Italy's Largest Volcanic Lake Is A Peaceful Escape With Quaint Villages & Medieval Charm

When you think of lakes in Italy, chances are you'll be thinking of the iconic Lake Maggiore, Lake Como, or Lake Garda. These glistening, glacial lakes offer a rustic Italian travel experience, and are one of the most sought-after and elegant vacation destinations in the country, beloved by the jet set, the Hollywood elite, and any tourist looking for spectacular scenery and historic lakeside villas. But this ever-so glamorous region in north Italy isn't the only place in the country where you can find vast expanses of water with stunning scenery and villages brimming with medieval charm.

Lago Bolsena is the largest volcanic lake in Europe, an enormous body of water punctuated with two islands, each with a fascinating history. It's a picturesque spot that matches Lake Como's beauty, minus the crowds, and is surrounded by quaint medieval towns as well as elegant comuni with designated beaches and rolling hills. It combines the beauty and sophistication of a coastal escape with the peace and calm of a rural, inland setting, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking chic tranquility.

Lago Bolsena is situated in the province of Viterbo in Lazio in central Italy, up against the borders of Umbria and Tuscany. It's about 25 miles from the Tyrrhenian coastline, and about 70 miles from Rome. Most visitors to the lake base themselves in one of three lakeside towns: Bolsena itself, Marta, or Capodimonte. The nearest airport is Rome Fiumicino, about 80 miles away, and the easiest way to get from Rome to the lake is by car, via the A1 highway, taking about two hours. For travelers without a car, there's a train that goes to Viterbo, where a local bus will take you the rest of the way.

Lago Bolsena has a staggeringly rich and fascinating history, even for Italy. It hosted one of the last Etruscan settlements to hold out against the advance of Rome, and there's plenty of evidence of both Roman and Etruscan influence on the towns and villages that surround the lake. In the medieval period, it was a place marked by miracles, notably the Miracle of Corpus Christi in the 13th century, and there are some superb medieval castles, palazzos, and churches to explore.

The Rocca Monaldeschi della Cervara is the iconic symbol of Bolsena, a magnificent 13th-century fortress that towers above the town and watches over the lake. Palazzo del Drago is also worth discovering, a gorgeous Renaissance palace that was once the seat of the papal legates. But the undoubted highlight is the thousand-year-old Collegiate Church of St. Christine, thanks to its stunning frescoes and facade, its magnificent Romanesque architecture, and its atmospheric martyr's tomb.

More remarkable history can be found on Lago Bolsena's two islands. These rocky outcrops were formed by underwater eruptions after the collapse of the area that created the lake. Bisentina is the larger, accessible by ferry from Capodimonte. The oak groves and carefully created gardens are interspersed with elegant churches, chapels, and temples, as well as the Malta dei Papi, an ancient prison for heretics built over the remains of a Roman thermal cistern. This spot was the focus of an otherworldly cult in the 19th century, who believed it was a portal to a secret subterranean world. The smaller island, Martana, boasts a 9th-century church, and was used as a prison in the 5th century.

Beyond delightful medieval villages filled with ancient religious buildings and imposing fortifications, the glittering waters of the lake itself beckon invitingly. There's plenty to do on Lago Bolsena, and if you love water-sports, swimming, and boating, then you're in for a treat. The most relaxing and peaceful way to explore the lake is on a gentle boat tour, which offers the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and crystal-clear waters, before cooling off with a gentle dip or an invigorating swim.

Thrill-seekers might want to try something that gets the adrenaline pumping, and you can take a kayak out yourself to explore the shoreline, or try your hand at windsurfing or kiteboarding. There's also excellent fishing to be had, with eel, pike, smelt, and the local delicacy of coregone all found in abundance.

Lago Bolsena's location at the heart of three different regions makes it an amazing place for foodies. With culinary influences from Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio, the cuisine is a fascinating medley of gastronomic delights that doesn't come with a hefty price tag. Try small fried fish called latterini pulled fresh from the lake, hearty stews made from fava beans, chickpeas, and lentils, and tozzetti, traditional local biscuits made with hazelnuts and olive oil. The wines are also special, from the dry Montefiascone to the hearty, rustic flavors of Cannaiola di Marta and Aleatico di Gradoli.