The lake was formed by the construction of a 45-meter high earth-fill dam that was completed in 1999.
The Gabbianello nature reserve located on the northern shore is a former marshland drained for agriculture in the 16th century and restored as a bird sanctuary in the 21st century.
The lake provides a significant portion of the drinking water supply for the city of Florence.
During the construction process, archaeological excavations uncovered remains of a Neolithic settlement and a Roman villa.
The water depth can reach up to 31 meters near the dam structure.
Lago di Bilancino is the largest artificial lake in Tuscany, created in the 1990s to control the Sieve River's water levels and supply the Florence metropolitan area. Spanning approximately 5 square kilometers, the reservoir serves as a primary hub for recreational water sports in the Mugello region. The site is a popular destination for swimming, windsurfing, sailing, and canoeing, particularly at the equipped beaches like Bahia Beach. An Oasi of the WWF, the lake's northern shore, known as Gabbianello, functions as a protected wetland for migratory birds and local fauna. The surrounding landscape consists of rolling hills typical of the Mugello valley. Fishing is permitted in designated zones with the appropriate local permits.
The panoramic viewpoint along the SP129 road overlooking the entire basin.
Bring water shoes, as many of the entry points to the water have pebbled or rocky shorelines.
Visit the western shore for dedicated beach facilities, or head to the northern Oasi area if you prefer quieter wildlife observation.
Check local weather forecasts, as the Mugello valley can experience sudden wind shifts that affect sailing conditions.
Do not attempt to swim near the dam infrastructure or in restricted zones marked for safety reasons.
Recreational beach facilities typically operate from late spring through early autumn.
