Sicily, a land of extraordinary beauty and striking contrasts, is home to a variety of natural and artificial lakes, each with its own story and unique characteristics. These bodies of water not only enrich the landscape but also play a crucial role in the ecosystem and the lives of local communities. In recent years, however, some of these lakes have faced significant challenges due to drought.
Natural Lakes
Lake Pergusa
Located near Enna, Lake Pergusa is the only natural lake in Sicily. This brackish basin is ecologically important, serving as a key stopover for numerous species of migratory birds. However, in recent times, the lake has experienced a drastic drop in water levels due to drought, raising serious concerns about its future survival.
Artificial Lakes
Lake Lentini (Biviere)
Also known as Biviere, Lake Lentini is the largest artificial basin on the island. Located near the town of Lentini in the province of Syracuse, it was created for irrigation purposes and is now an important natural area, home to a wide variety of flora and fauna.
Lake Poma
This artificial reservoir, located near Partinico in the province of Palermo, was built for agricultural and water supply purposes. Surrounded by hills, it offers a peaceful landscape, although access to the water is limited and it is not typically used for recreational water activities.
Lake Pozzillo
Located near Regalbuto in the province of Enna, Lake Pozzillo is the largest artificial lake in Sicily. Created in the 1950s by damming the Salso River, it is surrounded by a vast eucalyptus forest. The lake is used for sports activities like rowing and also offers picnic areas and walking trails.
Lake Maulazzo
This artificial lake lies within the Nebrodi Park, at the foot of Mount Soro. Sitting at an altitude of around 1,400 meters, it covers an area of about five hectares. Surrounded by beech woods, it is an ideal spot for hiking and picnicking, offering stunning natural views.
The Lakes of Torre Faro and Ganzirri – The Lakes of the Strait
In the northeastern tip of Sicily, in the Torre Faro area of Messina, lie two charming coastal lakes: Lake Ganzirri and Lake Torre Faro (also known as Lake Faro). These brackish water bodies are separated from the Ionian Sea by narrow strips of land and are part of the Capo Peloro Nature Reserve.
Lake Ganzirri
Once used for mussel farming, today Lake Ganzirri is a wetland of high ecological value, rich in biodiversity—perfect for birdwatching and scenic walks. Its waters are not navigable by motorboats, but small rowing boats and canoes are allowed, as long as environmental regulations are respected.
Lake Torre Faro (or Faro)
Smaller but equally scenic, this lake is connected to Lake Ganzirri by an artificial canal. It is also part of the protected nature reserve and subject to environmental protection laws. Recreational activities are limited to preserve the natural balance of the site, but walking around the lakes offers spectacular views of the Strait of Messina.
Both lakes, aside from their ecological value, offer a poetic atmosphere, suspended between sea and land—ideal for nature lovers, photographers, or those seeking a quiet moment away from mass tourism.
Lakes Dried Up Due to Drought
In recent years, Sicily has faced periods of severe drought, significantly impacting several lakes. In addition to Lake Pergusa, other basins such as Lake Ogliastro and Lake Fanaco have also dried up, highlighting the island’s growing water crisis.
Navigability of Sicilian Lakes
Most Sicilian lakes are not open to recreational navigation. However, some artificial basins like Lake Pozzillo are used for sports activities such as rowing. It is always advisable to check local regulations before engaging in water-based activities.
Whether natural or artificial, Sicilian lakes are ecological and cultural treasures of great value. Their preservation is essential, especially in light of the challenges posed by climate change and water scarcity, to ensure they continue to play their vital role in the island’s ecosystem.
