10 best things to do in Orta San Giulio
Last updated on December 21st, 2025.
The small town of Orta San Giulio is a tale of two worlds.
While one side is touristic and commercial, the other takes you away from the crowds to a time gone by.
And if you’ve read my other posts covering the most beautiful borghi in Italy, it’s a theme I’m really keen on.
If you’re interested in visiting this spectacular town, read on. This travel guide covers 10 unmissable things to do in Orta San Giulio, most of which you can see in 1 day.
For reference, we visited Orta San Giulio in mid-April. It’s a great time of the year to visit, and we had excellent weather with warm temperatures (66.2°F/19°C) and blue skies.
Naturally, good weather isn’t always guaranteed, something we found out during our 3 days in Lake Como. Saying that, be prepared for any eventuality and pack accordingly.
Beautiful Italian borghi
As mentioned above, I never miss the chance to visit, or write about, the borghi in Italy.
From Veneto to Sicily, I'm slowly building a collection of travel guides dedicated to these charming towns and villages.
Some of the most notable I've covered so far include:
Veneto
Sicily
Tuscany
All the above places are worth considering when planning your trip to Italy. They're also perfect candidates for your Italy bucket list.
Where is Orta San Giulio?
Orta San Giulio sits within the province of Novara, an area within the region of Piedmont in north-western Italy. The region’s capital, Turin, is located around 62mi (100km) south.
You can easily get to Orta San Giulio from Milan or Turin. Both have similar journey times (by car) averaging around 1hr 32mins.
We’d arrived initially from Vicenza, having spent 2 days prior visiting Lake Maggiore (Lago Maggiore).
Unlike much of the aforementioned borghi in Veneto, the town of Orta San Giulio is built on a promontory.
Overlooking Lake Orta (Lago d’Orta), its position on the raised mass of land makes it stand out from other borghi.
Jump to:
Best things to do in Orta San Giulio in 1 day
1. Take a cruise to Isola San Giulio (St. Julius Island)
If you’ve only 1 day in Lake Orta, there’s one place that should be top of your itinerary.
Isola San Giulio (St. Julius Island) is located within the lake and is just 5 minutes from the mainland.
It’s a short, yet scenic, ride from the shore, made even better with good weather. A small island, whose origins date to the 5th century, Isola San Giulio measures 275m (902ft) x 140m (459ft). Our entire visit probably totaled 20 minutes, and that was at a leisurely pace.
Where do I get the ferry/boat for Isola San Giulio?
It’s not difficult to spot the ferry/boat services that’ll take you across to Isola San Giulio. The boat terminals are all located by the lakefront in Piazza Motta.
How much does it cost to visit Isola San Giulio?
There are 2 types of boat services to reach Isola San Giulio. The first is the public ferry service where a roundtrip ticket costs €3.20 ($3.38/£2.69)*, including children.
A second option is the private boat service. It costs €4.50 ($4.76/£3.79)* for adults and €2.50 ($2.64/£2.10)* for children aged 5 to 10.
While the public service is more budget-friendly, ferries depart every 20 minutes. Instead, the private boat service makes regular departures within minutes of the other.
We took the private service and had zero waiting time to board the boat. It was late afternoon, 4.30pm, which was busy but not overly. Services take place from 9:00 to 18:00 and pets are also welcome on board.
Check the website for the most up-to-date times and prices for the public and private boat services. Whichever service you choose, visiting Isola San Giulio is one of the best things to do in Orta San Giulio.
2. Visit the island’s basilica
Most of the island’s façade is taken up by the island’s church, the Basilica di San Giulio.
Built in a Romanesque architectural style around 390 by missionary priest Julius of Novara, it’s visible from the mainland. Since 1976, the basilica has been the home to a Benedictine monastery.
Unique features
Notable exterior features of the Basilica di San Giulio include the octagonal, and the bell, towers. You’ll find the church’s entrance not long after you disembark from the boat, up a stone staircase.
As with many historic churches in Italy, the interior’s decorated with striking frescoes that represent significant religious events. Two notable figures from the Italian baroque period that created the frescoes include Carlo Borsetti and Francesco del Cairo.
