Italian Vacation: These 9 Lakes are Still True Hidden Gems

It's amazing what undiscovered gems still emerge in the vacation destination of Italy: Bella Italia is a vacation spot that, far from the tourist hotspots, also offers hidden dream destinations. These include numerous lakes that many tourists have never heard of.

If lakes and Italy are exactly your thing, but you're looking for a change from well-known destinations like Lake Como, Lake Garda, or Lake Maggiore, these nine watery paradises are just right. Whether as a hidden natural idyll that only reveals itself after a hike or as a gem with picturesque spots along the shore dotted with small island paradises - Italy has it all.

Lake Lago di Scanno in the province of L'Aquila in the Abruzzo region is located 930 meters above sea level and is heart-shaped in the landscape. It is said to have been formed by a landslide, while others refer to the legend that a spell was involved in its creation. And when you see the clear emerald green water, you almost believe in miracles.

Locals tell tales of the lake being alive, causing mysterious occurrences like a sudden drop in water level or compasses going haywire, reports CNN. If that's not too spooky for you, you can swim, windsurf, or explore the lake by boat.

To view the lake in all its beauty, hike up the Sentiero del Cuore (Path of the Heart) surrounded by wildflowers. This path also leads to a small church, which is also considered a place of miracles.

And another highlight is a bit above the lake: the mountain village of Scanno, with its small winding alleys, is one of Italy's most beautiful villages. Nestled in the mountain landscape, you can experience an authentic Italy away from tourist crowds.

Lake Lago del Turano was created at the end of the 1930s about 100 kilometers northeast of Rome. The artificial reservoir was commissioned by the dictator Benito Mussolini at the time and was intended to supply the surrounding power plants with water, but nowadays it attracts vacationers and fishing enthusiasts. The lake is regarded as a top spot for carp fishing, with many fish present and specimens up to 40 pounds common.

Swimming and kayaking are also possible in and on the crystal-clear Lake Lago del Turano. Nature lovers can enjoy the peaceful area and explore hiking trails through the surrounding mountains and forests.

Particularly beautiful places directly at the lake are the tiny picturesque village of Castel di Tora, known for its medieval architecture and considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, and nearby Colle di Tora, which offers spectacular views of the lake.

It is one of the largest lakes in the country and is still somewhat of a secret gem: Lake Iseo in Northern Italy, about a hundred kilometers northeast of Milan. There are small bathing bays here, and the surrounding nature is untouched. In the middle of the lake, the island Monte Isola awaits as a superlative. It is the largest island in a body of inland water in Southern Europe and reaches up to 400 meters in height.

Those visiting the car-free inland sea island - ships operate year-round - discover picturesque places like Peschiera Maraglio at the southern tip of the island, where houses climb up the mountain. At the highest point of Monte Isola stands the Church of Madonna della Ceriola, offering stunning panoramic views of the lake with its unique charm.

But places not belonging to Monte Isola also nestle picturesquely along the lake's shore. This includes Lovere, where colorful houses stand at the lake's northern shore, boats depart for excursions, and water sports courses are offered. Lovere's center is marked by Venetian influences, and its rise in the Middle Ages is still present today in its sacred buildings. Thus, the slightly outlying Basilica Santa Maria in Valvendra and the Church of San Giorgio, with their numerous artworks, should be on your sightseeing list.

Flower-adorned villages, a pilgrimage church on a granite cliff, Michelin-starred cuisine, and plenty of swimming fun await you at Lake Orta. This glacial lake, often overshadowed by the nearby Lake Maggiore, is nestled in the foothills of the Southern Alps and is 13 kilometers long and two and a half kilometers wide.

The largest town at the lake is Omegna, decked out in floral decoration and sweet alleyways. In the southwestern part of the lake, it becomes contemplative: Here is the pilgrimage site of the Madonna del Sasso on a granite outcrop at 638 meters elevation, offering a spectacular view of Lake Orta and the Alps. When hunger strikes afterward, you'll find gourmet dining at the charming village of Orta San Giulio at the Andrea Monesi - Locanda di Orta.

The true jewel and landmark of the lake, however, is its island, Isola San Giulio. This mini-island is 275 meters long and 140 meters wide, accessible only by water from places like Orta San Giulio. The 'Path of Silence' circles the island, and visitors are encouraged not to speak during the roughly 20-minute walk, with proverbs on signs accompanying the route. The island is also known for its beautiful architecture, dominated by the Abbey Mater Ecclesiae and Basilica di San Giulio.

But there's plenty to do in the lake itself. You can jump into the water from the beaches or via piers and ladders for some cooling off, with activities like diving and water skiing also available.

