Surroundings
Lake Bolsena is the largest volcanic lake in Europe and is known for its unspoiled nature and excellent (swimming) water quality. The lake covers 114 km², has a circumference of 44 kilometers and lies in an area free of industry, surrounded by green hills.
The many beaches offer something for everyone: with or without facilities, busy or quiet and secluded. The island of Bisentina, one of the two islands in the lake, was for centuries the papal summer residence.
From above
Lago di Bolsena, drone images by Pierluigi Manetti
1 km
Il Bellago is located on the edge of Valentano, high on one of the many hills around the lake. It is a lively village with shops, a few bars and a small historical museum.
20 minutes
The most touristic place on the lake, with numerous shops and restaurants and the medieval Il Castello quarter. In the Santa Cristina church the Miracle of Bolsena took place in 1263, after which Pope Urban IV introduced the feast of Corpus Christi (Sacrament Day). End the afternoon with an ice cream or a prosecco on a terrace by the harbor: la vita è bella!
5 minutes by car
A marina, a beautiful boulevard and a long sandy beach (lava) with nice bars. Here you can rent motorboats, pedal boats and sunbeds and, of course, enjoy a refreshing swim.
10 minutes
On the shore of the lake, with a beautiful boulevard and a small old fishing harbor. The fishing boats head out daily to catch coregone: the local fish you find on almost every menu around the lake.
20 minutes
Montefiascone rises high above the lake. The cathedral has one of the largest domes in Italy, and the view over the lake from the Rocca dei Papi (the Popes' Fortress) is magnificent. Also taste the Est!Est!!Est!!, the local white wine with a lovely story.
Central location
Lake Bolsena was the sacred heart of Etruria, the realm of the Etruscans. Their influence can still be seen in many places in the region they called Tuscia: not only in the museums, but also right in the landscape, where you can visit Etruscan caves, burial mounds and tombs.
The villages around the lake are still authentic and small-scale. The many Catholic customs and festivals, often of medieval or even Etruscan origin, take you back in time.
Il Bellago
From the rooftop terrace of Il Bellago, you look out over it every day.
Call or WhatsApp +31 6 43543497
Email info@ilbellago.nl
