Best lakes around Penne are located in the Abruzzo region of Italy, nestled between the Gran Sasso mountain range and the Adriatic Sea. This area is known for its natural landscapes and significant conservation efforts. Lago di Penne, an artificial lake, is a designated Special Area of Conservation and a WWF Oasis, highlighting its ecological importance. The region offers a blend of natural beauty and opportunities for observing diverse wildlife.
Last updated: July 13, 2026
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The dam of Lago di Penne (diga di Penne) is an important infrastructural work that formed the basis for the current nature reserve. Some technical data and brief history: The construction of the dam began in 1965 and was completed in the second half of the 1960s. The dam wall has a height of 30 meters. The dam blocks the Tavo river, which originates in the Gran Sasso massif. In addition, the basin collects water from the Gallero stream. The dam is owned and technically maintained by the Consorzio di Bonifica Centro
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What began in the second half of the sixties as an artificial reservoir through the construction of a dam on the Tavo river has today become a true natural paradise. The lake forms the heart of the region's first WWF oasis and offers a varied landscape of water, deciduous forests, and wetlands.
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The Reserve is an important resting and breeding place for sedentary, migrating and nesting avifauna.
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Very well maintained small lake with clear water. Ideal for lovers of sport fishing. https://www.facebook.com/pietralungafarindola/
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Lake Penne is an artificial lake, which today is part of a regional reserve and a special conservation area, managed by WWF Italy. The lake covers 1300 hectares, and 214 species of birds have been counted.
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Beautiful and well-kept place, visited for a regenerating stop during the famous MAGS ... unexceptionable hospitality 🥰
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Headquarters of the Tour Operator Wolftour srl
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Lago di Penne is a designated Special Area of Conservation (ZSC IT7130214), a WWF Oasis, and a regional nature reserve. It's a biodiversity hotspot, home to 214 species of birds, including the Black-crowned night heron, red herons, and fish hawks. The reserve also features an Environmental Education Centre, botanical gardens, a Natural Museum, a Butterfly Garden, and an Otter Centre. You can learn more about this area at Lago di Penne Regional Nature Reserve.
Yes, several lakes are considered family-friendly. Penne Lake, Lake Capodacqua, and Lago di Pietralunga are all noted as suitable for families. Lago di Penne, in particular, offers educational opportunities with its Environmental Education Centre, Butterfly Garden, and Otter Centre, alongside nature trails and picnic areas.
You can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. Around Lago di Penne, hiking along nature trails and guided canoe excursions on the dam are popular. The area also offers excellent opportunities for cycling and mountain biking. You can find various routes, including easy MTB trails like the "Lago di Penne – giro ad anello nell'Abruzo" or "Lake Penne Loop," in the MTB Trails around Penne guide and Cycling around Penne guide.
The scenery around Lago di Penne is particularly evocative in spring and during migration periods for birdwatching. Autumn is also a beautiful time to visit, offering stunning views of the changing foliage. These seasons provide ideal conditions for enjoying the natural beauty and wildlife.
Absolutely. Lago di Penne offers a ring tour around the lake, suitable for walking or biking. For more extensive cycling options, you can explore routes like the "Lago di Penne – Historic Center of Penne loop" in the Cycling around Penne guide. Mountain biking enthusiasts can find easy trails such as the "Lago di Penne – giro ad anello nell'Abruzo" in the MTB Trails around Penne guide.
Yes, Lago di Penne is an excellent spot for birdwatching. It's a significant resting and breeding place for sedentary, migrating, and nesting avifauna. The reserve is home to 214 species of birds, including notable sightings like the Black-crowned night heron (the reserve's symbol), red herons, and fish hawks. The reserve encourages a slow, silent approach to observe the habitats and their inhabitants.
Lake Capodacqua is described as a beautiful and well-kept place, often visited for a regenerating stop. It also serves as the headquarters for the Tour Operator Wolftour srl, suggesting it's a hub for organized outdoor activities and hospitality.
Yes, Lago di Pietralunga is particularly noted as ideal for lovers of sport fishing. It's a very well-maintained small lake with clear water.
Lago di Penne is an artificial lake, formed by the damming of the Tavo River. Construction of the Penne Dam began in 1965 and was completed in the late 1960s. This artificial origin was later leveraged for environmental conservation, transforming it into the protected WWF Oasis and nature reserve it is today.
Lago di Penne is a rich habitat for wildlife. You can expect to see a wide variety of birds, with 214 species counted, including the Black-crowned night heron, red herons, and fish hawks. The reserve also hosts turtles, various fish species like perch and pike, and even Abruzzo hybrid wolves at the visitor center. The Otter Centre provides opportunities to observe these rare mustelids.


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