Lake Chiusi: 5 good reasons to visit

What to see and unmissable experiences on the lake of the Etruscans

Lake Chiusi is one of those unexpected places that can make a trip to Valdichiana Senese even more memorable. Just a few kilometres from the historic centre of this ancient Etruscan town, vineyards and rolling hills give way to a completely different landscape of water, reed beds and peaceful wetlands.

Once known by the evocative name “Chiaro di Luna” – “Moonlight” – Lake Chiusi is one of the most fascinating natural areas in southern Tuscany. Covering around 3.87 km², it is the second largest natural lake in the region. The story of Lake Chiusi is deeply intertwined with that of the town itself.

In Etruscan and Roman times, the lake and the waterways of the Valdichiana were essential for fishing, water supplies and trade. Ancient Clevsin, the Etruscan Chiusi, stood at the heart of a territory crossed by the Clanis River, which connected the area to the Tiber.

Over the centuries, the Valdichiana valley floor gradually became a vast marshland. Major reclamation works began in the 16th century and continued under the Medici and Lorraine dynasties. Today, Lake Chiusi and nearby Lake Montepulciano are among the last remnants of the wetlands that once covered much of the Valdichiana valley.

From nature and Etruscan history to outdoor adventures and local flavours, here are 5 good reasons to visit Lake Chiusi.

1. Discover a different side of Tuscany

Forget the classic Tuscan landscape for a moment. Here, vineyards and rolling countryside give way to a wetland world of reed beds, water lilies, poplars, willows and still waters. The lake’s shallow waters and position on the Valdichiana valley floor have created a rich and distinctive ecosystem, making it the perfect place to slow down and enjoy nature. And with Chiusi’s historic centre just 5 km away, it is easy to combine the lake with the town’s Etruscan heritage and cultural attractions.

2. Go birdwatching

Birdwatching at Lake Chiusi is one of the best ways to experience its natural environment. The lake is an important resting and feeding area for both migratory and resident birds. Keep an eye out for purple herons, little egrets, black-winged stilts and ospreys, along with many other wetland species. Bring a pair of binoculars, take your time and let the landscape do the rest: even a simple walk along the lake can become a memorable wildlife experience.

3. Explore Lake Chiusi by canoe

One of the most immersive ways to discover the lake is from the water. Paddling at a relaxed pace allows you to experience the lake from a unique perspective, gliding past reed beds, water plants and quiet corners where birds nest and feed. Thanks to its calm waters, Lake Chiusi is ideal for anyone looking for an easy-going outdoor activity surrounded by nature. Away from the shore, the silence and the slow rhythm of the paddle reveal a side of Tuscany that feels wonderfully removed from the region’s busier destinations.

4. Taste Brustico

A visit to Lake Chiusi would not be complete without discovering one of its most distinctive culinary traditions: Brustico, a traditional lake-fish dish prepared using an ancient cooking technique linked to the Etruscans. The fish is cooked directly over a fire fuelled by dried marsh reeds until the outside is charred. It is then carefully cleaned and filleted before being simply dressed with extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper and lemon. European perch, pike and tench are traditionally used. The result is tender, delicate fish with a distinctive smoky flavour – a dish that tells the story of the centuries-old relationship between the lake and the local community.

5. Enjoy yoga by the lake

Lake Chiusi is also the perfect setting for anyone looking for slow experiences in Tuscany. A yoga session on the lakeshore, surrounded by the sounds of nature and the calm waters, offers a chance to truly disconnect and recharge. The experience can be followed by a picnic on the grass featuring local products, turning a few hours by the lake into a moment of complete relaxation. But in a place like this, you do not always need to plan an activity. Sometimes, sitting beside the water and simply enjoying the luxury of doing nothing is all you need.

If you are travelling through southern Tuscany and looking for somewhere peaceful, authentic and away from the busiest tourist routes, Lake Chiusi is well worth adding to your itinerary.