Lake Bracciano
By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 28 February 2022
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Situated just 27 kilometres north west of Rome, Lake Bracciano covers an area of 56 square kilometres which makes it Italy's seventh largest lake. It forms part of the Metropolitan City of Rome province in the central Italian region of Lazio.
The lake is 165 metres deep at its deepest point and stands at an elevation of 160 metres above sea level. |
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Lake Bracciano has long been a favourite weekend getaway spot for people living in the city of Rome as they seek to swap the oppressive heat of summer for the slightly gentler climes just under an hour's drive away. It's also a well-established destination among campers from all across Europe with a number of campsites available at locations around the lake.
Compared to the likes of Lake Garda or Lake Como for example, Lake Bracciano offers a much more low-key holiday focused on waterside relaxation rather than the glamour of its more famous counterparts in northern Italy. Its waters are among the nicest for swimming with the relatively small confines kept warm throughout the summer and while the coastal towns of the Tyrrhenian Sea are heaving with tourists, Lake Bracciano enjoys a relative calm away from the storm.
There are three main towns around the lake: Bracciano is the largest of the three but aside from its impressive Castello Odescalchi, it lacks the charm of its two neighbours. Trevignano Romano is the most popular spot with its impressive array of restaurants coupled with a devilishly pretty town centre. It's possible to either take a long stroll along Trevignano's lungolago (lakeside promenade) or to sit and watch the world go by from numerous waterside eateries.
The third town around the lake is Anguillara Sabazia which occupies its southern coast and makes it the closest to Rome. Anguillara provides the picture postcard setting of the Lake with its centro storico forming a harmonious backdrop to the water in the foreground.
During the summer months it's possible to take a ferry across the lake with each of the three towns having its own pier. If you have a car, it's also a simple enough effort to circumnavigate the lake with some pretty scenery along the way.
If you don't have a car, it's possible to reach Lake Bracciano by train with both Bracciano and Anguillara Sabazia having their own stations and journey times to Rome of around an hour and a half.
Compared to the likes of Lake Garda or Lake Como for example, Lake Bracciano offers a much more low-key holiday focused on waterside relaxation rather than the glamour of its more famous counterparts in northern Italy. Its waters are among the nicest for swimming with the relatively small confines kept warm throughout the summer and while the coastal towns of the Tyrrhenian Sea are heaving with tourists, Lake Bracciano enjoys a relative calm away from the storm.
There are three main towns around the lake: Bracciano is the largest of the three but aside from its impressive Castello Odescalchi, it lacks the charm of its two neighbours. Trevignano Romano is the most popular spot with its impressive array of restaurants coupled with a devilishly pretty town centre. It's possible to either take a long stroll along Trevignano's lungolago (lakeside promenade) or to sit and watch the world go by from numerous waterside eateries.
The third town around the lake is Anguillara Sabazia which occupies its southern coast and makes it the closest to Rome. Anguillara provides the picture postcard setting of the Lake with its centro storico forming a harmonious backdrop to the water in the foreground.
During the summer months it's possible to take a ferry across the lake with each of the three towns having its own pier. If you have a car, it's also a simple enough effort to circumnavigate the lake with some pretty scenery along the way.
If you don't have a car, it's possible to reach Lake Bracciano by train with both Bracciano and Anguillara Sabazia having their own stations and journey times to Rome of around an hour and a half.
Lago di Bracciano
Province: Metropolitan City of Rome
Region: Lazio Surface area: 56 km² Maximum depth: 165 metres Surface elevation: 160 metres Towns: Trevignano Romano, Bracciano, Anguillara Sabazia Fly to: Rome Fiumicino Airport - 50 minutes by car (55 km) Recommended accommodation: Hotel Borgo Vistalago |
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