Best lakes around San Romano In Garfagnana are found within the Garfagnana region of Tuscany, offering diverse natural attractions. This area is characterized by its mountainous landscape, including the Apuan Alps, and a network of both natural and artificial lakes. These bodies of water contribute to the region's natural beauty and provide opportunities for outdoor activities. The lakes are key natural highlights of the wider area, easily accessible from San Romano In Garfagnana.
Last updated: May 20, 2026
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The place is cool and quiet during the week. Canoe rentals are available for lake excursions.
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The more you pass by, the more you fall in love. It is easily reached on foot from the forest road. On a mountain bike, you have to push your bike for a stretch. It is a little extra effort that I recommend.
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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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One of the most beautiful places in the entire Tuscan-Emilian Apennines
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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 Bargetana is located within the spectacular basin of the northern side of Mount Prado, which at 2054 m is the second highest peak in the Reggio Emilia Apennines. Its banks are surrounded by green pastures and rugged rock faces, among which it is not uncommon to spot the marmot.
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Beautiful ride mostly in the shaded undergrowth. Leaving early in the morning from the Rio Lama car park is recommended. Lake Bargetana is small but with very clear waters.
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The Garfagnana region offers a diverse range of lakes, from large hydroelectric basins to serene natural mountain lakes. You can find artificial lakes like Lake Vagli, known for its submerged ghost town, and picturesque natural lakes like Lago Santo Modenese, nestled in the Apennines. This variety provides opportunities for everything from water sports to birdwatching and tranquil hikes.
Yes, Lake Vagli is particularly notable for the submerged ghost town of Fabbriche di Careggine, which reappears only when the lake is emptied for maintenance. This event last occurred in 1994 and is a fascinating historical highlight. Additionally, Isola Santa Village, reflected in its emerald waters, offers a picturesque ancient stone village with a timeless atmosphere.
Lago di Pontecosi is an excellent choice for birdwatching. While not suitable for swimming, it serves as a crucial wintering site for a diverse array of aquatic birds. Its east bank also features an 'oasis' with green spaces, perfect for peaceful observation and picnics.
Yes, Lake Gramolazzo is popular for various water sports, including swimming (though the water can be cold), fishing, rowing, kayaking, and windsurfing. It has equipped banks and dedicated picnic areas. Lago di Isola Santa also offers opportunities for canoeing and kayaking.
The area around San Romano In Garfagnana offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for gravel biking, road cycling, and mountain hikes. For example, there are challenging gravel biking routes like the 'Lake Vagli – Viadotto Poggio loop' and mountain hikes such as the 'Monte Tambura Summit loop'. You can explore more options on the Gravel Biking, Road Cycling, and Mountain Hikes guide pages.
Absolutely. Lake Gramolazzo is very family-friendly, with equipped banks and playgrounds for children. Lake Vagli also has family-friendly aspects, particularly around its accessible dam crown and the Vagli Zip-line Park. Isola Santa Village is also considered family-friendly for its picturesque setting.
The best time for hiking around the Garfagnana lakes is generally from spring to autumn. Summer offers warm weather for water activities, while spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery for hiking. In winter, higher altitude lakes like Lago Santo Modenese can freeze over, creating a unique, 'enchanted' landscape, though some trails may be more challenging.
Yes, Lago di Pontecosi offers peaceful walks along its shores, ideal for observing nature. Lake Gramolazzo also has bike paths along its shores that are suitable for leisurely walks.
The lakes are set against stunning backdrops. Lake Gramolazzo is bordered by the majestic Apuan Alps, with Mount Pisanino reflecting in its green waters. Lake Bargetana is located in a basin on the northern side of Mount Prado, surrounded by beautiful pastures and rock faces where marmots can sometimes be spotted. Lago Santo Modenese, in the Modena Apennines, is encircled by mountains like Monte Giovo.
Yes, several lakes offer facilities. Lake Gramolazzo has equipped banks with playgrounds and dedicated picnic areas. Lago di Pontecosi features an 'oasis' on its east bank with green spaces, covered picnic tables, and barbecue facilities, making it ideal for a relaxing day out.
Yes, fishing is a popular activity in some of the lakes. Lago di Isola Santa is known as a paradise for fishermen, particularly for prized brown trout. Lake Gramolazzo also offers fishing opportunities.
Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere of the Garfagnana lakes. The unique history of the submerged village at Lake Vagli, the picturesque setting of Isola Santa Village, and the diverse outdoor activities available, from hiking to water sports, are often highlighted. The area is appreciated for its blend of adventure and peaceful relaxation.


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