Our 5 Favorite Lakes Near Rome

If you’re looking for the easiest lake escape from Rome, this is it. We love this volcanic lake for its clean water and pretty lakeside restaurants. It’s perfect for a leisurely day of swimming, strolling, and lingering over lunch. You can also visit the hilltop town of Bracciano and its impressive castle if you’d like to combine nature with a bit of sightseeing. Or head to Trevignano Romano on the northern shore, with its charming, beautifully kept lungolago lined with cafés and restaurants, perfect for a stroll along the water with a gelato in hand. You’ll often see swans gliding along the shore, and if you’re lucky you may even spot one of the lake’s black swans.

Getting there
By car: About 45 minutes from central Rome.
By public transport: Direct regional trains run regularly from Rome to Anguillara Sabazia in about an hour, making this one of the easiest day trips without a car.

Small, peaceful and surrounded almost entirely by countryside, Lake Martignano feels a world away from Rome. Just a short drive from its much bigger sibling, Lake Bracciano, and part of the same ancient volcanic landscape, this tiny lake has a much more intimate atmosphere. There are no large towns along its shores and very little development, making it a particularly lovely choice if all you want is a quiet day by the water. The lake is known for its clean water and relaxed beaches, where you can swim, rent a canoe or simply settle in for the afternoon.

Getting there

By car: About an hour from central Rome. Access to the lake is restricted, with parking outside the protected area and a seasonal shuttle down to the shore.
By public transport: Getting to the lake without a car is difficult, so we strongly recommend driving.

Another quick and easy escape from Rome, lake Albano sits just below the pretty hilltop town of Castel Gandolfo. The volcanic lake is surrounded by steep green hills, with beaches for swimming and places to rent kayaks, paddle boats and SUPs along the shore. Spend the morning by the water, then head up to Castel Gandolfo for lunch and a stroll through town. For centuries the traditional summer retreat of the popes, the town is home to the Papal Palace and gardens, with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.

Getting there

By car: About 45 minutes from central Rome.
By public transport: Direct regional trains run from Rome to Castel Gandolfo, making this another easy option without a car.

Surrounded by forests and hazelnut groves, Lake Vico feels incredibly wild compared to some of Lazio’s better-known lakes. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a quieter day, whether that means swimming, hiking, or simply enjoying the scenery. And if you head to Bau Beach, you can bring your dog along too. Set high in an ancient volcanic caldera, there always seems to be a fresh breeze. Nearby Ronciglione, one of the prettiest small towns in northern Lazio, makes an excellent stop for lunch or an afternoon stroll.

Getting there

By car: About 90 minutes from Rome.
By public transport: You can take a train to Capranica-Sutri or a Cotral bus toward Ronciglione, but connections to the lake are limited, so make sure to check current schedules before setting out. A car is strongly recommended.

Bolsena is actually the largest volcanic lake in Europe and one of our favorite lake getaways from Rome. The water is amazingly clean and there are several small beaches for swimming. We usually head to Capodimonte, where you can rent a pedal boat, swim, or just settle in for a long lunch overlooking the water. If you have time, wander through the medieval town of Bolsena before heading home.

Getting there

By car: About 2 hours via the A1 motorway.
By public transport: Take a train from Rome to Orvieto, then a Cotral bus toward Bolsena. Check current schedules and connections before setting out. It’s doable, but a car makes for a much easier day trip.