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Lucca

Top 20 Lakes around Lucca

Best lakes around Lucca offer diverse natural experiences, ranging from significant ecological sanctuaries to glacial lakes in mountainous terrain. The region, encompassing the province of Lucca and nearby accessible areas, features wetlands, artificial basins, and high-altitude lakes. These bodies of water are often surrounded by protected natural environments, providing habitats for various wildlife. Visitors can explore areas with historical significance, unique flora, and opportunities for outdoor activities.

Best lakes around Lucca

  • The most popular lakes is Lake Gramolazzo, a lake that is artificial and exploited for the creation of electricity. Its banks are equipped with playgrounds for children and large beach sections for swimming.
  • Another must-see spot is Lake Vagli, a lake and the largest hydroelectric basin in Tuscany. Visitors can see the 92-meter high dam and, when the lake is emptied, the submerged village of Fabbriche di Careggine.
  • Visitors also love Lake Massaciuccoli, a coastal lake and part of a natural park and LIPU oasis. This area is known for its numerous bird species and offers a peaceful escape for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
  • Lucca is known for artificial lakes, natural wetlands, and high-altitude glacial lakes. These offer a variety of landscapes and activities, from birdwatching to hiking and swimming.
  • The lakes around Lucca are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 80 upvotes and over 20 photos shared across 29 highlights.

Last updated: May 3, 2026

LIPU Massaciuccoli Oasis

Highlight • Natural Monument

Chiarone Nature Reserve. There is a nature trail consisting of a wooden walkway on stilts for a length of about 800 meters, and continues with a flat path inside a small strip of humid lowland wood. Along the way there are 4 observatories thanks to which you can peek without bothering the various animals that populate this reserve.
A pleasant and suggestive walk that plunges into a unique environment where it is possible to observe the typical flora of the marshes and hygrophilous woods, insects, fish and other aquatic organisms and of course, with a little attention, the various species of birds that populate this environment, an important resting, wintering and breeding area.

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Lake Gramolazzo

Highlight • Lake

Located in the hamlet of the same name in Minucciano, the lake of Gramolazzo is artificial and exploited for the creation of electricity. Its banks are equipped with playgrounds for children.

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Lake Vagli

Highlight • Lake

With its 34 million cubic meters of water, Lake Vagli is the largest hydroelectric basin in Tuscany. The dam that blocks the course of the Edron stream is 92 meters high and has the crown accessible to the public. Its waters hide an entire town and only when the lake is emptied, the last time it was in 1994, does Fabbriche di Careggine come back to life for a summer.

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Lake Gherardesca

Highlight • Lake

Lake Gherardesca is a small natural body of resurgent water, what remains of Lake Bientina (or Sesto), the largest lake in Tuscany until the mid-19th century, before this portion of territory was reclaimed by the will of the Grand Duke Leopold II of Lorraine.
At the foot of Monte Pisano, one of the most important wetlands in Tuscany, about 30 hectares have become a special protection area for the protection of water birds.

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Lake Massaciuccoli

Highlight • Structure

Lake Massaciuccoli is a coastal lake in Tuscany. The lake and the marshy area around it are part of the Migliarino, San Rossore, Massaciuccoli natural park and a LIPU oasis, given the numerous species of birds present.

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Isola Santa Village

Highlight • Settlement

Fraction of Careggine, Isola Santa is a splendid village not far from the Garfagnana. It overlooks an artificial lake, filled by the waters of the Turrite Secca torrent stopped by a post-war dam. The cyclical emptying of the basin brings the half-destroyed buildings of the village back to life.

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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 komoot.com/nl-nl/collection/2195535/-visit-italy-2023-regio-massa-carrara-lucca

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Lake and Dam of Vicaglia

Highlight • Lake

The lake is very small, but it is worth a visit. It is an artificial lake created by a dam at about 1000 meters above sea level; its cold waters with bright and changing colors from green to deep blue, the rich vegetation that surrounds it, the abundance of fish (especially trouts) make it the destination of tourists, canoeists, fishermen.
It can be easily reached by car or by bike starting either from the Piazza al Serchio station (about 13 km, passing through Sillano), and from San Romano in Garfagnana (about 17 km, passing through Corfino and the Orecchiella Park). Those arriving by train to Piazza al Serchio can use a bus that in half an hour, passing through Sillano, takes them to Villa Soraggio; from here to the lake there is just a little more than a kilometer to walk.

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Lake Pontecosi

Highlight • Lake

Pontecosi lake is a hydroelectric basin built on the Serchio river. Along its banks is the small village of the same name, which was originally a castle used to control access to the river. The castle was already in a state of decay at the end of the 13th century. Today, the lake offers picnic areas, fishing spots and a large equipped green area, ideal for relaxing.

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Pozza della Madonna Waterfall

Highlight • Waterfall

Some are located just outside Seravezza (at the beginning of the ZTL) and are easy to reach, others are located at the end of more demanding paths in the woods.
The most famous is the Pozza della Madonna and is the one fed by the waterfall carved into the rock. It is called Pozza della Madonna and can be reached by a path along the river that starts from Seravezza and leads to the Malbacco pools in about 20 minutes.
Park the car before the start of the blocked road and the Ztl, the paths that will lead you along the river banks begin. There are five routes, to reach the waterfall and the pool of the Madonna which is located higher up, it is necessary to take the descent number 4.

