A Tranquil Escape: Exploring the Beauty of Lake Bracciano
Discover the serene shores of Lake Bracciano, a hidden gem in the heart of Italy. This article will guide you through the best activities, such as boating, hiking, and visiting the charming town of Bracciano
Italy is well renowned for its everchanging landscapes and sceneries. While traveling, you might just find yourself in a big, busy city one minute and in a calm, quiet, completely different environment the next, like the Surroundings of Rome. You wouldn’t believe the contrast you’ll find just by leaving the Eternal city for a day exploring the area. Like the Lake Bracciano.
Lake Bracciano: a Volcanic Oasis
A volcanic lake hidden and surrounded by the green hills of the Countryside of Rome. On a short drive from the city, you will immediately feel the difference. A more calm, slow, and serene lifestyle.
Exploring Lake Bracciano’s Activitiesì: a World of Adventures
Switch from the busyness of Rome, strolling around in the buzzing, crowded narrow streets to shop and visit the hallmarks, for other exciting activities the Lake Bracciano area has to offer. There are all sorts of activities here, especially in the Spring/Summer time. One of the locals’ most favorite things to do is definitely boating, and any water activity, really. If you approach Bracciano from the roads above, connecting Rome to the area, you will start to see this beautiful lake and make out the figures and details of the hamlets that surround it.
Charming Towns around Lake Bracciano
One is Trevignano Romano, a gorgeous town layered all along the northern shores of the Lake. It has a famous archeological museum hosting local artifacts from the Etruscan Era. A path inside the old part of town, called “Centro storico,” on the Main Square, reachable by walking underneath the town’s clock tower, a cobblestone street with stone houses and colorful staircases trimmed with pots of seasonal flowers and plants. If you’re feeling “sporty,” you should absolutely follow the signs to the town’s church, Chiesa della SS Assunta, go up to the church to take in the extraordinary views.
Another village is Anguillara Sabazia, a small town, a more commercial district, that has a beautiful lakeside walk and an old part of town that is completely built in stone and perched on a cliff on the lake. Here, you will find different water activities to choose from and nice restaurants to enjoy a great meal and unwind.
Of course, there’s Bracciano, the third and most famous of the three towns on the Lake, acknowledged worldwide for the famous Orsini-Odescalchi Medieval Castle. First off, we suggest visiting the town in general. In fact, every castle has its town. By walking up a cobblestone road, you will immediately reach the buildings at the feet of the Castle, where the village once was. Now, stone houses embrace this path, all the way up to a small square in Largo della Cattedrale. A beautiful Cathedral, the Duomo of Santo Stefano, is a baroque delight, in contrast with the far more rustic and rugged features surrounding it. This parish hosts incredible artwork and relics. The original cathedral was built in the 1200s, and later reinforced in the early 1600s. The Castle itself is another thing you want to add to your to-do list while visiting the Lake Bracciano.
Savoring Local Traditions
A lot of activities to choose from are offered in the beautiful region of the Lake Bracciano area, from hikes to bike rides to water sports and leisure. There is nothing you can’t do here. What a wonderful, fun, accessible way to explore the different sceneries the Countryside of Rome has to offer! Of course, after all is said and done around Lake Bracciano, there is nothing left to do but sit at a nice local restaurant and enjoy a nice lunch and the scenery.
Gastronomic Delights by Lake Bracciano: A Food Lover’s Guide
Delve into the culinary scene around Lake Bracciano, where traditional Italian cuisine meets lakeside charm. Explore local trattorias, savor fresh seafood, and indulge in mouthwatering gelato.
Sharing Culinary Traditions: a taste of local food
Another great thing they like to do around Lake Bracciano is share traditions. Specifically their local food recipies. In fact there are so many different restaurants and trattorias here. Some more fancy, others more down to earth and local. But all with one thing in common: the Lake.