Basilica di San Giulio, Isola San Giulio
3. Walk the Via del Silenzio
If you prefer your travels in quiet surroundings, the island delivers your wish. One of the most unique features on Isola San Giulio is the Via del Silenzio (Way/Path of Silence).
Black metal signs with phrases in different languages guide the way. A calmness shrouds the path as you wander through, the tranquil surroundings only adding to the island’s charm.
All in all, Isola di San Giulio is so small that you’ll be done within 20 minutes — or less. We passed by an outdoor bookstore, a shop selling antiques and a souvenir place.
The island’s only restaurant, Ristorante San Giulio, serves fresh seafood dishes on a terrace overlooking Lake Orta.
Ristorante San Giulio, Via Basilica, 4
4. Enjoy the vibes in Piazza Motta
Like most piazzas across many Italian towns and cities, Piazza Motta is the heart of Orta San Giulio.
The grand square is a stark contrast to the small size of Orta San Giulio. Enveloped by restaurants, bars and hotels housed in colorful, historic buildings, it’s a scene to be relished.
On a busy Sunday afternoon, Piazza Motta is full of life courtesy of dining patrons, wandering visitors and musicians. Early morning is a different scene altogether.
My husband and I reveled in the views of Isola San Giulio across the water while a musician belted out Bob Marley songs. After finding a vacant bench, we sat down and let the music provide a melodic backdrop.
Piazza Motta, Orta San Giulio
Map: best things to do in Orta San Giulio in 1 day
5. Admire the architecture at Palazzo della Comunità
I’ve visited many types of municipal buildings in Italy, but none like the one in Orta San Giulio.
Located to the left side of Piazza Motta, the Palazzo della Comunità (Community Palace) is detached from the main municipal building.
Built in 1582, the palace is set out on two floors. The ‘Palazzotto’, as the locals call it, is an important testament to the town’s history. It’s where the general council of the small Republic of the Riviera d'Orta would meet.
From 1345 to 1753, it almost worked like a small autonomous state given that it had its own statutes.
Distinctive architecture
The Palazzo della Comunità has a portico on the ground floor and a large hall on the upper. It was similar to what we saw in Salò, a town on Lake Garda. Frescoes on the exterior were added later. While some have faded over time, others are still visible.
They include coat of arms on the side of the building facing the square. Above the entrance door is a figure of a woman with 2 angels on either side.
When the Palazzotto is open to the public, don’t miss the chance to visit. Inside, you’ll find a fresco of the Madonna with St. Francis and St. Julius. One of the most important relics from medieval times, the Palazzotto is an attraction not to be missed.
Palazzo della Comunità, Piazza Mario Motta, 50
6. Stroll along Via Caire Albertoletti
In a town like Orta San Giulio, the only way to know it better is to keep on walking.
If you continue left from the Palazzo della Comunità, you’ll see a street with a slight uphill slope. Via Caire Albertoletti is beautiful in its own right, with palace buildings, restaurants and wisteria-covered archways.
Several notable buildings on this street include Palazzo Penotti Ubertini and Casa dei Nani. The former hosts a range of events from weddings and photography shoots to art exhibitions and gala dinners.
Casa dei Nani is one of the oldest houses dating to medieval times. ‘Nani’ means dwarfs, which most likely refers to the 4 small windows on the upper floor.
Painted on the exterior are frescoes, one of which is the Madonna with child. It’s definitely one for the ‘gram.’
Free to wander for as long as you like, the street's one of the best things to do in Orta San Giulio.
Palazzo Penotti Ubertini, Via Caire Albertoletti, 31
Casa dei Nani, Via Caire Albertoletti, 32
7. Walk the Sacro Monte di Orta in Orta San Giulio
Located around 24 minutes’ walk from Piazza Motta is the Sacro Monte di Orta. The complex consists of a circular route that has over 15 chapels within its vicinity. The frescoed chapels are dedicated to St. Francis of Assissi.
A short walk from the route is the exquisite Villa Crespi. The striking Moorish structure is a 5-star hotel and an iconic sight to see in Orta San Giulio.
Sacro Monte di Orta, Via al Sacro Monte
Villa Crespi, Via Giuseppe Fava, 18
A church on every street
Churches, and chapels, are abundant throughout Orta San Giulio. Fascinating medieval structures, they provide a themed tour in their own right.