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Tips from the Community

Chris
November 7, 2025, Oasi LIPU Massaciuccoli

a natural reserve and oasis on the lake part of the Migliarino San Rossore Massaciuccoli Natural Park, good known for paddle sports and wildlife observation, including herons and flamingos. The area is accessible via several trails, including the "Casa Rossa - Riserva del Chiarone" route which is suitable for walking, running, and cycling. Ideal place to rest and walk out on the boardwalks to various hides to watch for the birds

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Paolo
August 8, 2025, Lago di Gramolazzo

The place is cool and quiet during the week. Canoe rentals are available for lake excursions.

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What a beautiful place. We only found one spot where you can pass through, but for bird protection reasons, you shouldn't walk along the embankment. You walk a lot around the lake on the shady paths. Unfortunately, you can't see anything from there because of the tall bushes. It's absolutely peaceful here. There's a little house with a lovely view of the lake.

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beautiful location. accessible by both paths and normal road. always open and free. Perfect for birdwatching

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It's really beautiful there.

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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

Translated by Google

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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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Unfortunately the bike path (not very comfortable dirt) is not complete, but a good part of the lake profile can be traveled in the middle of nature and it is not uncommon to meet ducks that follow you clucking. If you go towards Villa Ginori passing through the pedestrian path that goes upstream it is possible to cross the canal with a mini floating platform. Very fun.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which lakes are best for birdwatching and wildlife observation near Lucca?

For exceptional birdwatching, visit Lago di Massaciuccoli, a significant ecological sanctuary and wild bird sanctuary (Oasi LIPU). It features observation blinds and boardwalks. Another excellent spot is Lago di Sibolla, considered one of Tuscany's most important marshy biotopes, home to a beautiful heronry and a crucial stop for migratory birds. You can find more information about Lago di Sibolla at visittuscany.com.

Are there family-friendly lakes around Lucca with facilities for children?

Yes, several lakes are great for families. Lake Gramolazzo is particularly family-friendly, offering playgrounds for children and large beach sections for swimming. Lake Massaciuccoli also offers family-friendly trails and activities within its natural park.

What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the lakes around Lucca?

The lakes provide a great base for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy easy walks and hikes, such as the 'Lake Vagli - Ring tour' or the 'Lake Gherardesca — Ring tour'. For more challenging adventures, there are mountain hikes like the 'Rifugio Rossi alla Pania loop' or various MTB trails, including the 'Pista ciclabile sul Fiume Serchio a Lucca'. Explore more options on the easy hikes around Lucca guide, mountain hikes around Lucca guide, or MTB trails around Lucca guide.

Are there any lakes with historical significance or unique cultural aspects?

Absolutely. Lake Vagli is famous for its submerged village, Fabbriche di Careggine, which reappears when the lake is emptied for maintenance. The lake also features a 92-meter high dam. Near Lago di Massaciuccoli, you can find the Roman Villa of Massaciuccoli, dating back to the 1st century AD, and it's also where composer Giacomo Puccini lived and found inspiration. The charming Isola Santa Village, overlooking an artificial lake, is a picturesque medieval village with a unique history.

When is the best time to visit the lakes near Lucca for nature viewing?

For an explosion of life and nesting birds, the best times to visit Lago di Massaciuccoli are April to June. For observing migratory birds, September and October are ideal. Generally, spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for exploring the natural beauty of the region's lakes.

Can I find high-altitude or mountain lakes near Lucca?

Yes, Lago Nero (Black Lake) is a notable example of a glacial lake, situated at an elevation of 1,730 meters (5,674 feet) in the Pistoia Mountains. It's known for its pristine natural environment, surrounded by dense forests and alpine meadows, offering picturesque high-altitude scenery for hikers.

Which lakes offer opportunities for swimming?

Lake Gramolazzo is a popular choice for swimming, featuring large beach sections along its banks. It's an artificial lake located in the Apuan Alps park.

Are there protected natural areas around the lakes near Lucca?

Yes, the region boasts several protected areas. Lago di Massaciuccoli is part of the Migliarino, San Rossore, Massaciuccoli natural park and a LIPU oasis. Lago di Sibolla is a significant natural wetland and marshy biotope. Additionally, near Lago Nero, you'll find the Oasi Naturale Orientata di Campolino, a reserve for rare indigenous tree populations.

What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Lucca?

Visitors appreciate the diverse natural experiences, from the peaceful escape and rich biodiversity of wetlands like Massaciuccoli to the stunning high-altitude scenery of glacial lakes like Lago Nero. The blend of natural beauty, opportunities for outdoor activities, and unique historical sites like the submerged village at Lake Vagli makes the region's lakes a cherished destination.

Are there dog-friendly lakes in the area?

Yes, Lake Gramolazzo is considered dog-friendly, making it a great option for visitors who want to bring their canine companions along to enjoy the outdoors.

Can I find easy walking routes suitable for beginners near the lakes?

Yes, there are several easy walking routes. The Lago di Massaciuccoli area features wooden boardwalks perfect for gentle strolls and wildlife viewing. You can also find easy ring tours like the 'Lake Vagli - Ring tour' and the 'Lake Gherardesca — Ring tour' which are suitable for beginners. More easy hikes are available on the easy hikes around Lucca guide.

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Find the best lakes around Lucca per region:

Vagli SottoSeravezzaCapannoriMinuccianoVilla CollemandinaCoreglia AntelminelliStazzemaCamaioreBagni Di LuccaSillano GiuncugnanoPiazza Al SerchioSan Romano In GarfagnanaCastiglione Di GarfagnanaPieve FoscianaMassarosaPescagliaLake VagliCastelnuovo Di GarfagnanaPietrasantaFabbriche Di VergemoliFosciandoraCareggineGallicanoBargaCamporgianoViareggioParco naturale regionale delle Alpi ApuaneMolazzana

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Still not found your perfect lake around Lucca? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.

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