Lake Orta – unexpected beauty out of overcrowded tourist routes in Italy
Updated June 10, 2026 by europeexplored
Lake Orta sits in the shadow of its more famous neighbour Lake Maggiore, and that is precisely its charm. The crowds go elsewhere, leaving this smaller lake to those who prefer quiet beauty over commercial spectacle. The water reflects the green slopes of the surrounding hills and the island of San Giulio rises from the centre with a basilica that dates back to the 4th century. The town of Orta San Giulio climbs the hillside in a cascade of cobbled alleys and pastel buildings. A ferry crosses to the island every thirty minutes, carrying visitors who step into a silence that feels centuries deep.
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Lake Orta sits in the shadow of its more famous neighbour Lake Maggiore, and that is precisely its charm. The crowds go elsewhere, leaving this smaller lake to those who prefer quiet beauty over commercial spectacle. The water reflects the green slopes of the surrounding hills and the island of San Giulio rises from the centre with a basilica that dates back to the 4th century. The town of Orta San Giulio climbs the hillside in a cascade of cobbled alleys and pastel buildings. A ferry crosses to the island every thirty minutes, carrying visitors who step into a silence that feels centuries deep.
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Just west of the world famous Lake Maggiore is where you will find Lake Orta. Known by this name since the early years of the 16th century, the lake was originally known as Lago di San Giulio after having been dedicated to the Saint Claire back in the 4th century.
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Lake Orta is situated only 35 kilometers northwest of Novara. The city is a popular stop on the Turin-Milan rail line. However, the lake is only 6 kilometers south of the Toce which is the more popular stopping point for people making their way to Lake Orta.
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\nLake Orta, Italy by Blooming-Garden
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In the middle of Lake Orta is where you will find the Island of San Giulio. The island of San Giulio is only 275 meter long and 140 meters wide. The first chapel built on the island was first erected back in the 5th century. Today, the picturesque buildings on San Giulio are part of a Benedictine Monastery. It was named after the 4th century Saint Claire of Novara.
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It is believed that the glacial sheets which formed Lake Orta were also the same that were known to have led to the formation of Lake Maggiore. It is believed that as the glaciers retreated, the water created from their melting was only partially diverted to Orta. Regardless of their formation, both lakes are very popular destinations for Italians and tourists alike.
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\nSan Guilio island, Lake Orta, Italy by Alessandro Vecchi
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The shores surround Lake Orta are covered with lush green fields and many olive groves. While there are several beaches to choose from, most people who make their way to the lake instead opt to head out into the lake for a relaxing day away from the distractions of the countless tourists that line the shorelines. There are many attractions in the area and some fine resorts and restaurants located along the shores of Lake Orta.\n
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San Giulio Island and the basilica
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The island of San Giulio is the undisputed centrepiece of Lake Orta. The basilica of San Giulio, built in the 12th century on the site of a 4th-century church, features a stunning Romanesque pulpit carved from black Oira marble in the 12th century, supported by four columns resting on lions. The interior contains medieval frescoes that cover the walls and ceiling, painted by artists from the Novara school between the 14th and 16th centuries. The crypt, the oldest surviving part of the church, dates from the 4th century and is said to contain the relics of Saint Julius, the evangelist who supposedly rid the island of snakes and dragons. A Benedictine monastery occupied the island for centuries, and the nuns still maintain a contemplative presence in the former bishop palace. The narrow streets of the island village are pedestrian-only and lined with small artisan workshops. The Mater Ecclesiae Abbey, a contemplative Benedictine community, welcomes visitors to its bookshop and chapel. The ferry from Orta San Giulio costs approximately 5 euros return and operates from 9am until sunset, with departures every 30 minutes in summer and less frequently in winter.
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Orta San Giulio Town and the Sacro Monte
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The town of Orta San Giulio climbs the hillside above the lake in a tangle of narrow cobbled streets, arched passageways, and small piazzas that reward aimless wandering. The main square, Piazza Motta, is the social heart of the town, lined with cafes and restaurants that spill onto the lakefront. The town hall, built in 1582, features a portico and a frescoed facade. Above the town lies the Sacro Monte di Orta, a UNESCO World heritage site consisting of 20 chapels dedicated to the life of Saint Francis of Assisi. Built between 1590 and 1788, the chapels contain over 300 life-size terracotta statues and painted frescoes depicting scenes from the saint life. The hilltop offers panoramic views across the lake to the surrounding Alps. The complex is one of nine Sacri Monti in northern Italy recognised by UNESCO. Entry costs 5 euros and the walk from the town centre takes approximately 20 minutes uphill through chestnut woodland.
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Getting to Lake Orta from Milan
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Lake Orta is the most accessible of the Italian lakes from Milan, with a travel time of approximately one hour and 15 minutes by car. The A8 motorway connects Milan to the A26 toward Gravellona Toce, with the exit at Borgomanero. From there, provincial roads wind through the rolling hills of the Piedmont countryside to the lake shore. By train, the Milan to Domodossola line stops at Orta-Miasino station, from which a bus or taxi completes the journey to Orta San Giulio. Trains run approximately every two hours, and the total journey costs around 12 euros. The lake is also within easy reach of Turin, Malpensa Airport, and the Aosta Valley, making it a practical stop on a broader northern Italy itinerary. The best months to visit are May, June, and September, when the weather is warm and the tourist numbers remain moderate. July and August bring more visitors and higher accommodation prices, though the lake rarely feels crowded compared to its larger neighbours.
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