Escape to Trevignano Romano: A Refreshing Day by Bracciano Lake
During Italy’s summer heatwaves, a siesta indoors is almost a necessity as temperatures often soar above 35°C by midday. On one hot Sunday, with temperatures nearing 30°C, we decided to take a leisurely lunch trip to Trevignano Romano, a charming town by Bracciano Lake. The hope was that the cool breeze off the lake would offer a refreshing escape from the oppressive heat.
The drive from Rome was scenic but this time the journey to the lake showed us just how intense the summer heat could be. We passed by a huge plume of smoke, as a wildfire raged near Bracciano Lake. Firefighting planes swooped low over the water, filling their tanks with water before returning to the fire. The cooling role of the lake was never more apparent, although at that moment, the well-being of sweaty tourists wasn’t quite the focus.
After driving through the smoke, we arrived in Trevignano Romano and the heat quickly faded as we approached the refreshing coolness of the lake and this picturesque town that felt like it came straight out of a postcard. The town’s lakeside promenade, Lungolago, offered a smooth, peaceful path where joggers, dog walkers, elderly visitors with walkers, and tourists alike stroll while enjoying the stunning view of the lake. Along the way, you’ll pass charming bars, delightful trattorias, and restaurants where you can spend the entire day hopping from a morning coffee to an aperitif, then to lunch, back to an aperitiv, and finally to dinner. On this particular trip, I tried an Italicus Spritz before lunch, which had a lovely hint of bergamot.
The highlight of Trevignano Romano is its old town, which is small but impeccably maintained. The narrow streets are lined with flower boxes, and as you walk through them, you can catch glimpses of the sparkling lake below. The medieval Trevignano Castle ruins rise majestically on the hillside above the town. After a delightful lunch, we couldn't resist taking a short walk through the charming streets.
What really stood out to me during my visit was how much the lake’s cooling effect helped to beat the summer heat. The heat in Rome can be oppressive, but the fresh breeze off Bracciano Lake was like a natural air conditioner, making the town even more pleasant to visit. If the scorching summer heat of Rome gets to be too much, we highly recommend a visit to Trevignano Romano and the cool waters of Bracciano Lake. Whether you’re sipping a drink on a lakeside terrace or taking a walk through the town’s quaint streets, it’s the perfect way to escape the heat and enjoy a peaceful day by the water.
