Lake Miseno and the municipal villa of Bacoli.

About this activity

In the municipality of Bacoli, located between Monte di Procida and Miliscola, there is a small coastal lake, Lake Miseno.

It occupies an ancient volcanic crater, fed by sea water from two mouths: one in Miseno Bay and the other near Miliscola. Precisely because of its characteristic saline waters, the brackish lake is also called Maremorto and is used for the breeding of mussels, the so-called Cozze di Miseno, prized seafood of extraordinary qualities purchased by restaurants from local farms, which are highly prized in Lazio and Tuscany.

Why visit Lake Miseno

The coastal lake of Miseno stretches for about 48 hectares. It is not uncommon to see among the waters of the lake, small fishing boats with fishing rods and lines or curious cormorants that take advantage of resting on the same boats when they are unattended.

Halfway along the path a connection to the beaches of Miliscola has been restored for those who want to take a dip in the sea before continuing the walk. On the shores of the lake you can spend pleasant mornings or spectacular sunsets but not only.

Many take advantage of the lake's perimeter and its bike path to jog or enjoy a nice walk on sunny days. Others, however, to admire the tranquil view and relax, linger on the benches of the municipal villa that follows one side of the lake, featuring tree-lined gardens.

Venturing into the villa you can play with children on the rides or stop to chat with friends on the steps of the "central square," where a stage is also often set up for events or festivals as it is very spacious.

At the entrance to the villa, however, is Chioschetto del Lago, Bacoli's historic ice cream stand (you can't leave the villa without stopping here first!).

In the evening, the lighting allows people to stroll through the gardens, while there are many places that offer stops where friends, couples, or families can gather in a pleasant location. Very striking and unusual, too, is a venue-boat that moves to the center of the lake.

As you walk around you will also encounter a lovely Neptune fountain, a favorite meeting place for citizens.

Lake Miseno can be visited by everyone: young and old, it is an ecosystem of great environmental interest.

Opening of the bicycle and pedestrian path "Five Lenze"

In early 2021, after 80 years, a former military area now reopened as a bicycle and pedestrian path on Lake Miseno, accessible directly from the classic bike path. Never exploited due to a landfill, this public park provides 500 meters of nature walk where the former military warehouses are, and offers the possibility of lengthening the already planned route.

The result of a project to upgrade the Bacoli area, it is an idea that is sure to be appreciated not only by citizens, but also by all lovers of outdoor walks.

Curiosities and history of Lake Miseno

Lake Miseno is named after a character from Italic mythology. In theAeneid by Virgil, in fact, a story is told of the trumpeter of the Trojan army, named Misenus, drowning in the waves of the sea in front of the lake.

Aeneas, found the body, buried it under a promontory that from it took the name Capo Miseno. In Roman times the lake served as a shipyard, being not far from the port proper. The complex was identified, in fact, as the port of Misenum.