The Stunning Lake Massaciuccoli In Tuscany

Lake Massaciuccoli is a lake in the Province of Lucca, Tuscany, that is home to a wildlife oasis in a marsh. While the wildlife and vegetation may have shrunk substantially since the 20th century, the lake is still an area of great natural beauty and bounty. There is much to see and do and the surroundings are pretty alright too.

A boardwalk extends over the edge of the lake and all around it, allowing you to readily and comfortably explore the flora and fauna that can be seen blooming and frolicking around the lake.

Not a particularly challenging walk, it offers a chance to get out and about and stretch your legs in a wonderfully scenic setting, without having to take on an incredibly strenuous hike; something that those with younger kids, limited mobility or less will, to appreciate.

During the trip around, be sure to pop into the little museum on site that has information about the local wildlife (and a bathroom, which is always helpful) and the ice-cream truck that is often at the start of the boardwalk and sells excellent gelato and other snacks.

There are also some Roman ruins in the area that have been discovered in the area and are worth mentioning and exploring. Dating the 1st century AD, these ruins were rediscovered and preserved in the 18th century and consist of a mansion, or Roman “villa”, with a thermal bath and beautiful mosaic floors.

The surrounding area was located on the Via Francigena, the pilgrimage route to Rome and the Romans are known to have settled nearby, with the name of the lake actually tracing its origins to those times. Many excellent restaurants line the shores of the lake, specialising in fish and frogs caught in the lake's waters and they offer a chance to try a more unique Tuscan cuisine.

Famous Italian composer, Maestro Giacomo Puccini lived in, and was inspired by, the area and his beautiful has been converted into a museum. Furthermore, a massive festival is held in his honour each year during July and August and attracts over forty thousand people annually. You can attend performances of his most famous operas – including Tosca, Madam Butterfly and Boheme – in the stunning theatre located by the lake.

If all of this isn't enough for you, there are also tours that take you right out onto the lake, rather than leaving you to enjoy merely its shores. These boat rides include a delicious light lunch, run from 3-6pm, last about an hour, costs only €7 and sometimes runs in late spring and early autumn at weekends if the demand is big enough.

Just find a luxury villa in Lucca and spend some time at Lake Massaciuccoli, where there is always something to see and do.