The lakes of Rome are beautiful, adding to the charm of its majestic natural landscape. Created by volcanic eruptions, these lakes provide some of the loveliest places to enjoy some peace and quiet and delivers the best sceneries for photographs and sightseeing. Both tourists and locals in Rome often visit these lakes when they’re craving some water relaxation and hear those crashing tides. Depending on the time of year, the beaches can get quite chilly and the lakes are usually the best alternative. Check out the most gorgeous lakes in Rome, Italy for your future visit.
1. Lake Nemi
Seen as the jewel of Lazio, Lake Nemi (or Lago di Nemi), is well-known for its sunken Roman ships that were excavated some time ago. It is said that Emperors Caligula and Tiberius sailed on this lake to show everyone that they were with the Earth’s perpetual life force. Aside from exhibiting archaeological artifacts on the island, Lake Nemi is a tourist staple for their famed wild strawberries that grow in the nearby woods. The strawberries stand out from the crowd for being small in size yet very sweet in taste. The town decorates their houses and celebrate every May with strawberries for their Fragoline di Bosco festival. Visitors can also look forward to a cool and relaxing climate when coming to the lake.
Lake Nemi
Address: 00040 Nemi, Italy
Website: Lake Nemi
2. Lake Martignano
Located roughly 24.4 km (15 mi) northwest of the city, east of Lake Bracciano, locals frequently visit Lake Martignano (or Lago di Martignano) on a bright, sunny day for a family lakeside picnic or an afternoon stroll. This hidden gem is famous for its outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, mountain biking, and horse riding. Not only does the lake offer scenic and gorgeous views but its calming waters, lush forests, and fine beaches make it a peaceful retreat for nature-lovers, trekkers, and tourists looking to escape the trouble and hassle of everyday life. There are also lakeside cafes, restaurants and walking tracks if you wish to explore the area. As this is a natural reserve, getting to the lake means getting on a shuttle bus to a drop-off point (3 km/1.86 mi) and hike down a dirt path (about 600 m/656 yd). This also goes for going back: hike up the hill again and wait for the shuttle. However, all will pay off once you get to see the splendid view.
Lake Martignano
Address: Anguillara Sabazia, Italy
3. Lake Bolsena
Known as Tuscia’s “miraculous” lake and Italy’s “belly button”, Lake Bolsena (or Lago di Bolsena) boasts enchanting villages that make up the so-called ‘path of the Etruscans’. Formed about 370,000 years ago, the largest volcanic lake in Europe is abundant in majestic black volcanic sands and beaches and makes it an ideal area for swimming and water sports. Historically, Bolsena has a religious background, where Peter of Prague celebrated the Holy Mass above St. Christina’s tomb and blood seeped from the consecrated Host. Truly a place of miracles and wonder, tourists and pilgrims go to visit Church of Saint Christina to see the reliquary with the blood-stained marble.
Lake Bolsena
Address: Bolsena, Italy
Website: Lake Bolsena
4. Lake Albano (from USD 146)
Located in the Alban Hills (Colli Albani), 24 km (15 mi) southeast of Rome, this beautiful crater lake is a famed tourist spot, with a summer-ready beach on its western shore. This is the deepest lake in the Lazio region and said to be fed by underground springs. Lake Albano (or Lago di Albano) was known among locals to overspill its crater banks. It was not until 4th century BC did the people build a 1.5 km (0.93 mi) artificial outlet, in the form of a long underground tunnel, to keep its water level as stable as it is today. It houses the Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo, which is the summer residence of the Pope and home of the Vatican Observatory and overlooks the lake. Come for a picnic or go for a swim. If you’re bringing along a vehicle, rest assured as Lake Albano has plenty of parking spaces near the beaches. There are also a variety of rentals on the shore, such as beach chairs, umbrellas, kayaks, speed boats, and jet skis that would fit any of your travel needs. Albano’s vibrant town hosts a farmer’s market and has various shops that you can visit.
Rome: Appian Way & Albano Lake Full-Day E-Bike Tour
5. Lake Bracciano (from USD 107)
Live your Italian dream and drive for a half hour from Rome to the majestic Lake Bracciano (or Lago di Bracciano). It is the second largest lake in the Lazio region after Bolsena and is protected, being that it is the water reservoir of Rome, and is part of the town’s national park. The lake is surrounded by olive groves and healthy greenery, peaceful villages, and Orsini Odelscalchi Castle. The medieval castle is located on top of a hill and is a popular spot for big events like weddings of those with international status. Locals and foreigners visit Bracciano to enjoy the water sports they offer and to see the town’s gorgeous architecture. Go for an adventure and find La Marmotta, which houses the remains of a Neolithic village dated back to 5,700 BC. If you’re looking for a tourist staple, the small town of Trevignano Romano is located about 47 km (29.2 mi) from Rome and is home to a few historical buildings. Swimming and sailing are some of the most popular activities in this town and there are clubs that offer sailing lessons to visitors.
Bracciano: Half-Day Odescalchi Castle & Town Tour with Lunch
6. Lake Vico (from USD 551)
Legends say that Hercules threw his club into ground and created a hole that was soon filled with water from a nearby stream, forming the now serene Lake Vico (or Lago di Vico). Only short drive from Rome and one of the area’s drinking water reservoirs, the lake is a haven for many animals like the pike, perch, and eel. Its high location also means the area is rich in beech forest (populated by woodpeckers), as well as chestnut and hazelnut plantations. Some of the lakeside campsites and hotels offer activities such as swimming, sailing, and horseback riding. The area also boasts the beautiful Palazzo Farnese, built by Pope Paul III as a home for his nephew, Alessandro Farnese XVI. One of the most famous tourist staples is the city of Ronciglione, located on the slopes of the Cimini Mountains, and is home to historical monuments such as its medieval castle, Baroque-style cathedral, and traditional villas. The city also celebrates the Carnevale which is the most important festivals in the region and features horses that run in a race without riders.
Day Trip from Rome to Viterbo, Bagnaia, Thermal Baths & Lake Vico w hotel pickup
Duration 6 hours
Be dazzled by Rome's crystal waters
Relaxing water waves accompanied by calm winds are what makes a visitor in Rome feel immersed and one with nature. Enjoy a refreshing dip in one of the lakes or have a picnic while watching the sunset over the crystal clear water. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and take in the serenity and beauty that the lakes of Rome have to offer.
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our privacy policy for more information on how we use your data
You can buy and claim online, even after you've left home. Travel insurance from WorldNomads.com is available to people from 140 countries. It’s designed for adventurous travellers with cover for overseas medical, evacuation, baggage and a range of adventure sports and activities.
*5% off when you book with our promo code: TRIP101
*For our Canadian and US travellers, unfortunately due to financial services laws, we cannot provide a discount. This promotional code cannot be used with any other discount offer, including World Nomads Members’ discount for travel insurance policy holders.
Create an account to bookmark our articles, receive great stories in your inbox, and follow writers and topics that you love.
Log in with Facebook Log in with Twitter Log in with Google ×