Discover Campotosto: Lake, Nature and Local Traditions

Campotosto combines a striking mountain lake with nature observation, trails through the Apennines and a local culinary tradition. Lago di Campotosto is Italy’s largest artificial lake and the second-largest in Europe. This gives the town a distinctive landscape profile that can be combined with seasonal nature experiences, hiking routes, religious customs and regional specialties.

Lago di Campotosto between mountain ranges and protected area

Lago di Campotosto lies in Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park, between the northern slope of Gran Sasso d’Italia, the western side of the Monti della Laga and the Monti dell’Alto Aterno. Its location between these mountain ranges makes the lake a prominent part of the landscape around Campotosto. Those interested in alpine areas, lakes and the relationship between water and mountains will find a distinctive geographical setting here.

The “Monti della Laga e Lago di Campotosto (S.I.C.)” protected area includes a lake covering an ancient peatland, traces of which have been preserved. Rare and endemic species are also found in the protected area. It is considered to be of high landscape value. Nature enthusiasts can therefore experience Campotosto not only through its open water, but also through the geological and biological characteristics of this protected environment.

Waterfowl and trails for different interests

In winter, as well as during the spring and autumn migrations, thousands of waterfowl find refuge and food at Lago di Campotosto in its bays and along the marshy shoreline areas that form. This seasonal feature makes the lake interesting for birdwatching and gives trip planning a different focus on nature depending on the time of year.

At the locality of “La Macchiola” there is a birdwatching trail created by the Reparto Carabinieri Biodiversità di L’Aquila unit. The Italian term birdwatching refers to the observation of birds. Together with the lake’s bays and marshy shoreline areas, this creates a specific theme for visitors who want to devote their time in Campotosto to experiencing the landscape and wildlife.

The trails also offer different landscape perspectives. The “(SI P14N) Campotosto - Cesacastina” route leaves Lago di Campotosto via the Apennine ridge and then leads back into the valley of the Torrente Vomano. From Campotosto, Trail 359, as part of the SI P14 route, leads to Monte Cardito, near a small mountain refuge with a 360-degree panorama.

Church and procession in Campotosto

The Church of Santa Maria Apparente lies outside the built-up area of Campotosto, near the present-day cemetery. According to tradition, the Madonna appeared on 2 July 1604. The church was built at her request.

During the procession in honor of Santa Maria Apparente through Campotosto, there are cannon firecrackers and songs sung by the women of the town. These elements are part of the perceptible expression of religious custom and complement the nature and landscape themes with an insight into local tradition.

Mortadelle and Coregone: the taste of the town

Mortadelle di Campotosto are preserved through a farming recipe tradition passed down orally from generation to generation and are still made individually by hand. This specialty reflects a form of local food culture in which the transmission of the recipe and the artisanal production explicitly belong together.

Coregone is a typical fish of Lago di Campotosto. A breeding program is operated locally for the lake, and the young fish are subsequently used to restock the waters.

Experience Campotosto according to your own interests

For your trip planning, Campotosto can be viewed on several levels: as a landscape by Lago di Campotosto, as a natural area with seasonal birdwatching, as a place from which trails lead across the Apennine ridge and to Monte Cardito, and as a municipality with distinctive religious and culinary features. Depending on whether you focus on water and biodiversity, mountain trails, local traditions or regional products, your stay will take on a different emphasis.

Discover more destinations

Other destinations you can explore include Morino, Raiano, Rocca Di Mezzo, Collarmele, Lecce Nei Marsi, Lucoli Alto and Rivisondoli.

For the higher-level travel overview: L-Aquila.

More about the destination

Relevant information for planning your trip:

Lago di Campotosto.