Lake Lesina: the legend of the fairies and what to see in the nature of Gargano - Hotel Paglianza

Surrounded by an atmosphere suspended between water and silence, Lake Lesina is one of the most fascinating and lesser-known places in the Gargano area. Far from the most crowded coastal towns, this brackish lake is a world of its own, where legends blend with nature and every reflection seems to tell a story.

Exploring it means discovering another side of Gargano: more intimate, more authentic, more profound.

The legend of the fairies and the sunken city

Like every place with an ancient soul, Lake Lesina is surrounded by legends. The most evocative tells of a submerged city: once, where the lake now stretches, stood the old town of Lesina, a lively city by the sea. But in 1627, a violent earthquake followed by a tsunami allegedly swallowed the houses, streets, and bell towers, leaving behind a lake where there once was land.

Since then, it’s said that on full moon nights, those who approach the shores can hear a faint, continuous chant. These are the fairies of the lake, silent spirits dancing on the water, guardians of the lost city. Stories passed down through generations, kept alive by the wind in the reeds and the tales of the elderly, invite visitors to slow down, observe, and listen.

A unique ecosystem between sea and lagoon

Lake Lesina covers about 51 square kilometers, stretching 22 km in length and up to 2.4 km in width. Its depth is modest, rarely exceeding one meter, but this feature makes it extremely rich in life. Fed by freshwater springs and connected to the sea via two canals – Acquarotta and Schiapparo – the lake offers an ideal habitat for a wide variety of species.

On the narrow sandy strip that separates it from the Adriatic lies the Bosco Isola, a coastal dune covered with pine forest and Mediterranean scrub. This is where the lake’s wildest side reveals itself: a refuge for hundreds of birds, including pink flamingos, herons, marsh harriers, mallards, black-winged stilts, grey herons, and kingfishers. Walking among the trees or along the paths, it’s not uncommon to witness a stunning display of flight and sound, making this area a paradise for birdwatching.

The territory is part of the Lesina Nature Reserve, established to protect this unique ecosystem where brackish water, coastal vegetation, dunes, canals, and freshwater basins coexist.

What to see around Lake Lesina

The easiest and most accessible way to reach the lake is through the village of Lesina, a peaceful town full of opportunities for visitors to discover the local traditions. The lakefront promenade, recently redeveloped, offers a pleasant walk among colorful houses, small piers, and benches overlooking the water. Here you’ll find cafés and restaurants where you can taste the traditional eel soup, a symbol of local cuisine, or other lake fish dishes such as mullet, sea bass, and grilled eel.

To learn more about the area, a visit to the Gargano National Park Visitor Center is highly recommended. Inside you’ll find an ethnographic museum dedicated to the life of local fishermen and a small brackish aquarium featuring typical fish species from the lake.

Just outside the town begins a wooden boardwalk that leads to San Clemente Island, a tiny islet hidden among the reeds where the remains of a medieval abbey can still be seen. A wooden cross, placed among the vegetation, commemorates the memory of the fishermen who once stopped here to pray before going out onto the water.

For hiking enthusiasts, the trails of Bosco Isola offer the chance to cross the reserve on foot or by bike, enjoying the landscape and its tranquillity. Alternatively, you can rent canoes or small boats to explore the lake from the water, passing by fishing huts and observing wildlife from a different perspective.

Coastal towers: history and guardianship

In the surroundings of Lake Lesina, you’ll also find some of the Gargano’s coastal towers, remnants of a time when these defensive structures were essential for protecting the territory. The most famous is Torre Scampamorte, whose name recalls a legendary episode in which some soldiers escaped a Saracen attack and found shelter inside its walls. Not far away stands Torre Fortore, near the former course of the river by the same name.

Immersed in nature and often overlooking the sea, these towers add a further layer of historical fascination to an area already rich in natural wonders.

A perfect stop to discover Gargano’s authentic soul

Lake Lesina is an ideal destination for those who want to explore a different side of the Gargano, one made of silence, soft colors, water reflections, and hidden forest paths. It’s a place that invites slowness, contemplation, and a deep connection with nature. Perfect for families with children, photography lovers, or those simply seeking a quiet corner of Puglia far from the usual tourist routes.

Those staying nearby can also easily visit other northern Gargano locations, such as Cagnano Varano, San Nicandro or the coastal town of Rodi Garganico.

And if you’re planning a holiday in this part of Puglia, Hotel Paglianza is the ideal starting point to explore authentic places like Lake Lesina. Surrounded by nature and just steps from the sea, it offers comfort and peace — the perfect retreat after a day spent wandering among lagoons, forests, and legends.