Top 7 Lakes around Park of the Cento Laghi

The Park of the Cento Laghi, officially known as the Parco Regionale delle Valli del Cedra e del Parma, is situated in the Parma Apennines, which is part of the larger Tuscan-Emilian Apennines National Park. It's a natural haven in Emilia-Romagna, Italy.

The park is home to approximately 19 bodies of water, many of which are of glacial origin, offering stunning landscapes. You'll find a mix of natural glacial lakes, some that have been dammed for electricity, and even unique peat bogs. These lakes are celebrated for their natural beauty and diverse ecosystems.

Absolutely. For stunning blue hues, the Sillara Lakes are renowned for their sapphire-like appearance. Mount Sillara, the highest peak in Parma province, also offers views of two glacial lakes just below its summit. Lago Santo Parmense is the largest natural lake in the northern Apennines, known for its picturesque setting and as a starting point for hikes.

The Lago Verde Dam offers a beautiful walk immersed in nature, ideal for families with children. It's about an hour's walk from Prato Spilla and provides a quiet place for a break and a panoramic tour. Lago Santo Parmense is also easily accessible from the Lagdei refuge.

Beyond the lakes, the region boasts well-preserved beech and silver fir forests, especially around Lago Calamone. You can also find unique botanical rarities, such as the carnivorous plant Drosera Rotundifolia in the peat bog of Lago Pratignano, a direct remnant of the last ice age.

Yes, the entire area is crisscrossed by over 560 km of trails. For example, the 'Anello degli Zaffiri' (Sapphire Ring trail) is a 14km trekking loop around the Laghi del Sillara. Lago Santo Parmense is a popular starting point for hikes to Monte Aquilotto and Monte Marmagna. You can find many running trails, including routes like 'Rifugio Albergo Prato Spilla loop from Diga del Lago Ballano', on the Running Trails around Park of the Cento Laghi guide.

Besides hiking and running, the region is excellent for cycling. You can explore various road cycling routes, such as the 'Castello di Corniglio – Lagdei loop from Agna', or mountain biking trails like 'Rifugio Pratospilla – Lake Ballano loop from Prato Spilla'. Find more options on the Road Cycling Routes around Park of the Cento Laghi guide and the MTB Trails around Park of the Cento Laghi guide.

While the focus is primarily on natural beauty, some lakes have historical significance related to their use. For instance, Lake Ballano was dammed in the 1930s for hydroelectric power. Additionally, the historic Duca degli Abruzzi refuge stands on the banks of Lago Scaffaiolo, offering a glimpse into the region's mountaineering heritage.

The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. Spring and summer are ideal for hiking and enjoying the lush greenery and wildflowers. Autumn offers stunning foliage. While many lakes are of glacial origin, some, like Lago Scaffaiolo, are fed solely by melting snow, making them particularly beautiful in late spring and early summer.

Yes, you can find amenities near some of the more popular lakes. For example, the Lagdei refuge near Lago Santo Parmense offers a restaurant serving local cuisine, and there's a cafe near the lake itself. Near Lago Calamone, mountain lodges like the Venusta Lodge provide lodging and opportunities to enjoy local cuisine and views.

The lakes around Park of the Cento Laghi are highly appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 70 upvotes and 50 photos shared. Users often highlight the 'magical' atmosphere of places like the Sillara Lakes and the beautiful scenery of Lake Martini, even if it's been affected by recent conditions.