Sport Village Hotel & Spa
Castel di Sangro - Località Piana S. Liberata
Book now
Nestled between the towering peaks of the Apennines and situated within the Abruzzo National Park, Lake Barrea is an unmissable destination during a trip to this region. The lake was artificially created in the 1950s by damming the Sangro River with a dam constructed near Barrea’s mouth.
Fed by the Sangro River and the streams Rio della Valle, Rio Acqua dei Monaci and Profulo, the lake has an average width of 500 metres and a maximum depth of 35 metres. Renowned primarily for the lush vegetation that surrounds it, Lake Barrea is an excellent location for lovers of outdoor activities.
Along the shores of Lake Barrea are three charming villages, Barrea, Villetta Barrea and Civitella Alfedena, and the area is particularly notable for its birdlife. Herons, mallards, moorhens and kingfishers nest in this zone, whilst migratory species such as teals, wigeons, mallards and tufted ducks use it as a stopping point.
Lake Barrea is an ideal destination year-round, offering opportunities to spend days surrounded by unspoilt nature, though it attracts many visitors particularly in summer. During the warmer months, a small beach known as La Gravara1 makes swimming, sunbathing and pedalo hire possible.
Along the lake’s shores are several walking and cycling paths that allow you to skirt the water surrounded by mixed woodland of oak, willow and black pine. From here, a series of trekking and hiking trails suitable for more experienced walkers offer truly spectacular views.
There are two particularly easy and popular cycle-walking routes: one starting from Barrea Dam and ending at La Gravara, the lake’s small beach, and another beginning at Lake Barrea, heading towards Civitella Alfedena and arriving at the lower part of Barrea town. The area is also rich in benches, rest areas and refreshment points for spending wonderful days.
A location very close to Lake Barrea suitable for those who enjoy hiking and trekking is Val Fondillo2, a deep valley from which several walking trails depart, offering marvellous views and opportunities to spot wildlife.
Families with children can enjoy spending one or more days at the Riserva Naturale La Camosciara3, named for its large population of chamois. This area features several easy trails for children and those unaccustomed to mountain walking, including routes leading to the Cascata delle Ninfe4 and the Waterfalls of Three Cannels. The area is equipped with refreshment points, picnic areas and children’s play facilities.
Three picturesque small villages surround Lake Barrea: Barrea, Villetta Barrea and Civitella Alfedena, all definitely worth visiting. All three are not only ideal for nature lovers, but also for those seeking a stay focused on culture and relaxation.
Barrea is a village belonging to the Alto Sangro mountain community and the Plateau of the Five Miles, often considered an excellent base for exploring the area around Lake Barrea and the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park.
Its historic centre is very characteristic and has retained its fortified village structure, originally designed in the Middle Ages. The town is best explored on foot, wandering through cobbled lanes bordered by stone houses, ancient churches and historic palaces. Don’t miss a visit to Barrea Castle, a fortress built between the 11th and 12th centuries by the noble Di Sangro family. The castle consists of an older tower with a square base and a circular tower added only in the 15th century and connected to the town walls. The building suffered considerable damage during the 1984 earthquake and currently hosts exhibitions and cultural events.
The main church is the Church of San Tommaso Apostolo, dating from the 13th century but having lost some original features due to numerous renovations. The interior frescoes and wooden crucifix date from the 18th century. Another unmissable stop is the Barrea viewpoint, located along the main town street, offering stunning views across the lake and surrounding landscape.
Finally, archaeology enthusiasts can visit the Antiquarium della Civilità Safina, a permanent exhibition opened in 2007 housing funeral furnishings and artefacts dating from the 6th century BC, discovered in the archaic necropolis of Colleciglio.
The picturesque village of Villetta Barrea appears to have developed in the 1300s around a castle erected in the highest part of the town, where the historic centre now stands. Walking through the village streets, you can admire stone houses, characteristic squares and stately palaces dating from the 16th and 18th centuries, such as Palazzo Fontana and Palazzo D’Orazio, now home to the town hall.
Before entering the town centre, you’ll notice the Medieval Tower, dating from the 15th century and one of the village’s oldest structures, which now houses the “Museum of the Church of Santa Maria Assunta”. Another interesting stop is the old mill, apparently dating back to the 1400s, now home to the lovely Water Museum.
Also worth noting is “Il Baraccone”, an 19th-century building near the town centre representing a fine example of rural architecture, which the council has converted into the Transhumance Museum.
Civitella Alfedena is a charming Abruzzo village renowned for the peace and tranquillity found among its winding lanes, characteristics that make it a place to explore at a leisurely pace. The town is also frequently chosen by tourists and visitors for its strategic location, allowing easy access to numerous points of interest in the area.
Situated at 1,123 metres altitude, Civitella has successfully preserved its beautiful historic centre, housing past structures such as the Cylindrical Tower, part of a medieval castle built to defend the town. Also of particular interest is the Church of San Nicola, dating from the 17th century and characterised by a very austere exterior whilst the interior, in Baroque style, houses an 18th-century wooden choir.
Don’t miss a visit to the Wolf Museum, a natural history centre dedicated to the Apennine wolf, featuring information and materials about one of the National Park’s symbolic animals. Just metres from the Wolf Museum is the Wolf Fauna Area, where you can observe several wolves in a semi-wild state and hear their howls.
In the following map you can see the location of the main places of interest mentioned in this article.
The villages closest to Lake Barrea are Barrea itself, Civitella Alfedena and Villetta Barrea. If you prefer to venture further, look for accommodation in Castel di Sangro or Alfedena.
Lake Barrea is accessible by car or public transport. By car, if arriving from the north, take the A14 motorway towards Ancona, then continue on the A25 until the Pescina exit. Finally, take the SS83 Marsicana following signs for Lago Barrea.
For those arriving from Naples, take the A1 to the Caianello exit; from here continue first on the SS85 and then on the SS83 Marsicana following signs for the lake. From Bari, it’s advisable to reach Benevento via the A14 and from there take the SS87 towards Campobasso, then continue first on the SS17 towards Alfedena and then on the SS83 Marsicana.
The nearest railway stations are Avezzano and Alfedena, which are connected to the main towns around the lake by TUA (Trasporto Unico Abruzzese) buses.
Hotel 
Budget accommodations 
Apartments 
Family Hotel 
Luxury Hotel 
Resorts