A large lake in the province of Viterbo, Lago di Bolsena -- or Lake Bolsena in English -- has two islands, Bisentina and Martana, near its southern shore and sits near eight Italian towns. While there are many notable historic sites in the towns and islands surrounding the lake, Lago di Bolsena itself is known primarily for its many ecotourism activities including boating, fishing and bicycling. Since the area gets very hot in summer and very cold in winter, most tourists choose to visit the Lake Bolsena region in the temperate spring and summer seasons.
Lakeside Activities
- Lake Bolsena has a number of trails for walking and biking around the lake and surrounding area, most of which are flat. If you don't have your own bike, rent one from one of the lakeside shops. Lake Bolsena is home to a variety of fish including an Italian whitefish called "coregone," and the Bolsena eel, a fish mentioned in Dante's writings. A fishing permit is required and may be obtained from the tourist office in Bolsena.
Watersports
- Traverse the lake by booking an excursion with a local provider. Stop by the Bolsena Harbor or the Tourism Office for the current boat schedules and to book your spot. If you'd rather man the boat yourself, the Volere Velare or Velaclub Velza Sailing Schools on the lake's North Shore offers beginner and advanced lessons on a windsurfer sailboat or cruiser.
- Historical Journeys
- In Bolsena, visit the imposing Fortress Rocca Monaldeschi, a Pope Adrian XI-built protection against Emperor Barbarossa in the 12th century. The fortress still stands in the medieval part of the city and has been fully renovated for tourists. In Montefiascone, the largest of the lake's surrounding towns, visit Church of Favian. The church is built on top of another church, creating a structure that mixes Romanesque and Gothic architecture and Giotto-style frescoes.
Lake Bolsena Islands
- Of the lake's two islands, only Bisentina -- the larger of the two -- is tourist-friendly and reachable by ferry from either Bolsena or Capodimonte. On the oak-forested island, see the remains of Etruscan and Roman settlements, as well as relics from when the island served as a hiding place for the local people in the 9th century. There are a number of historical chapels, monasteries and Italian gardens on Bisentina. The oldest, the Chapel of the Crucifix, contains frescos painted in the 5th century.
