From the romantic villas along the edge of Lake Como to the dramatic mountains rising behind Lake Garda, there are an endless number of extraordinary landmarks to see in Italy. Few travelers, however, have ventured to the mesmerizing shores of Lake Orta, where crowds are scarce.

Even fewer have heard of the Isola San Giulio. A small stretch of rock on Lake Orta's calm waters, it's one of Italy's most beautiful yet lesser-known islands. Crisscrossed by narrow alleys between medieval villas and ancient chapels, the Romanesque bell tower of the Basilica di San Giulio dominates the landscape. And if that doesn't compel you to visit, the island has a mythical origin story to rival that of Romulus and Remus founding Rome.