At the end of Via Caire Albertoletti is the Chiesa Santa Maria Assunta (Saint Mary of the Assumption Church).
The origins of the church date to the 4th century but the current building has been there since around 1340.
A Romanesque layout, Baroque stuccoes and a 60m bell tower characterize the church.
Chiesa Santa Maria Assunta, Via Caire Albertoletti
Other churches and chapels to see in Orta San Giulio include:
- Chiesa dei SS. Bernardino e Marta, Via Alpini, 37
- Chiesa di San Rocco, Via Gippini, 1
- Grotta della Madonna di Lourdes, Via dei Monti, 5
- Cappella del Crocifisso, Via Gemelli, 7
- Cappella della Madonna, Via Cappuccini, 2
- Chiesa di San Quirico, Via S. Quirico, 3
8. Explore Via Olina and Via Bossi
Via Olina and Villa Bossi are other 2 main streets in Orta San Giulio. Lined with restaurants, shops and cafes, they’re a good starting point to exploring the town’s quieter side streets.
One such restaurant is Ca’Mea Orta San Giulio. Located in a pretty courtyard off Via Bossi, it’s ideal for soaking up the town’s atmosphere.
The restaurant’s also located next to a gourmet food shop in case you’re interested in bringing home a tasty souvenir.
Ca’Mea Orta San Giulio, Largo de Gregori, 4
Also located on Via Bossi is the Orta San Giulio town hall. While the building may be closed off to visitors, the public gardens towards the back are not.
A manicured lawn filled with colorful flowers, the gardens open up to a pretty view of Lake Orta.
Giardino del municipio, Largo Fara T, 1
9. Eat like a local in Orta San Giulio
I could write an entirely separate piece on the restaurants in Orta San Giulio, there are that many.
Instead, I’ll let you know where we ate, and why it’s worth booking. Tucked away off the main street of Via Olina is the charming enoteca, Al Boeuc.
A cavern-style wine bar that’s over 500 years old, Al Boeuc is an excellent choice in Orta San Giulio. Rustic, inviting and with dim lighting, we instantly felt at home. Seating inside is limited but there’s ample dining space outside.
Meals are more sharing plates rather than substantial dishes, and the wine selection may leave you feeling overwhelmed. However, the owner is more than happy to recommend something according to your taste.
Fondue, Piedmont style
For dinner, we ordered 2 dishes: a sausage stew and a traditional Piedmont dish called Bagna càuda.
Served with an array of fresh crunchy vegetables, I’ll admit, I was initially a little reluctant to try it.
Similar to a fondue, bagna càuda is a hot dish made from garlic and anchovies. Any apprehension I had in the beginning quickly disappeared the second I dipped a carrot into the hot mixture.
Despite the dish’s strong flavor, it honestly doesn’t leave a strong taste in your mouth. Granted, I’m a fan of garlic and anchovies, so I maybe I’m a bit biased.
All I can say, is that if you’re in Piedmont and see bagna càuda on the menu, go for it. It’s a dish best shared and the fresh vegetables perfectly balances out the heaviness of the dish.
Good food, excellent wine and cozy atmosphere, Al Boeuc gets our vote on where to eat in Orta San Giulio.
Al Boeuc, Via Bersani, 28
If you’d prefer a standard 2, or 3-course meal, here are other places worth considering:
- La Motta, Via Caire Albertoletti, 13
- Ai Due Santi, Piazza Mario Motta, 18
- Pane e Vino, Piazza Mario Motta, 37
10. Take a night time walk
With just a few meters between Al Boeuc and our hotel, we decided to walk off some of our calories.
As you continue walking past Piazza Motta, you’ll reach a narrow street called Via Giovanetti. The walk takes you past shops and eateries until you eventually reach an opening onto the lake.
Orta San Guilio completely changes once the masses have left. Head to the lakefront and take in the views of a lit-up Isola San Giulio twinkling in the night sky.
Where to stay in Orta San Giulio
We spent 1 night in Orta San Guilio at Hotel Leon d’Oro. The 3-star hotel’s located right in Piazza Motta and is within walking distance of the town’s attractions.
