice to Know, But Not a Must-See

You’ll often come across the suggestion to take a short trip to the nearby village of Legro to see its murals. If you have extra time, you can definitely check out this paese dipinto – the “painted village.” But to be honest, I found it a little underwhelming.

There are around 40 murals scattered throughout the town center and nearby streets, most of them depicting movie scenes or historical moments.

I had hoped for a bit more charm. Maybe something more along the lines of the murals in the village of Usseaux in the Chisone Valley, which I personally found much more appealing.

In Legro, aside from two or three exceptions, the artwork felt small and not particularly striking.

Hotel tip in Orta San Giulio ⇨ Hotel San Rocco

If you feel like treating yourself or you’re looking for a romantic lakeside spot for a couple’s getaway, the four-star Hotel San Rocco is a fantastic choice.

The location is hard to beat. Waking up to a view of Isola San Giulio from your window really is something special.

Another big plus: the hotel has its own private parking garage. In a car-free town like Orta San Giulio, that’s a real luxury. No hauling luggage from a public lot, no stress about finding a space.

The hotel is set in a beautifully restored 16th-century monastery with a baroque facade and also features a large pool right on the lakefront.

When I visited in mid-October, the pool was already closed for the season, but the loungers by the water were still accessible. Just perfect for a quiet break with a view of the lake and the island.

Breakfast was surprisingly generous by Italian standards, with fresh fruit, pastries, eggs, and more. I also really enjoyed dinner at the hotel’s restaurant: very tasty food, attentive service, and once again, that beautiful island view.

Disclosure
This article was made possible thanks to an unpaid collaboration with Hotel San Rocco. I was not paid to write this, and all opinions are entirely my own. There were no guidelines or expectations from the hotel, just a heartfelt thank you for the opportunity.