I wrote this post for all those who wonder if swimming in Lake Bracciano is possible.
As soon as you approach one of the many beaches that border this wonderful lake, you will realize it for yourself.
Especially in summer, mother nature offers locals a perfect and free tool to cool off from the intense heat that characterizes this region.
I have been swimming in this lake since my teenage years and continue to do so now together with my daughter. In fact, there is hardly any body of water near Rome that I can recommend more.
Recently, to bring more accurate information to this blog, which has so many articles about Lake Bracciano, I studied the issue better and thus discovered some interesting news.
In this post, you’ll learn the reasons why Lake Bracciano is special and where to find a Blue Flag Beach on the lake.
Can you swim in Lake Bracciano?
Short answer: yes.
But I recommend you read this short article to the end because there is important information to know about swimming in Lake Bracciano that only a local like me can give you.
Lake Bracciano is one of the most beautiful lakes near Rome, in fact, I think it is number 1.
Among the reasons for this choice is the quality of the water, but not only that.
You can reach the lake from Rome by a short train ride. Once you arrive, in addition to swimming, I recommend visiting one of the three charming towns overlooking the lake where you will find cafes, restaurants, and gelato shops.
The best place to stay around Lake Bracciano is the town of Trevignano Romano, which is located on the northern shore of the lake. I will talk about it later in this article.
First I want to let you know what came out of my research on the water quality of Lake Bracciano.
Water quality of Lake Bracciano
There are several lakes near Rome in which it is preferable not to bathe. The reason is water pollution caused by pesticides used in intensive farming.
Lake Bracciano is saved from this phenomenon. Its waters are even captured by the leading water distribution company in Lazio, namely Acea Ato 2, to go to supply the taps of the homes of the inhabitants of Rome.
The Ministry of Health monitors the quality of the waters of Lake Bracciano as well other Italian lakes. In particular, they search the water for the presence of bacteria such as E. coli and Enterococcus.
Analyses carried out periodically at 16 points along the beaches of Lake Bracciano show that the presence of these bacteria is far below the limit allowed for bathing.
Motorboats on Lake Bracciano
To ensure that the purity of the lake’s waters is excellent, there is also an ordinance banning motor boats from the lake.
Green light to sailboats and small boats with electric motors, but only at a safe distance from the shore to ensure safe bathing.
The only motorboats you will see on Lake Bracciano will be:
- Police motorboats.
- Sailing club motor boats that plow the lake in case of need, such as during a rescue.
- Lake Bracciano’s small tourist ferry, which, in the summer, shuttles between the towns of Anguillara Sabazia, Trevignano, and Bracciano
Safety of swimmers on Lake Bracciano
A good strategy for safely experiencing a travel destination is to do as the locals.
When you are on one of the beaches on Lake Bracciano, if you are a good observer, you will notice a few things. Everyone is bathing and many are swimming. Those who swim, do so by moving parallel to the shore. No one swims in the direction of the center of the lake, no one moves too far from the shore.
The reason for this is that the locals fear the eddies, or swirling currents that have caused the deaths of several people over the years.
Nothing to fear, however, do not go too far from the shore. I, for example, never go where I don’t touch the bottom with my feet.
If you swim near one of the many beach clubs that spring up on the shores of the lake (active from June to mid-September) you will be within range of the lifeguards, so you will have one more reason to feel safe.
At the beach clubs, you can rent beach umbrellas and beach beds for very little money.
Where to swim in Lake Bracciano
Now that I have convinced you that you can, indeed, that swimming in Lake Bracciano is recommended, you may be wondering what the best beaches are.
A great place to start is the Trevignano Romano Beach, which has boasted Blue Flag beach status for several years. The beach, which stretches about 1.5 km along Via della Rena St., is one of the closest Blue Flag beaches to the city of Rome.
The Blue Flag has been awarded annually since 1987 by international bodies to beaches that meet certain criteria. To reach Trevignano Romano beach from Rome, first take a train to Anguillara Sabazia and then a local bus to Trevignano Romano.
If you are traveling with children, I recommend choosing the Vigna di Valle beach, which is about 3 km from the historic center of Anguillara Sabazia. Here the lake water is shallow for many meters, so children will have more fun playing.
TIP: You should know that on many of the beaches surrounding the lake, there are pebbles of various sizes and often pointed. These stones are located at the very part of the shoreline that you use to enter the water.
Unless you want to enter the water on all fours, I recommend wearing rock shoes. I have never had this problem bathing in Trevignano Romano, but in other parts of the lake, I have.
Wrap-up
Ultimately, I can only recommend that you swim in Lake Bracciano.
The water is clean, motorized boats are forbidden, and there is even a beach that holds Blue Flag status.
If you visit Rome in the summer and are looking for a getaway for a couple of days or a day trip, this lake is an ideal place to relax or enjoy watersports.
The only caution to have is not to stray too far from the shore.
FAQs
Is Lake Bracciano worth it?
Lake Bracciano is worth visiting because there are so many activities to do. First of all, you can swim, practice watersports or go sailing.
If you love history, the villages surrounding the lake feature medieval architecture and offer interesting sights, such as the Orsini Odescalchi Castle or the Orsini Fortress of Trevignano Romano.
The lake is one of the most beautiful natural places in the Roman countryside and is easily reached from Rome by a short train ride.
What is the water level of Lake Bracciano?
The deepest point of the lake is about 160 meters deep.
What fishes are in Lake Bracciano?
Native species of fish that inhabit the lake include:
- Pike
- Tench
- Rudd
- Lactarini
- Eel
Over the years, other species have been introduced to support sport fishing:
- Whitefish
- Perch
- carp
Can foreigners fish in Italy?
In theory, yes. In practice, to get the proper permits, you need to have an Italian Tax ID and undertake a very slow procedure. It is worth it only if you live in Italy or stay for a few months. Otherwise, if you are traveling for a few days, it is practically impossible.
Can you rent boats on Lake Bracciano?
Since motor boats are prohibited, you can rent sailboats. You can do this at one of the sailing clubs on the lake, such as the 3V Sailing Club near Trevignano Romano.