Homely Lakeside Dining
Specifically in Trevignano Romano, you will see how all the restaurants are just off the lakeshores. With short or long stretches of green grass that end directly in the lakeshore, where swans and ducks and seagulls are looking for attention. And a piece of bread for someone to through. Doesn’t matter the type of restaurant you prefer, the one common denominator is a “homie feeling” as if you were greeted in the owners home, having lunch in their backyards on the verandas, surrounded by trees and potted plants and flowers, with a privileged view of the lake.
Traditional Italian Fare
The food of course is traditional: Italian cuisine all the way. Some dishes more traditional than others, from seafood to different meets and fish especially (since one of the primary occupations around here was basically farming and fishing).
All kinds of sweet water fish, bass, whitefish, pike and eel (more hard to find, as the fishing is selective) prepared in so many ways, fried, in a stew or served with fresh tomatoes and olives in a sauce. Then there are soups, and all sorts of veggies baked traditionally, following old recipies and the Pasta dishes are just scrumptious. You MUST enjoy lunch in one of the many restaurants on Lake Bracciano. Family owned businesses, that will make you feel at home instantly, serving you real, Italian food.
Delectable Desserts & Sweet Confections
The desserts are also very tempting. From Gelato to pastries and pies with homemade jams, all the way to a special cake prepared around here: La Moretta, a two layered chocolate cake filled with whipped cream and nutella, drizzled with powdered sugar, (for garnish ironically, as if the pounded nutella and whipp cream filling wasn’t enough). If you want to indulge in this chocolat-y calorie bomb, you absolutely should! Ask for their homemade dessert specials, some restaurants serve this cake, others don’t and its usually served in Fall and Winter (for obvious reasons). This loaded chocolate cake is possibly the perfect epitome of the lifestyle around here, Simple and Rich.
A tour of the Lake Bracciano is good for the heart, and for your appetite. If you are looking for a local, not so touristy experience, you should consider this tour of Rome’s surroundings.
FAQ – Lake Bracciano
Lake Bracciano is a volcanic oasis nestled amidst the green hills of the Countryside of Rome. It offers a serene and tranquil environment, perfect for those seeking a calm and slow-paced lifestyle.
There are a variety of activities to enjoy at Lake Bracciano, especially during the Spring and Summer. Boating and various water activities are popular among locals and visitors. You can also explore charming towns, hike in the surrounding areas, and visit historical sites.
Three charming towns surround Lake Bracciano: Trevignano Romano, Anguillara Sabazia, and Bracciano. Each offers unique attractions, such as historical sites, lakeside charm, and culinary delights.
Trevignano Romano is a gorgeous town located along the northern shores of Lake Bracciano. It boasts an archaeological museum with artifacts from the Etruscan Era and offers scenic views from the town’s church, Chiesa della SS Assunta.
Anguillara Sabazia is a small town built on a cliff overlooking the lake. It’s known for its lakeside charm and offers various water activities. You can also enjoy delicious meals at local restaurants.
Bracciano is renowned for the Orsini-Odescalchi Medieval Castle. The town offers a historic journey with a beautiful cathedral, the Duomo of Santo Stefano, and the opportunity to explore the castle.
Yes, you can savor traditional Italian dishes at the lakeside restaurants. They offer a “homely feeling” and serve a variety of Italian cuisine, including seafood and pasta dishes.
Lake Bracciano is known for its delectable desserts, including gelato, pastries, and a special chocolate cake called “La Moretta.” This loaded chocolate cake is a must-try and epitomizes the local lifestyle—simple and rich.
The Spring and Summer months are ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the region. Fall and Winter are perfect for indulging in traditional Italian comfort food and desserts.
You can explore the beautiful region of Lake Bracciano through a variety of activities, including hikes, bike rides, water sports, and leisure. It’s a fun and accessible way to experience the different landscapes in the Countryside of Rome.
