Top 13 Lakes around Carrara
Best lakes around Carrara are found in the broader region, particularly within the Apuan Alps and Garfagnana areas. Carrara, known for its marble quarries, is surrounded by a landscape featuring both natural and artificial water bodies. These lakes often serve hydroelectric purposes or are part of nature reserves, providing diverse recreational opportunities. The area offers a mix of mountainous terrain and tranquil waters.
Best lakes around Carrara
- The most popular lakes is Lake Gramolazzo, a lake located in the…
Last updated: May 18, 2026
Lake Gramolazzo
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Lake Vagli
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Lake Vagli and Morandi Bridge
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Last day of vacation in Green Tuscany. Temperatures rise above 40°C.
In search of cooling, …
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Pozza della Madonna Waterfall
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Lago di Porta Nature Reserve
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The place is cool and quiet during the week. Canoe rentals are available for lake excursions.
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Lago di Vagli (Vagli Sotto) - That's all it needs to be / Day 13 Last day of vacation in Green Tuscany. Temperatures rise above 40°C. In search of cooling, which we find on the banks of the Lago di Vagli reservoir. We are triggered by the sunken village, Fabbriche di Careggine, which was evacuated in 1947 to create a reservoir for the public interest. This village had a beautiful Romanesque church from the 13th century, a few houses and a cemetery. Every now and then the church tower of the village appears above the water. In a haze of mystery and the mirage above the water surface, we hope to catch a glimpse of the spire. The ghost village only reveals its hidden secrets every 25 years. The last time the reservoir was drained for maintenance work was in 1996 and was allowed to receive millions of visitors. Due to corona, the draining has been postponed. Now we are looking forward to a new period when the lake will be drained once again. Ruins will then reveal their secrets again... will the church tower of San Teodoro still be intact? It is also said that the spirits of the deceased residents then return and haunt the village, a real ghost town... 'More' is all we need for that... Ponte Morandi and Ponte dei Fanti di Marina let us enjoy beautiful views over the idyllic lake, the picturesque village of Vagli Sotto with the beautiful green mountain landscape in the background. We walk past the statues of Parco dell'Onore e del Disonore in an exemplary manner. Here 'Honour and Dishonour' stare out over the surface of the water. The statues of Trump and Putin are only worth a two-second glance. We complete our discovery adventurously along the shady banks of Vagli Sotto. With a delicious lunch behind us, we finally leave... The heat is getting too much for us, returning to our B&B seems like a good idea... Read more experiences? Click through to https://www.komoot.com/nl-nl/collection/2195535/-visit-italy-2023-regio-massa-carrara-lucca
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The body of water is located in the municipality of Vagli Sotto in the province of Lucca and was formed artificially with the damming of the Edron stream in 1947 by SELT Valdarno (now Enel s.p.a.) and the construction of a hydroelectric dam designed by Count Eng. Ignazio Prinetti Castelletti as recalled by an inscription fixed to the wall between the steps on the western bank. In 1948 the works on the dam were completed with the subsequent raising to 92 meters. The rising waters of the lake submerged some villages among which the main one was Fabbriche di Careggine, a small village of blacksmiths from Brescia, founded in the 13th century, which re-emerges every time the lake is emptied. The lake contains approximately 35 million cubic meters of water and is emptied exceptionally if maintenance is necessary. It has happened four times: in 1958, 1974, 1983 and 1994. The new emptying was expected for 2024, but due to the water needs caused by recent droughts, it was decided to postpone the emptying to 2026 (unless it becomes necessary to postpone it again). The wait for the new emptying is linked to the tourist attraction offered by the re-emergence of the village of Fabbriche di Careggine, whose structure (including the beautiful church of San Teodoro) is still substantially intact under the waters of the lake.
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Lake Gramolazzo is located in the Apuan Alps park and is an artificial basin created with a dam on the Serchio river during the 1950s.
