Brugneto Lake is an artificial lake located in the Antola Regional Natural Park in the Upper Trebbia Valley.
Located at an altitude of 776 metres above sea level, Brugneto Lake is the largest in Liguria and lies between the municipalities of Torriglia, Propata and Rondanina.
Set perfectly in the woods of the valley, the lake is created by the dam that, in the 1960s, was placed to dam the Brugneto torrent in order to divert its flow towards the city of Genoa.
Besides being Liguria’s main water reservoir , the lake is a splendid nature reserve where flora and fauna coexist.
There are several activities that can be done at Lake Brugneto that, especially in the summer, attract many Genoese and tourists. Let’s discover them together!
Lake Brugneto in the Antola Park: what to do
At Lake Brugneto you can spend a whole day with the family, having a barbecue on the lake’s shores or a picnic, trekking along the path that runs along it, or planning a kayak tour. Let’s see the different activities in detail.
❖ Barbecue or picnic
There are four picnic areas at Lake Brugneto and they are located along the path thatrunsalong the entire reservoir.
The first picnic area is right at the beginning of the path and has a few tables and two stone barbecue stations.
After a five-minute walk, you arrive at the next barbecue spot, which is not very well signposted; you will have to look for the little path on the left that leads towards the shore of the lake. Here you will find a couple of tables and a single grill.
On summer weekends, these two locations are very popular , so you should arrive early.
Caution – Lake Brugneto is an artificial lake for which bathing is prohibited.
❖ Trekking: Brugneto Trail
The Brugneto Trail is a 14 km hiking trail that takes about 5 hours to complete.
It is a loop trail with several ups and downs but is not a particularly difficult hike. Given its length, it is recommended for well-trained children of at least ten years of age. Go to article
❖ Kayak tour
A few years ago, Lake Brugneto became navigable , but only after authorisation from the water manager (Iren) and with various restrictions .
The Asd Torriglia Sport, in agreement with Iren and with the patronage of the municipality of Torriglia, offers tours of the lake by kayak in the spring-summer period.
The trips are guided and last about three hours. Definitely an opportunity to admire the lake and the surrounding nature from a different perspective!
For all information, please contact the Asd Torriglia Sport association.
How to get to Lake Brugneto in the Antola Park
From Genoa, take State Road 45 and arrive in Torriglia. From here, continue along Provincial Road 15 for about 10 km, following the signs for Retezzo, until you reach the Brugneto Lake dam. In total, it takes about 1h10 minutes.
Where to sleep around Lake Brugneto
❒ villatiffany – Less than 10 minutes away from the lake, it offers double rooms with private bathroom, garden and breakfast included.
It is a family-run establishment perfect for those who love sport: you can rent a bike and explore the area, including organised tours. On request, shuttle service to and from Torriglia (for those arriving by coach) – Book here.
❒ Villa Ghiron – About 20 minutes from the lake, Villa Ghiron offers elegant double rooms and family rooms, one of which has a jacuzzi. Cot 0/2 years old is free, as is parking and breakfast.
Villa Ghiron’s garden is a wonderful park where you can relax while sipping a drink, perhaps in the company of the deer. It may be useful to know that the breakfast room, equipped with cutlery and drinks (coffee, herbal teas), is kindly left at the disposal of guests throughout their stay – Book here.
What to do in the surroundings
The area lends itself to numerous hikes of varying difficulty, such as to Mount Antola, Monte Lavagnola and Monte Carmo.
The excursion to Monte Gifarco with its sword in the rock and the Bosco delle Fate in Fontanigorda is also very beautiful.
And again, the small lakes of the Trebbia where you can take a swim in fine weather, and a trip to discover inland villages such as Torriglia, Senarega, or Pentema, the latter famous for its nativity scene that enlivens the streets of the small village at Christmas time.
And don’t forget a visit to the unique Stone Castle in Vobbia and a trip to Pian della Cavalla, perhaps during the period of the wonderful narcissus blossom.
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