Our room was located on the third floor, in an attic style, and overlooked Lake Orta. Clean, comfortable and charming, it was good for 1 night.
The one downside you need to be mindful of if planning to stay at Hotel Leon d’Oro is the parking.
The hotel doesn’t have an allocated parking space for guests, unlike other hotels nearby. Instead, most of the car parks are located on Via Panoramica, which is about 10 minutes on foot.
Orta San Giulio is predominantly covered in cobbled stones and some uneven paths. Because of this, dragging your luggage to Hotel Leon d’Oro can be a little challenging.
But, once you arrive, the staff are friendly, welcoming, and the location is excellent.
Hotel Leon d’Oro, Piazza Mario Motta, 42
One hotel in Orta San Giulio that does have guest parking is Hotel San Rocco. A 4-star hotel with rooms overlooking Lake Orta, we’d likely stay here if we were to return again.
Hotel San Rocco, Via Gippini, 11
Parking in Orta San Giulio
Pay attention to this section, because while it may be mundane, you need to know about parking in Orta San Giulio.
Unless you plan on arriving by coach, car is the only way to arrive here. And, because of this, you’re competing with truckloads of other visitors — especially during peak periods — with the same idea.
My advice: the earlier you arrive the better. We happened to visit on Easter Sunday and were turned away from the parking areas as they were fully booked.
Plans well and truly dented, we drove off and returned after 3pm. As we drove back the way we came from, we saw plenty of other visitors walking towards us. It was clear that they’d found parking far from the designated areas and had decided to walk.
Where to park in Orta San Giulio
The allocated parking areas in Orta San Giulio are:
- Main car park, Via Prarondo, 7
- Parcheggio Prarondo, Via Prarondo
- Parcheggio Semar, Via Panoramica, 24
- Parcheggio coperto DIANIA (covered basement parking), Via Panoramica
- Parcheggio cimitero, Via Gemelli
Another thing you should be aware of in Orta San Giulio is the Zona Traffico Limitato (ZTL). Cars aren’t allowed through (except permit holders) when you see the sign.
It’s a common feature across historic centers across Italy and if you enter, you may receive a fine.
Final thoughts
Our time visiting Orta San Giulio was short but was time well spent. The town has plenty of things to do in Orta San Giulio and it's suitable for all visitors. Aside from the issue regarding parking, we enjoyed every moment of our trip.
One good thing about being denied parking was that we were able to visit more of Lake Orta. Though not as known as Lake Como or Lake Maggiore, you can easily spend 3 days in Lake Orta.
We visited several towns around the lake, including Omegna, Pettanasco and Miasino. The towns here are very local, friendly and not as touristy as the towns around the aforementioned lakes.
What do you think about visiting Orta San Giulio? Does it look like a place you’d like to visit? Let me know in the comments below.
*prices correct at the time of publishing
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You Might Also Like
1. Visit Isola San Giulio
2. Dine in Piazza Motta
3. Explore the side streets
4. Admire the Palazzo della Comunitàe
5. Walk the Sacro Monte
Orta San Giulio looks like an amazing place to explore. The beautiful street side cafes of Via Bossi and Via Olina are worth strolling and the view of the lake Orta from hotel is awesome. The public gardens at the back of town hall is beautiful.
It's really an incredible village and one I highly recommend seeing one day!
I enjoyed reading your exploration around small towns of northwest Italy. The Isola San Giulio is so cute and it's not expensive to get there, even with a private boat service. I wonder how many churches are in Orta and how many people go to mass at each church.
It really depends on the day and occasion. For Easter, it was packed out which is normal. On a typical Sunday, it will most likely be the local people. I'm glad you enjoyed it 🙂
This was so interesting read since we are planning a trip to Italy this summer. I have to admit that this was the first time heard of Orta San Giulio. Thank you for including a map on the post, it really helped me understand where these places are. It looks so beautiful out there and you covered so many activities. Palazzo della Comunità especially looks amazing.
It's such a unique building and the first municipio building I've seen like this, I'm happy you found the map useful too 😀
I love Italy, and I just came back from its southern part. But I haven't seen Orta San Giulio yet. I add it to my dream list as I plan the region of Piedmont in north-western Italy. I've only ever been to Milan, but I'm planning a more extended stay in this part of Italy. I am delighted to see Isola San Giulio from afar. An excellent guide on what to see and how to spend time. I would definitely like to see the oldest house in Orta San Giulio, Casa dei Nani, Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta and Palazzo della Comunità.
