Lago di San Ruffino: how to get there and trails

Where Lago di San Ruffino is located

The lake lies between the municipalities of Amandola and Monte San Martino, surrounded by the Sibillini Mountains. Amandola is in the province of Fermo, Monte San Martino in the province of Macerata. The area falls within the Sibillini National Park, about 1 km from the Abbazia dei Santi Ruffino e Vitale. The reservoir is formed by the Tenna River.

How to get to Lago di San Ruffino

The reference point for getting there is Amandola. By car, take the A14 and then the SS77, the Superstrada della Val di Chienti. From Amandola, continue toward the lake, which lies outside the town, near the abbey.

Trails and hikes at Lago di San Ruffino

A nature trail runs around the lake and can be done on foot, on horseback or by mountain bike. Various species of plants and shrubs can be seen along the shores.

A hiking route described for this place is 2.78 km out and back, with 30 m of elevation gain, about 1 hour of walking and a difficulty of 2 out of 5. The surface is dirt and the route is suitable for children and strollers, as well as for people with disabilities who use a mobility aid. The same route is not recommended in hot weather, and the signage is incomplete.

On the water, kayaking, canoeing and sport fishing are practiced; courses, boat rental and children's activities depend on the season and are worth checking before the visit.

When to visit Lago di San Ruffino

The lake can be seen at its full extent only in summer; for the rest of the year the dam is open and the lake disappears. Water activities are also concentrated in summer. Canoe trips and sailing regattas are organized. Among the best-known events is "Le Vele di San Ruffino".

From fall to spring the lake empties. In its place lies the sandy expanse of the riverbed. For the walk around the lake, it is best to avoid the hottest hours of the day.

What to see near Lago di San Ruffino

About 1 km from the lake stands the Abbazia dei Santi Ruffino e Vitale, the abbey that gives the lake its name. It is a Romanesque building of medieval origin, linked to the Benedictines. It has a 13th-century bell tower and numerous late medieval frescoes. The Romanesque crypt holds the relics of San Ruffino.

In Amandola, the church of Sant'Agostino, from the 14th-15th century, and the Palazzo del Podestà in Piazza Alta are worth a stop. The former Collegiata houses the anthropogeographic museum, which before the 2016 earthquake was in the cloister of the church of San Francesco. Near the lake there are two bar-restaurants with plenty of outdoor space.

To compare other lakes in the area, see the page on the lakes of the Sibillini Mountains in the Marche.