The Secret Italian Lakes That Most Tourists Don't Know About
- gabriella1378
- Jul 13
- 7 min read
While millions of traveler flock to Lake Como and Lake Garda each year, Italy harbors dozens of equally stunning lakes that remain blissfully uncrowded. These hidden gems offer the same dramatic scenery, crystal-clear waters, and charming lakeside towns—but with a fraction of the tourists and often at much more affordable prices. As a travel advisor who takes it her mission to offer off-the-beaten-path experiences, I've discovered that these lesser-known lakes often provide my clients with their most memorable moments.
Lake Turano: The Emerald Jewel of Lazio
Nestled in the Sabine Hills just 90 minutes from Rome, Lake Turano feels like a secret kingdom frozen in time. This artificial lake, created in 1939, stretches through a narrow valley surrounded by medieval villages that seem to cascade down the hillsides like stone waterfalls.
The lake's most striking feature is the ancient village of Castel di Tora, perched dramatically on a rocky promontory that juts into the emerald waters. The village's stone houses, and narrow alleyways create one of Italy's most photographed—yet surprisingly unknown—lakeside scenes. The contrast between the medieval architecture and the modern lake creates an almost surreal landscape that photographers and artists find irresistible.
What makes Lake Turano special is its incredible biodiversity. The surrounding Regional Natural Reserve protects over 1,000 hectares of pristine Mediterranean forest, home to wild boar, deer, and over 100 bird species. The lake itself is a haven for fishing enthusiasts, with abundant trout, carp, and pike. Unlike the crowded promenades of more famous lakes, here you can kayak in complete solitude or hike the numerous trails that wind through chestnut forests and ancient Roman ruins.
The nearby town of Rieti, birthplace of Saint Francis of Assisi's religious journey, offers excellent restaurants serving traditional Sabine cuisine. Try the local specialty, "strozzapreti" pasta with truffle sauce, paired with wine from the surrounding hills.
Lake Scanno: The Heart-Shaped Wonder of Abruzzo
High in the Apennine Mountains of Abruzzo, Lake Scanno sits at 922 meters above sea level, making it one of Italy's highest natural lakes. What sets this lake apart is its unique heart shape—visible from the panoramic viewpoint above the town of Scanno—and its remarkable story of formation. Created by an ancient landslide that dammed the Tasso River, the lake has become a pristine mountain sanctuary.
The town of Scanno itself is a masterpiece of medieval architecture, with its labyrinthine streets, stone houses, and artisan workshops that have remained virtually unchanged for centuries. The town is famous for its intricate goldsmithing traditions and the distinctive traditional dress still worn by local women during festivals. The contrast between the dark lake waters and the golden stone buildings creates a dramatic visual harmony that has inspired countless artists and filmmakers.
Lake Scanno offers some of Italy's best mountain lake experiences. The water temperature remains cool even in summer, making it perfect for swimming after hiking in the surrounding peaks. The lake is surrounded by the Abruzzo National Park, home to brown bears, wolves, and golden eagles. The area offers excellent hiking trails, including the path to the Hermitage of Sant'Egidio, a 13th-century monastery carved into the rock face.
The region is also a culinary treasure trove. Abruzzo's mountain cuisine features hearty dishes like "arrosticini" (grilled lamb skewers) and "maccheroni alla chitarra" served with rich meat sauces. The local saffron, grown in nearby Navelli, is considered among the world's finest.
Lake Varese: Lombardy's Cultural Oasis
Located in northern Lombardy near the Swiss border, Lake Varese combines natural beauty with rich cultural heritage. This glacial lake, surrounded by rolling hills and elegant villas, offers a more intimate alternative to the crowded shores of Lake Maggiore, just a short drive away.
The lake's crown jewel is the Sacro Monte di Varese, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring a sacred mountain with 14 chapels leading to the Sanctuary of Santa Maria del Monte. This 16th-century pilgrimage route winds through beautiful forests and offers stunning views over the lake and the Alps beyond. The artistic treasures within the chapels include frescoes by some of Lombardy's most celebrated artists.
What makes Lake Varese unique is its perfect size for exploration. At just 8.5 square kilometers, you can easily cycle around the entire perimeter in a morning, stopping at charming lakeside cafes and admiring the Art Nouveau villas that dot the shoreline. The lake is also a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 200 species recorded in the surrounding wetlands.
The nearby town of Varese, known as the "City of Gardens," boasts magnificent public parks and is home to several world-class museums. The area's proximity to Milan makes it an excellent base for exploring both urban sophistication and natural tranquility. The local cuisine reflects the region's position between Italy and Switzerland, featuring dishes like "risotto con filetti di pesce persico" (perch risotto) and excellent local wines from the surrounding hills.
