Holiday Homes at Lake Orta

Tell me about... Orta San Giulio

The little train that takes you on a great tour of Orta San Giulio
The "trenino" offering a short tour of Orta San Giulio

Isola San Giulio from the Sacro Monte Orta San Giulio is an enchanting village set on the edge of the peninsula which faces the Island of San Giulio. The village has a special atmosphere of calm and tranquillity like no other place on earth, and a wealth of restaurants, ice cream bars, shops and bars, and a fun mini-golf. It's easy to pass the time strolling, having a capuccino or aperitivo, and generally people watching.

Walk up above the village to the Sacro Monte, just for the view, or to see the series of chapels with statues and frescos depicting episodes in the life of San Francesco d'Assisi.

Take a launch to the Island of San Giulio: the twelfth century Romanesque Basilica on the island has a glass coffin with what's left of Saint Giulio on display, who is supposed to have walked on the lake in his better days.

From Orta San Giulio you can follow the path around the peninuslar (full details of this walk are provided in your location pack) right next to the lake. For Villa Gelsomina and the apartments in Vacciago, we also provide directions for the walk down through the chestnuit woods to Orta San Giulio.

You too could be sipping a Martini soaking up the ambience - book now! You can hire a rowing boat, or take a launch out to the island. And you can take a dip in the lake from several places on the peninsular, including the little beach at Ortello.

In late June there are unforgettable evening concerts in the Sala Tallone on the island.

Admire the enchanting Isola San Giulio from the delightful little piazza in Orta San Giulio, where you can sip a Martini soaking up the unspoilt charm and tranquillity of this unique place. The village is full of pizzerias, trattorias, and restaurants - for all tastes and all pockets. There is also a restaurant on the island (transport free!)...

Orta San Giulio is not known as a place for night life, but the Piano Bar in the Hotel San Rocco often has live music, and with its superb setting right on the lake can be a great place after a meal, and in fact there are several other enotecas and great bars in the village and nearby.

There is an evocative description of Orta San Giulio in this article on www.travelintelligence.net.

Santa Maria dell'Assunta in Orta San Giulio

The church at the top of the steps above the main square in Orta San Giulio

The following apartments are situated right in Orta San Giulio: La Calla, Orchidea. And these apartments are just 300 metres from the village: Darsena, Punta Movero, Belvedere, Cinque Terre.