L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, AUGUST 7, 2025 www.italoamericano.org 12 L'Italo-Americano A u g u s t i n I t a l y m e a n s o n e thing: Andiamo i n s p i a g g i a – l e t ' s g o t o t h e beach! Unrelenting summer heat is persuasive enough on its o w n , b u t f a c t o r i n F e r - ragosto – the summer holi- d a y c o n j o i n i n g a n c i e n t R o m a n f e s t i v i t y w i t h Catholic observation – and t o e s i n t h e s a n d b e c o m e practically mandatory. Lounging under a colorful u m b r e l l a w h i l e s i p p i n g a fashionable beach cocktail s o u n d s t r a v e l m a g a z i n e delightful, but if you've had the Italian beach experience, y o u k n o w a b o u t t h e d a r k side. Those glossy ads forget to mention the throngs of o t h e r s c h a s i n g t h e s a m e experience. For some, that's part of the fun, but if a more laid-back scene is calling, Le Marche has a little secret to share. W h i l e t h e r e g i o n o f L e Marche has avoided the tra- vails of mass tourism and offers a more relaxed and authentic Italian experience, its healthy list of Blue Flag beaches – an award given for pristine, well managed beaches – is going to attract sun seekers, both local and from nearby regions such as U m b r i a a n d E m i l i a - R o m a g n a . B r a c e f o r t h e crowds during the long sum- m e r m o n t h s . T h e s e a s i d e isn't always a requirement f o r b e a u t i f u l w a t e r a n d relaxing shores, however. W e l c o m e t o o n e o f L e Marche's best kept secrets, t h e s t u n n i n g l y b e a u t i f u l Lago di Fiastra. Nestled in t h e h i l l s o f t h e S i b i l l i n i M o u n t a i n s N a t i o n a l Park, this man-made lake hugs the curves of the Fias- trone River valley. First g l i m p s e o f t h e l a k e i s b r e a t h t a k i n g . V e r d a n t ground and treescapes open to brilliant turquoise waters that rival any tropical sea; t h e c o n t r a s t o f t h e w h i t e pebble swimming beach is dazzling. This lovely lake did not e x i s t u n t i l 1 9 5 5 w h e n a n impressive dam was built to harness the waters of the Fiastrone River to gener- a t e h y d r o e l e c t r i c p o w e r . While not a very romantic beginning, Lago di Fiastra became a treasured, if not widely known, location for o u t d o o r e n t h u s i a s t s a n d n a t u r e l o v e r s . O f t e n described as mesmerizing and even mystical, the small villages and foot paths that surround the lake and tra- verse the valley and moun- tains have hosted spiritual p i l g r i m s f o r c e n t u r i e s . These days, hiking and out- door sports rule the day in and around the lake. W h e n t h e d e s c r i p t o r "hidden" is used, it immedi- ately begets the question of "How hard is this to get to?" Fortunately, not very when we're talking about Lago di F i a s t r a . T h a t m u s t b e f r a m e d w i t h " w h e n i n U m b r i a o r L e M a r c h e , " however, and a car is the best pick for getting there. From Perugia, the lake can be reached in a little over an h o u r , f r o m R o m e o r F l o - rence closer to three hours. T r a n s p o r t a t i o n c a n b e planned via train and taxi; probably worth the effort but flexibility and time con- straints must be considered. Yet like many things in life, the journey can be as incredible as the destina- t i o n . S i b i l l i n i M o u n t a i n s National Park, one of Italy's natural treasures, is shared by Marche to the east and Umbria to the west. A new- comer national park estab- lished in 1993, the expanse o f 2 7 0 p r o t e c t e d s q u a r e miles encompasses a majes- t i c o f f e r i n g o f m o u n t a i n landscapes, impressive val- leys, Alpine plateaus, and picturesque lakes…includ- ing Fiastra. A day trip to the lake gifts with a visual expe- rience within the national park. Riding the winding Apennine ridge line, multi- layered vistas open over the v a l l e y s b e l o w a s s e r e n e plateaus adorned with graz- ing sheep and the occasion- a l f a r m h o u s e a c c o m p a n y y o u a l o n g t h e d r i v e . Depending on your route, a portion of the trip twists and bends along the Nera River Valley past captivat- ing villages such as Feren- tillo and Montefranco. The sights are magical and unforgettable making the journey a beautiful precur- sor to dipping your feet into cool, clear lake waters. Lago di Fiastra can be a d e s t i n a t i o n u n t o i t s e l f , especially if immersing in nature and outdoor activi- ties have high appeal. As Le Marche's deepest lake, Fias- tra is well suited for many water sports. A large variety of fish attract anglers, but don't hold out for a motor- boat to get you to the good s p o t . C a n o e s a n d s m a l l boats with electric motors c a n b e r e n t e d ; k e e p i n g things peaceful here is of utmost importance. Enjoy- ing swims or wading from the main beach located just off the town of San Loren- zo al Lago is delightful. A s m a l l b a r o f f e r s r e f r e s h - m e n t s , u m b r e l l a s c a n b e rented, and if it gets boring lounging on the shore, pad- dle boats await those need- ed a little activity. Want to bring the pup along for the day? Lago di Fiastra has a designated dog beach where Rover can swim and play to his heart's delight. For the hiking and biking enthusiasts, a vast number of trails can be found along- side the lake and through- out the surrounding moun- t a i n s . O n e o f t h e m o r e spectacular yet very doable hikes leads into the Lame R o s s e – often called the G r a n d C a n y o n o f L e Marche. Reminiscent of the a w e - i n s p i r i n g r e d s p i r e s and canyons of Utah, this clay and silt formed area is other-worldly stunning and worth the two-and-a-half- hour trek. A cool dip in the lake awaits as your reward. If your adrenaline needs a spike, high adventure can a l s o b e h a d a l o n g t h e l a k e s h o r e . T a n d e m paragliding provides a fal- con-eye view of the beauty b e l o w , w h i l e l a n d - l u b b e r thrill seekers can experience A d v e n t u r e P a r k L a k e F i a s t r a l o c a t e d i n S a n Lorenzo al Lago. Zip lines, obstacle courses, and other screech-inducing activities are yours with the cobalt lake waters serving as a daz- zling backdrop. Day-tripping for a peace- f u l a f t e r n o o n o n L a g o d i Fiastra rewards with a tran- q u i l r e p o s e o f w a r m s u n , refreshing water, and even c o o l e r t e m p s t h a n k s t o mountain breeze…without jam-packed roadways and beaches. Need more than an afternoon in this Sibillini paradise? A pleasing num- b e r o f a g r i t u r i s m i a n d B & B s f a c i l i t a t e s t a y s i n a u t h e n t i c s e t t i n g s w i t h some providing a working- f a r m e n v i r o n m e n t b i l l e d "for the children" but with definite appeal to the child in all of us. It might take a bit more effort to transport yourself to this mountain paradise of a l a k e , b u t a s s o m e o n e ' s mother once said, "If it's too easy, it's probably not worth it." Personally speaking, the tranquility, lack of crowds, and pure natural beauty of Lago di Fiastra are definite- ly worth it. PAULA REYNOLDS The blue waters of the Lago di Fiastra (Photo: Underworld/Dreamstime) Beach crowds? No grazie. Lago di Fiastra is pure calm ALL AROUND ITALY TRAVEL TIPS DESTINATIONS ACTIVITIES

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