Lakes around Pettorano Sul Gizio offer a rich natural landscape in the Abruzzo region of Italy. This charming medieval village is surrounded by significant water bodies, including the Gizio River and the picturesque lakes of Scanno and San Domenico. These locations provide a blend of natural beauty, recreational activities, and historical interest for visitors. The area is known for its diverse natural features and cultural significance.
Last updated: July 11, 2026
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight (Segment) • Gorge
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Natural Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Pettorano Sul Gizio.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Lake San Domenico is a picturesque artificial basin created around 1920 with the construction of a dam on the Sagittario river, built for hydroelectric power generation. Located near the Hermitage of San Domenico, it strikes with the extraordinary color of its waters, which vary from emerald green to intense blue.
1
0
A place in Abruzzo for all romantics: from here the Scanno lake takes its beautiful heart shape, which also gives its name to the path that leads to the belvedere. Experts trace the origin of this natural lake back about 3000 years.
1
0
Artificial lake in the municipality of Villalago, the San Domenico basin has as its main tributary the Sagittario river, which is also the waterway that emerges from the dam. Not far from this point stands the hermitage of San Domenico.
0
0
it's already starting to look like a heart
2
0
A jewel set in the mountains of Abruzzo.
0
0
Segment traveled during the visit to the Abruzzo National Park, Sulmona - Celano section
0
0
Lake San Domenico is not suitable for swimming, the depth is 15/20 meters and it is possible to go on organized scuba diving.
0
0
The primary water bodies to explore are Lake Scanno, known for its distinctive heart shape, and Lake San Domenico, an artificial lake with a picturesque setting. Additionally, the Gizio River flows directly through Pettorano sul Gizio, offering historical insights into the village's past.
The best place to admire the distinctive heart shape of Lake Scanno is from the View of Heart-Shaped Lake Scanno. This panoramic viewpoint is specifically noted as the most beautiful spot for observing its unique form.
At Lake Scanno, you can enjoy a variety of activities including hiking and mountain biking on scenic trails. The lake's clear waters are suitable for canoeing, windsurfing, and fishing. There are also equipped beaches for relaxation, making it ideal for both active and leisurely pursuits.
Yes, there are numerous hiking opportunities. For example, you can find trails like the 'Crocetta di Sulmona – Monte Mitra Summit Cross loop from Sulmona' or 'Genzana Pass Junction – Rifugio Pelosello loop from Rocca Pia'. You can explore more options and detailed routes in the Hiking around Pettorano Sul Gizio guide.
Near Lake San Domenico, you'll find the medieval Hermitage of San Domenico, a stone religious building beautifully reflected in the lake's waters. Along the Gizio River, which flows through Pettorano sul Gizio, you can visit the Industrial Archaeology Park, featuring educational trails amidst the ruins of ancient mills, some dating back to 1577.
Yes, both Lake Scanno and Lake San Domenico are considered family-friendly. Lake Scanno offers equipped beaches and gentle trails, while Lake San Domenico has scenic walks and a small beach area, Prato Cardoso, for relaxation and picnics.
Swimming is generally possible in Lake Scanno, which has equipped beaches. At Lake San Domenico, swimming might be restricted in some parts, but it is a popular spot for other water activities like kayaking and sailing.
The lakes are nestled within a rich natural landscape. Lake Scanno is surrounded by the Terratta complex and the Mount Genzana-Mount Greco group, with clear waters reflecting the mountains. Lake San Domenico is set against green hills and mountains, with small waterfalls from the Sega spring adding to its beauty. The Gizio River features riparian vegetation like willows and poplars.
Absolutely. The region offers various cycling routes, such as the 'Sagittario Gorges – Lake Scanno loop from Sulmona Introdacqua'. You can find more detailed cycling tours and their difficulty levels in the Cycling around Pettorano Sul Gizio guide.
The Gizio River, flowing through Pettorano sul Gizio, is integral to the village's history. It's known for its headwaters within the Monte Genzana - Alto Gizio Regional Nature Reserve and for historically powering numerous ancient mills. The Industrial Archaeology Park along its banks showcases these historical sites and offers scenic walks.
Yes, you can find Fonte Romana, a very good and fresh source of water located in a luxuriant forest. It's an excellent spot for a refreshing stop, especially during warmer months, offering shade and cool water.
Visitors particularly appreciate the truly suggestive panoramas, the clear and emerald waters, and the blend of natural beauty with historical elements like the Hermitage of San Domenico. The unique heart shape of Lake Scanno is also a major draw, attracting romantics and nature lovers alike.


Still not found your perfect lake around Pettorano Sul Gizio? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.