Avigliana Lakes Natural Park
Discover the serene beauty of Avigliana Lakes, a recovered natural oasis perfect for picnics, water sports, and exploring historic castle ruins.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Avigliana Lakes Natural Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the serene beauty of Avigliana Lakes, a recovered natural oasis perfect for picnics, water sports, and exploring historic castle ruins.
"A quiet and peaceful place, ideal for cycling, walking, jogging, and dog walks."
🚗 Free Highway Access
Enjoy two free stretches of highway to reach the park easily.
🚶♀️ Walk Around the Lake
Strolling around the lake is free; access through the water sport shop.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lago Grande Promenade
Lago Grande
A scenic walkway perfect for strolls, picnics, and enjoying the lake views.
Conte Rosso Castle Ruins
Colline di Avigliana
Explore the historic ruins offering panoramic views of the lakes and surrounding landscape.
Water Sports on Lago Piccolo
Lago Piccolo
Enjoy kayaking, pedal boating, and swimming in the clear, warm waters during summer.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time to Beat the Crowds
Getting Around & What to Bring
Best Times
Insider Tips
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Com’è Avigliana?
🚗 Free Highway Access
Enjoy two free stretches of highway to reach the park easily.
🚶♀️ Walk Around the Lake
Strolling around the lake is free; access through the water sport shop.
Ci sono fiumi o laghi o altre zone balneabili raggiungibili senza macchina da Torino?
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Limited dining options, so bring your own food for a picnic.
🐶 Be Aware of Free-Roaming Dogs
Some owners let dogs roam freely, which might be an issue if you're afraid of dogs.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Free Highway Access
Enjoy two free stretches of highway to reach the park easily.
🚶♀️ Walk Around the Lake
Strolling around the lake is free; access through the water sport shop.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Limited dining options, so bring your own food for a picnic.
🐶 Be Aware of Free-Roaming Dogs
Some owners let dogs roam freely, which might be an issue if you're afraid of dogs.
🛶 Kayak Rentals Available
Rent a kayak starting from 5 Euro per person per hour for lake exploration.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Avigliana Lakes for its peaceful atmosphere, beautiful natural scenery, and opportunities for outdoor activities like walking, cycling, and swimming. The historical Conte Rosso Castle ruins add a unique charm. Some find the dining options limited and note that dogs can sometimes roam freely.
"Amazing view But you have to climbing for a while if you get there by train.
You should enjoy your trip more than you arrived your goals."
刘允冲
"It's a quiet and peaceful place.
Ideal for cycling, walking, jogging and Dog walk.
Quite large area mix of Nature and Italian Architecture around the mountains.
If visited at the summer you will be welcomed with a lot of water sports activity."
Suraj Kamate
"Beutiful lake, very calm place, you can sit for hours...To walk around lake you have to enter through the water sport boating shop. Kayaking boat starts from 5 Euro per person per hour. To walk around lake they don't charge anything."
Prashant Sawane
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach the park via two free highway stretches. A train to Turin runs every half hour from early morning to late evening, offering convenient access.
A scenic tunnel connects the two lakes, making it easier to navigate between them without traffic.
While the train is convenient, some visitors note that you have to climb for a while if arriving by train.
Information on specific parking availability and costs is not widely detailed, but driving is a viable option with highway access.
While there are walkways, the terrain might vary. The tunnel offers a more accessible route between lakes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the park and walking around the lake is generally free. Specific activities like boat rentals will have separate charges.
The park is a natural area and is typically accessible during daylight hours. Specific facilities like boat rental shops will have their own operating times.
No, walking around the lake is free of charge.
Yes, swimming is possible in the lakes, and the water is described as clear and enjoyable, especially in summer.
Pedalo rentals are around 15 Euro per hour, and boat trips are approximately 4 Euro per person.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy cycling, walking, jogging, dog walking, picnicking, swimming, and water sports like kayaking and pedal boating.
Yes, it's a nice place for families, offering space for picnics and activities like swimming and boating.
Dogs are allowed, but be aware that some owners let them roam freely, which might be a concern for those afraid of dogs.
The lakes have been ecologically recovered and offer a mix of nature and Italian architecture with surrounding mountains.
Barbecues are possible at Lago Grande.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are not many places to eat directly within the park, so it's recommended to bring your own food.
There is a restaurant/bar area near Lago Grande, but options can be limited.
Bringing sandwiches, snacks, and drinks is ideal for a picnic experience by the lake.
Yes, the park is described as a nice place for picnics, particularly around Lago Grande.
A restaurant/bar area is mentioned near Lago Grande, suggesting some basic refreshment options.
📸 📸 Photography
The promenade along Lago Grande, the ruins of Conte Rosso Castle, and the reflections on the water offer great photographic opportunities.
The tranquil nature of the lakes and the surrounding mountains would likely provide beautiful sunset views.
No specific restrictions on photography are mentioned for the natural park areas.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light for landscape photography.
Drone usage regulations can vary; it's advisable to check local rules before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While exploring the Conte Rosso Castle ruins might be more engaging for older children, the general atmosphere of the park, with its open spaces and gentle walking paths, is very welcoming for younger ones. Remember to bring snacks and drinks, as dining options are limited.
🚶♀️ Active Explorers & Hikers
Consider exploring the different paths around both Lago Grande and Lago Piccolo to experience the varied natural environments. Comfortable footwear is essential for a full day of exploration.
🐶 Dog Owners
However, be aware that some dog owners allow their pets to roam off-leash, which might be a concern if you or your dog are uncomfortable around free-roaming animals. It's always a good idea to keep your dog on a leash for safety and courtesy.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Lakes: Lago Grande vs. Lago Piccolo
Lago Piccolo, while smaller, is noted for its naturalistic recovery, having been revitalized from biodigesters. It offers a more serene experience and is ideal for those seeking a quieter connection with nature. Both lakes are surrounded by the beautiful Italian landscape, with the Conte Rosso Castle ruins overlooking the area, providing a historical backdrop to the natural beauty.
Navigating between the two lakes is made easier by a special tunnel, allowing visitors to experience both distinct environments without significant travel time or hassle. This makes it convenient to enjoy the varied offerings of the park in a single visit.
A Glimpse into History: Conte Rosso Castle
Visitors can explore the remnants of this medieval fortress, which provides not only a historical experience but also breathtaking panoramic views of both Lago Grande and Lago Piccolo, as well as the surrounding Piedmontese landscape. The climb to the castle, while requiring some effort, is rewarded with stunning vistas and a sense of stepping back in time.
While the castle requires some preservation efforts, its presence adds a significant cultural layer to the park. It's a must-visit for those interested in history and seeking elevated viewpoints for photography or simply to admire the scenery from a different perspective.
Activities and Recreation for Everyone
For those who love the water, swimming is possible in the lakes, with the water being particularly warm and enjoyable during the summer months. Water sports are also a major draw, with options to rent pedalos or embark on boat trips. Kayaking is another popular activity, with rentals available at reasonable prices.
Even dog owners can enjoy the park, as it's a suitable place for dog walks. However, it's important to be mindful of other visitors, as some dogs are allowed to roam freely. The park's blend of natural landscapes and accessible activities makes it a versatile destination for a day out.
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