Less than an hour away from Rome by car, and not much more by rail to either Bracciano or Anguillara Sabazia, Lake Bracciano is a picturesque volcanic lake lined with shaded beaches and pretty towns with lakeside cafes, bars and restaurants — and gelateria! The best places to stay in Lake Bracciano are dotted along its shores and you can expect a range of properties from charming little guesthouses to luxury hotels with every facility you can imagine.

Lake Bracciano’s waters are super clear, though the volcanic lakebed can be squishy, so some families might prefer the lido style sections of shoreline, with their parasols, sun-loungers, pedal boats and watermark inflatables. The lake has some pebble beaches too, which tend to be more popular with windsurfers. Bracciano is the largest centre on the lake, an historic place to visit, with a fantastic castle, and a charming centre, run through with pretty lanes and alleyways harbouring unique boutiques, galleries, cafes and fancy bakeries. Anguillara Sabazia and Trevignano Romano are smaller villages, and easily some of the best places to stay on Lake Bracciano if you’re looking forward to aperativos and sunset views.

If you’re staying for more than a few days, you can enjoy day trips to Lake Martignano (a neighbouring lake, best described as an undeveloped little sister, also lined with pretty beaches and restaurants, and another lovely place for a stroll) or the ruins of Canale Monterano.

The best places to stay in Lake Bracciano are the ideal `add-on if you're planning a visit to Rome, but want to spend more than just a couple of days, and experience a complete contrast to the city. But don't forget that they will be incredibly busy during the peak summer months. So if you plan to visit in July or August, do your research and book well ahead.

The Best Places to Stay on Lake Bracciano

For a Countryside Escape

• The Grand Hotel Terme di Stigliano is a luxurious hotel and spa on a secluded estate in the hills behind Bracciano. Picturesque, traditional, and romantic, the Grand Hotel’s 46 rooms offer space, charm — in the guise of original features and charmingly patterned fabrics — and peaceful rural views. The spa is built into a site with five natural thermal springs, so it’s quite large also. The restaurant serves exemplary regional cuisine, on a sunny terrace with a view, when weather permits. 

For Romantics

• The Villa Clementina is a beautifully converted villa close to the lake shore, and surrounded by fields of sunflowers. There are only seven rooms and suites, traditionally decorated with exposed beams, tiled floors and hand-painted murals on sandstone walls. The living spaces are cosy and welcoming, and there’s a charming garden with a beautifully tiled pool, and tennis courts. The Villa’s other great draw is its fine dining restaurant, which specialises in regional cuisine.

For Lakeside Location

• The Albergo Borgo Vistalago is perfectly positioned: just across the road from Lake Bracciano, in Trevignano Romano. The best of the ten rooms and suites are those with the lake views, however there’s a nice variation in decor — ranging from traditional to contemporary — so you might prefer some rooms over others. All have wooden or tiled floors and luxurious bathrooms. There’s a bar and cafe, and breakfast room that spills out onto a lovely terrace. Some of the rooms would work for families too.

For Great Value

• Al Vicolo dei Pescatori is a charming, stone house right next to the banks of Lake Bracciano. This is a traditional home, complete with a beamed wooden ceiling, exposed stone and whitewashed walls, and polished wooden floors. But the bathrooms are all new. Breakfast is an indulgent offering, and you’re within a short and pleasant stroll of Anguillara Sabazia’s bars and restaurants. Adults only.

For a private apartment or villa

• If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private villa we recommend you visit our online partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• The closest international airports to Lake Bracciano are Rome’s: Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino, and Ciampino Airport, which is used primarily by the low cost carriers, but is actually closer to the centre of town, though not so well connected by public transport. If you’re travelling from Rome via public transport, the train, which leaves from Roma San Pietro, takes just over an hour to Bracciano, and just under an hour and a half to Anguillara.
• If you plan to hire a car, which we would advise if you want to get out and explore further afield, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars. From Rome the drive takes around an hour also.
• If your idea of the perfect time to visit Lake Bracciano includes sunshine and clear skies you’re not the only one. This region is busiest during the summer months, between June and September, but April and May are sunny and dry also, and Easter in Italy is quite a special time, with lots of celebration. The towns around Lake Bracciano enjoy mild winters, but it does get rainy, especially in autumn.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Lazio
• Opt for one of the best places to stay in Rome, and visit for the day
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.