Monticchio lakes
Rionero in Vulture, Italy
Two lakes in the crater of the extinct Vulture volcano, ringed by forest, with an abbey clinging to the slope above. A pleasant picnic and walking stop.
The Laghi di Monticchio near Rionero in Vulture are two lakes, the Lago Grande and the Lago Piccolo. They fill craters of the extinct volcano Monte Vulture, one of the oldest volcanoes of the southern Apennines. The hamlet of Monticchio lies at the foot of the mountain. On a slope above stands the Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo, founded by Benedictines in the early Middle Ages (sources give the 8th or 9th century). A natural history museum tells of the area’s flora and fauna and of the volcano.
The rare nocturnal moth Brahmaea europaea lives in the area. Between the lakes lie the remains of the abbey of Sant’Ippolito. Access is from the neighbouring towns via the “dell’Aglianico” expressway; the address at the lake is on the SP167.
- Nearest town
- Rionero in Vulture, Italy
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 40.9310, 15.6080
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Italy: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autostrade; pay at the barrier by card or cash. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Guarda esterni Parco Naturale EuropaCampsite0 km from Monticchio lakesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDogs allowed
- Motorhome stopover · VenosaMotorhome stopover16 km from Monticchio lakesMotorhomes
- Casa di LeoCampsite18 km from Monticchio lakesWi-Fi
- Area Camper VenusiaMotorhome stopover19 km from Monticchio lakes · 18 pitchesTentsMotorhomesElectricity
- Area camper LavelloMotorhome stopover19 km from Monticchio lakesMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
- Area sosta camper Conza della CampaniaMotorhome stopover24 km from Monticchio lakesMotorhomes
All campsites in Italy · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Monticchio lakes?
Monticchio lakes is in Rionero in Vulture, Italy, at GPS 40.9310, 15.6080. It is about 6 km from Barile.
Can you camp near Monticchio lakes?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Guarda esterni Parco Naturale Europa, about 0 km away; within 25 km there are 6 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Monticchio lakes?
Monticchio lakes is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Basilicata: Matera, ghost towns and the Lucanian Dolomites.
What is there to see near Monticchio lakes?
Places worth a stop nearby: Castelmezzano (58 km), Castel del Monte (58 km), Certosa di San Lorenzo (65 km) and Gravina aqueduct bridge (69 km).
When is the best time to visit Monticchio lakes?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)