A charming one-day trip at Bolsena Lake

Lake Bolsena is another little-known location perfect for one-day trips or short visits. The lake has a volcanic origin, its oval shape is a clear sign of it, and is the largest of its kind in Europe. Waters are surprisingly clear and the two small islands inside the lake just add that touch of magic and surprise.

The lake is surrounded by crops fields and villages, where calm and relax are at the top of everyone’s priorities list. Strolling by the lake in the town of Marta, on the southern shore, is very suggestive; the view of the town that mirrors on the lake will be stuck in your head for quite some time, I guarantee!

Paying a visit to the biggest of the two islands, Bisentina, is also a good idea. After getting off the ferry you’ll find yourself in a romantic landscape where you can visit seven oratories in various states of disrepair and an artfully gothic landscape cared for by present owner Prince Giovanni del Drago, it's a fine place for a tryst, a swim or a picnic.

The towns of Capodimonte and Valentano are also worth a visit, especially for their peculiar old style and back-in-the-day atmosphere.