One of Italy’s biggest lakes, Lake Bracciano sits just north of Rome and is a favorite weekend escape from the capital, especially in the summertime. When the seaside gets too crowded, the lake provides a slower, more nature-driven atmosphere that can’t be beat. Three medieval towns border the lake: Bracciano, Anguillara Sabazia, and Trevignano Romano. Each one offers plenty of spots for swimming, water sports, shopping, and eating, making the lake an ideal weekend getaway.
Known for its sparkly-clean water and plethora of swans, Lake Bracciano is a protected natural area and serves as an emergency water source for Rome. The water, which comes from volcanic origin, once supplied the Trastevere neighborhood with water via Emperor Trajan’s aqueduct, which was first inaugurated in 109 AD. Today, motorboats aren’t allowed in the lake, and the only vehicles you’ll see are approved fishing boats or the seasonal ferry, which offers transport to each of the towns.
How To Get To Lake Bracciano
While a day trip is feasible, a slow weekend on Lake Bracciano is ideal to soak up the small-town feel. Bracciano and Anguillara Sabazia are both accessible by regional train from the center of Rome, and a trip takes just under an hour. Bracciano’s train station is a convenient 10 minute walk from the centro storico, while Anguillara’s station is an hour-long walk, or a short bus ride, away from the action.
Trevignano Romano doesn’t have a train station, but it’s accessible by bus, car, or ferry from the surrounding towns. If you decide to take public transport, be sure to plan ahead by looking at each town’s timetable.
Bracciano
The biggest and busiest town around the lake, Bracciano offers the most to do. Its panoramic views are visible even from the train station, but keep in mind that the town itself is a bit of a walk to the shore. Instead of relaxing on the beach here, get lost in Bracciano’s winding cobblestone streets and medieval architecture, and be delighted by its layers of history.
The town’s main tourist attraction is the Orsini-Odescalchi Castle, and its fairytale-like grandeur is hard to miss. Built in 1470 by the Orsini family and later purchased by the Odescalchi family in 1696, this castle is one of the best preserved in Italy and gives visitors insight into the two families’ legacies. Both basic tickets and private tours are available to witness centuries of history via twenty decorated rooms adorned with impressive frescoes. Fun fact: Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes were married here in 2006 and the venue remains popular for weddings.
After touring the castle, stop by Trattoria del Castello on a nearby terrace. Specializing in fresh seafood, this family-run restaurant offers fresh lake fish (including smelt and perch) caught just minutes away. If seafood isn’t your thing, try Salotto Belvedere instead. The upscale slow-food certified spot prioritizes locally-sourced ingredients and natural wines. Savor fettucine with truffles, Roman oxtail stew along with gluten-free and vegetarian options. If you go for one thing, let it be the stunning view from the terrace.
In the summertime, gelato is necessary at least once a day. Luckily, Picchio makes some of the best natural gelato on the lake. Their seasonal fruit flavors, including raspberry and melon, act as a refreshing accompaniment to a post-lunch stroll around town. Via Umberto I is lined with local shops, like Pro & Contro, a handmade clothing and jewelry boutique, and Alimentari Norcineria, where you can find local meats and cheeses.
Anguillara Sabazia
A 15-minute drive from Bracciano lies Anguillara Sabazia. Some say the town’s quirky name comes from the Italian word for eel, “anguilla,” or from the influential Anguillara family. Others believe the ancient Romans named it Angularia because of the right-angled coastline it was built on. Regardless of its origin, Anguillara Sabazia is a pretty lakeside town that blends history and modern-day amenities. Plus, it has some of the best spots for swimming and sunbathing.
Anguillara town is lined with volcanic black sand beaches: many of these are free, but if you want a sunbed, head to the private beach clubs along Viale Reginaldo Belloni. Prices are generally lower by the lake than by the sea to rent a lettino, an umbrella, and even a cabana for bigger groups. Situated just a 10 minute walk from the center of town, the family-run Lido dei Cigni (Beach of the Swans) is a favorite among locals and visitors. It sits right next to the Scorpion Bar, where you can cool off with a refreshing crema di caffè or cocktail.
After a day of sunbathing, visit the neighboring Sporting Club Sabazia to rent everything from paddleboards to kayaks which allow you to experience the lake in a whole new light. Or, take a walk into town for some shopping and exploring. Anguillara has some of the best views of the lake, discoverable only by wandering its charming streets. If you want to pick up locally-made souvenirs, Emporio Handmade has a rotating selection of jewelry, art and accessories.
For a well-deserved aperitivo, visit Bar Principe II a local favorite that serves cocktails with a spread of baked-in-house snacks. If you prefer a lively atmosphere, head to Piazza del Molo, where pop-up bars offer cheaper drinks by the water and stay open late into the night.
For dinner, try La Nepitella, known for local wines that pair perfectly with their lake fish, cherry tomato, and olive pasta. For a more casual meal, go to Pescheria e Friggitoria Toto for plates of fried seafood and tonnarelli with mussels.
Trevignano Romano
Don’t let the allure of Bracciano and Anguillara keep you away from their charming sister town, Trevignano Romano. Its bustling town center hosts many community events, and you’ll find Italian Renaissance, Medieval, and Etruscan history around every corner. Trevignano’s small size makes it perfect for a day trip, but it’s worth a few days of exploration to truly get a feel for all it has to offer.
If you happen to visit on a Friday, stop by via Roma between 7:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. for the town’s weekly market. Fresh produce, clothing, and locally-made goods line the street with friendly vendors. Not too far down from the market are Piazza Vittorio Emanuele III, the town’s central square which acts as the gateway to various gems. This piazza is frequently home to Trevignano’s Summer Fest, which hosts weekly concerts and entertainment during the summer months.
Just beside Piazza Vittorio Emanuele III is the 16th century Church of Santa Maria Assunta, which is open for visitors on Sunday afternoons. The church is beside a short path of stairs that lead to ruins of the town’s old fortress, the Rocca degli Orsini. Built in the 13th century by Pope Innocent III and eventually destroyed once the Orsini family had power over the town, the vine-covered fortress is free to visit and walk through. Go at sunset for an even more impressive panoramic view of the lake.
Trevignano Romano is home to some of the best food along the lake and has options for visitors of all budgets and diets. La Vela, set on a platform above the lake, is a favorite cafe and bistro for aperitivo or a romantic dinner. For those with a car, Ristorante Acquarella is a short drive past the historical center and worth the trip for its lakeside garden seating. Book a table in advance and order the locally-caught grilled whitefish or pike. A more casual spot is La Locanda, which is located right along the water and has a variety of non-seafood options, like gnocchi alla norma and ravioli stuffed with burrata.
