Lake Vico is located in northern Lazio, exactly in the hinterland that separates the city of Viterbo from Lake Bracciano. Both the body of water and the surroundings are part of a Nature Reserve, along which there are also several paths that you can follow if you are passionate about trekking. Furthermore, it is also worth visiting the surrounding villages. Discover, then, what to see at Lake Vico.
Walks on Lake Vico: the best paths
Under the enchanting setting of the Cimini Mountains, there are many routes for hiking and nature enthusiasts. Between these, the path that surrounds the lake it’s a classic. Being very large, you will have to follow various hiking routes for a total of about 5 or 6 hours of walking.
Alternatively, in the surrounding area there are also many paths that allow you to explore the areas of Tuscia and, in particular, the Monte Venere paththe path towards the Mount Fogliano and – although at a greater distance – the Marturanum Regional Park, where ancient Etruscan necropolises are located.
At the end of the excursions, then, there are equipped beaches and establishments on the lake where you can relax, but also adventure parks to entertain even the little ones.
Villages around the lake to visit
Naturally, around Lake Vico there are not only paths, but also villages not to be missed, which are rich in history and culture. Furthermore, it is also about places where to sleep, if you plan to stay an extra day. Among these we must mention:
- Caprarola: famous for the majestic Palazzo Farnese, this village located on a tuff promontory offers art, history and Renaissance architecture, as well as being well known for the production of hazelnuts.
- Ronciglione: a city known for its Carnival, it also has a historic center that should certainly be discovered on foot: while walking you will find a beautiful Cathedral.
- Sutri: this village is home to the precious necropolis, with 64 tombs, but also a Roman amphitheater and a pagan temple. The town is also known for Villa Savorelli, a noble Renaissance palace.
- San Martino al Cimino: the village, a hamlet of Viterbo, is known for its Cistercian abbey, built in the 12th century.
- Vetralla: just walking in the historic center will allow you to go back in time.
Typical dishes of the area
A visit to Lake Vico wouldn’t be complete without it tasting the typical dishes of the area. Both Tuscia and Lake Vico offer various fresh ingredients used to create simple and genuine dishes. Among these:
- The Acquacotta: a rustic soup that contains the flavors of the earth, with seasonal vegetables, eggs and homemade bread.
- Canepina hay: typical egg pasta with pork ragout.
- Panzanella: a recovery dish made from tomato, dried bread and oil.
- Whitefish: lake fish from the nearby Lake Bolsena.
- Homemade bread: cooked over wood, it is the ideal accompaniment to savor local cheeses such as ricotta and pecorino from the Cimini Mountains.
In addition to these, the rich offer of desserts cannot be overlooked, such as tozzetti with hazelnuts, crunchy biscuits perfect for dipping in sweet wine. To accompany meals, however, there are various local wines, both white and red.
How to get to Lake Vico?
Reaching Lake Vico is simple as the distance from Rome or from other cities in Lazio is not excessive. In particular:
- By car, the lake is easily accessible thanks to its proximity to the Cassia state road (SS2), which connects Rome with Viterbo. From Rome, taking the Cassia north, you arrive at the lake in less than an hour. For those coming from Viterbo, however, the journey is even shorter.
- By public transport: the ideal way to reach the area is to arrive by train to Vetralla, Capranica or Viterbo and from there take a public bus towards the municipalities of the lake.
Living around Lake Vico
Lake Vico is a perfect place to relax. Its rich culture and landscapes breathtaking make it the perfect place to decide to move to or spend your holidays. With idealista you can find out where to live in this area and choose the house that best suits your interests:
