Top 18 Lakes around Minucciano
Best lakes around Minucciano are primarily artificial, nestled within the Apuan Alps region. This area is characterized by its mountainous landscape and man-made lakes, which were largely created for hydroelectric power generation. The lakes offer a range of features, from equipped banks for recreation to historical sites. The region provides opportunities for exploring both natural and engineered landscapes.
Best lakes around Minucciano
- The most popular lakes is Lake Gramolazzo, an artificial lake. Its banks are equipped with playgrounds for children and extensive beach sections. This lake is ideal for families and offers opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating.
- Another must-see spot is Lake Vagli, a lake and the largest hydroelectric basin in Tuscany. It features a 92-meter high dam with an accessible crown. Visitors can expect to see the submerged village of Fabbriche di Careggine when the lake is periodically emptied for maintenance.
- Visitors also love Isola Santa Village, a settlement overlooking an artificial lake. This medieval village, located at 550 m a.s.l., features small houses with slate roofs. The cyclical emptying of the basin occasionally reveals parts of the village's structures.
- Minucciano is known for its artificial lakes and hydroelectric basins. These offer diverse activities from swimming and boating to exploring historical sites.
- The lakes around Minucciano are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 90 upvotes and 20 photos shared.
Last updated: May 20, 2026
Lake Gramolazzo
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Lake Vagli
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
Isola Santa Village
Highlight • Settlement
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Lake Vagli and Morandi Bridge
Highlight • Lake
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 komoot.com/nl-nl/collection/2195535/-visit-italy-2023-regio-massa-carrara-lucca
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Lake and Dam of Vicaglia
Highlight • Lake
It can be easily reached by car or by bike starting either from the Piazza al Serchio station (about 13 km, passing through Sillano), and from San Romano in Garfagnana (about 17 km, passing through Corfino and the Orecchiella Park). Those arriving by train to Piazza al Serchio can use a bus that in half an hour, passing through Sillano, takes them to Villa Soraggio; from here to the lake there is just a little more than a kilometer to walk.
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Minucciano.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
The place is cool and quiet during the week. Canoe rentals are available for lake excursions.
0
0
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
2
1
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.
1
0
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.
2
0
Very picturesque little village on the edge of the reservoir. In the high season, however, also very crowded ...
1
0
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.
0
1
Fraction of Careggine, Isola Santa is a splendid village not far from the Garfagnana. It overlooks an artificial lake, filled by the waters of the Turrite Secca torrent stopped by a post-war dam. The cyclical emptying of the basin brings the half-destroyed buildings of the village back to life.
1
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the lakes around Minucciano unique?
The lakes around Minucciano are primarily artificial, nestled within the stunning Apuan Alps. They were largely created for hydroelectric power generation, offering a blend of engineered landscapes and natural beauty. This region provides diverse activities, from recreation on equipped banks to exploring historical sites.
Are there family-friendly lakes in the Minucciano area?
Yes, Lake Gramolazzo is particularly family-friendly. Its banks are well-equipped with playgrounds for children and extensive beach sections, making it ideal for swimming, fishing, and picnics. Lake Vagli and Isola Santa Village also offer family-friendly aspects, with viewpoints and historical interest.
What historical or unique features can be found at these lakes?
The region is known for its unique historical features, especially at Lake Vagli. This lake famously hides the submerged village of Fabbriche di Careggine, which becomes visible only when the lake is periodically emptied for maintenance. Similarly, Isola Santa Village, a medieval settlement overlooking an artificial lake, occasionally reveals parts of its structures when the basin is cyclically emptied.
What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes around Minucciano?
The area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling with routes like the 'Lake Vagli and Lake Gramolazzo Loop' or 'Passo dei Carpinelli and Lago di Gramolazzo Loop'. For gravel biking, there are options such as the 'Lake Gramolazzo – Lake Gramolazzo loop from Piazza al Serchio'. Mountain hiking is also popular, with trails like 'Ferrata Tordini-Galligani loop from Minucciano'. You can find more details on these activities in the respective guides: Cycling around Minucciano, Gravel biking around Minucciano, and Mountain Hikes around Minucciano.
Can I swim in the lakes near Minucciano?
Yes, swimming is a popular activity, especially at Lake Gramolazzo. Its extensive beach sections invite visitors to take a dip, particularly during warmer months. The lake also offers opportunities for boating.
Are there any easy walks or trails around the lakes?
While specific easy walks are not detailed, the area around Lake Gramolazzo features a pedestrian cycle track as part of its Lake Park, which is suitable for leisurely strolls. The dam's crown at Lake Vagli is also accessible to the public, offering impressive views and a relatively easy walk.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Minucciano?
The lakes are appealing throughout the year, but summer offers the best conditions for swimming and water activities at Lake Gramolazzo. The surrounding mountains provide picturesque views, especially to the west, making spring and autumn also beautiful for hiking and enjoying the scenery.
Are the lakes dog-friendly?
Yes, Lake Gramolazzo is noted as dog-friendly, making it a great spot to visit with your canine companion. Always ensure dogs are kept on a leash where required and follow local regulations.
What amenities are available near Lake Gramolazzo?
Lake Gramolazzo is well-equipped for visitors. The Lake Park includes facilities for barbecues, a fitness area, and a small pier. The nearby hamlet of Rimessa di Agliano also offers a few bars and even an ice cream parlor, especially popular on weekends.
How accessible are the lakes around Minucciano?
Lake Gramolazzo is easily accessible, located just outside the Apuan Alps Park and approximately 5 km from Minucciano, making it convenient for an afternoon visit. Lake and Dam of Vicaglia can be reached by car or bike from Piazza al Serchio station or San Romano in Garfagnana, with a bus option available for part of the journey.
What is the significance of the dam at Lake Vagli?
Lake Vagli is Tuscany's largest hydroelectric basin, featuring a 92-meter high dam. The dam's crown is accessible to the public, offering impressive views of the lake and the surrounding landscape. It was built to block the course of the Edron stream for hydroelectric purposes.
Are there any hidden gems or less-known lakes worth visiting?
While not a hidden gem in the traditional sense, Lake and Dam of Vicaglia is a smaller, artificial lake nestled in a narrow rocky gorge. It's known for its cold waters with bright, changing colors and abundant fish, making it a destination for tourists, canoeists, and fishermen. It offers a more secluded experience compared to the larger lakes.
Most popular routes around Minucciano
Most popular attractions around Minucciano
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found your perfect lake around Minucciano? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
