December 23, 2025, 3:52 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
Italy has many famous lakes–from Lake Garda to Lake Como. But those hoping to find untouched tranquility there are often disappointed. All the more surprising is a travel destination that is still considered a hidden gem even in Italy: Lake Turano. This lake is one of the few places in the country where there are hardly any tourists, even in peak season–despite being only about an hour’s drive from Rome.
Located over 500 meters high in the Apennines, Lake Turano feels like another world–with medieval villages, green mountain ranges, and crystal-clear water. Here, you find a calmness that is now rare in Italy. For decades, locals have used the lake as a retreat from the summer heat in Italy’s capital, Rome. Recently, the renowned travel magazine “Condé Nast Traveller” featured Lake Turano, calling it one of the last quiet lakes in Italy, still far from the tourist spotlight.
What to Experience Around the Lake
Lake Turano is primarily a destination for those seeking peace and wanting to experience Italy consciously. Instead of hustle and bustle, the focus here is on walks by the water, long lunches, and time in nature. A special way to get to know the lake is a ride on the electric and solar-powered excursion ferry, which departs from the shore at Colle di Tora. It glides almost silently over the water and provides insights into the valley’s history and the region’s flora and fauna via an audio guide–in Italian and English. Upon request, the ride is accompanied by a small aperitif. In winter, reservations are required.
On land, the relaxation continues. Hiking trails lead through the surrounding Apennines, such as to Monte Navegna or Monte Cervia, from whose peaks you can enjoy wide views over the lake and the surrounding villages. A special place is the abandoned medieval village of Antuni, located on a hill in the middle of the lake. The ruins are only accessible through guided tours and tell of a turbulent history up to World War II–today, Antuni is a quiet place that invites more to pause than to move on.
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Swimming and Nature Experiences
On warm days, locals and visitors are drawn to the small swimming spots around Lake Turano, especially to Colle di Tora. There, families sit on the shore, jump into the water, or dangle their feet from wooden piers. The water is considered particularly clear and clean–ideal for a refreshing dip away from crowded beaches. On the opposite side of the lake, near Castel di Tora, there are also swimming areas with pedal boats, kayaks, and small beach bars. The village of Castel di Tora is called one of the most beautiful villages in Italy by “Condé Nast Traveller.” Here, there is also a hidden natural gem: a pebble path and a spiral wooden staircase lead to the Cascata delle Vallocchie, a waterfall in a cool gorge. The clear water invites you to swim while shimmering blue butterflies flutter around.
Anglers also appreciate the lake for its abundance of fish. Lake Turano is especially known for its exceptionally large carp: Some specimens are said to weigh over 20 kilograms and be more than a meter long. Thanks to the clear water, the fish can often be observed from the shore–a tranquil spectacle that fits well with the lake’s relaxed atmosphere. However, a permit is required for fishing, which is available in nearby Rieti.
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Cuisine and Italian Serenity
Culinarily, the area around Lake Turano is deliberately down-to-earth. In the surrounding villages, small trattorias serve regional cuisine with local ingredients–including fresh fish from the lake, pasta, simple meat dishes, and products from the surrounding mountains. Long lunches are as much a part of everyday life here as an espresso as a digestif or a glass of wine with a view of the water.
Besides well-known places, a detour to Ascrea, a high-altitude village at the southern end of the lake, is also worthwhile. At around 700 meters high, it offers some of the most beautiful views over the valley and is known for its traditional festivals, including a chestnut festival in the fall. Also worth seeing is Paganico Sabino, a small medieval village above the lake, appreciated for its quiet location and authentic cuisine–here, you experience the region in its most original form. In the afternoon, people gather around the lake in garden bars and small eateries for an aperitivo. It is precisely this mix of nature, good food, and relaxed everyday culture that makes Lake Turano a place you don’t just visit, but where you truly arrive.