Italy Vacation: These 9 Lakes Are Still True Hidden Gems

Crazy how many undiscovered gems still emerge in the vacation land Italy: Bella Italia is a vacation destination that, far from the tourist hotspots, also offers hidden dream destinations. Among them are 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 water paradises are just what you need. Whether as a hidden natural idyll that reveals itself only after a hike, or as a gem with picturesque spots on the shore and small island paradises - Italy has it all in its repertoire.

Lake Lago di Scanno in the province of L'Aquila in Abruzzo is located at an altitude of 930 meters above sea level and fits into the landscape in a heart shape. The lake is said to have been formed by a landslide, while others prefer to refer to the legend suggesting a spell was involved in its creation. And one almost wants to believe in miracles upon seeing the clear emerald-green water.

Locals tell that the lake itself is alive and causes mysterious things to happen, such as a sudden drop in water level or diver compasses going crazy, reports CNN. If that's not too spooky, you can swim, windsurf, or explore it by boat.

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

And another highlight is a little above the lake: the mountain village of Scanno, which, with its small winding alleys, is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Nestled in the mountain landscape, you will experience authentic Italy far from tourist crowds.

Lake Turano was created in the late 1930s about sixty miles northeast of Rome. The artificially made reservoir was commissioned by the then dictator Benito Mussolini and was supposed to supply the surrounding power plants with water, nowadays it attracts relaxation seekers. And fishing fans. The lake is considered a prime spot for carp fishing. The fish are abundant here and specimens up to 40 pounds are not uncommon.

But swimming and kayaking are also possible in and on the crystal-clear Lake Turano. In the beautiful landscape along the lake, nature lovers can enjoy the peaceful area and move along hiking trails through the surrounding mountains and forests.

Particularly beautiful places directly by 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 the nearby Colle di Tora, offering spectacular views of the lake.

It is one of the largest lakes in the country and yet still a hidden gem: Lake Iseo in Northern Italy, about sixty miles northeast of Milan. There are small bathing bays here, and the surrounding nature is pristine. In the middle of the lake awaits with the island of Monte Isola a superlative. It is the largest inland island in Southern Europe and reaches up to 400 meters in height.

Those who visit the car-free inland lake island - there is year-round ferry service - discover picturesque places like Peschiera Maraglio at the southern tip of the island, whose houses press up the mountain. At the highest point of Monte Isola stands the sanctuary of Madonna della Ceriola and offers fantastic panoramic views of the lake alongside gem charm.

But also places that do not belong to the island of Monte Isola, blend picturesquely onto the lakeshore. These include Lovere. Brightly colored, the houses of this small village stand on the northern shore of the lake, boats depart for excursions, and water sports courses are offered. The center of Lovere is influenced by Venice, and the prosperity of the village during the Middle Ages is still evident in its religious buildings. Thus, the slightly more remote Basilica of Santa Maria in Valvendra and the Church of San Giorgio with their numerous artworks should be on the sightseeing list.

Flower-adorned villages, a pilgrimage church on a granite outcrop, Michelin-starred cuisine, and lots of swimming fun await you at Lake Orta. The glacial lake, often forgotten due to the proximity of the well-known Lake Maggiore, is picturesquely situated in the foothills of the Southern Alps and is 13 kilometers long and two and a half kilometers wide.

The largest town on the lake is Omegna, adorned with plenty of flower decorations and inviting with sweet alleys. In the southwest of the lake, it becomes pious: Here is the pilgrimage site of Madonna del Sasso on a granite outcrop at an altitude of 638 meters, offering a spectacular view of Lake Orta and the Alps. If you get hungry afterward, you will find Michelin-starred cuisine at the beauty of the village Orta San Giulio in Andrea Monesi - Locanda di Orta.

But the true gem and hallmark of the lake is its island, Isola San Giulio. The mini-island is 275 meters long and 140 meters wide and can only be reached by water, for instance from Orta San Giulio. The 'Path of Silence' circles the island, and visitors are encouraged not to speak during the approximately 20-minute walk. Inspirational quotes on signs accompany the walk. The island is also known for its pretty architecture, dominated by the Abbey Mater Ecclesiae and the Basilica di San Giulio.

