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.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
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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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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
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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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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