Piedmont has no sea, but it has two of the most beautiful lakes in Italy, Maggiore and Orta, and the Sesia, one of the rivers most loved by rafters and kayakers in Europe. Here are the best spots, with the level required, the right season and the rules you need to know.
Each number matches a spot in the list.
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For each spot: level, best time and the winds that make it calm or best avoided.
The Sesia is one of Europe's most popular rivers for rafting and kayaking: clear green water, fun rapids and a wild valley.
Windyes Medium level after the snowmelt · no Flood after thunderstorms or heavy rain
Full details →A small lake next to Lake Maggiore, separated by a thin strip of land: motorboats are not allowed, and the water is among the cleanest in northern Italy.
Windyes Morning, with a calm lake · no Windy afternoons
Full details →Paddle from Orta San Giulio to the island that seems to float on the lake, with its Romanesque basilica and convent, and circle it in silence.
Windyes Morning and late afternoon · no Strong southerly wind
Full details →Two rocky islets in Lake Maggiore with the ruins of a castle, only really visible from the water: by kayak you can circle them up close.
Windyes Mornings with a calm lake · no Strong northerly or southerly wind, summer afternoons
Full details →A canoe slalom course on the Dora Baltea right below Ivrea's old town: one of the best-known competition courses in Italy, where champions train and courses are run.
Windyes Normal water level · no High water
Full details →Lakes and rivers have different rules from the sea: they are set by municipalities, river basin authorities and park managers. Here is the general picture: before going in the water, always check the local rules.
Motorboats are banned on Lake Mergozzo: that is why it is one of the cleanest and quietest lakes in the north, perfect for SUP, kayaking and swimming.
Scheduled ferries and motorboats use the larger lakes. Keep kayaks and SUPs close to the shore, away from the ferry landings, and wear a life jacket.
Rafting, hydrospeed and kayaking on the Sesia are done with licensed schools and guides. The water level changes with snowmelt and with thunderstorms upstream.
Scheduled ferries and motorboats ply the large lakes: in a kayak or on a SUP stay close to shore, away from landing stages and ferry routes, and only cross where the lake is narrow.
Always wear a life jacket in a kayak and a leash on a SUP: if you fall off, the wind pushes the board away faster than you can swim.
Alpine lakes and streams stay cold even in high summer: falling into water below 15 °C saps your strength within minutes.
Many Alpine rivers are controlled by hydroelectric plants: the level can rise suddenly when dams release water or after a storm upstream. Go rafting and canyoning only with licensed guides.
Single emergency number: 112.
