Lake Orta is sometimes referred to as Cinderella (Image: Getty)
You’ve heard of and Lake Maggiore, hotspots for the rich and famous but there is another beautiful lake similar to the more recognised ones but fortunately it comes without the crowds.
The small lake is often described as one of the most romantic in and is often compared to the renowned Lake Como and Lake Maggiore which it sits west of.
Some local Italians even refer to the lake as Cinderella because the lake is considered prettier than ‘big sisters’ Como and Maggiore and gets less attention.
Just 25 miles away from in Milan, the beautiful northern Italian lake houses only one small island named San Giulio but also has various historic villages in the surrounding area.
San Giulio just 275 metres long and 140 metres wide, is full of picturesque Romanesque buildings. The island is named after a missionary priest named Giulio, who later became Saint Julius.
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It also has an interesting tale attached to it. It is believed that the island was a rock infested with dragons, and the Saint rowed to the island using his clock and a stick, where he drove away all the dragons except one.
The one dragon took refuge in a cave, and legend has it that a bone was later discovered, a bone which is hung up today in the Basilica of San Giulio, a church Saint Julius founded when he first arrived on the island.
As well as the church it is also home to a Benedictine Abbey inhabited by nuns who devote their days to prayer, study and looking after the local church.
Along the stunning island, there is a path called “of Silence and Meditation,” where visitors will come across signs with messages relating to of course, silence and meditation. Reinforcing the name “Island of Silence” title.
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Visitors can take public service boats around the lake (Image: Getty)
Not far from the village is the town of Orta San Giulio, which houses a Michelin-star restaurant called Villa Crespi restaurant, so not only does the lake offer spectacular views but also the chance to satisfy your appetite with exceptional food.
The lake has various villages and towns around it but getting around is fairly easy, with public service boats being available every 15 minutes and a return trip from the shore costing from €5 (£4.18).
The boats stop at Omegna, Pettenasco, Orta, San Giulio Island and Pella, meaning visitors can really take in the whole of the lake and its scenic surroundings.