If you are in search of a swim destination then two lakes worth visiting include Lago di Fiastra in the centre of Italy. Fiastra is at approximately 750 metres altitude and is a long narrow and deep lake. The water was surprisingly warm at about 18 to 19C. The lakeside was peppered with camouflaged fisherman who were very visible to me in the water and I assume to the fishies. Still, it beats being peppered by jellyfish.
Heading south from from lago di Fiastra and about 120 kms away is Lago di Campotosto; this lake is at approximately 1300metres in altitude. Campotosto is in a very rural setting and the lake is wide and quite exposed to the wind. Noone was fishing but a few horses were grazing by the water's edge.
Both lakes are stunning and take a fair amount of time to drive to due to the winding mountain roads. I set off at 2pm Saturday and stopped driving at 5pm Sunday. If you are a swimming fan then regard this as normal behaviour.
Both lakes are well worth a revisit but allow plenty of time for driving.
[John Tierney]
