I stumbled across Bolsena Lake as a complete accident, as usual. I was looking for something to do one boring afternoon and someone suggested I check out Bolsena Lake. The hook? It’s one of the few crater lakes that exist in the entire world.

That was all I needed to hop into the car and drive off to this lake without hesitation. Obviously not everyone is as easily intrigued as I am, but this lake has a lot going for it… believe me! First off, it began life as a volcano some 370,000 years ago. After one particularly violent explosion, the volcanic crater collapsed and the lake was born.

When I arrived, after what was one terribly long car ride, I was immediately stunned at how clean the lake’s waters were. It ain’t called ‘il lago dove si beve’ (the lake you can drink from) for no reason!! So with that in mind, I set up a picnic on the grass by the waters and set about admiring the view.

Let’s not forget that this is Tuscany, so the view was spectacular, naturally. Lush and green it was a veritable playground for so many different coloured but equally exquisite birds. If I had been some kind of bird watcher, I would have been in heaven! But I know absolutely nothing about birds, so I took to watching tourists and local fish out on the lake.

From what I hear, the fishing is pretty good on Bolsena Lake. When the Romans conquered the Etruscans, they named the lake Lacus Volsinii, a name originally derived from Velzna, the last Etruscan city that Romans overpowered. People has been fishing here ever since. But just note, you do need a permit to fish in Bolsena Lake, which can be easily picked up at any of the nearby post offices for a small cost.

But like I said in the title of this post, Bolsena Lake isn’t just for fishing fuddy duddies. The scenery is beautiful and the vibe incredibly relaxing, but like every single square inch of Tuscany, the lake’s main draw card is it’s incredible history, which comes courtesy of the two islands that sit in its waters.

They’re not big, but Bolsena’s Bisentina and Martana islands are famous in their own right. Bisentina for its breathtaking gardens and medieval ruins, and Martana for the legend that suggests it’s home to the relics of St.Christine, a Renaissance hero who kept the area safe from Barbarians.

If you are looking to holiday at Bolsena Lake, and I definitely think it’s worth it, try to visit in Spring or Summer. The scenery is at its best during these seasons and the outdoor activities available are endless.Bird watching, hiking, pleasure cruising, fishing and camping… just to name a few. And it’s a great way for the family to get a breathe of fresh air while taking in the beauty Tuscany has to offer!

Hotels and villa rentals are, like much of the Maremma, in abundance around Bolsena Lake, so you don’t have to worry about not finding a place within your budget. Just try to book early because rooms can go fast around here, especially during the summer time when cashed-up Romans looking to escape the city flock to the lake.

My Suggestion: Santa Cristina Castle

More infos : Accomodation Bolsena Lake at Santa Cristina Castle