In central Italy, about 90 kilometers north of Rome, lies Lake Bolsena. It is the largest volcanic lake in Europe and is among the cleanest lakes in the country. Its shores invite carefree swimming at numerous pebble and black sand beaches, and sailing, surfing, and diving are all popular activities. The happiness of the earth can be felt during a horseback ride along the shore.

There's also much to discover in the lake. Lake Trasimeno boasts three islands: Isola Maggiore, Isola Polvese, and Isola Minore. The privately owned Isola Minore can't be visited, but ferry connections are available to the other two. On the car-free Isola Maggiore, serenity prevails: The small island has a single road where about 16 people live year-round, a lace-making museum, and several churches. Isola Polvese presents itself as a natural idyll with attractions such as the ruins of a 15th-century castle.

Charming locations around Lake Bolsena abound. The village of Bolsena on the northeastern shore boasts an attractive old town and the Basilica di Santa Christina. Marta, a picturesque old fishing village on the southwest shore, has its landmark, the 21-meter high Torre dell'Orologio Tower from the 12th century, whose clock face remains perpetually set to five minutes to twelve-a topic of contemplation on the green lakeside promenade.

The milky shimmer of the turquoise Sorapiss Lake enchants those travelers who manage to reach it. High up in the Dolomites, at 1,925 meters altitude, near the South Tyrol border, this natural jewel can be found. Its intense color is its hallmark.

Nestled between peaks, Lake Sorapiss is only accessible on foot. The starting point for the challenging hike is the Tre Croci Pass, and the varied scenic path, passing mountains, rocks, and forests, offers views of the Drei Zinnen as you ascend. The trail demands a good head for heights, as almost 500 meters in elevation are overcome, with some sections secured only by steel cables.

There are no villages or towns at Lake Sorapiss, but the surreal sight of the lake more than justifies the visit. Despite the lake's Caribbean-like colors, swimming is prohibited to preserve nature, and the frigid waters would hardly invite bathing anyway.

Just a few kilometers from the tourist magnet of Lake Garda, the small Lake Ledro in Trentino-South Tyrol leads a tranquil existence. The picturesque mountain lake sits at 655 meters altitude, nestled in a landscape of mountains and dense forests, and is one of the cleanest lakes in Trentino. With water temperatures reaching up to 24 degrees Celsius in the summer, it's perfect for bathing in the turquoise waters, and the lake can also be explored by canoe, surfing, and sailing.

Lake Ledro has depths of up to 48 meters, and along its ten-kilometer shoreline, active vacationers can find hiking, walking, and cycling opportunities. An attraction is the Pile Dwelling Museum in Molina di Ledro, where Bronze Age pile dwellings were discovered when the water level was lowered in 1929. In the open-air museum, you can explore this faithful reconstruction of the Neolithic settlement.

Particularly peaceful is Lake Ledro's southern shore, where there is no through traffic to Lake Garda. In the small village of Pur at the southern foothills of the Tyrolean Alps, you'll experience village charm right by the lakeside. Green meadows, pine forests, a mountain backdrop, and the clear lake offer perfect conditions for a relaxing time.

Lake Montedoglio is the largest reservoir in Tuscany. It was formed by damming the Tiber River. Lake Montedoglio is used for drinking water supply and is not a swimming destination. However, some spots allow water sports, like canoeing, windsurfing, rowing, and pedal boating. Fishing is also permitted.

The diversity of nature around the lake, which spans 7.7 square kilometers, is of interest to bird watchers: A variety of bird species, such as kingfishers, herons, and cormorants, can be observed here. The area around the lake is home to original villages like the medieval towns of Anghiari and Sansepolcro, inviting you to travel back in time.

In Umbria, on the border with Tuscany, Italy's fourth-largest lake shows its full splendor. Lake Trasimeno is a dream destination for nature and culture enthusiasts and remains a hidden gem. Passignano sul Trasimeno exudes medieval flair with its many churches and the Rocca di Passignano castle, along with the remnants of the old city walls. Castiglione del Lago, the largest town on the lake, boasts one of the largest castles in Europe (Rocca del Leone Castle) and invites you to stroll through narrow old-town alleys and enjoy refreshments in its many bars.

There's also much to discover in the lake. Lake Trasimeno boasts three islands: Isola Maggiore, Isola Polvese, and Isola Minore. The privately owned Isola Minore can't be visited, but ferry connections are available to the other two. On the car-free Isola Maggiore, serenity prevails: The small island has a single road where about 16 people live year-round, a lace-making museum, and several churches. Isola Polvese presents itself as a natural idyll with attractions such as the ruins of a 15th-century castle.

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