Isola San Giulio Travel Guide
Everything you need to plan your trip to the island on Lake Orta in Piedmont
Table of Contents
Isola San Giulio
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Latest page update: 7 September 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where is
Where is Isola San Giulio?
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The picturesque lake island of Isola San Giulio is situated on Lake Orta, facing the equally scenic town of Orta San Giulio.
The island can be reached via the Lake Orta ferry service from a number of towns and villages around the lake. Centrepiece of the island is the Basilica di San Giulio but there are also places to eat and drink while exploring its quiet and narrow alleyways. |
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Isola San Giulio
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Location: Lake Orta
Comune: Orta San Giulio Province: Novara Region: Piedmont Close by: Sacro Monte di Orta, Omegna, Pella, Alzo, Ronco Marina Recommended stay: Hotel La Bussola (Orta San Giulio) |
What People Ask About Isola San Giulio, Lake Orta
Is Isola San Giulio worth visiting?
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Discover
Discover Isola San Giulio
The island of dragons
The island gets its name from a rather surprising legend, and you would think legend is the perfect way of describing the story's veracity. For any of you that believe in dragons, please look away now as what I'm about to say may cause offence.
The Giulio part of the island's name refers to a certain Julius, who in 390 AD, rid the hitherto unapproachable island of dragons with his courage and guile. As always happens when you defeat dragons, you earn a sainthood and so we have San Giulio.
Thanks to the efforts of our beloved saint, the island which measures just 275 x 140 metres, is perfectly safe and you're highly unlikely to be toasted alive by any passing wildlife.
The main sight on the island is the aforementioned Basilica and its accompanying Romanesque bell tower. A single street, Via Basilica connects the remaining landmarks on the island which include a convent, a restaurant and a shop. The time spent to have a mooch around the Basilica and explore the rest of the island will be surprisingly brief and you may find yourself returning to the mainland within the hour.
The Giulio part of the island's name refers to a certain Julius, who in 390 AD, rid the hitherto unapproachable island of dragons with his courage and guile. As always happens when you defeat dragons, you earn a sainthood and so we have San Giulio.
Thanks to the efforts of our beloved saint, the island which measures just 275 x 140 metres, is perfectly safe and you're highly unlikely to be toasted alive by any passing wildlife.
The main sight on the island is the aforementioned Basilica and its accompanying Romanesque bell tower. A single street, Via Basilica connects the remaining landmarks on the island which include a convent, a restaurant and a shop. The time spent to have a mooch around the Basilica and explore the rest of the island will be surprisingly brief and you may find yourself returning to the mainland within the hour.
Ferry access
At the southern tip of the island is the ferry dock which provides access to and from the towns around the lake: notably Orta San Giulio, Pella and Omegna. The ferries are the cheapest option, costing between €2 and €3 each way, depending on where you board.
It's also possible to take a water taxi from Orta San Giulio; they don't work to a timetable, it's just a case of waiting until they have enough passengers before they head across. The water taxis cost a little bit more but hardly enough to make a difference.
What the island lacks in sights, it more than makes up for in aesthetic beauty. It's the centrepiece of Lake Orta which really merits a visit in its own right. It's just a short distance west of the huge Lake Maggiore which, with its fame and extra size attracts a far greater number of tourists. This is the beauty of Lake Orta: it's off the beaten path to a certain degree and in many ways more attractive than its illustrious neighbour.
It's also possible to take a water taxi from Orta San Giulio; they don't work to a timetable, it's just a case of waiting until they have enough passengers before they head across. The water taxis cost a little bit more but hardly enough to make a difference.
What the island lacks in sights, it more than makes up for in aesthetic beauty. It's the centrepiece of Lake Orta which really merits a visit in its own right. It's just a short distance west of the huge Lake Maggiore which, with its fame and extra size attracts a far greater number of tourists. This is the beauty of Lake Orta: it's off the beaten path to a certain degree and in many ways more attractive than its illustrious neighbour.
Exploring Lake Orta and beyond
The signature town on the lake is Orta San Giulio which is one of the Piedmont region's crown jewels; the beautiful medieval town has much to explore and is a favourite base for visitors to the lake.
On the hill overlooking Orta San Giulio is the Sacro Monte di Orta, a religious sanctuary, which along with eight other sites in Lombardy and Piedmont, makes up a UNESCO World Heritage listing (Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy). From the Sanctuary, the views down to the lake and to Isola San Giulio are breathtaking.
From this elevated position you can see across the lake to the village of Pella but it's a place you have to get up close and personal with to really appreciate its azure water and selection of lakeside eateries.
Whilst in Pella it's worth the extra effort to explore the tiny hamlet of Ronco Marina as well. At the top (north) end of the lake is another beautiful town called Omegna which is actually in a different province (Verbano Cusio Ossola) to the locations in the southern half of the lake which belong to Novara Province.
On the hill overlooking Orta San Giulio is the Sacro Monte di Orta, a religious sanctuary, which along with eight other sites in Lombardy and Piedmont, makes up a UNESCO World Heritage listing (Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy). From the Sanctuary, the views down to the lake and to Isola San Giulio are breathtaking.
From this elevated position you can see across the lake to the village of Pella but it's a place you have to get up close and personal with to really appreciate its azure water and selection of lakeside eateries.
