Lake Varano

Lesina is connected to Varano Lake by a highway that runs between perfectly cultivated fields and its characteristic red earth rich in bauxite.
On the western side of the lake we’ll find ourselves at the Bailey bridge of Foce Capoiale, one of the two canals that connect the lake with the sea; the other is the Foce Varano located to the extreme east. Beyond the squeaky arched bridge, we’ll find ourselves at once in an extremely unique landscape: to the left is a Eucalyptus and pine wood 16 km long, which hides the sandy dunes and sea; on the right, we have a splendid view of the extraordinarily blue lake, encircled by gentle hills speckled with hundreds of olive trees.
The people of this area (fishermen and buffalo herders) immediately display their positive attitude toward travelers, always keeping the fires ablaze in their huts that line the streets, ready to prepare skewers of fish.
This occurs during almost all seasons of the year, especially during the weekend. Clams and mussels are one of Varano’s specialties and they are the largest you’ll find anywhere. Guests can camp or stop to rest and picnic in the pine and Eucalyptus woods.
Visitors hoping to reach the sea have only to pass through two hundred meters of a beautiful, wild wood to find only dunes and sea with no people or buildings in sight.

The water in the Varano Lagoon is always the freshest since it is supplied by subterranean springs: here, where the water gurgles gently, fish of all kinds swim in curious circles.
Guests can also visit one of the small family-owned dairies where women prepare buffalo mozzarella, placing it to dry in woven wicker baskets hung in the trees. Time stands still on this small band of earth between lake and sea, which the villagers call “the Island”. If it weren’t for the summer tourists, it would be impossible to keep track of the passage of time. Boats are paddled, shepherds wear simple and rudimentary clothing and fishermen use wicker creels and iron spears.