Discover the natural beauty of two lakes in the Valdichiana area of Tuscany during your next vacation here and learn all about the history and legends that surround them.
One is called Chiusi Lake and is located close to the town of the same name and the other is near Montepulciano.
From most of the towns and villages in the valley, tourists can usually see the glimmer of two beautiful lakes in the distance that mirror the clear Tuscan skies. They're both small lakes but support a huge ecosystem.
Lots of rare and colourful flora and fauna grow here. Those wishing to stay in the Valdichiana district for a few days have a huge selection of holiday villas in quaint Orange Flag towns like Trequanda, Sarteano and Montepulciano!
One is called Chiusi Lake and is located close to the town of the same name and the other is near Montepulciano.
From most of the towns and villages in the valley, tourists can usually see the glimmer of two beautiful lakes in the distance that mirror the clear Tuscan skies. They're both small lakes but support a huge ecosystem.
Lots of rare and colourful flora and fauna grow here. Those wishing to stay in the Valdichiana district for a few days have a huge selection of holiday villas in quaint Orange Flag towns like Trequanda, Sarteano and Montepulciano!
Chiusi Lake is nicknamed ‘Light of the Moon’ because of a legend associated with it. The story tells of a sky god called Noctiluca who used to stare down upon her beautiful reflection in the lake on calm nights.
The lake indeed is like a perfect mirror of the sky on sunny days and quiet warm evenings. It’s only five metres deep but boats are available to rent to row out and explore the mineral rich waters and perhaps spot a few of the different species of fish that thrive here.
Chiusi lake is connected to Montepulciano lake by the Passo all Querce canal which visitors can walk along or there’s also bikes available to rent nearby to explore a wider circle of this picturesque area.
Montepulciano Lake offers animal lovers plenty of viewing huts to observe birds and other creatures behaving in their natural habitat. There’s also a visitor centre here that’s open on Sundays between 10am and 7pm which offers lots of interesting information about the nature of Valdichiana.
The lake indeed is like a perfect mirror of the sky on sunny days and quiet warm evenings. It’s only five metres deep but boats are available to rent to row out and explore the mineral rich waters and perhaps spot a few of the different species of fish that thrive here.
Chiusi lake is connected to Montepulciano lake by the Passo all Querce canal which visitors can walk along or there’s also bikes available to rent nearby to explore a wider circle of this picturesque area.
Montepulciano Lake offers animal lovers plenty of viewing huts to observe birds and other creatures behaving in their natural habitat. There’s also a visitor centre here that’s open on Sundays between 10am and 7pm which offers lots of interesting information about the nature of Valdichiana.
The two lakes represent the last of the marshlands that once lay at the bottom of the Valdichiana. Those wishing to fish here have to obtain a permit first and perhaps if luck is on your side, you could catch your dinner!
For tourists who prefer to pay to have their fish served to them instead of getting it for themselves, there are a few lovely restaurants built along the shores of Lake Chiusi that specialise in the fish that are caught there.
One of the most popular dishes is ‘Brustico’ which is barbecued fish that is cooked using an old Etruscan method; placing strong water reeds across hot embers to create a grill. When it’s cooked, the skin and bones are removed and the flesh is drizzled with olive oil, lemon juice and sprinkled with salt and pepper. This is a delicious dish that would go perfectly with a glass of tasty local white wine.
Anyone wishing to engage in some thrilling water sports don't have far to go either. Lake Trasimeno is less than ten kilometres away North East of Chiusi lake and offers sports like swimming, sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and much more. A visit to this haven of nature would be an excellent addition to your next Tuscan holiday!
For tourists who prefer to pay to have their fish served to them instead of getting it for themselves, there are a few lovely restaurants built along the shores of Lake Chiusi that specialise in the fish that are caught there.
One of the most popular dishes is ‘Brustico’ which is barbecued fish that is cooked using an old Etruscan method; placing strong water reeds across hot embers to create a grill. When it’s cooked, the skin and bones are removed and the flesh is drizzled with olive oil, lemon juice and sprinkled with salt and pepper. This is a delicious dish that would go perfectly with a glass of tasty local white wine.
Anyone wishing to engage in some thrilling water sports don't have far to go either. Lake Trasimeno is less than ten kilometres away North East of Chiusi lake and offers sports like swimming, sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and much more. A visit to this haven of nature would be an excellent addition to your next Tuscan holiday!
Photo credits
picture 1: andrew bishop / CC BY-2.0;
picture 3: Schwarzerkater / CC BY-2.0
picture 1: andrew bishop / CC BY-2.0;
picture 3: Schwarzerkater / CC BY-2.0