Day trip to the lake from Rome

So you’ve been in Rome for a month or two with your head stuck in your books and have seen a hundred museums. You deserve a break! How about a day trip to a nearby lake where you can relax, eat and enjoy some watersports?

We recommend heading to the northwest of Rome, less than 1 hour away, to the lovely…

Lake Bracciano

Just 40 kilometers northwest of Rome, lies the second-largest (32km perimeter) lake in the region. Lake Bracciano. Not only does this gorgeous volcanic lake serve as a drinking reservoir, it is also a big playground for the inhabitants of the 3 local villages residing on its shores.

• Bracciano
• Anguillara Sabazia
• Trevignano Romano

Both Bracciano and Anguillara Sabazia are connected by train, however, you will need a car to get to Trevignano Romano.
All 3 of them have local operators supplying equipment and instruction for many watersports and on-the-land activities such as:

WATERSPORTS
• paddle boats with a slide,
• windsurfing,
• sailing and
• just plain splashing about and having a swim.

ON THE LAND
• quad biking
• mountain biking
• road biking around the lake (approximately 32km)
• hiking trails with gorgeous views of the lake
• camping
• wine tours

However, each town does have its own unique attractions.

BRACCIANO

• Visit Castello Orsini-Odescalchi. The castle is in the middle of town yet overlooks the lake has many exhibits paintings, frescoes, and weapons from the 6th century. The entrance ticket to the Castle is only €7, tour included. Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes were married here in 2006.
• Nearby is the Military Air Force Historical Museum (Vigna di Valle) that exhibits 2nd World War planes inside the hangars overlooking the lake.

ANGUILLARA SABAZIA

• Street Markets. Nearly every weekend, even through the winter, weather permitting there are many stalls with hand-made arts and crafts, food and wine. What really makes this special it is located on the waterfront boulevard.
• The Collegiata Church – This late-medieval church was only renovated once. Some of the frescoes date back to the 14th century. The church is the highest point in the old town and marks one of the most spectacular views of Lake Bracciano.

TREVIGNANO ROMANO

• Restaurants directly on the waterfront
• Street Markets. Nearly every weekend, even through the winter, weather permitting there are many stalls with hand-made arts and crafts, food and wine. What really makes this special it is located on the waterfront boulevard.
• Walk. The lake front is entirely pedestrian and runs along the sides of the pier. The walk is well taken care of, there are many bars where you can sit down to have a coffee, to have an aperitif, or an ice-cream while admiring the beautiful panorama and stunning sunsets. At the end of the walk, on the right there is a well-equipped playground, with a fitness area overlooking the lake, a skating rink and a football pitch. Also inside the playground there is a bar. Inside the park it is also possible to bring bicycles.
• Hobie cats and a variety of watersports for hire on the beach nearby the town

HOW TO GET THERE

BY CAR

It takes around 50 minutes and roughly 40 km from the city center.

BY TRAIN

(only Bracciano and Anguillara Sabazia)

You can take the regional train from Valle Aurelia Train Station and that takes around 40 -50 minutes!