Whilst in Pella it's worth the extra effort to explore the tiny hamlet of Ronco Marina as well. At the top (north) end of the lake is another beautiful town called Omegna which is actually in a different province (Verbano Cusio Ossola) to the locations in the southern half of the lake which belong to Novara Province.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Isola San Giulio
- The Basilica of San Giulio is the centerpiece of Isola San Giulio, known for its Romanesque architecture and intricate frescoes. Visitors can explore the church’s ornate interior, including the crypt and cloisters, which hold centuries of religious art and history.
- The Monastery of Mater Ecclesiae occupies a peaceful corner of the island, home to a community of cloistered nuns. While not open to the public, the monastery’s serene gardens and surrounding paths offer visitors a tranquil setting to reflect and enjoy the island’s calm atmosphere.
- The Island’s Narrow Streets and Historic Buildings wind through Isola San Giulio, lined with stone houses and quaint squares. Exploring these pathways reveals the island’s medieval character and provides a sense of its small, close-knit community.
- The Lakeside Promenade circles the island, offering scenic views of Lake Orta and the surrounding mountains. The walkway provides gentle paths for strolling and photography, especially at sunrise and sunset when the light enhances the landscape’s beauty.
- Guided walking tours and boat trips around Isola San Giulio explore its religious sites, historic architecture, and natural surroundings. Local guides share stories about the island’s legends, art, and role in regional history. These tours often include visits to nearby lakeside villages and opportunities to sample local cuisine, providing a rich cultural and natural experience.
Tours and Activities
Isola San Giulio Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Isola San Giulio Photo Gallery
Places Close to [Place Name]
Places Close to Isola San Giulio
- Orta San Giulio (approx. 1 km northwest of Isola San Giulio): A charming town on the shores of Lake Orta, Orta San Giulio is known for its narrow, cobbled streets, historic buildings, and stunning views of Isola San Giulio. Visitors can explore the picturesque Piazza Motta, visit the Basilica di San Giulio, or enjoy a peaceful boat ride around the lake.
- Arona (approx. 25 km southwest of Isola San Giulio): Located on the shores of Lake Maggiore, Arona is known for its beautiful lakeside promenade, the impressive Colossus of San Carlo, and the historic Rocca di Arona. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the lake, stroll through the charming town centre, or take a boat trip to explore nearby islands.
- Stresa (approx. 40 km west of Isola San Giulio): A picturesque town on the shores of Lake Maggiore, Stresa offers stunning views of the lake and the Borromean Islands. Visitors can explore the elegant Villa Pallavicino, take a boat trip around the lake, or enjoy the tranquil atmosphere along the seafront promenade.
- Omegna (approx. 20 km northeast of Isola San Giulio): Situated at the northern end of Lake Orta, Omegna offers a peaceful lakeside setting with scenic views, quaint streets, and a charming town centre. Visitors can explore the local museums, stroll along the lakefront, or take a boat tour to discover more of the lake’s beauty.
- Baveno (approx. 25 km west of Isola San Giulio): Located on the shores of Lake Maggiore, Baveno is known for its stunning lakeside views, historic villas, and proximity to the Borromean Islands. Visitors can explore the town’s Baveno Church, take a scenic walk along the lake, or enjoy a relaxing boat ride to nearby islands.
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Piedmont Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Piedmont
1. Orta San Giulio 2. Lake Maggiore 3. Langhe 4. Turin 5. Borromean Islands 6. Monferrato 7. Reggia di Venaria Reale 8. Asti 9. Val di Susa 10. Barolo 👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Piedmont |
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Isola San Giulio
By Rail: Isola San Giulio is accessed by boat from the town of Orta San Giulio, which is served by the Orta-Miasino train station located about 2 kilometres from the lakefront. This station is on the regional Novara–Domodossola line, with services operated by Trenitalia. The journey takes about 1 hour 30 minutes from Milan with a change in Novara. Taxis or local buses connect the station with the ferry point in Orta San Giulio.
By Road: Orta San Giulio lies on the eastern shore of Lake Orta, approximately 90 kilometres north-west of Milan. The drive from Milan takes around 1 hour 30 minutes via the A26 motorway. Parking is available near the historic centre, with pedestrian paths leading down to the lakeside.
Nearest International Airports:
Ferry Connections:
Orta San Giulio: Regular boat services run between the lakefront of Orta San Giulio and Isola San Giulio. The crossing takes about 5 minutes and is available throughout the day, especially in spring and summer.
Pettenasco: Some seasonal services also operate from other lakeside towns such as Pettenasco. These are less frequent and primarily active during high season. Crossings from nearby towns usually include scenic routes across Lake Orta.
By Road: Orta San Giulio lies on the eastern shore of Lake Orta, approximately 90 kilometres north-west of Milan. The drive from Milan takes around 1 hour 30 minutes via the A26 motorway. Parking is available near the historic centre, with pedestrian paths leading down to the lakeside.
Nearest International Airports:
- Milan Malpensa Airport: Located about 50 kilometres away, the drive to Orta San Giulio takes approximately 1 hour. This is the most convenient airport for reaching Lake Orta and the surrounding area.
- Milan Linate Airport: Situated around 110 kilometres from Orta San Giulio, with a journey time of about 1 hour 40 minutes by car. The airport offers numerous domestic and European flights.
Ferry Connections:
Orta San Giulio: Regular boat services run between the lakefront of Orta San Giulio and Isola San Giulio. The crossing takes about 5 minutes and is available throughout the day, especially in spring and summer.
Pettenasco: Some seasonal services also operate from other lakeside towns such as Pettenasco. These are less frequent and primarily active during high season. Crossings from nearby towns usually include scenic routes across Lake Orta.
