Lago Del Turano ~ A hidden jewel.
Just under 20 miles (from our Italian village) you’ll discover one of the most beautiful sights your eyes will ever see. I think I can admit, it is the most beautiful sight I have laid eyes on, Lago Del Turano. It’s about 16 miles from our piazza to the lake. However, you must go through the valley and the mountains to reach this destination. This scenic drive will take about 30 minutes (to the outlook) and 45 minutes to reach the villages of Colle Di Tora and Castel Di Tora. Colle Di Tora is on a peninsula and Castel Di Tora you’ll see up on a rocky summit.
This magnificent location will give you a much needed break from the chaos of Rome. Actually, it is a much welcomed destination, especially in the heat of the summer. It is only about an hour from Rome and a must see when visiting Italy. Here, you will not find crowds or congestion. You’ll hear your thoughts and find a tree to read that book you brought on your trip. There is plenty of space to find your perfect spot, even on a hot summer day. So, I suggest you drive around and find that perfect picnic spot!
Before we purchased our home in Poggio Nativo, I discovered this beautiful lake while watching travel videos on Youtube. On our first trip back in February 2021, (to the house) we set out to find this spot one day. Without reliable wifi and gps issues in the rental, we actually never found it on our first attempt. A few days later we attempted again and were pleasantly surprised. Once you pull around the final mountain road turn, you’re instantly captivated.
The water color is something that has to be in a dream. You’ll think for sure you have fallen and hit your head and ended up in Neverland. The lake is huge (over 6 miles long) and the shades of color change from blues, greens and turquoise. The water color is so vibrant and looks so refreshing. If the color of the lake doesn’t take your breath away, the setting will. Surrounded by mountains and villages off in the distance.
If you sit for awhile, you’ll see the sun cast down over the trees leaving you to make a guess at what shape or sight you are witnessing. When Mike and I went in February, obviously it was too cold to swim, so this trip we planned on getting in the water! With different friends visiting us this summer, Lago Del Turano was the place to bring everyone!!
As you come up the mountain road from Poggio Moiano, you’ll approach a lookout spot. Make sure you pull off and stop for a moment. This advantage point is something unforgettable. There are several picnic tables to sit and have a lunch….but trust me, once you see this lake…you will want to continue to the bottom! So get back in the car and keep going to the bottom!
In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks ~ John Muir.
The drive itself is not so easy. The roads are well paved, however it’s full of twists and turns you would expect to find driving up and down a mountain road. In the spring, you’ll see an abundance of wildflowers. Colors of yellow, pink and purples as far as your eyes can see. You’ll also be surprised by a random donkey that may have decided he had other plans for the day! So watch out lol. One day we came around the corner to a traffic jam (ok 2 cars) but, we were stopped with about 25 goats taking their time, eating the wildflowers and reminding us…..yes, we were in Italy.
When my best friend Kim arrived in July for a week, I knew she would love this spot! I think everyone will love this spot! We took Kailee’s friend Lauren here as well and that day we actually swam out to the dock. The dock looks closer than what it actually is, so I suggest bringing along a float or something to keep you afloat. We jumped off the dock, sat for a minute while taking in the view from the middle of this gorgeous lake. The water was extremely refreshing and a perfect place to spend to keep cool.
There’s a lot to explore at Lago Del Turano. I highly recommend you pull it up on the map and go for the ride. It absolutely is worth the trip. You will enjoy the serenity and tranquility. Perhaps, here you’ll find the peace you were searching for, if even for a lovely afternoon.
Peace is always beautiful….Blessed Is She.