Lago di Scanno
Lago di Scanno is a stunning heart-shaped lake nestled in the Abruzzo region of Italy, surrounded by the rugged Apennine mountains and medieval hilltop villages. Known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and serene atmosphere, it's a perfect escape for nature lovers and those seeking authentic Italian culture away from the crowds. The lake's unique shape and the charming village of Scanno perched above make it a photographer's dream.
Highlights & What to See
- Heart-Shaped View – Hike to the panoramic viewpoint on the road to Scanno for the iconic heart shape; best in late spring when greenery is lush.
- Old Town of Scanno – Wander narrow cobblestone streets lined with stone houses, artisan shops, and the Church of Santa Maria della Valle.
- Boat Rentals & Swimming – Rent a rowboat or pedal boat to explore the lake's quiet coves; swim in designated areas in summer.
- Lake Circuit Walk – A gentle 6 km trail around the lake offers birdwatching, picnic spots, and views of the Monte Genzana massif.
- Traditional Costumes & Photography – Scanno is famous for its elderly women wearing traditional Abruzzese dress; a cultural photo op.
- Nearby Hermitage of Sant'Egidio – A short drive to a secluded 13th-century hermitage with frescoes and panoramic valley views.
Suggested Time to Spend
Dedicate at least half a day to fully enjoy Lago di Scanno and its surroundings. Arrive early morning to catch the still waters reflecting the mountains, then spend a couple of hours walking the lake trail and swimming. Afterward, explore Scanno's old town for lunch and gelato. If you're combining with other Abruzzo highlights, one full day allows for a relaxed pace, including a visit to the hermitage or a longer hike.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Sulmona – 30 minutes away; known for its confetti (sugared almonds) and the Piazza Garibaldi, plus the Roman-era aqueduct.
- Rocca Calascio – A dramatic mountaintop fortress, one of Italy's highest, used in films like The Name of the Rose; 40-minute drive.
- L'Aquila – The regional capital with a historic center rebuilt after the 2009 earthquake, featuring the Basilica of San Bernardino and a lively market.
- Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo – Italy's oldest national park, home to Marsican brown bears and wolves; excellent hiking and wildlife spotting, about 1 hour south.
- Pescasseroli – A charming mountain town and gateway to the national park, with ski slopes in winter and hiking in summer.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Sulmona — Verdenex84 / CC BY-SA 4.0
- L'Aquila — © Ra Boe / Wikipedia Create the proper attribution for your usage by clicking on this button! This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Germany license. Attribution: Ra Boe / Wikipedia You are free: to share – to copy, distribute and transmit the work to remix – to adapt the work Under the following conditions: attribution – You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use. share alike – If you remix, transform, or build upon the material, you must distribute your contributions under the same or compatible license as the original. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/de/deed.en CC BY-SA 3.0 de Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 de true true Internet: Titel Foto: Ra Boe / Wikipedia , Original ; Lizenz: CC by-sa 3.0 Print: Titel Foto: Ra Boe / Wikipedia, Lizenz: CC by-sa 3.0 I have published this image as author Ra Boe under the " CC-BY-SA-3.0 " in Wikipedia. This means that free, commercial usage outside of Wikipedia is permitted under the following licence terms: Online media: The author " RaBoe/Wikipedia " is named A weblink to the original image is provided: //commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:L%27Aquila_2011_by-RaBoe-197.jpg A copy of, or the Uniform Resource Identifier ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/de/legalcode ) for, this License with every copy Print media: The author " RaBoe/Wikipedia" is named A copy of, or the Uniform Resource Identifier ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/de/legalcode ) for, this License with every copy Please send me a specimen copy or the URL of the website where the image is used. Please write an email to raboe001-at-web.de , if you need the image in a higher resolution need my postal address for sending a specimen copy have further questions about the terms of the licence PS: In case of refusal of the above terms the author reserves the right to take legal action. This license and the rights granted hereunder will terminate automatically upon any breach by you of the terms of this license. In this case the author reserves to demand declaration to cease and desist, and compensation (according to the MFM fee references currently in force). Any of the above conditions can be waived if you get permission from the copyright holder. Foto selbst aufgenommen mit Nikon-D50: Objektiv Tamron 18 - 250 mm von Wikipedia-User: Ra Boe This photo was taken with an Nikon-D50: , Objective Tamron 18 - 250 mm by Wikipedia user: Ra Boe / CC BY-SA 3.0 de
- Pescasseroli — © Ra Boe / Wikipedia Create the proper attribution for your usage by clicking on this button! This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Germany license. Attribution: Ra Boe / Wikipedia You are free: to share – to copy, distribute and transmit the work to remix – to adapt the work Under the following conditions: attribution – You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use. share alike – If you remix, transform, or build upon the material, you must distribute your contributions under the same or compatible license as the original. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/de/deed.en CC BY-SA 3.0 de Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 de true true Internet: Titel Foto: Ra Boe / Wikipedia , Original ; Lizenz: CC by-sa 3.0 Print: Titel Foto: Ra Boe / Wikipedia, Lizenz: CC by-sa 3.0 I have published this image as author Ra Boe under the " CC-BY-SA-3.0 " in Wikipedia. This means that free, commercial usage outside of Wikipedia is permitted under the following licence terms: Online media: The author " RaBoe/Wikipedia " is named A weblink to the original image is provided: //commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:L%27Aquila_2011_by-RaBoe-197.jpg A copy of, or the Uniform Resource Identifier ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/de/legalcode ) for, this License with every copy Print media: The author " RaBoe/Wikipedia" is named A copy of, or the Uniform Resource Identifier ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/de/legalcode ) for, this License with every copy Please send me a specimen copy or the URL of the website where the image is used. Please write an email to raboe001-at-web.de , if you need the image in a higher resolution need my postal address for sending a specimen copy have further questions about the terms of the licence PS: In case of refusal of the above terms the author reserves the right to take legal action. This license and the rights granted hereunder will terminate automatically upon any breach by you of the terms of this license. In this case the author reserves to demand declaration to cease and desist, and compensation (according to the MFM fee references currently in force). Any of the above conditions can be waived if you get permission from the copyright holder. Foto selbst aufgenommen mit Nikon-D50: Objektiv Tamron 18 - 250 mm von Wikipedia-User: Ra Boe This photo was taken with an Nikon-D50: , Objective Tamron 18 - 250 mm by Wikipedia user: Ra Boe / CC BY-SA 3.0 de