Lake Albano Kayak Tour below Castel Gandolfo with Swim Stop from Rome
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Overview
Swap the city crowds for a volcanic lake in the hills near Rome. This shared kayaking tour takes you from Rome to Lake Albano, where a guide gives a short paddling lesson and leads you across the water below Castel Gandolfo, the Pope's summer residence. You paddle past Roman ruins, stop at a beach reached only by kayak for a swim, and finish with a slice of pizza. Transport, equipment and a life jacket are included, and no experience is needed.
Highlights
- Guided kayak tour on Lake Albano with a short paddling lesson
- Views of Castel Gandolfo, the Pope's summer residence above the lake
- Swim stop at a secluded beach reachable only by kayak, when conditions allow
- See the port of Domitian's Villa and other historic sites from the water
- Kayak, paddle, life jacket, waterproof bag and bottled water included
- Transport from Rome and a slice of pizza included, in a tour of about three hours
Full Description
Lake Albano: a volcanic crater lake near Rome
Lake Albano fills the crater of an ancient volcano in the Alban Hills, about 20 kilometres south-east of Rome. The water is deep and clear, the shores are wooded, and the lake has been a place of leisure since Roman emperors built villas on its banks.
If you are looking for a day out near Rome that is not another museum, this kayak tour is a good answer to the question of what to do in the Castelli Romani. The lake is calm in the morning, which makes it suitable for beginners, and your guide gives a short lesson before you set off.
Castel Gandolfo and the papal summer residence
Castel Gandolfo is the hill town above the lake, known for the Apostolic Palace, the summer residence of the Popes for centuries. From the water you see the palace and the town's terraces high above the shore, a view most visitors never get.
Your guide tells the story of the papal retreat and of the town, and the paddling route gives you the best angle for photographs. The tour does not enter the palace, but the view from the lake is one of the highlights of the outing, and many travellers ask whether Castel Gandolfo is worth visiting; from the water it is a beautiful sight in any season.
Roman ruins on the shore
Along the shore you can see traces of the imperial past, including the port of the villa of the Emperor Domitian and a stretch of coast known for its old millstones. Your guide points out what remains, and explains how Romans used the lake for leisure and religion.
Kayaking is the best way to see these sites, because many are reachable only from the water. Keep an eye out for birdlife too, since the lake and its wooded banks are a quiet habitat close to the city, and the still water makes the reflections of the hills very photogenic.
The swim stop and pizza
Halfway through the tour you stop at a secluded beach reachable only by kayak, where you can swim if the weather and the water conditions allow. It is a refreshing break in the summer months, and a good moment to take photographs.
After paddling back you can shower and finish with a slice of pizza, a simple and welcome end to the outing. Bring a swimsuit, a towel and a sun hat, as these are not provided, and remember that bottled water is included. The best time for the swim is a warm summer morning, when the lake is calm.
Itinerary
- Meet in RomeMeet your guide at the meeting point in the Anagnina area shown on your voucher.
- Transfer to Lake AlbanoA short drive of about 20 minutes to the lake.
- Safety briefing and paddling lessonReceive your kayak, paddle, life jacket and waterproof bag, and learn the basics.
- Kayaking on the lakePaddle for about an hour and a half, with stories about the lake and views of Castel Gandolfo.
- Swim stopStop at a secluded beach for a swim and a snack, if conditions allow.
- Return paddle, shower and pizzaPaddle back, freshen up and enjoy a slice of pizza before the return transfer to Rome.
What's included
- Transport from Rome
- English-speaking guide
- Single or double kayak and paddle
- Life jacket
- Waterproof bag
- Bottled water
- Slice of Roman pizza
Not included
- GoPro camera
- Sun hat
- Towel
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Families with children — a child price for ages 0–17
- Nature and wildlife lovers
- A half-day plan — about 3 hours
- Travellers who want a proven choice — rated 4.9/5 by past travellers
Think twice if
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
Not suitable for
- Pregnant women
- Wheelchair users
- Guests who cannot swim or are not comfortable on the water
Meeting point
Transport from Rome is included. The tour starts at a meeting point in the Anagnina area, which is confirmed on your voucher after you book, and it is not a door-to-door hotel pickup. Please arrive about 10 minutes early. The group travels together to Lake Albano and returns to the same area after the tour.
Important information
- Bring a swimsuit, a towel, a sun hat and sun protection, as these are not provided
- Wear clothes that can get wet and shoes that you can take off, or water shoes
- The tour runs in sun or rain, except in extreme weather such as storms
- You can choose a single or a double kayak
- Cameras such as a GoPro are not provided, so bring your own if you want one
- Bring your voucher on your phone and arrive a few minutes early
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Lake Albano kayak tour cost?
The price depends on the option shown on this page. The booking panel shows the current price for adults and children before you pay.
Is transport from Rome included?
Yes. Transport from Rome is included, with a meeting point in the Anagnina area shown on your voucher. It is not a hotel pickup.
How long is the tour?
It lasts about three hours, including the transfer, the paddling lesson, kayaking and the swim stop.
Do I need kayaking experience?
No. A guide gives a short lesson before you start, and the route is easy and suitable for beginners.
Can I swim on the tour?
Yes when conditions allow. The tour stops at a secluded beach for a swim.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes for children who can swim and paddle, with a double kayak for smaller ones. Check the age limits and rates in the booking panel.
What should I wear and bring?
A swimsuit, a towel, a sun hat, sun protection and shoes that can get wet. Life jacket, kayak, paddle and waterproof bag are included.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Yes when spaces are open. The booking panel shows the dates you can choose, and summer weekends may sell out.
Is a single or double kayak available?
Yes. You can choose a single or a double kayak.
Is Lake Albano worth visiting from Rome?
Yes. It is close to the city, calm and scenic, and gives you a very different day from museums and churches.
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