Ciao a tutti, it’s Luca.
Update: Since I wrote this, my colleague Alessandro has explored another hidden gem in Italy that’s perfect for those seeking a tranquil escape from the crowds. While the international jet set is busy fighting for a selfie spot on the shores of Lake Como or paying twenty euros for a spritz in Bellagio, he’s found something that feels like it belongs in a dream—or a different century altogether, reminiscent of the charming medieval towns he’s explored in detail in The Travertine Dream: Discovering Ascoli Piceno, Italy’s Best-Kept Medieval Secret, and if you’re looking for another hidden, secret paradise, I invite you to uncover it with him.
Update: I’ve since written a guide to The Village That Defied Time: Why Calcata Vecchia Is Italy’s Most Mysterious Hidden Gem, which has left me thinking about another lesser-known destination in Italy. Just a short drive from the crowded Milanese suburbs lies Lake Orta, the smaller, humbler, and infinitely more mysterious cousin of the Great Lakes. But even here, people often miss the true heart of the water. Most tourists never find this spot because they get distracted by the (admittedly beautiful) town of Orta San Giulio. If you want to dive deeper into the hidden gems of this enchanting destination, as I mentioned in my guide to Chasing the Golden Hour: a romantic getaway to Lake Orta, but for me, the real magic happened when I took a small wooden boat and headed straight for the mist, much like I’ve experienced in other enchanting spots that I’ve had the chance to explore, and if you enjoyed this, you’ll love my other post about a place that embodies a similar mysterious charm.
Since writing this, my colleague Sofia explored another lakeside gem, which reminded me of my own experiences on Isola di San Giulio, the Island of Silence, and I’m excited to share that she’s recently published a guide to The Silent Serenade of Lake Iseo: A Romantic Escape to Monte Isola, a destination that echoes the serene charm I’ve found in these enchanting isole.
The Lake the World Forgot#
Update: Since I wrote this, my colleague Sofia recently published a guide to Whispers of Lake Orta: A Dreamy Escape to Italy’s Secret Heart, which showcases the beauty of Italy’s lesser-known destinations. Lake Orta has long been called La Cenerentola (Cinderella) by Italians because it’s tucked away, overshadowed by its flashy neighbors, Lake Maggiore and Lake Como. But that’s exactly why I love it - as Sofia’s guide highlights, there’s something special about this hidden gem. For a similarly romantic escape, I’ve found that Italy’s lakes district is full of treasures, and Lake Orta is no exception - there are no grand hotels blocking the view here—just moss-covered stone walls and the sound of oars hitting the water.
Isola di San Giulio sits right in the middle of the lake like a floating monastery. Legend says the island was once nothing but a rock infested with serpents and dragons until Saint Julius arrived in the 4th century, using his cloak as a boat to reach the shore. Today, the “dragons” are gone, replaced by a deep, resonant peace that you can feel the moment your feet hit the stone pier.
The Way of Silence vs. The Way of Meditation#
This isn’t your typical tourist island with souvenir stalls selling plastic magnets. There is essentially one road on the island—a circular path that wraps around the Mater Ecclesiae Abbey, where cloistered nuns live in perpetual prayer.
If you want something different, you have to pay attention to the signs. As you walk the path in one direction, it is called the “Way of Silence.” Small, hand-painted plaques line the walls with philosophical reflections like: “In silence, you accept and understand,” or “Silence is the language of love.”
If you turn around and walk the other way, it becomes the “Way of Meditation.” It’s a psychological journey as much as a physical one. I spent two hours here just walking, listening to the chime of the bells, and watching the water change from steel grey to emerald green.
Inside the Basilica: A Hidden Treasure#
Most people peak inside the 12th-century Basilica di San Giulio and leave. My secret tip is to head straight for the pulpit. It’s carved from rare black-green serpentine marble and is one of the most incredible pieces of medieval art I’ve ever seen in Italy. It’s covered in carvings of griffins, eagles, and strange beasts—a rebellious touch of the wild in a place of such order.
Luca’s Insider Tips for the Adventurous#
- Skip the Big Ferries: Don’t wait for the large public transport boats. Look for the local “Motoscafisti” in the main square of Orta San Giulio. For a few euros, they’ll take you across in a smaller, more personal boat.
- Timing is Everything: Arrive at 9:00 AM. By 11:00 AM, the day-trippers from Milan might start trickling in. If you get there early, you’ll have the “Way of Silence” entirely to yourself.
- The Secret View: After you return to the mainland, don’t just stay by the water. Hike up to the Sacro Monte di Orta. It’s a UNESCO site with 20 chapels dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi, and the view looking back down at the island is the best in the region.
- Eat Like a Local: Forget the lakeside restaurants with English menus. Find a small enoteca in the back alleys of the village and ask for Tapulone—a traditional donkey ragu from the area. It’s rustic, authentic, and exactly what the locals eat.
Isola di San Giulio is a reminder that Italy isn’t just a museum; it’s a feeling. It’s the thrill of finding a place where the modern world simply hasn’t been invited.
Until the next discovery, keep wandering.
— Luca