Lago di Scanno
The heart-shaped lake below the village of Scanno, between the Sagittario gorges and Abruzzo National Park: in summer you paddle and swim with the mountains all around.
The story
The lake was formed by a huge prehistoric landslide that dammed the Sagittario valley. Its heart shape is best seen from the Sentiero del Cuore, the heart trail that climbs above the shore.
Why go
Because it is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Apennines, and Scanno is one of the most photographed villages in Italy.
Which wind
Good with Calm mornings
Avoid with Afternoon thunderstorms
Practical information
- Activities
- Kayaking, SUP, Lake swimming
- Level
- Beginners
- Seabed
- Mountain lake, gravel beaches and meadows
- Best time
- June–September
- Seasons
- Summer
- Getting there
- Beaches and rentals along the shore, near the hermitage of Sant'Egidio.
Get directions ↗Marine reserve rules
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Weather and sea forecast
The forecast for the next 7 days at this spot: sky, temperatures, rain and wind.
Forecast by Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), from the models of national weather services. Your browser downloads it directly from Open-Meteo, and only when you ask. In the mountains and at sea the weather changes quickly: check the official forecast as well before you set off.
Getting there
- By train. The nearest station is Pettorano sul Gizio station, 9 km away. Alternatively: Vallelarga station, 9.6 km away. From the station you need a bus, a taxi or a car.
- By air. The nearest airport is Pescara Airport (PSR), about 61 km away; with more flights, Rome-Ciampino Airport (CIA) is about 107 km away.
Stations, ports, airports and car parks from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL); distances as the crow flies. Timetables and connections change: check them before you travel.
Climate and sea month by month
The most pleasant months for weather are from June to September, with average highs between 18 and 29 °C. From December to March night-time temperatures drop below freezing on average. The wettest month is November (about 101 mm), the driest July.
| Month | Temperature | High / low | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | from -3 to 3 °C | 3° -3° | 72 |
| Feb | from -2 to 6 °C | 6° -2° | 57 |
| Mar | from -1 to 8 °C | 8° -1° | 60 |
| Apr | from 2 to 12 °C | 12° 2° | 41 |
| May | from 6 to 16 °C | 16° 6° | 52 |
| Jun | from 11 to 23 °C | 23° 11° | 36 |
| Jul | from 15 to 28 °C | 28° 15° | 27 |
| Aug | from 14 to 27 °C | 27° 14° | 33 |
| Sep | from 10 to 21 °C | 21° 10° | 56 |
| Oct | from 6 to 16 °C | 16° 6° | 70 |
| Nov | from 2 to 10 °C | 10° 2° | 101 |
| Dec | from -1 to 6 °C | 6° -1° | 55 |
Averages for 2015–2024, estimated for an altitude of 1286 m. Air: NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis), corrected for the altitude of the place; rain: average monthly total. These are indicative values: the weather on any given day can be very different, so always check the forecast before you go.
In the guide
Other spots nearby
- Canoeing on the TirinoKayaking, Rafting and canoeing · 39 km
- Kayaking along the Trabocchi CoastKayaking, SUP, Snorkelling · 63 km
- Punta AderciSnorkelling, Kayaking · 73 km
- ★ SUP and kayaking at Torre del CerranoSUP, Kayaking · 75 km
Sea conditions can change within hours: before going in, check the marine forecast and the local harbour office (Capitaneria di porto) rules. Emergencies at sea: 1530.