For decades, Lago del Turano has been a cool, cleansing haven for Romans desperate to escape the city’s oppressive summer heat. The picture-perfect retreat is a mere 70 km from Rome by car, yet its beauty and allure remain a mystery, untapped by tourist hordes. Tucked into Italy’s Apennine mountain range and 536m above sea level, Lago del Turano ticks all the boxes: charming medieval villages (complete with industrious nonnas), soaring green mountain ranges, regional food served by friendly restaurateurs, and a jaw-dropping lake that is one of Italy’s freshest, cleanest and most beautiful. These are the best things to do at Lago del Turano.
1. Hop aboard the lake’s eco-friendly ferry
There’s no better way to explore a lake than by boat – and if you opt for an aperitif and snacks on board, even better. Lago del Turano’s latest offering is a solar-powered, sustainable ferry that glides silently through the tranquil waters, sharing the valley’s history, legends, flora, and fauna along the way with an audio guide in both English and Italian. It runs year-round, with bookings required for winter.
2. Explore Mount Antuni
In the heart of the lake, on its very own mountain, stands the medieval ghost town of Antuni. Comprising a mysterious fortress and hermitage, the village was first built around the 11th century and became abandoned during WWII, when it was bombed in June 1944. A pretty stone labyrinth was later added to the garden area by a local artist, and a picnic at the top is an absolute must-do. The mountain can only be accessed with a tour guide, ably conducted in both Italian and English by passionate local Giampaolo. It can include food if you so wish (and honestly, why wouldn’t you?). If you fancy an activity that’s a little more off-track, then Mount Navegna and Mount Cervia offer hours of trekking fun and adventure, with spectacular views from the summits.
3. Throw in a line
Everybody has their own idea of what constitutes a good time, and for many people, wrestling with a monster from the deep (and then releasing it back to its watery origins) is right up there on the bucket list. With a depth nudging 70 metres, Lago del Turano is home to the giant carp. And when we say giant, we mean mind-bendingly enormous, with some weighing in at up to 20kg and over a metre long. There’s also a plethora of smaller fish on offer, such as bream and pike. In fact, the water is so clear you can watch them swimming idly by while you sun yourself on the shore. A license is mandatory for freshwater fishing in Italy, and can be purchased from the nearby town of Rieti.
4. Grab your towel and head to the beach
Want to feel like a local? Then the beach at Colle di Tora is where it’s all happening, especially during the summer months. Sit back on the glorious coastline overlooking the spectacular Castel di Tora in the distance, or take a refreshing dip in the calm, crisp lake waters. For true sunseekers, the floating wooden pontoon is connected to the shore by a footbridge. If you’re feeling peckish (or thirsty), there are spritzes and giant panini just a few footsteps away at the nearby garden bar.
If you prefer your beaches a little more buzzing, then drive across to the other side of the lake via the charming bridge to Castel di Tora. Set into the cliff face, L’Angoletto beach resort offers rented lounge chairs and umbrellas, pedal boats, kayaks, canoes and more. Or if you’re visiting with family, stay on the Colle di Tora side of the lake and head to La Riviera degli Asinelli, an excellent spot complete with cute donkeys, a playground and beach rentals.
Source link
_V1_pr.jpg?w=145&resize=145,100&ssl=1 "On Location: Will Sharpe and Paul Bettany on filming Amadeus in Budapest")
