The 4 Italian lakes you can’t afford to miss in 2018

In September, everything starts again. After the holidays, school and the daily routine return to normal, and we find ourselves immersed in the frenzy of busy days.

To soften the blow and combat the symptoms of post-vacation syndrome, this week we'll take you for a walk on the shores of some of Italy's most beautiful lakes.

Immersed in nature, among charming villages where life flows slowly, surrounded by the ringing of the bells of the beautiful bell towers that dominate the waters of the lake, you can fill yourself with tranquillity to face the commitments and projects that await you at home with the right spirit and with renewed energy.

1. Lakes Lesina and Varano: the Gargano lagoons

Boat moored on Lake Varano / Wikimedia commons

When it comes to Apulia, we inevitably think of the crystal-clear waters of its sea and its paradisiacal beaches. Today, however, we want you to discover the two most famous lakes in this region: Lake Lesina and Lake Varano. Both are in the Gargano area and are of coastal origin; in fact, as they are connected with the Adriatic Sea by canals, they can be considered real lagoons.

Lake Lesina is home to a natural reserve of the same name, a protected area established in 1981 for the repopulation of animals and to protect the species that nest in the area. There is also the visitor’s centre of the Gargano National Park, where the Ethnographic Museum "Casa del Pescatore” (“Fisherman's House") is lcoated, a botanical garden and a natural history museum with a salt water aquarium, the only one of its kind in Europe.

Lake Varano also has a nature reserve that forms part of the Gargano National Park, home to numerous bird populations belonging to different species, including herons. The beauty of the landscape, the variety of the vegetation and the uncontaminated nature invite you to venture out for a day as an explorer.

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2. Lake Bolsena: volcanic lake in the province of Viterbo

The view over Lake Bolsena / pixabay.com/en/users/hirisflower-229071/

Lake Bolsena, in Viterbo province, on the border of Umbria and Tuscany, is the largest volcanic lake in Europe. It was formed by the collapse of the volcano Vulsinio, which, as a result of volcanic eruptions, was emptied and collapsed in on itself, forming a huge crater which has slowly filled with water over time.

This lake and its surroundings are ideal for outdoor activities in nature. If you love trekking, you can choose among numerous routes where history, culture and rich vegetation merge for an unforgettable time. If you prefer going on two wheels, you can pedal along one of the many nature trails of the Etruscans, the ancient inhabitants of this area.

By sailing boat is another great way to see the palaces and gardens of Bisentina Island, the wild beauty of Martana Island and the lava rock cliff that rises imposingly in a beautiful bay.

End your day out by relaxing in one of the small trattoria restaurants on the shores of the lake in the old fishermen's cabins, where you can enjoy delicious fresh fish dishes from the lake.

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3. Lake Trasimeno: reflecting the beautiful villages of Umbria

The shores of the lake / pixabay.com/en/users/MarcoPomella-4449195/

Lake Trasimeno, in the province of Perugia, is the largest lake in central Italy. Several orange flags fly along its banks as a mark of tourist quality awarded by the Italian Touring Club to small, inland villages that are distinguished by excellent quality of service and hospitality, such as Città della Pieve and Panicale. Trasimeno Castiglione del Lago, Paciano, Passignano sul Trasimeno and Corciano are all part of the "most beautiful villages in Italy" club.

In addition to strolling through the streets of these timeless villages, you can enjoy nature in the Valley oasis "La Valle", the most interesting natural part of the lake due to its shallow waters and extensive reedbeds, which serve as an important stop and nesting ground for thousands of birds.

You can also enjoy the pleasures of good food, tasting the delicacies of Umbria's cuisine and local products: the fagiolina beans of Trasimeno; the tegamaccio, a delicious soup made with fish from the lake; the prized saffron of Città della Pieve; the wine produced in this region since the time of the Etruscans; and the oil, fruit of the many olive trees that cover the green hills hereabouts.

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4. Lake Iseo: art and nature in Lombardy

View of the lake island / pixabay.com/en/users/3321704-3321704/

Between the provinces of Bergamo and Brescia is Lake Iseo, famous for its natural beauty and the surrounding villages like Pisogne, Porto Lovere, with its beautiful square and the picturesque town of Riva de Solto. Lake Iseo is the perfect destination for a holiday or a cultural weekend of fine gastronomy and relaxation in the fresh air.

Iseo is the ideal city for just taking a walk on the lake, but for an artistic getaway visit the nineteenth-century square with the parish church of Sant'Andrea, which houses the famous altarpiece of St. Michael the Archangel by Francesco Hayez. In Clusane di Iseo you can taste the best dishes of the area in one of the many characteristic trattorias.

The ideal way to admire the scenery and enjoy the beautiful calm of the lake on board a boat, easily allowing you to reach the places you want to visit, or you can take a bike ride on the romantic Monte Isola, Europe's largest lake island and the undisputed queen of the lake.

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