Most people heading to Tuscany plan their trip by browsing through luxury villas for rent to choose their favorite, checking different wine tours, and researching the best beaches in the area. The most informed travelers may even be aware of Tuscany’s many hot springs and thermal baths, but almost nobody thinks about visiting lakes, which is a pity, considering Tuscany lakes are definitely worth visiting.
Lakes have fewer tourists than at the most popular beaches in the region, and you will be able to enjoy all sorts of activities, from swimming to canoeing, bird watching, and hiking. This article explores all the best lakes in Tuscany so you can choose your favorite.
4 Lakes in Tuscany You Can’t Miss
Here are some of the best Tuscany lakes to help you choose based on your favorite activities.
Lago di Bilancino
Bilancino Lake is one of the best lakes in Tuscany and is a great option for sunbathing and swimming. There are plenty of facilities for tourists, and you can also practice water activities such as canoeing, windsurfing, and kayaking.
Outdoor lovers can also opt for a bike ride on one of the main trails surrounding the lake or a leisure walk, while if you’re more into architecture, you can visit Cafaggiolo and Trebbio Castles.
The town of Cavallina, facing the lake, is home to various restaurants and cafés where you can have a full meal, a glass of wine accompanied by light bites (locally known as aperitivo), or a pastry.
Location: 17 miles from Prato
Things to do:
- Water sports
- Biking
- Castle visits
Lago e Diga di Montedoglio
The Montedoglio Lake is the best place in Tuscany to see a local dam. This is only accessible via canoe or boat without engines, so it can be a great day trip, especially for families with kids who will surely enjoy the adventure.
Compared to Bilancino Lake, there are far fewer tourists, as swimming is not allowed here, and there are no facilities for visitors. This, however, makes it the perfect place for bird watchers. The area is inhabited by a variety of bird species, including kingfishers, mallards, and cormorants.
The best place to access the lake is near Madonnuccia town. Here, you will also find the Circolo del Remo e della Vela di Montedoglio, where you may find canoes and boats for rent.
Location: 27 miles from Arezzo
Things to do:
- Visit the local dam by canoe
- Bird watching
Massaciuccoli Lake
Next on our list is Lake Massaciuccoli, where the most popular activity is a leisure stroll over the wooden dock crossing the lake. This will allow you to see the lake from a unique perspective while fully immersing yourself in nature.
Here, you will also find a LIPU (Italian League for the Protection of Birds) Museum, where you can learn more about the many animals inhabiting this area. This facility also allows tourists to explore the lake with one of its boats.
Once you’re here, you can also visit the town of Massaciuccoli on the lake, where you will find ancient Roman ruins, such as the Villa Venulei. Keep in mind that this lake is extremely close to the Mediterranean Sea, so it can be a great option if you want to spend part of your day sunbathing at the beach.
Location: 11 miles from Pisa
Things to do:
- Walk on the dock
- Bird watching
- Boat tour
- Visit the LIPU museum
- Visit ancient Roman ruins
Lago Nero
This tiny lake is a must-visit for mountain lovers and hikers. Lago Nero can be reached through a hike, with an elevation of 1,640 feet. It takes about two hours to arrive at this site, where you and your family will be able to enjoy a picnic and relax. Once you’re in the area, don’t forget to also visit the Abetone Botanical Gardens, where you can enjoy a long walk immersed in unspoiled nature.
Location: 33 miles from Pistoia
Things to do:
- Hike
- Visit Abetone Botanical Garden
Best Lake Towns in Tuscany
Tuscany is also home to a variety of villages facing lakes, where to spend your day.
Gramolazzo
Gramolazzo is one of the best lake towns in Tuscany. It is located on the banks of the Gramolazzo lake, an artificial body of water created decades ago to produce electric energy. This small city has a variety of restaurants, bakeries, and cafés, allowing you to spend your whole day there. This is one of the many swimming lakes in Tuscany, however, the water can be quite cold.
