Orta San Giulio is a charming village nestled on the shores of Lake Orta in northern Italy. It's the town that gives the name to the Lake and a must-visit place in the area.

Orta San Giulio has lovely alleyways, colourful houses, a beautiful piazza with Isola San Giulio views and picturesque views of the lake. It's the perfect place for a walk and to relax while enjoying a beautiful sunny day in Italy.

From here you can walk up to the sanctuary of Sacro Monte and enjoy even more stunning views.

Why should you visit? Orta San Giulio is certainly among the most romantic and charming lake towns I've ever visited. The views of the lake are among my favourites.

Is it popular? For Italians living within an hour from the lake is very popular. So you'll mostly find locals here, but also some tourists coming from France, Switzerland and sometimes Germany. It's more of a local place, but it's still quite popular, and being a small town, it can feel crowded.

It's a bit hard to reach, and if you're coming by car, make sure to arrive early to get a parking spot near the town. You can find pinned where I parked.
If you're coming by train, from the station you'll have to take a bus that will bring you to the town.

Would I recommend it? Lake Orta has quickly become one of my favourite lakes in Italy, right behind Lake Como. It has charming views, and it feels way less crowded and more enjoyable. The town of Orta San Giulio in particular is such a gem. I highly recommend a visit here, especially if you want to visit different places other than the typical Italian tourist hubs.