Lake Idro
Lake Idrovisitlakeidro.com
Called Eridio by the Romans, Lake Idro is a fresh, lively destination waiting to be explored.
At almost 400 metres above sea level, it offers authentic landscapes, quiet beaches and paths that climb through the woods.
Perfect for those who love water, wind and nature that knows how to surprise: windsurfing, canoeing, trekking, cycling, climbing. And in winter, just a few kilometres away one reaches the slopes of Monte Maniva and can enjoy the snow with a view of the Piccole Dolomiti of Brescia.
THE LAKE HIDDEN AMONG THE MOUNTAINS
Among the villages to visit, Idro stands out, with its six hamlets (Pieve Vecchia, Lemprato, Crone, Vesta, Vantone, Tre Capitelli), and Bagolino, a medieval village known for its historic carnival and Bagoss cheese.
Places to visit
- Rocca d’Anfo - An impressive historic fortress.
- Love Bench - A romantic spot overlooking the lake.
- Shrine of Monte Suello - A memorial monument.
- Village of Bagolino - A charming mountain village.
- Lake Idro Nature Reserve - A protected area for nature lovers.
- Ampola Waterfall - A stunning waterfall nearby.
- Village of Bondone - A picturesque village with local traditions.
- Castel San Giovanni - A historic castle with panoramic views.
- Village of Storo - Another charming village to explore.
- Ledro Valley - A natural area ideal for hiking and outdoor activities.
FOUR EXPERIENCES NOT TO BE MISSED
- Rocca d’Anfo: impressive military fortification that climbs Monte Censo, which can be visited with guided tours and educational activities. The Rocca d’Anfo is a vast fortified complex of about 50 hectares, located on the western shore of Lake Idro, on the border between Lombardy and Trentino. Built in the fifteenth century by the Republic of Venice and enlarged during the Napoleonic period, it represents an important historical-military site at a national level. Composed of 34 main structures connected by walkways and communication trenches, stairways and underground tunnels, it allows visitors to explore centuries of Italian history immersed in a landscape of great beauty. A place where culture, nature and adventure meet. Rocca d’Anfo – The largest Napoleonic fortress in Italy!
- The Bagolino Carnival: centuries-old celebration with dances and masks, among the most important Italian ethnological discoveries. Municipality of Bagolino - The Carnival
- Historic Bagolino: village with stone houses, stairways, arcades and the church of San Giorgio with illusionistic frescoes and a Serassi organ.
- Santa Maria ad Undas: Romanesque church in Idro with frescoes of popular devotion and, opposite, the Hotel Milano decorated in the 1930s with works inspired by Klimt and the Futurists. Santa Maria ad Undas - Sanctuaries and Miracles
FIVE REASONS TO VISIT LAKE IDRO AND ITS SURROUNDINGS
- Bagoss cheese: aged two years, flavoured with saffron.
- Church of Sant’Antonio in Anfo: sixteenth-century frescoes and medieval bell tower.
- Cruise on the lake: tour with stops in the villages and the possibility of embarking bikes and dogs.
- Ferragosto bonfire in Crone: celebration with music, food and pyres on the beach.
- Miner’s Day in Anfo: summer event with celebrations of local mining history.
RELAXATION, NATURE AND SPORT
Lake Idro is a paradise for those who love to move in the great outdoors. The afternoon wind, the Ander, blows regularly and constantly: perfect for sailing, windsurfing and, in the northern area, in Ponte Caffaro, also for kitesurfing.
Mornings, on the other hand, are calm and quiet, ideal for rowing. It is no coincidence that many teams choose this body of water for their training.
Here, sport follows the rhythm of nature. And not the other way around.
Lovers of climbing will find spectacular walls, such as the Corna di Fenere crag, a few steps from Vesta beach, with well-equipped routes and lake views. For those looking for vertical thrills, there are three via ferratas (equipped paths):
- Ferrata Sasse (4.7 km along the lake between Vesta and Baitoni) Sasse Equipped Path to Lake Idro
- Ferrata Crènch (short but vertical, to Crone) Ferrata Crench to Idro
- Ferratas of Casto (in the Parco delle Fucine, with 14 sections of varying difficulty) HOME | ferratecasto
The lake is also a destination for paragliding, with jumps from Monte Alpo and Monte Stino, easily accessible by car or coach.
Finally, for cyclists, the area offers MTB and road routes of all levels, through woods, mountain passes and breathtaking views. Greenway
THE BEACHES OF LAKE IDRO
Lake Idro is suitable for swimming and offers numerous beaches ideal for families, sport enthusiasts and animal lovers: all beaches are dog friendly, and the water is shallow at the shore, making them safe even for children.
- Anfo: free beach with pebbles and green area for picnics, near the Rocca d’Anfo. Pedal boat, canoe, windsurf and e-bike rental.
- Vesta: the most famous, with a kiosk, boat pier and access to paths and via ferratas. Starting point for excursions.
- Ponte Caffaro: long beach between “Pian d’Oneda” and “Al Ross”, with cafés, restaurant, playgrounds, kite surfing school and bike rental.
- Baitoni: on the Trentino shore, with two beaches (Porto di Camarelle and Idroland), cafés and canoe/pedal boat rental.
- Crone: free beach with lawn, playground, services, cycle path and boat boarding.
- Lemprato: lawn and gravel, playground, beach volleyball court, cafés and restaurants. Spectacular view of the Brenta Dolomites.
- Vantone Sud and Parole: free beaches with pebbles, tree-lined areas and parking.
USEFUL INFO AND CONTACTS
Infopoint
Infopoint Valle Sabbia and Lake Idro
Via Generale L. Reverberi, 2, Vestone (BS) - SUMMER OFFICE: Zanardelli Barracks, Rocca d’Anfo, SS 237, Anfo (BS)
+39 0365 83224, +39 375 6221121
Food and wine
Flavours of the lake
