Lake Trasimeno: what to see and what to do

Lake Trasimeno is the largest lake in peninsular Italy — the fourth in the country after the great northern lakes — and Umbria's most important. Its shallow, warm waters, the medieval villages on the shore, the three islands and the reedbeds inhabited by herons and cormorants make it a perfect destination for those seeking nature and history together. It is about 50 km from Agriturismo Il Barco.

Castiglione del Lago

It is the main village on the Trasimeno: a promontory jutting into the lake with its Rocca del Leone (13th century) and the Palazzo della Corgna. From the battlements of the walls you enjoy a 360° view over the lake and the surrounding hills. The historic centre has excellent restaurants specialising in lake cuisine: carp, perch, eel and tegamaccio — Umbria's lake-fish stew.

The islands of the Trasimeno

The lake has three islands: Isola Maggiore, Isola Minore (uninhabited) and Isola Polvese. Isola Maggiore is reached by ferry from Passignano and preserves a small fishing village, a church with medieval frescoes and the Museum of Bobbin Lace — a craft handed down by the island's women for centuries. Isola Polvese, reachable from San Feliciano, is a nature park with a castle and medieval gardens.

Passignano sul Trasimeno

Passignano is the most lively village on the lake, with a busy harbour, a historic centre dominated by a medieval fort and numerous equipped beaches. In summer it hosts the Palio delle Barche, a historical boat race between the village's districts. It is also the main departure point for ferries to the islands.

The Battle of Lake Trasimeno

In 217 BC the shores of the Trasimeno were the scene of one of Rome's greatest defeats: Hannibal ambushed three Roman legions along the northern shore of the lake, massacring 15,000 soldiers. Today a historical trail and a small museum at Tuoro sul Trasimeno retrace the battle.

Where to stay near Lake Trasimeno

Agriturismo Il Barco is about 50 minutes' drive from the Trasimeno. It is the ideal base for a day trip to the lake: set out in the morning, visit an island or a village, have a fish lunch, and return to the countryside for a swim in the pool.