Top 8 Lakes around Aquilonia
Best lakes around Aquilonia, a comune in the Province of Avellino, Italy, are situated within an Apennine landscape featuring both natural and artificial lakes. This region offers diverse natural beauty and recreational opportunities. These bodies of water serve various purposes, from irrigation and energy to providing habitats for wildlife and serene settings. The area provides opportunities for outdoor activities and appreciating local ecosystems.
Best lakes around Aquilonia
- The most popular lakes is Monticchio Lakes, a lake located at the…
Last updated: May 2, 2026
Monticchio Lakes
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Abbey of San Michele and Monticchio Lakes
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Lake San Pietro
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Cypress Knees and Panoramic View of Lago Grande
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Picnic Area at Lake San Pietro
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Tips from the Community
September 23, 2025 The picnic area is now nonexistent, everything is destroyed and abandoned, including the lake, which has almost become a puddle. It was truly sad to see all this. I went eight years ago, and everything was different. The area, once well-kept and maintained, is now populated by flies, horseflies, hornets, and a total wasteland.
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First panoramic point on the large lake a few steps from the small lake. Spectacular view, furthermore only at this point is it possible to admire up close the bald cypress plants whose trunk has a wide base and develops a dense network of roots that re-emerge from the ground, called "respiratory roots", and anchor it to the ground allowing its survival even in winter when due to flooding the ground becomes muddy and marshy.
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The tour of the small lake is accessible to everyone without specific equipment. The abbey of San Michele perched on the slope of Mount Vulture and reflected in the lake is a spectacle, especially on days when the weather is flat and the lake becomes a mirror.
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Lago Grande and Lago Piccolo lie, at about 650 meters above sea level, on the crater of Monte Vulture, an extinct volcano. Their greenish waters, separated by a thin line of land, are surrounded by lush forests of beech and oak.
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Picnic area on the lake: a perfect area for a relaxing break, there are tables and benches where you can lean on.
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These beautiful lakes are located at the foot of the now extinct Vulture volcano. The beauty of this place has earned it the nickname of "Switzerland of Basilicata". The lakes are located within the Vulture Regional Nature Reserve.
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The Monticchio lakes are located on the southwestern slopes of Mount Vulture, an ancient volcano, and are the main attraction of the place. The Piccolo lake has an underwater spring and through a stream it feeds the Great lake. Pedaloes can be rented. There are restaurants, bars and souvenir vendors. There are picnic areas. To visit the ruins of the abbey of Sant’Ippolito, the abbey of San Michele and set up on the first two floors of the Abbey, the Museum of Monticchio. There are many paths for hiking and mountain biking.
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Artificial basin set in the Campania Apennines at 460 m above sea level. It receives its water from the Osento stream that originates in the Lacedonia area and has a fair flow of water, especially in winter. In the sixties, the Capitanata di Foggia decided to build this reservoir to allow the collection of the torrent waters, and then put them in the riverbed during drought periods, to be used for irrigation purposes in the lands of the nearby Puglia. The artificial reservoir has a maximum full capacity of 17,100,000 cubic meters and is delimited by the municipal boundaries of Monteverde, Aquilonia and Lacedonia, all common members of the Alta Irpinia Mountain Community. Lake San Pietro or Aquilaverde (i.e. Aquilonia - Monteverde) today is a place of peace and rare beauty due to the very green crown of the surrounding pine forests and is a wetland affected by the passage of migratory fauna. Only the large dam makes us remember that we are on the banks of an artificial basin. In the part closest to the access road, the bank is low and slopes gently into the water; the other bank is characterized by large rocky walls, dominated by abundant vegetation. A large picnic area develops along the north-east side of the lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most popular lakes to visit near Aquilonia?
Among the most popular are the Monticchio Lakes, known for their volcanic origin and lush surroundings. Another favorite is Lake San Pietro, an artificial basin celebrated for its serene green waters and pine forests. Lake Conza is also highly regarded, especially for birdwatching.
Are there family-friendly activities available at the lakes near Aquilonia?
Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly environments. Monticchio Lakes and Lake San Pietro are noted for being suitable for families, providing peaceful settings for relaxation and enjoying nature. The surrounding forests often have areas for walks.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around these lakes?
The region boasts diverse natural beauty. At Monticchio Lakes, you'll find greenish waters nestled in the crater of an extinct volcano, surrounded by dense beech and oak forests. Lake San Pietro is characterized by its intense green water and surrounding pine forests, while Lake Conza is a WWF Wildlife Oasis with varied ecosystems, including forests, steppes, and wetlands, attracting numerous migratory bird species. You can also spot unique bald cypress plants with their distinctive 'respiratory roots' near Lago Grande.
Are there historical or cultural sites near the lakes?
Yes, for example, the Monticchio Lakes and Abbey Loop offers views of the historic Abbey, blending natural scenery with cultural interest. The artificial nature of lakes like San Pietro and Conza also reflects historical engineering efforts for irrigation and water supply in the region.
What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes around Aquilonia?
The area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy road cycling, with routes like the 'Lake San Pietro from Monteverde – loop tour' or 'Lake Conza and Morra de Sanctis – loop from Bisaccia'. Running trails are also available, such as 'I laghi di Monticchio - loop tour'. For gravel biking, there are routes like 'Melfi Castle – Barile loop from Melfi'. You can find more details on these activities in the dedicated guides for Road Cycling Routes around Aquilonia, Running Trails around Aquilonia, and Gravel biking around Aquilonia.
Are there hiking or walking trails around the lakes?
Yes, there are several trails. The Monticchio Lakes and Abbey Loop is a popular trail exploring the inlets of the large lake. The Mezzana Forest surrounding Lake San Pietro provides a peaceful setting for walks. Lake Laceno, though further afield, also offers hiking trails in the warmer months.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes near Aquilonia?
The region's lakes offer year-round appeal. Warmer months are ideal for hiking and enjoying the natural beauty, while Lake Laceno, for instance, is also a popular ski resort in winter. Birdwatching at Lake Conza is particularly rewarding during migratory seasons.
Is Lake Conza suitable for birdwatching?
Absolutely. Lake Conza is recognized as a WWF Wildlife Oasis and is a haven for birdwatching enthusiasts. Its diverse ecosystems attract at least a hundred different migratory bird species, making it an excellent spot, especially during migratory seasons.
What is the significance of Lake San Pietro?
Lake San Pietro is an artificial basin created from the Osento river, primarily for irrigation purposes in the surrounding areas. Today, it's known as a place of peace and natural beauty, with its very green waters and surrounding pine forests. It's also a wetland important for migratory fauna.
Can I find viewpoints with scenic panoramas of the lakes?
Yes, there are several scenic viewpoints. Near the Monticchio Lakes, you can find the Cypress Knees and Panoramic View of Lago Grande, offering a spectacular perspective of the large lake. The general mountainous landscape around lakes like Laceno also provides stunning vistas.
Are there any facilities like picnic areas near the lakes?
Historically, there was a picnic area at Lake San Pietro. However, recent reports indicate that this area is no longer maintained and is in a state of disrepair. It's advisable to check current conditions or plan for self-sufficient visits.
What makes the Monticchio Lakes unique?
The Monticchio Lakes are unique because they are located in the crater of an extinct volcano, Monte Vulture. Their greenish waters, separated by a thin strip of land, are surrounded by lush forests, earning the area the nickname 'Switzerland of Basilicata'. They are also part of the Vulture Regional Nature Reserve.
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