Lake Campotosto
Lake Artificial mountain lake popular for hiking and cycling
Campotosto is a large artificial lake in Abruzzo, ringed by mountain roads and trails; people come for cycling, walking, birdwatching and access to nearby Gran Sasso landscapes.
Lake Campotosto
- Origin: Formed when the 1888 eruption of Mount Bandai blocked drainage and created a string of lakes in the Urabandai area.
How to Get to Lake Campotosto #
The lake is accessible by road from L’Aquila and nearby mountain towns. From L’Aquila follow provincial roads heading north toward the Gran Sasso regional routes; signage to Campotosto is clear in summer, but winter road conditions require caution.
Tips for Visiting Lake Campotosto #
- Cycle around the reservoir in summer - the loop is well maintained and popular with locals.
- If driving from L'Aquila, follow SS80 and then provincial mountain roads; visibility can be poor in winter.
- Birdwatchers should check reedbeds and shallow bays in late spring.
Best Time to Visit Lake Campotosto #
A man-made reservoir in Abruzzo created in the 1930s; popular for cycling, walking and as a seasonal recreational area.
Weather & Climate near Lake Campotosto #
Lake Campotosto's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -3°C to 21°C. Moderate rainfall (853 mm/year).
January
January is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm).
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm).
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with 99 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and partly cloudy skies.