Lake Albano in the Summer: What you need to know
Lago Albano is one of the two volcanic crater lakes found in the Castelli Romani. It’s a beautiful spot with its black sandy beaches and bright blue water immersed in nature and greenery. It is closer to Rome than Lake Nemi, and thanks to its larger size, has bathing establishments, picnic areas and opportunities to take part in water sport activities.
When I lived in Rome, we would often go to Castel Gandolfo on the weekends rather than the beach. For us it was closer, calmer and easier then heading to the sea and fighting the traffic and hassle of parking.
I now live much closer to the lake, and it still holds true: Lake Albano is a valid alternative to the sea on a summer’s day for its magnificent panoramas, fresh waters, clean air and sunbathing.
Along the western shore of the lake are quite a few stabilimenti balneari (establishments renting beach equipment). One I can recommend is La Pentima. Here you have the option to sunbathe on the black sandy beach near the shore or on the grassy lawn. With COVID-19 regulations, umbrella stations are positioned a spacious 4m apart; a peaceful and safe distance from fellow beach goers. La Pentima also has a relax zone, paddle boat rentals, showers, changing cabins, clean porta-potties and a little kiosk/bar.
Right next to the La Pentima is a free beach; lake goers can bring their own chairs and blankets and quite a few trees provide ample shade.
For those who are fairly strong swimmers, the best way to explore the lake is by renting a pedalò (paddle boat). For around €10 an hour, you can paddle out in the lake and take swims in the clear, cooler deep water.
Perhaps the only downside of the lake for me is entering the water from the beach. When going in the water in some areas, your feet touch slick, soft, sinking sand/clay – it didn’t put off my kids, they played for hours in it. Some establishments, such as La Pentima, have docks that help you get past some of the slickness to a more compact bottom and deeper waters. Rent a pedalò if you want to avoid it all together.
If you are looking for more activity at lake level, there is a paved promenade with a few stands, walking trails that go around the lake, as well as SUP & kayak rentals, lessons and tours.
Costs of a day at Lago Albano
-The average costs of 2 sunbeds and an umbrella is €15.
-Paddle boats are on average €10 an hour; bring ID to rent them.
-Parking is €1.20 an hour or €4.80 for the day.
-Train ticket from Rome Termini €2.10 one way,
€4.20 round trip.
-There are free beaches, and free, yet out of the way areas to park, such as at the end of via dei Pescatori.
Getting here
By Car from Rome: G.R.A., exit 23; via Appia, direction Ciampino-Albano Laziale. At Ciampino take Via dei Laghi/SP217 for 10Km to the end. Turn right and take Via Spiaggia del Lago
By Train
From Roma Termini take the Albano Laziale line and get off
at Castel Gandolfo; it’s a 40 minute ride. Buy your return ticket at Termini or
on online at Trenitalia. It’s a 15 minute walk down the hill to get to the
lake, and a walk up to return.
La Pentima, Via Spiaggia del Lago, tel +39 333 418 3703.
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