Lago di Bolsena is a great day trip when you want to escape the beach; Italy’s largest volcanic lake with fresh, clear water, lovely little towns around the rim, and great cafes and bars, restaurants, and sandy beaches. You must see the old center of Bolsena and it’s old medieval entrance tunnel, which is extraordinary, like stepping into a time machine and modern Bolsena by the lake shore has a lovely long esplanade and beach.

On the western shore is Capodimonte and its imposing Farnese fortress which was used by Pope Paul III, and its beautiful beach and shady trees with lovely cafes and gelato. Just south is Marta, it’s terrific seafood restaurants, and a long sandy beach which stretches all the way down and around to the south. And in the south east is a long, beautiful strip of grassy park by the shore, with a bunch of cool bars and cafes and the excellent Da Ivaldo pizzeria. It’s the best place to see the sun set before you drive home to Capalbio, too!