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Located in the hamlet of the same name in Minucciano, the lake of Gramolazzo is artificial and exploited for the creation of electricity. Its banks are equipped with playgrounds for children.
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With its 34 million cubic meters of water, Lake Vagli is the largest hydroelectric basin in Tuscany. The dam that blocks the course of the Edron stream is 92 meters high and has the crown accessible to the public. Its waters hide an entire town and only when the lake is emptied, the last time it was in 1994, does Fabbriche di Careggine come back to life for a summer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the lakes around Carrara unique?
The lakes in the broader Carrara region, particularly in the Apuan Alps and Garfagnana, are often artificial basins created for hydroelectric purposes or are part of nature reserves. They offer diverse experiences, from the historical intrigue of a submerged village to tranquil spots for wildlife observation and recreation. The region also features natural pools and waterfalls within streams, providing refreshing escapes.
Which lakes are best for families with children?
For families, Lake Gramolazzo is an excellent choice, featuring banks equipped with playgrounds. Lago di Porta Nature Reserve offers pleasant, unpaved walking paths suitable for all ages, and Lago Calamone provides easy walking paths and a cozy refuge for refreshments.
Can I go swimming in any of the lakes near Carrara?
Yes, Lake Gramolazzo is listed among the best swimming lakes in Tuscany, with large beach sections. Additionally, the Renara Stream, while not a lake, offers cold, clear waters with natural pools and waterfalls, perfect for a refreshing dip.
Are there any historical or cultural points of interest at the lakes?
Lake Vagli is famous for the submerged village of Fabbriche di Careggine, which reappears when the lake is periodically emptied for maintenance. The dam itself, standing 92 meters high, has a crown accessible to the public, and visitors can explore the 'Parco dell'Onore e del Disonore' with its statues near the lake.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see at the lakes?
The Lago di Porta Nature Reserve is a significant habitat for waterfowl. In the Apennine Lakes area, particularly Squincio Lake and Padule, you can find interesting and rare flora.
Are there hiking opportunities around the lakes?
Yes, there are various hiking opportunities. Lago Calamone offers easy walking paths around the lake and serves as a starting point for trails to Mount Ventasso. For more extensive hiking, you can explore routes in the wider region, such as those found in the Hiking around Carrara guide, which includes trails like Monte Sagro and Monte Spallone Loop.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes?
The beauty of lakes like Lago Calamone is noted to be enchanting across all seasons, from vibrant autumn colors to frozen winter landscapes. Generally, spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities, while summer is ideal for swimming and enjoying the refreshing waters of streams like Renara.
Are the lakes accessible by public transport?
While specific public transport routes directly to all lakes can be limited, the region is generally accessible. It's advisable to check local bus schedules or consider car rental for more flexibility, especially for reaching some of the more secluded spots in the Apuan Alps or Garfagnana.
Are there any dog-friendly lakes or trails?
Lago Calamone is noted as a suitable spot for dog owners, offering easy walking paths around the lake. Many natural areas and trails in the broader region are generally dog-friendly, but always ensure your dog is on a leash and you clean up after them.
Where can I find refreshments or accommodation near the lakes?
Lago Calamone has a cozy refuge by the lake offering coffee, cakes, and lunch. Near Lake Gramolazzo, the small place of Rimessa di Agliano offers bars and an ice cream parlor. For broader accommodation options, consider towns and villages in the Apuan Alps and Garfagnana areas.
Can I go cycling near the lakes around Carrara?
Yes, the region offers cycling opportunities. You can find various routes, including gravel biking and road cycling, that pass through the scenic landscapes surrounding the lakes. For detailed routes, refer to guides like Gravel biking around Carrara or Road Cycling Routes around Carrara.
Are there any hidden gems or less-known water bodies worth visiting?
Beyond the main lakes, the Apennine Lakes near Passo del Cerreto, such as Squincio Lake and Padule, are smaller but offer unique flora. The Renara Stream near Massa, with its natural pools and waterfalls, provides a beautiful and refreshing experience away from larger crowds.
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