Lake Scanno
A picturesque heart-shaped lake in Abruzzo, Italy, offering swimming, boating, hiking, and stunning panoramic views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Lake Scanno
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque heart-shaped lake in Abruzzo, Italy, offering swimming, boating, hiking, and stunning panoramic views.
"A paradise on earth, Lake Scanno is the hidden gem of Abruzzo, a place where you never want to leave."
🎯 Hike for the Heart View
The 'Path of the Heart' offers the iconic heart shape view. Allow an hour for the hike. :hiking_boot:
🚗 Easy Parking Available
Parking is generally easy to find, making access to the lake convenient. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Heart View
The Path of the Heart
Hike to this vantage point for the legendary heart-shaped view of Lake Scanno. A must-see for photographers!
Pedal Boating on the Lake
Lake Scanno shores
Glide across the serene waters in a pedal boat, enjoying the scenic surroundings and a refreshing perspective.
Exploring the Tasso River Trail
Lake Scanno surroundings
Discover the natural beauty surrounding the lake on its walking and biking trails, offering peaceful moments in nature.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Heart Shape Myth
Dining Hours Can Be Tricky
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Hike for the Heart View
The 'Path of the Heart' offers the iconic heart shape view. Allow an hour for the hike. :hiking_boot:
🚗 Easy Parking Available
Parking is generally easy to find, making access to the lake convenient. :car:
☀️ Plenty of Shade
Enjoy the lake with ample shaded areas, perfect for relaxing on warmer days. :umbrellaonground:
🛶 Rent a Pedal Boat
A fun way to explore the lake and enjoy the scenery from the water. :rowboat:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Hike for the Heart View
The 'Path of the Heart' offers the iconic heart shape view. Allow an hour for the hike. :hiking_boot:
🚗 Easy Parking Available
Parking is generally easy to find, making access to the lake convenient. :car:
☀️ Plenty of Shade
Enjoy the lake with ample shaded areas, perfect for relaxing on warmer days. :umbrellaonground:
🛶 Rent a Pedal Boat
A fun way to explore the lake and enjoy the scenery from the water. :rowboat:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Lake Scanno is widely praised for its stunning natural beauty and the unique 'heart-shaped' view accessible via a scenic hike. Visitors appreciate the opportunities for swimming, pedal boating, and relaxing by the water, often noting the authentic local atmosphere. However, some find the dining options limited and their hours restrictive.
"Very beautiful lake that is about 120 km away from. The lake offers a lot and satisfys all tastes.
You can lay back and enjoy nature, try their trails, swim in the lake, or just do pedaling in the lake.
The part we sat in was mainly occupied by locals, which even made it more fun and exposed to the simplicity of life locals live.
There are a few cafes & restaurants here and there but with not many options and unfortunately dine in restaurants open only at a few designated hours.
It was worth the visit."
Mansour Zawahreh
"Lake Scanno, the largest natural lake in Abruzzo
⚓️ Lake Scanno was formed naturally following a landslide of Mount Genzana, which blocked the course of the Tasso river, flooding the surrounding valley and giving rise to the lake
🤔 Lake Scanno is surrounded by a series of mysteries and curiosities, which make this place even more suggestive. But beware not all stories are true.
💚 First of all, there is to dispel the myth that Lake Scanno has the shape of a heart. Actually that is not the case, but from some vantage points you can see it in that form. There is a path called "The Path of the Heart", after an hour of walk from the foot of the lake it will allow you to reach the most beautiful panoramic point of the lake where I am standing at.
⛪️ Along the way you will also meet the Hermitage of San't Egidio. Too bad that it was closed when I passed by.
."
Lynlie De La Cruz
"What can I say???
A paradise on hearth
Lago di scanno is the hidden gem of Abruzzo, a place where u never want to leave but stay as long u can
I love this place, is like my second home
As I live out of country, every time I’m back to Italy, this is the place I must go"
T. G.S.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lake Scanno is approximately 120 km from major cities. Driving is the most common method, offering scenic routes through Abruzzo. Public transport options are limited, often requiring multiple bus changes.
Yes, parking is generally available and considered easy to find, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Once at the lake, walking and biking are popular ways to explore the immediate surroundings. For the best panoramic views, hiking trails like 'The Path of the Heart' are recommended.
Reaching Lake Scanno solely by public transport can be challenging and time-consuming, often involving bus connections. It's more feasible if you're already in a nearby town with good bus links.
Absolutely! The drive through the Abruzzo region to Lake Scanno is known for its beautiful landscapes, making the journey part of the experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Access to Lake Scanno itself is generally free. However, specific activities like pedal boating or parking might incur charges.
Lake Scanno is a natural attraction and is accessible at all times. However, facilities like restaurants and rental services will have their own operating hours.
No advance booking is typically required for general access to Lake Scanno, as it's a natural lake. Bookings might be necessary for specific tours or activities if offered.
As a natural park area, visitors are expected to respect the environment. Specific seasonal restrictions might apply to certain trails or activities.
Late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour lighting for photography. For the iconic heart shape, plan your hike to 'The Path of the Heart' during daylight hours.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Popular activities include swimming, biking, pedal boating, hiking, and simply relaxing and enjoying the scenic views.
Yes, swimming is a popular activity at Lake Scanno during warmer months. The water is generally clear and refreshing.
Yes, there are several hiking trails, including the famous 'Path of the Heart' which leads to a panoramic viewpoint.
Bike and pedal boat rentals are often available along the lake shores during the peak season.
Absolutely! With plenty of shade and beautiful scenery, Lake Scanno is an ideal spot for a relaxing picnic.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Dining options are limited, with a few cafes and restaurants scattered around. It's advisable to check their opening hours as they can be restricted.
While specific options may vary, Italian cuisine often includes vegetarian dishes. It's best to inquire directly with the restaurants about vegan choices.
Nearby towns will have supermarkets. For immediate access, it's recommended to stock up on snacks and picnic supplies before arriving at the lake.
Restaurants often have specific, sometimes limited, opening hours, especially outside of peak tourist season. It's wise to confirm these in advance.
Some cafes and restaurants are situated to offer pleasant views of the lake, enhancing the dining experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'Path of the Heart' offers the iconic heart-shaped view. The lake shores and surrounding hills also provide stunning photographic opportunities.
Golden hour, during late afternoons, provides beautiful lighting. Early mornings can also offer serene shots with fewer people.
Drone regulations can vary. It's essential to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone in the area.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive lake views and the heart shape. A telephoto lens can be useful for distant landscapes.
The viewpoint reached via 'The Path of the Heart' is the most famous. Other elevated spots around the lake also offer excellent photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of the Heart Shape
While the entire lake doesn't perfectly mirror a heart, the illusion from this vantage point is striking. The geological formation that created the lake, a landslide blocking the Tasso river, has resulted in a unique and picturesque landscape. The mystery and curiosity surrounding this shape add to the allure of Lake Scanno, drawing visitors eager to capture this unique natural phenomenon.
Activities and Relaxation
For those seeking a more laid-back visit, the lake shores provide ample opportunities to simply lay back and enjoy nature. Many spots offer shade, making them perfect for picnics or quiet contemplation. The local atmosphere, often described as simple and authentic, adds to the charm, allowing visitors to connect with the natural beauty and peaceful rhythm of life in Abruzzo.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit