Within the Belluno province of northern Italy, you will find Lake Santa Croce, known locally as Lago di Santa Croce, offering turquoise waters and inviting beaches all against the stunning backdrop of the Dolomites.
This Alpine lake is great for families and water sport lovers, making it the perfect Dolomites holiday destination. In our guide, we’ll explore the location of the lake, the weather conditions throughout the year, the most popular activities and beaches, and what to do when travelling with children.
Where is Lago di Santa Croce located?
Lake Santa Croce is in the Alpago basin at about 386 meters above sea level. The lake has a surface area of 7.2 km², and is the largest natural lake in the province and the second largest in Veneto after Lake Garda. Originally a natural basin, the lake was expanded by a dam in the 1930s to regulate water flow into the Piave River.
- Nearby towns: Farra d’Alpago (north), Poiatte (east).
- Accessibility: Just 15 km from Vittorio Veneto and about an hour’s drive from Venice.
What is the weather like at Lago di Santa Corce?
The Lago di Santa Croce weather is affected by its position in the Alpago valley. It has a unique blend of mild conditions and strong thermal winds, ideal for windsurfing, paragliding and other sports.
Summers are generally warm, with daily highs reaching between 24 and 27°C. This makes July and August the most popular months for swimming and enjoying the beaches. During these peak months, the water itself warms to 22–25°C.
In contrast, spring is usually milder, but still with pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, which is why May and June are ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking or windsurfing before the busy season begins.
By September, the lake retains much of its summer warmth, but one benefit is the calmer, quieter atmosphere. As the autumn progresses in the Dolomites, cooler days and more rainfall, particularly in October, are common.
When is the best time to visit Lake Santa Croce?
Depending on your likes, each season has something unique to offer. In our opinion, travelling in late summer or early fall is great as temperatures are still warm, but many tourists begin to head home.
Beaches and swimming areas at Lake Santa Croce in Belluno
If you’re looking for a Lake Santa Croce beach, you’ll find a mix of lidos and natural swimming shores. Please be aware that swimming areas are signed and designated to avoid interfering with boats or other water activities.
Popular beach areas
Spiaggia di Farra d’Alpago: The main beach area, best for families.
Baia delle Sirene: A smaller bay with a relaxed vibe and shallow swimming areas.
La Secca & Poiatte: More natural, quieter shores for picnics or if you prefer to avoid larger crowds.
Tip: Most beaches in the summer have lifeguard services; however, they follow strict schedules and may not be present at all hours of the day. Vigilance, especially with young children, is highly recommended.
Water sports and activities at the lake
Wondering what water sports to do at Lake Santa Croce? Thanks to constant winds, Lake Santa Croce is one of the most famous spots in Italy for water activities.
- Windsurfing and kitesurfing
- Sailing and regattas (events often held throughout the summer)
- Kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding
- Swimming in designated areas
- Fishing (pike, perch, trout)
- Birdwatching at the Sbarai Oasis, a local wetland nature reserve
Pros: Reliable winds, rentals and schools available, beautiful setting.
Cons: Windy afternoons can be tough for beginners or small kids in the water.
Checklist: What to bring for a lake day
🩱 Swimsuit and water shoes (shores are pebbly in parts)
🧴 Sunscreen & hat
🕶️ Sunglasses
🍉 Snacks or picnic supplies
Tips for families visiting Santa Croce Lake
Lake Santa Croce in Belluno is not just for windsurfers, but it’s also a great family destination.
When visiting Lake Santa Croce with children, mornings and early afternoons are generally the best times to enjoy the water, since the winds are calmer. For safe and comfortable swimming, we recommend that families visit Baia delle Sirene or the northern part of Farra beach, as both areas provide gentler conditions for younger swimmers.
In addition to the natural setting, many beaches have useful amenities nearby such as toilets, changing rooms, playgrounds, and cafés. However, parents should keep in mind that the lake deepens quickly in certain areas, so supervision is always needed.
If you are visiting outside of the summer months, you can still enjoy other activities around the lake, such as cycling routes around Alpago, exploring nature trails, or enjoying a boat tour around the lake.
For the more adventurous members of the family, the Santa Croce valley is also popular for paragliding. Many tour agencies offer their services with paragliding sails over the lake with panoramic views of the Dolomites.
Other must-do activities near Santa Croce Lake
Beyond the lake itself, the Alpago area around Lake Santa Croce has plenty of fun activities to help you explore the region.
Hiking: Check out the scenic trails of the Alpago valley and surrounding mountains, with panoramic views of the Belluno Dolomites.
Cycling: Family-friendly cycling routes around the valley, as well as challenging climbs for more experienced riders.
Sbarai Oasis: A peaceful wetland area perfect for birdwatching and connecting with nature.
Vittorio Veneto (15 km away): A historic town with medieval streets, local restaurants, and authentic Veneto traditions.
Why Lake Santa Croce is worth a visit
It doesn’t matter if you want adrenaline-pumping activities along the lake like windsurfing or kitesurfing, or rather a peaceful day on the shore, Lake Santa Croce in Belluno is a great destination to visit when visiting the Dolomites.
When you’re ready to book your expereince, discover D4U accommodations near Lake Santa Croce for the perfect base for your holiday in one of Veneto’s most beautiful lakes.
