HOW TO SPEND A PERFECT DAY AT LAKE BOLSENA.
We arrived at Lake Bolsena as part of our journey along the Via Francigena from Lucca to Rome, and after days of walking, this serene volcanic lake provided the perfect backdrop for a day of relaxation. Whether you’re a pilgrim like we were, on a road trip through central Italy, or simply looking for a quiet escape, Lake Bolsena has something to charm every visitor.
Here’s how to make the most of one perfect day at Lake Bolsena.
Is Bolsena worth visiting?
Bolsena is a small historic town on the shore of the Lake Bolsena in the region of Lazio. We stumbled upon Bolsena when walking on the Via Francigena from Lucca to Rome. After the hills of Tuscany, Lake Bolsena seemed to be appear out of nowhere. The vast lake is a peaceful place to visit, whilst the town of Bolsena is full of charm and history.
Out of season, Bolsena is a peaceful place to visit. Whilst in summer, it comes alive with holidaymakers from Italy. In my view, Bolsena is worth visiting – especially if you like good food and being by the water.
Best things to do in Bolsena if you have only one day
1/ Explore the Historic Old Town
Start your visit by wandering through Bolsena’s historic old town, a labyrinth of pretty cobbled streets. You’ll find that the area close the lake feels quite modern, but there’s also a more historic area of Bolsena.
Highlights of the Old Town
Bolsena Castle (Rocca Monaldeschi della Cervara): This imposing fortress dominates the town’s skyline and offers incredible views of Lake Bolsena from its towers. Entry is 2 Euros.
Church of Santa Cristina: We stayed right opposite the church and were lucky enough to wake up with a view to it in the morning. This 11th-century church is a must-see, not only for its stunning architecture but also for its fascinating history tied to the Miracle of Bolsena. You can find out more about that here if it interests you.
2/ Stroll around Lake Bolsena
A visit to Bolsena wouldn’t be complete without enjoying the lake itself, apparently it’s the largest volcanic lake in Europe. We visited in March and the light on the water was just beautiful. In summer the lake is a popular destination for tourists, but out of season it feels totally peaceful and secluded.
Best ways to Enjoy the Lake
Here are some of the best ways to enjoy the lake.
Lakeside Promenade: You can’t walk around the entire lake, but there’s’ a sizeable promenade around Bolsena that allows you to enjoy being beside the water.
Swimming: If the weather permits, you can take a dip in the lake’s waters. There are also beach areas that are popular in the summer. In March when we visited, we skipped the swim!
Boat Rides: Consider renting a small boat or joining a guided tour to explore the lake’s islands, Bisentina and Martana. Boat tours are easy to orgnaise on the shore of the lake.
Drinks by the water: we loved just sitting by the water with a beer each watching the sun sparkle on the lake. A super way to spend an hour or so in quiet contemplation.
3/ Dine out in Bolsena
When it Italy, my mind turns to food pretty quickly. Especially after a day of walking. Luckily, Bolsena offers many great dining experiences.
What to Eat in Bolsena
Coregone: A type of whitefish caught fresh from the lake, often grilled or served in a lemon sauce.
Pici Pasta: This hand-rolled pasta is a local favorite, usually served with a rich tomato or truffle sauce.
Bolsena Olive Oil: Sample the town’s high-quality olive oil, which pairs beautifully with rustic bread or salads. There’s a well known Olive Oil producer, Frantoio Battaglini, just outside of the town. You could easily visit if you had a car.
For lunch or supper, head to one of Bolsena’s traditional trattorias or lakeside restaurants. Popular options include Trattoria del Moro, known for its lake fish dishes, or La Piazzetta, offering a cozy setting in the heart of the old town.
Pilgrims may enjoy Ristorante La Francigena Bolsena, we visited here and loved the set menu (and rather large portions!)
4/ Take in Panoramic Views
For breathtaking views of the town and lake, make your way to Monte Bisenzio, a nearby hill that offers panoramic vistas of Bolsena and its surroundings.
As far as I am aware, there is no public transport to this spot – so you would need to drive around the lake to get here.
5/ Visit the Local Market (if you’re lucky!)
If your visit falls on a Tuesday, don’t miss the Bolsena Market in the main square. Ideal if you want to browse local produce.
6/ Enjoy an Evening by the Lake
End your day with a relaxing evening by the lake. Many restaurants along the promenade offer al fresco dining, or you can stop by for a drink.
You’ll also find that many locals visit the lake in the evening just to take a walk and mingle with others. This is especially popular when the weather is fine.
Where to stay in Bolsena
For pilgrims – there is an albergue run by the sisters of the convent. Suore de SS Bolsena – details can be found on their website here.
There are a few wonderful B&Bs and hotels in Bolsena to consider staying at.
Hotel Royal has lake views, and stunning grounds with a pool. As well as traditional decor.
If you’d rather be in the historic centre of town, consider Casale 1541 – a quaint B&B close to all amenities.
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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