Lake Iseo: The Artistic Soul of Lombardy
Lake Iseo, located between Bergamo and Brescia, is Lombardy's fourth-largest lake but remains refreshingly uncrowded compared to its famous neighbors. The lake's most distinctive feature is Monte Isola, the largest lake island in Europe, which rises dramatically from the water like a green mountain floating on the surface.
Monte Isola is a car-free paradise where time moves at the pace of walking, cycling, or the occasional bus. The island's fishing villages, including Peschiera Maraglio and Sensole, preserve centuries-old traditions of net-making and boatbuilding. The climb to the Sanctuary of Madonna della Ceriola at the island's summit rewards visitors with panoramic views across the entire lake and the surrounding Alps.
The lake gained international attention in 2016 when artist Christo created "The Floating Piers," a temporary installation that allowed visitors to walk on water. While the artwork was temporary, it highlighted the lake's natural beauty and artistic potential. The surrounding hills are dotted with medieval castles, ancient churches, and vineyards producing excellent Franciacorta wines.
The town of Iseo itself is a delightful base for exploration, with its historic center, weekly market, and excellent restaurants serving fresh lake fish. The area offers numerous hiking trails, including the scenic path around the entire lake and challenging climbs into the surrounding mountains. The lake's clear waters are perfect for swimming, sailing, and windsurfing, while the surrounding wetlands provide habitat for herons, cormorants, and other waterbirds.
Lake Nemi: The Mirror of Diana
Hidden in the Alban Hills just 30 kilometers southeast of Rome, Lake Nemi is a perfect volcanic crater lake that the Romans called "Speculum Dianae" (Diana's Mirror). This small but perfectly formed lake, surrounded by dense forests and ancient Roman ruins, offers a mystical atmosphere that has captivated visitors for millennia.
The lake's most famous historical feature is the remains of Emperor Caligula's massive ceremonial ships, which were discovered in the lake's depths in the 1920s. The ships, over 70 meters long, were raised from the water and housed in a museum on the lakeshore, though they were sadly destroyed during World War II. Today, the museum displays artifacts and models that help visitors understand the lake's incredible Roman heritage.
The town of Nemi perches dramatically on the crater's rim, famous for its wild strawberries that have been celebrated since Roman times. The annual Strawberry Festival in June fills the medieval streets with the scent of fresh berries and traditional music. The town's narrow cobblestone streets and ancient stone houses create an intimate atmosphere that feels worlds away from nearby Rome.
Lake Nemi offers excellent hiking opportunities through the surrounding Castelli Romani Regional Park. The trails wind through chestnut forests, past ancient Roman ruins, and offer stunning views across the Roman countryside. The lake itself is too small for water sports but perfect for peaceful walks along the shoreline or quiet contemplation of its mirror-like surface.
Lake Trasimeno: Umbria's Gentle Giant
Italy's fourth-largest lake, Lake Trasimeno spreads across the border between Umbria and Tuscany like a vast inland sea. Despite its size, this shallow lake maintains an intimate, peaceful character that makes it one of Italy's most relaxing destinations.
The lake is famous for its role in history as the site of Hannibal's greatest victory over the Romans in 217 BC. Today, visitors can explore the battlefield and learn about this pivotal moment in ancient history at the museum in Tuoro sul Trasimeno. The lake's three islands each offer unique experiences: Isola Maggiore, with its medieval fishing village and lace-making traditions; Isola Polvese, a nature reserve perfect for hiking and birdwatching; and the private Isola Minore.
What makes Lake Trasimeno special is its incredible sunset views. As the sun sets over the water, the lake transforms into a canvas of gold and crimson reflections, creating some of the most romantic moments in all of Italy. The surrounding hills are dotted with medieval towns like Castiglione del Lago, with its impressive 13th-century fortress, and Passignano, a charming fishing village with excellent seafood restaurants.
Why These Lakes Deserve Your Attention
These hidden Italian lakes offer something that their famous counterparts increasingly struggle to provide, authenticity, tranquility, and genuine connections with local culture. Without the cruise ship crowds and tour bus invasions, you can experience Italy as it once was—intimate, personal, and deeply rewarding.
Each of these lakes offers excellent value for money, with accommodation, dining, and activities priced significantly lower than in major tourist destinations. More importantly, they provide opportunities for meaningful cultural exchange with locals who are genuinely pleased to share their hidden treasures with curious visitors.
Whether you're seeking adventure in the mountains around Lake Scanno, cultural enrichment at Lake Varese's sacred sites, or peaceful relaxation on Lake Trasimeno's gentle shores, these secret lakes offer experiences that will create lasting memories and perhaps inspire a deeper understanding of Italy's incredible diversity.
The secret to discovering these lakes is simple: venture beyond the well-trodden tourist paths and allow yourself to be surprised by Italy's hidden beauty. Your reward will be not just stunning scenery and peaceful waters, but a more authentic and personal connection to one of the world's most beautiful countries.
I would be happy to show you around 😊
Comentarios