Trip Planner: Europe / Italy / Piedmont / Province of Novara / Orta San Giulio / San Giulio Island

San Giulio Island, Orta San Giulio

4.4

#2 of 232 in Things to do in Province of Novara

Water Body · Nature / Park

Create an itinerary including San Giulio Island

The isolated beauty of San Giulio Island made the island an attractive spot for monastic orders to build their sanctuary. The centerpiece, a 12th-century basilica, stands as an icon to the mainland village and is open to the public. Next to the basilica, a 19th-century seminary functions as a Benedictine monastery. Parts of this building are closed to the public. Archaeological findings on the island date back to the fifth century, when a small chapel was erected to honor evangelizer Saint Julius. This notable saint spent his last days on the island, but he wasn't the only known figure associated with it. William of Volpiano, or St. William of Dijon, was born here. PutSan Giulio Island into our Orta San Giulio driving holiday planning tool and find out what's close by, where to stay, and where to head next.

Improve this listing »

Create a full itinerary - for free!

Tours to San Giulio Island

FROM $237 BOOK WITH VIATOR Private Tour of Orta San Giulio on Lake Orta with Micaela Private Tour of Orta San Giulio on Lake Orta with Micaela

5.0

Duration: 2 to 3 hours

Tours from $237 ›

FROM $1,181 BOOK WITH VIATOR 4-Day Italian Lakes Tour from Milan 4-Day Italian Lakes Tour from Milan

3.8

Duration: 4 days

Tours from $1,181 ›

FROM $242 BOOK WITH VIATOR The romantic village of Orta San Giulio with a tour guide The romantic village of Orta San Giulio with a tour guide

4.7

Duration: 3 to 4 hours

Tours from $242 ›

FROM $2,133 BOOK WITH VIATOR 7-Days Italian Lakes and the Dolomites Tour from Milan 7-Days Italian Lakes and the Dolomites Tour from Milan

2.0

Duration: 7 days

Tours from $2,133 ›

FROM $164 BOOK WITH VIATOR Paddle on the Orta Lake and San Giulio island Paddle on the Orta Lake and San Giulio island

Duration: 4 hours

Tours from $164 ›

FROM $308 BOOK WITH VIATOR A private romantic sunset cruise on Lake Orta, sipping wine on board A private romantic sunset cruise on Lake Orta, sipping wine on board

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Tours from $308 ›

FROM $295 BOOK WITH VIATOR Walking and cruising around Lake Orta Walking and cruising around Lake Orta

Duration: 3 hours

Tours from $295 ›

FROM $777 BOOK WITH VIATOR Food & Wine Tour on Lake Orta from Milan - Private Tour Food & Wine Tour on Lake Orta from Milan - Private Tour

Duration: 8 hours

Tours from $777 ›

FROM $427 BOOK WITH VIATOR A private tour around Lake Orta and its mounts from Lake Maggiore A private tour around Lake Orta and its mounts from Lake Maggiore

Duration: 6 hours

Tours from $427 ›

FROM $2,089 BOOK WITH VIATOR 7-Days Italian Lakes and Riviera Tour from Milan 7-Days Italian Lakes and Riviera Tour from Milan

Duration: 7 days

Tours from $2,089 ›

San Giulio Island reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating

1,708 reviews

Google

4.6

By wendymabi

There is a small church on the island where, in the crypt, are the remains of Saint Giulio. There is a serenity on this island which is unbelievably relaxing and spiritual! There is a small walk...

There is a small church on the island where, in the crypt, are the remains of Saint Giulio. There is a serenity on this island which is unbelievably relaxing and spiritual! There is a small walk... more »
By schmidtmg

If you visit Lake Orta,do visit San Giulio Island. The boat round trip from Piazza motta in Orta San Giulio takes a few minutes, costs 5 Euro and the small boats leave every 20 minutes or so. On the..... more

If you visit Lake Orta,do visit San Giulio Island. The boat round trip from Piazza motta in Orta San Giulio takes a few minutes, costs 5 Euro and the small boats leave every 20 minutes or so. On the..... more »
By Stu151

Small island well on the tourist trail ! (so busy) Main interest is the Basilica di San Giulio, which has interesting wall frescos, there is also a short (800m) path around the island with nice...

Small island well on the tourist trail ! (so busy) Main interest is the Basilica di San Giulio, which has interesting wall frescos, there is also a short (800m) path around the island with nice... more »

See more on TripAdvisor ›

Google

By Wayne Boreham

My favourite lake in the Alps, warm clean water, great for swimming, kayaking or just chilling at the water's edge. The lake does have a few public grass beaches in the Pella area these can be very hard to spot when on the move. Pella has a few small shops and restaurants the local tobacconist and coffee shop has sadly closed in recent years. It's best to bring your supplies with you. On the other side of the lake a San Guilio you can ride the boat trip to the island and visit the church and also take in the walk of silence, it's an amazing place!

more less
By Inspirator

Very beautiful and charming place. Imcredible climate. I will definitely go back there.

more less
By christophe c

Beautiful island! Peaceful and quiet. Definitely going to back there to enjoy it another time!

more less
By Duncan Drake

It's a magical place suspended in time. Lives at a small pace that is hardly disturbed by the turmoil of modern life. If possible come visit it outside of the touristic season, when the quiet of the place will enhance tour meditation. The basilica on the island is ancient and well preserved. Of note are the pulpit carved from a block of local stone and the crypt with the remains of Saint Jules (v century), founder of the Church. Still remembered today is the legend of Saint Jules and his chasing a drake away from the island. Most likely an allegory for the subsiding of ancient pagan rites by tje new Christian religion.

more less
By Frederick Rountree

A beautiful and small island. Go during the off-season for the full effect of the church and the other houses on the island. Plan to spend a least 2 hours here!

more less