THE 10 BEST Marche Bodies of Water
Bodies of Water in Marche
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What travelers are saying
- F.Boumann3 contributionsBeautiful lake, a bit cold. There is a wonderful little town with plenty places to eat and of course a very good artisanal icecream place. At the lake there is enough room to lay on the grass and there is a bar and pizza/panini shop. You can spend an hour or relax all day. Dogs are welcomeWritten August 8, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Edward CFalerone, Italy22 contributionsYou can approach il Lago di Pilato from three directions: Castellucio, the refuge on the side of Monte Vettore or the village of Foce. I've done the walk four times from Foce.
Foce is a fairly down at heel village, but it has a good cafe/bar/restaurant. It tends to get cut off a lot in winter, since it's elevation is around 1000 meters and you approach it through a gorge vulnerable to avalanches. Please note that there is no cell net signal, although, wierdly, you can get one from the top of Monte Vettore. Also, stock up on water before the walk, since there is none on route. There is a good spring just outside the village.
You really need your own transport and you can park in the village.
The walk is in three phases:
The bed of the glacial valley, which is flat and easy, with views of the steep sides of a classical U shape. Open pasture gives way to beech wood.
A switchback path up the side of a cliff. This can be a bit of a scramble, but the path is maintained by the National Park Authority. It is actually trickier to descend.
The top of the cliff is the limit of the tree line and you break out into high pasture which used to be used for sheep summer grazing (but not any more). There is now a long uphill trudge, but the views are amazing. Keep going, because over the final rise, the lake springs suddenly into view.
The (twin) lakes are in a gigantic cirque, the former seat of the glacier. The scale is astonishing, as is the lakes themselves, since they are the home to a unique dwarf shrimp and other microscopic wildlife which causes the lakes to change colour.
Useful tips:
Do not approach the lakeside since the wildlife must not be exposed to the possibility of contamination. At popular times, this requirement is policed.
The walk is not suitable for small children. It is not particularly dangerous but needs a degree of stamina and fitness.
Keep an eye on the weather forecast. The mountains are prone to thunderstorms and the last thing you want is to get caught in one.
Allow 5-6 hours, depending on your own ability.
Take a picnic and have it beside the lake, enjoying the complete silence.
There is a good path all the way from Foce to the lake, but you need good shoes or boots with adequate tread. Trainers/sneakers would be a Big Mistake.
After you have finished, you will deserve a beer in the cafe/bar. Do not hold back.Written September 27, 2016This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - violet339London, UK418 contributionsI think it's an artificial lake created by a dam. There're some nice views though and the water looks very clear. I liked how it changed colour depending on the sun. The path is quite short so there isn't a long walk to be had but I think it's definitely worth stopping and having a look. It was very peaceful when we visited in winter but bitterly cold - wrap up warm! I imagine the experience is quite different in summer. There's a bit of a shack of a cafe called Popeye or something. The people are friendly but they smoke inside. It can be useful if you just want a drink or to use the toilet or something.Written March 27, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Cocciolino2015Perugia, Italy466 contributionsPicturesque lake,quite large,created by damming up a river,but I don't remember the name of the river. Anyway,a welcome relief on the shores from the heat of a VERY hot summer day.Written February 21, 2016This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- tomjeanluclouish2016Brussels, Belgium20 contributionsThe deep blue water has its own convection currents, it has a full green environment with the option to look at nature.
The place is quiet, and nice.
Some minerals are straight from Lago di pilato.Written August 13, 2016This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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