Once in the area, you can also check out the Museo dell’Identità dell’Alta Garfagnana, a small museum where you can learn more about these lands. This site is located near a church, which is also open to tourists. While slightly far away, the town of Minucciano is worth visiting for its unique ancient beauty.
Location: 43 km from Lucca
Things to do:
- Swim
- Visit the ancient village of Minucciano
- Check out the Museo dell’Identità dell’Alta Garfagnana
Brica
Located near the Vicaglia Lake, Brica is a lovely ancient town worth visiting. Here, you will find some trekking, hiking trails, and a couple of ‘Osterie,’ local restaurants serving traditional food. The town is incredibly small, but it’s ideal for those wanting to escape the massive crowds typical of Florence and Pisa and reconnect with nature. Vicaglia Lake is among the less touristy places on our list, so this is the place to go if you want to see truly unspoiled nature.
Location: 45 km from Lucca
Things to do:
- Hike
- Explore small local villages
Vagli
Last on our list is Vagli Sotto. This beautiful town is located atop a small hill overlooking Vagli Lake. Once here, you can visit some of the churches in the area, such as The Chiesa di San Regolo Vescovo, and enjoy a meal in one of the local restaurants.
This is the best town to visit if you’re coming with kids, thanks to the nearby Zip Line Vagli Park. This zip line will allow you to see the entire valley from a unique perspective while enjoying an adrenaline rush! There is also a suspension bridge for those who prefer to avoid the zip line.
But this lake hides a secret: a hidden town under its waters. The village of Fabbriche di Careggine was submerged when the lake was created in 1953 following the construction of a dam. Unfortunately, seeing the village is almost impossible, but there are a few exceptions. At times, the water is drained due to maintenance works, and Fabbriche di Careggine emerges from the lake, attracting tourists from all over the country.
Swimming in the lake is allowed, and during the summer, tourists can also access a nearby pool. There are also a few hiking trails for all fitness levels.
Location: 37 km from Lucca
Things to do:
- Swim
- Zip-line & suspension bridge
- Hike
Activities to Enjoy at Tuscany’s Lakes
Lakes in Tuscany offer a variety of activities for all types of travelers.
Water Activities
If you want to make the most of the water activities that can be practiced in the many Tuscany lakes, such as windsurfing, canoeing, fishing, and sailing, make sure to come during the summer months.
Not all sites offer rental facilities, so do your research before heading to a lake. Some may have rental facilities only open during certain periods of the day or the year. If you have an Italian friend, ask him/her to call the store so you can ensure they are open during your visit.
Best lakes: Lago di Bilancino, Lago di Montedoglio
Swimming
Some of the best swimming lakes in Tuscany include Lago di Vagli and Lago di Gramolazzo. These are great places to make the most of the weather without spending the day surrounded by tourists.
If you’re planning to visit a lake to swim, visit this region during the summer, late spring, or early September. You can check out our full guide on when to visit Tuscany to learn more about this topic.
Best lakes: Lago di Bilancino, Lago di Vagli, Lago di Gramolazzo
Bird Watching
Tuscany is home to a variety of birds, including common swifts, little egrets, hoopoes, and more. If you’re interested in observing these beautiful species in their natural habitat, you can head to one of the many natural reserves in Tuscany, where these gorgeous birds are protected.
Best lakes: Lago e Diga di Montedoglio and Massaciuccoli Lake
Hiking
Nothing is better than enjoying a nice picnic overlooking a lovely lake after a long mountain hike. While Tuscany is not home to the tallest mountains in Italy, it still has good hiking trails for all fitness levels.
If you love walking but are not in the mood for a crazy hike, you can opt for one of the many easy trails surrounding popular lakes, such as the Lago di Vagli. These hikes take you to small villages where you can enjoy a quick meal and relax before heading back to your car.
Best lakes: Lago Nero, Lago di Vicaglia, Lago di Vagli