Lago di Varano is a brackish lagoon located in the northern part of Puglia, within the Gargano National Park. This region is characterized by its unique geography, including Italy's largest coastal lake, separated from the Adriatic Sea by a 6.2-mile (10 km) strip of land known as Isola di Varano. The landscape features Aleppo pines, eucalyptus trees, Mediterranean scrub, and fine sandy beaches, alongside calm waters, marshes, and wetlands. These natural features provide a varied terrain suitable for several sportsβ¦
60
Routes
4.4
(109)
Average rating
927
People visited

4.3
(17)
72
riders
55.8km
03:29
430m
420m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.3
(18)
75
riders
46.5km
02:51
370m
370m
Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

5.0
(3)
22
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3.3
(3)
24
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.9
(7)
33
hikers
6.08km
01:51
200m
200m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
19
hikers
5.27km
01:26
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(2)
17
hikers
19.1km
05:01
170m
170m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

15
hikers
5.86km
01:29
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.4
(14)
48
riders
53.3km
03:12
380m
380m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

4.2
(5)
23
riders
44.7km
03:01
730m
730m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(2)
10
riders
32.8km
01:46
60m
60m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

5
riders
61.1km
03:35
520m
520m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(2)
26
runners
8.05km
00:50
10m
10m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

14
runners
15.8km
01:39
110m
110m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

16
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
83
riders
59.1km
03:01
980m
980m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5.0
(2)
39
riders
66.6km
03:23
1,130m
1,130m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5.0
(1)
25
riders
55.1km
03:04
1,190m
1,190m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

4.0
(2)
23
riders
147km
06:48
1,450m
1,450m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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Lago di Varano is Italy's largest coastal lake and the seventh-largest lake in the country, situated in the northern part of Puglia within the Gargano National Park. It is a brackish lagoon fed by underground springs and connected to the Adriatic Sea by two mouths. A 6.2-mile (10 km) strip of land, Isola di Varano, separates the lagoon from the sea.
The Lago di Varano region offers various outdoor activities, including Hiking, Touring cycling, Road cycling, Mountain biking, and Jogging. There are 3 routes available across these sports, with more than 5,000 visitors having shared their experiences. The average rating for routes in the area is 4.46 out of 5 stars.
Yes, the surrounding hills and the Isola di Varano offer opportunities for nature walks and hiking. Trails range from easy walks with lake views to more challenging options like the San Michele Trek. For more information, consult the Hiking around Lago di Varano guide.
Yes, Lago di Varano offers family-friendly hiking options suitable for various ages. These trails often provide lake views and opportunities for birdwatching. Details on suitable routes can be found in the Family-friendly hikes around Lago di Varano guide.
The region is suitable for various cycling tours, including touring and road cycling. Cyclists can find routes along the coastal road, through charming towns, and along the isthmus separating the lake from the sea. Guides like Cycling around Lago di Varano and Road Cycling Routes around Lago di Varano provide detailed information.
Yes, Lago di Varano is a destination for mountain biking, with several moderate routes offering diverse scenery and lake views within the Gargano National Park. Examples include the 'Lake Varano Loop' and the 'Eucalyptus Grove β Lake Varano loop from Capojale.' More options are available in the MTB Trails around Lago di Varano guide.
Lago di Varano is known for its unique geography, including the Isola di Varano, a 6.2-mile (10 km) strip of land with Aleppo pines and eucalyptus trees. The area is a haven for biodiversity, particularly birdlife, with species like grey and white herons, flamingos, and cormorants. Foxes, hares, and hedgehogs also inhabit the environment.
On the eastern side of the lake, the sanctuary of the Holy Crucifix holds cultural significance. The ancient village of Cagnano Varano, overlooking the lake, features old buildings, stone staircases, and the Grotta di San Michele (Cave of San Michele). These sites offer historical charm alongside natural beauty.
Yes, the Lago di Varano region offers easy hiking routes suitable for beginners or those seeking a relaxed walk. The Lake Varano Trail near Cagnano Varano is an example, providing scenic lake views. For more options, refer to the Easy hikes around Lago di Varano guide.
Komoot offers several guides for Lago di Varano, covering various activities. These include Hiking around Lago di Varano, Cycling around Lago di Varano, and MTB Trails around Lago di Varano. There are also guides for family-friendly, easy, and traffic-free routes.
For tourism information and contact regarding Lago di Varano, the 'Operatori Turistici Lago di Varano' can be reached. Their official website is visitlagodivarano.com. They can also be contacted by phone at +39 392 330 7254.