But there's a lot going on in the lake itself too. You can jump into the water at the beaches or over piers and stairs to cool off, and activities like diving and water skiing are also offered.

In central Italy, about 55 miles north of Rome, lies Lake Bolsena. It is the largest volcanic lake in Europe and one of the cleanest lakes in the entire country. At its shore, numerous pebble and black sand beaches invite carefree swimming fun, as well as sailing, surfing, and diving. And the happiness of this place is felt on a horseback ride along the shore.

By boat, you can reach the two islands of the lake, although you are only permitted to step foot on one of them. Isola Bisentina, the larger of the two islands, has been open to the public during the high season since 2022 and was used by many popes as a summer residence. Visitors will find religious buildings, unspoiled nature, and plenty of legends about ghosts and demons said to haunt here. A reservation for a visit to the island is necessary. Access to the undeveloped Isola Martana, which is privately owned, is currently prohibited.

Charming places around Lake Bolsena are not lacking. There's the village of Bolsena on the northeast shore of the lake with its notable old town and the Basilica di Santa Christina or the picturesque Marta on the southwest shore, an old fishing village whose landmark is the 21-meter high Torre dell'Orologio from the twelfth century, whose clock face always shows five to twelve. At the village's green lakeside promenade, you can ponder about it.

Milky, the turquoise Sorapis Lake shimmers before the eyes of those vacationers who make it here. High up in the Dolomites, at 1,925 meters, near the border of South Tyrol, this natural gem can be found. Its intense color is its signature.

Nestled among peaks, Lake Sorapiss is only accessible on foot. The starting point for the challenging hike is the Tre-Croci-Pass, and along mountains, rocks, and forests, it goes on the varied Panorama Trail, which among other things offers a view of the Tre Cime, to the top. The route requires freedom from dizziness, as almost 500 meters in altitude are covered and some sections are secured only by steel cables.

There are no villages or towns at Lake Sorapis, but the surreal sight of the lake is well worth it. And even if the lake shines in Caribbean colors: To protect the environment, swimming is prohibited here. But given the freezing water of the lake, probably no one would think about it anyway.

Just a few miles from the tourist magnet Lake Garda, the small Lake Ledro in Trentino-South Tyrol leads a quiet existence. The picturesque mountain lake at 655 meters above sea level blends into a landscape of mountains and dense forests and is one of the cleanest lakes in Trentino. With water temperatures rising to 24 degrees Celsius in summer, the turquoise water invites you to swim, and Lake Ledro can also be experienced by canoe, surfing, and sailing.

Lake Ledro is up to 48 meters deep and along the ten-kilometer shore, active vacationers can find hiking, walking, and cycling opportunities. An attraction is the pile-dwelling museum in Molina di Ledro. During the lowering of the water level in 1929, Bronze Age pile dwellings were discovered here. In the open-air museum, you discover the faithful reconstruction of the Neolithic settlement.

It is especially quiet at Lake Ledro on the 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 experience village idyll directly at the lake. Green meadows, pine forests, mountain scenery, and the clear lake provide the best conditions for a relaxing time.

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

The diversity of nature around the 7.7 square kilometer lake is of interest to ornithology fans: A variety of bird species like kingfishers, herons, and cormorants can be observed here. And in the surroundings of the lake, original villages like the medieval Anghiari and Sansepolcro invite for a time travel.

In Umbria, on the border with Tuscany, Italy's fourth-largest lake is on full display. Lake Trasimeno is a dream destination for nature and culture enthusiasts and still remains a hidden gem. Passignano sul Trasimeno exudes medieval flair with its numerous churches, the castle Rocca di Passignano, and remnants of the old city wall. Castiglione del Lago, the largest town on the lake, even boasts one of the largest castles in Europe (Lion Castle Rocca del Leone) and invites leisurely strolls through narrow old town lanes and stops in the numerous bars.

There is also much to discover in the lake. Lake Trasimeno hosts three islands: Isola Maggiore, Isola Polvese, and Isola Minore. The privately owned Isola Minore cannot be visited. Ferry connections are offered to the other two. On the car-free Isola Maggiore, tranquility dominates: A single residential street, in which around 16 people permanently live, a lace-making museum, and several churches are offered by the island. Isola Polvese presents itself as a natural idyll, with sights like the ruins of a fortress from the 15th century.

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