Lake Bracciano offers a balance of tourism and local experiences. It’s a great place for tourists to enjoy traditional Italian culture while also having the opportunity to explore less touristy aspects of the region.
you may be interested:
Lake Bracciano Tour, one of our favorite shore excursions! If you want to do something different, while docked, consider a relaxing day in the country, to explore the enchanted Lake Bracciano and its Surrounding villages! If you are docked in Civitavecchia Port, a great alternative to the classic Rome tours, would be this particular tour. Lake Bracciano is just a few miles away from Rome, and yet it is totally immersed in a completely different atmosphere. Fully immersed in the "hilly" countryside, this Volcanic lake is surrounded by 3 tiny villages. Bracciano, Trevignano Romano, and Anguillara Sabazia. Quaint villages, of Medieval wonder and rustic charm, surrounded by green hills, in a beautiful setting. The most famous of these villages would be Bracciano Bracciano is a Medieval town perched on the hillside, overlooking the lake. Famous for its amazing 15th century Orsini-Odescalchi Castle. Visited by important personalities such as John Kennedy and Tina Turner, and of course Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes’, as their wedding venue. The old part of town surrounding the Castle is definitely worth a visit. It is exactly what you would expect of a Castle and its village. And inside the Castle, everything is immaculate and preserved completely. With original Tapestries hanging from the ceilings, crystal chandeliers, Halls and Galleries and even an exposition of old armors and weapons. And the views from the gardens are absolutely magical. *Upon request, if you'd like to visit the Castle of Bracciano, you can buy your ticket at the booth and as an alternative to the group tours which they usually arrange, a great way to visit the Castle and its museum is to create your personal, fun itinerary to visit the estate on your own. With the delightful help of a video and audio guide, that you can easily download on your phone by scanning a QR code at the entrance. With wonderful explanations, videos and more. Another charming town is Anguillara, with a beautiful vista This small village hosts a beautiful medieval city center, nestled on a hill overlooking the lake. It's such a charming little town. Famous all over the World, for hosting an episode of the tv show "Everybody loves Raymond". And finally, Trevignano Romano! This gorgeous town, a little smaller than Bracciano or Anguillara, is one of the most frequented towns in the Countryside of Rome. There are cliffs, there are historical buildings, there are ruins of Ancient fortresses, there is a beautiful beach, and lake side promenade. This town has it all! And it's quite old too! In fact there is proof that the presence of people in this territory dates back to the Paleolithic! This village simply reflects and beauty, the traditions and the eagerness to preserve it’s ancient history. The architecture and rustic features are simply breathtaking. We highly recommend opting for a lunch in one of the many restaurants with an exclusive position overlooking the lake! A chance to taste some local delicacies and enjoy breathtaking views. However, upon request of course, we offer a personalized option to consider: We can arrange, for a small additional cost, a full meal with beverages in a unique location. A beautiful terrace overlooking the lake, with a privileged panoramic scene. Although the menu may change depending on the seasonal specialties, the personalized lunch would typically include: A jubilation of different home-made appetizer, bruschettas, frittatas and so on Homemade “pasta” dish served with delicious sauce or other Local home-made desserts All served with sparkling water and carefully selected local wine If you'd like to take advantage of this option of "Lunch in the Veranda on the lake", you can select this during the booking process, to add directly to the cost of the tour. After lunch, your tour driver will make one final stop to Calcata, one of the best preserved medieval hill towns in Italy. Calcata is a magical, medieval destination that’s perfect for art lovers. It is a tiny little village, entirely carved in stone on a cliff that overlooks the forrest below. It is a very fascinating place to see, although its position is not very hospitable to live in permanently. In fact the only few citizens in Calcata today, are often writers, singers, artists, hermits or just people in search of inspiration in this mystical isolation you will encounter first hand. During this tour you can notice how the different towns in the Lake Bracciano area all have their own trait. They are all unique in their own way, history and traditions. You will very much enjoy this private shore excursion. What a great opportunity to explore the more Authentic aspect of life in Italy!