I hope you do Agnes, it's an incredible start to the region. Milan is Milan but there's much more to see 🙂
I love hearing about these off-the-beaten path destinations in Italy. While I love Venice, Florence, Postano, and so many of the tourist hot spots, Isola San Giulio and Orta San Giulio are a welcome reprieve. In fact, the 20 minutes spent touring Isola San Giulio would surely make an impression on my memory to last a lifetime... In Orta San Giulio, the "walk of silence" looks like such a contemplative place to stroll - even more so with the international signage. And the frescos everywhere - just marvelous! Thanks to your post, I've added this area to my bucket list for a return trip to Italy. 🙂
I'm so glad you feel that way Jackie! Orta San Giulio isn't known by many outside Italy but it is really a beautiful destination and one that needs to be seen!
I now know not to judge Orta San Giulio by only visiting the touristic side of the area. We would plan a few days so we could visit Isola San Giulio and enjoy some of hte things this lovely area has to offer. We definitely would wander and enjoy the architecture. I love all the colourful facades to view. It would be great to have the area without the day tourists at night.
It was a blessing to be turned away for the parking! Lake Orta is smaller than Maggiore but so worth seeing if you're in the area 🙂
I have a return trip to Italy on my mind, and this very timely post has sparked my curiosity if I might be able to add this to our itinerary. I also love that you visited some under the radar places which is exactly what I look for. Such an inspiring article, thanks for the inspo.
Thank you so much Renee, I try to bring these lesser known places to outsiders' attention 🙂
Orta San Giulio seems to be a dreamland. The beautiful Basilica, the lovely cruising around St. Julius Island, the night time walk and more, they seem to be so amazing to do with my partner. Feel like traveling there next.
I'm happy to read that, you both will love it!
Wow.... Orta San Giulio looks like a magical spot! I have never heard of this and so appreciate you sharing. I a adding this place to my bucket list 😉
Wonderful, I guarantee you will love it!
Nice article! A church-themed tour would be interesting to take.
Thank you! It really is a little different
Oh wow the arcitecture here looks beautiful! What a lovely place for a holiday - great weather too.
Yes, we were lucky with the weather!
Orta looks stunning! I love the old architecture and pebbled floor. A place I can see myself going with my family and to visit the Basilica
It really is beautiful and perfect for families 🙂
Perfect weather to visit this beautiful place. I hope to visit there soon.
I hope so
I absolutely love Italy and would love to visit everywhere in the area. This place looks stunning! x
Happy to hear that! You will love Orta San Giulio 😀
I've visited the place few years ago and I loved it so much! There is much to explore and it's a cute city where you can also eat delicious food. You've summarized everything.
We did too! It's so charming and I love the atmosphere there, thank you 🙂
I enjoyed reading this Lisa. What a charming place Orta San Giulio is! I couldn’t think if a better way to spend a day out.
It's sooo pretty Liz, I promise you will love it!
I hadn't heard of San Giulio before. But your photos make me want to go asap. What a beautiful place.
It really is a beautiful place!
omg the place is a must see for sure, I miss exploring all these fantastic places, so exciting. Orta San Giulio is gorgeous....
it really is a beautiful place
First time I read about Orta San Giulio, but your stunning pictures got me interested. I will be in the area later this month and if we have some time left, we might consider a trip. Thanks for the suggestions!
Perfect! It's a lesser known and visited lake, but it's so worth it!
Is the isola San Giulio - which by the way looks just dreamy - this private island that Christo wrapped in some orange foil a couple of years ago?
Either way, this is certainly a place I'd like to visit next time I'm in Milan. While I don't find the city very impressive and inspiring, the surroundings are just amazing. And Orta San Giulio looks like one of the best ones 😉
It's not private but open to the public so I think you're thinking of another one 🙂 I also like to escape from the big cities, you will enjoy Orta San Giulio
I love islands like that. It is like stepping back in time. It is nice to be able to explore on foot.
I totally agree