Lago di Bolsena
This crater lake is located on the site of the Vulsini volcano, dormant since about 100 BC. To the northeast is the town of Bolsena, a popular tourist resort in summer, and to the southwest is Capodimonte, another town worth visiting. The lake has two islands and provides activities for sports and nature enthusiasts all year round. Southeast of the lake is Montefisascone which is famous for its Est! Est!! Est!!! wine. Lago di Bolsena is best reached from Rome by car, as the buses from Termini are not very frequent.
Lago Albano
This volcanic crater lake is surrounded by forests and picturesque towns such as Castel Gandolfo, home to the papal palace whose gardens are now open to the public. The lake is known for its boating, fishing and swimming, with a beach on the western shore, while the town nearby offers restaurants, shops and fruit farms. Albano is 45 minutes from Termini station on the FL4 train, going towards Albano Laziale and getting off at the Castel Gandolfo stop.
Lago di Bracciano
Considered one of Italy’s cleanest lakes, Lago di Bracciano is an important source of drinking water for Rome. Thanks to a ban on motor boats, with the exception of a local ferry, the lake is ideal for swimming, boating and canoeing. There are three historic towns on the lake’s shores: Anguillara, Trevignano and Bracciano, known for its majestic 15th-century Orsini-Odescalchi castle. There are camping and horse riding facilities in the area, as well as a dinghy sailing school in Anguillara and an air force museum nearby at Vigna di Valle. Bracciano is easily reached on the Viterbo train line from Rome’s Ostiense station.
Lago di Martignano
Scenic venues, beaches and clean water are just some of the reasons to visit this tiny volcanic lake located to the east of Lake Bracciano. Known for its outdoor activities such as horse riding, hiking, mountain biking and swimming, Lago di Martignano is also visited for the hot sulphurous springs nearby. Visitors can rent canoes, sailboats and windsurfing equipment while for those who just want to take it easy there are umbrellas, sun loungers and luggage storage available. The easiest way to get there is by car. Arriving by public transport means taking the FM3 train to Cesano and then choosing either a bus or taxi.
Lago di Vico
Formed through volcanic activity of Mount Venus, Lake Vico offers a unique geological setting nestled between lush forests and hills. The surrounding nature reserve is a haven for wildlife but what characterizes the area are the plantations of hazelnut and chestnut trees. On the shores of the lake there are numerous campsites and hotels that allow their guests to enjoy all kinds of sports, from swimming to sailing to horse riding. Two villages in particular, situated near the lake, well worth a visit: Ronciglione and Caprarola, the latter with its magnificent and recently restored Villa Farnese. Lake Vico is a 90- minute drive from Rome , just take the SS2 Cassia and exit Sutri North.
