Top 6 Lakes around Parco naturale Laghi di Avigliana

The park is home to two primary glacial lakes: Lago Grande di Avigliana and Small Lake of Avigliana (Lago Piccolo). Both are significant for their natural beauty and diverse ecosystems.

Lago Grande di Avigliana is known for its pristine waters, making it ideal for swimming, water skiing, canoeing, kayaking, and sailing. You can also rent pedal boats, enjoy boat tours, or stroll along its floating walkways. The lakefront also features restaurants and equipped picnic areas.

Small Lake of Avigliana, or Lago Piccolo, has largely retained its natural characteristics. It's shallower and surrounded by meadows, woods, and marshy areas, making it a haven for birdwatching. You can observe species like mallards, coots, and grey herons, especially during the great crested grebe's 'mirror dance' courtship ritual in late winter and early spring. There are also equipped areas with wooden tables and barbecue facilities.

Yes, both lakes offer family-friendly options. Lago Grande di Avigliana has swimming and pedal boat rentals. Small Lake of Avigliana is great for easy walks and birdwatching. The Lakeside Cycle Path at the Lago Piccolo di Avigliana is also suitable for families.

The area offers a variety of hiking trails. For easy walks, you can explore routes like "Lago Grande di Avigliana e Monte Pezzulano" or a loop around Small Lake of Avigliana. You can find more options in the Easy hikes around Parco naturale Laghi di Avigliana guide.

Absolutely. There's a well-maintained Lakeside Cycle Path at the Lago Piccolo di Avigliana. For more extensive rides, you can explore routes like the "Little Lake of Avigliana – Tour of the Two Lakes loop" or the "Tour of Avigliana Lakes - Ring Tour" found in the Road Cycling Routes around Parco naturale Laghi di Avigliana guide.

The park is a treasure chest of biodiversity, featuring the two glacial lakes, the Mareschi swamp, and morainic hills. These ecosystems support a rich variety of flora and fauna, especially avifauna, with hundreds of bird species nesting and wintering here. The area is also known for its clean waters and diverse natural landscapes.

The lakes offer different experiences throughout the year. Late winter and early spring are excellent for birdwatching, particularly to witness the great crested grebe's courtship ritual at Small Lake of Avigliana. Summer is ideal for swimming and water sports at Lago Grande di Avigliana. The mild seasons of spring and autumn are perfect for hiking and cycling.

Yes, the historic Sacra di San Michele, an ancient abbey, is visible from the lakes. This adds a significant cultural and historical dimension to the natural beauty of the area, having served as a point of reference for pilgrims since the year 1000.

Visitors appreciate the diversity of the lakes: Lago Grande di Avigliana for its lively atmosphere and water activities, and Small Lake of Avigliana for its tranquil, untouched natural environment and excellent birdwatching opportunities. The well-maintained cycle paths and picnic areas are also highly valued.

Lago Grande di Avigliana is considered one of the cleanest lakes in Piedmont and is suitable for swimming, with equipped areas and a natural swimming pool. While Small Lake of Avigliana is more natural, it is generally less suited for swimming due to its marshy characteristics, though it does have a small beach area.

Many trails around the Avigliana lakes are suitable for walks with dogs, especially the less crowded paths around Small Lake of Avigliana. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, especially in protected areas, to respect wildlife and other visitors.