Lake Trasimeno

From the gardens of Villa La Torre, the eye is captivated by a massive, vivid lake, which has dominated life in this region for a million years.

The remains of a prehistoric sea, Lake Trasimeno – the largest lake on the Italian peninsula - has enthralled, inspired, delighted and amazed for millennia, attracting a unique diversity of wildlife and flora, along with such historical luminaries as Leonardo da Vinci, Aldous Huxley, Hannibal, and Emperor Claudius.

In April 217 BC, Trasimeno was the scene of a famous battle in the Second Punic War; and vestiges of its multi-faceted history exist to this day in the form of medieval villages, a 14th-century monastery, and ancient castles liberally peppered around the local towns and encircling hills.

Nearby Panicale – “the balcony of Lake Trasimeno” – is just minutes away from the Lake. Five ferries ply its 128 square-kilometre unpolluted waters, offering both access to Trasimeno’s isolated islands and stunning views of the surrounding olive groves, vineyards, orchards, pines, willows and 30-metre poplars, all set against a breathtaking backdrop of the Subasio and Amiata mountains 70km to the east and west.

In addition to sailing and pedalo hire, Lake Trasimeno’s land-based amenities include a 50km lakeside cycle-track, cross-country paths, horse-riding and fishing – the lake is rich in carp, pike and tench.

And, for those important get-away-from-it-all moments, Trasimeno’s clean water, clear air, and sandy beaches offer the ideal environment to relax and absorb the carefree calm and dreamy peace of this magical region.