Lake Santa Croce, the largest in the province of Belluno and the second largest in the Veneto region, is a natural lake formed by a landslide that closed the Lapisina Valley, blocking the descent of the Piave River towards Vittorio Veneto and creating the Sella del Fadalto. Situated in the Alpago area between Farra d'Alpago, Puos d'Alpago and Ponte nelle Alpi, on the border with the province of Treviso, it is a body of water that reflects the Alpago mountains and Nevegal in its crystal-clear waters. The villages along the banks still preserve examples of the typical architecture of stepped houses with stone slab, straw and marsh reed roofs.
Birdwatching at the Sbarai Oasis
Between the shores of the lake is an important natural site: the Sbarai Oasis, a vast wetland area extending over more than 30 metres and characterised by different environments linked to the lake's varying water levels. The oasis, the natural habitat of many species of birds such as the Little Grebe, Lapwing, Reed Warbler, Eurasian Reed Warbler, Penduline Warbler, Grey Heron, White Stork and Long-tailed Warbler, is the perfect place for birdwatching and can be reached along a level path, where one can also admire specimens of white willows.
Baia delle Sirene: the ichthyogenic centre
At the mouth of the Baia delle Sirene (Siren Bay), along the southern side of the lake, is the Farra d'Alpago Ichthyogenic Experimental Centre, set up with the intention of upgrading the area and encouraging the production of fish in the basin of the most characteristic and prized species, such as whitefish, pike and trout, which are at risk of extinction. The Centre also has didactic and educational purposes aimed at schools in order to make children aware of activities related to the lake and its natural habitat. The new structure is perfectly integrated into the environment, located in a panoramic position to admire the beauty of the Santa Croce Lake and the entire Alpine basin. The Centre is on two floors and was built in wood and concrete with large windows overlooking the lake.
Sport and relaxation at Lake Santa Croce
Thanks to its particularly windy climate, the lake has become a popular destination for windsurfing, kitesurfing and sailing enthusiasts. Throughout the year, but especially in fine weather, one can admire from the beach along the shores of the lake large, colourful sails furrowing the blue waters of this stretch of water that annually attracts lovers of these sports, which combine water and wind with strong adrenalin rushes, from all over Europe.
For walkers and mountain bikers, there are several itineraries such as the one on the northern shore leading to the lake's nature oasis with observation points for birdwatching or the eight-kilometre loop on the eastern shore to be cycled.
In summer, the lake's well-equipped beaches invite you to relax or enjoy a nice picnic with friends. For those who want to cool off and take a dip in the crystal-clear waters, bathing is permitted. There are also beach volleyball and football pitches at the lake and a playground for the little ones to enjoy.
Every year, Lake Santa Croce hosts important competitions, such as regattas or windsurfing championships. In 2017, it was the venue for both the Italian triathlon and world windsurfing championships.
The Santa Croce Lake Tour
On foot or by bike along Lake Santa Croce: the tour starts from the Papa Luciani square in Puos d'Alpago, then passes through the villages of Farra d'Alpago, Pojatte, Santa Croce del Lago, La Secca and Bastia d'Alpago in this order before returning to Puos d'Alpago. The tour is 17.4 km long.