price from €87.50
If you want to do something different, consider a relaxing day out in the country, to explore the Bracciano Lake and Surrounding villages! You will travel to Lake Bracciano, to visit Bracciano, Trevignano Romano, and Anguillara Sabazia. Quaint villages, of Medieval wonder and rustic charm, surrounded by green hills, in a beautiful setting. First off Bracciano! Famous for its outstanding 15th century Orsini-Odescalchi Castle. Visited by important personalities such as John Kennedy and Tina Turner, and of course Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes’, who used the castle as their wedding venue. *Upon request, if you’d like to visit the Castle of Bracciano, you can buy your ticket at the booth and as an alternative to the group tours which they usually arrange, a great way to visit the Castle and its museum is to create your personal, fun itinerary to visit the estate on your own. With the delightful help of a video and audio guide, that you can easily download on your phone by scanning a QR code at the entrance. With wonderful explanations, videos and more. Another charming town is Anguillara Sabazia. Hosting an impressive hillside historical city center and amazing panoramic vistas And Finally, Trevignano! This village simply reflects and beauty, the traditions and the eagerness to preserve it’s ancient history. The architecture and rustic features are simply breathtaking. We highly recommend opting for a lunch in one of the many restaurants with an exclusive position overlooking the lake! A chance to taste some local delicacies and enjoy breathtaking views. However, upon request of course, we offer a personalized option to consider: We can arrange, for a small additional cost, a full meal with beverages in a unique location. A beautiful terrace overlooking the lake, with a privileged panoramic scene. Although the menu may change depending on the seasonal specialties, the personalized lunch would typically include: A jubilation of different home-made appetizer, bruschettas, frittatas and so on Homemade “pasta” dish served with delicious sauce or other Local home-made desserts All served with sparkling water and carefully selected local wine If you'd like to take advantage of this option of "Lunch in the Veranda on the lake", you can select this during the booking process, to add directly to the cost of the tour. After lunch, we will continue to Calcata, one of the best preserved medieval rock towns (literally built in a rocky cliff) in Italy. Calcata has a certain Magic to it, the atmosphere is pure and overwhelming. This Medieval destination is mostly lived by poets, writers, artists and solitaires. At the end, your private tour driver will take you back to your requested location in Rome.
price from €87.50
If you want to do something different, consider a relaxing day out in the country, to explore the Bracciano Lake and Surrounding villages! You will travel to Lake Bracciano, to visit Bracciano, Trevignano Romano, and Anguillara Sabazia. Quaint villages, of Medieval wonder and rustic charm, surrounded by green hills, in a beautiful setting. First off Bracciano! Famous for its outstanding 15th century Orsini-Odescalchi Castle. Visited by important personalities such as John Kennedy and Tina Turner, and of course Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes’, who used the castle as their wedding venue. Another charming town is Anguillara. Your tour driver will be happy to provide suggestions for the best local restaurants on the charming lakeside. And Finally, Trevignano! This village simply reflects and beauty, the traditions and the eagerness to preserve it’s ancient history. The architecture and rustic features are simply breathtaking. After lunch, we will continue to Calcata, one of the best preserved medieval hill towns in Italy. Calcata is a magical, medieval destination that’s perfect for art lovers. At the end, your private tour driver will take you back to your requested location in Rome.
price from €450.00
A private transfer from/to Fiumicino International Airport to the area of the Bracciano Lake An hour away from Fiumicino and Rome, the Bracciano Lake area hosts the beautiful towns of Bracciano, Anguillara Sabazia and Trevignano Romano. If you are staying in this area, this private transfer is for you! One of our personal drivers will welcome you in Fiumicino Airport and take you to your requested location in this area. Or the other way around! If you are already in the area and are looking for a way to reach the airport, we can take care of everything for you. What we offer is cordial, helping and available drivers in your language, all the assistance you'll require and a fun, luxurious, comfortable way to reach your destination. This private transfer can be arranged with pick up from Fiumicino International Airport of the Bracciano Lake area or vice-versa.
price from €65.00
+39 06.999.77.65
+39 339.159.25.40
info@discoveryguidedtours.com
9 hours
