Italy: Beautiful secret lake as pretty as Como and Garda but without the tourists

Rome: When people dream of Italy’s fabulous lakes, the glamour of Lake Como or the grandeur of Lake Garda often come to mind.

But there’s a lesser-known gem that quietly outshines them with its serene beauty.

Nestled in the northern Italian region of Piedmont, the enchanting Lake Orta has medieval charm, crystal-clear waters, and a tranquil atmosphere that can be a struggle to find elsewhere.

With its dark forests and ancient stone villages, it feels like a setting from a fairytale – so perhaps it’s unsurprising it has a fairytale nickname.

Locals refer to it as La Cenerentola (Cinderella) of the Italian lakes, shunned by tourist crowds flocking to its bigger and more famous relatives.

Access is easy too as Orta is an hour from Milan’s Malpensa airport with a one-way flight from the UK as little as £35.

Lake Maggiore is also only 25 miles away so combining the two lakes would be simple. So what makes Lake Orta so special?

The highlight of the lake is Orta San Giulio, a charming medieval village perched on its shores. With cobblestone streets, pastel-coloured buildings, and quaint cafes, it’s a delight to explore.

At the heart of the village is Piazza Motta, a bustling square where you can sip espresso while admiring the views and languishing in your own private piece of la dolce vita.

There are stunning views of the lake at virtually every turn and the cobbled streets are studded with flowers, especially in spring.

A short boat ride from the village takes you to San Giulio island, a tiny and mystical spot steeped in stories and also known as the Island of Silence.

According to legend the place was once home to a colony of dragons who were driven out by Saint Julius in 390AD. He then founded his 100th church.

There is still a chapel here – the 12th century Basilica di San Giuli adorned with frescoes and intricate stonework alongside a convent which houses around 80 Benedictine nuns. They live in total silence, the reason the island has its name.

A peaceful path encircles the shore, offering panoramic views and a chance to immerse yourself in its tranquil ambiance.

Sacro Monte sits on a promontory overlooking Lake Orta and has 20 chapels dedicated to St Francis of Assisi nestled among pine trees.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is one of nine sacred mountains in Italy. Work began in 1590 and was finally completed in 1788 with the saint’s story brought to life through statues, paintings and architecture.

The site offers breathtaking views of the lake and a peaceful escape from the modern world.

It goes without saying that Italian food is spectacularly good – and Lake Orta has its own specialities to delight food lovers.