Lake Nemi is known to be a wild, free and natural oasis. A small ring road leads you around the lake and to a couple small public beaches, both bohemian in feel due to the nature of the surroundings and the lack of organized beach establishments and bars. Up until recently, if you wanted to spend a day swimming at the lake, you had to rough it.
But no longer. Run by Matrix Sporting Club, a new Canoe Center has opened on the shores of Lake Nemi on via Perino, marking a new beginning for Lake Nemi.
The center rents sunbeds for half or full day and has a lounge bar, Jheel Lounge & Chill for coffee, light lunches and aperitifs. The Center, a Federal Canoe and SUP School, offers single and packet lessons, along with hourly rentals of pedal boats, canoes, kayaks and stand up paddle boards.
Aesthetically pleasing, the center has used eco-friendly materials which blend into the environment and give off a tropical vibe: Imagine relaxing among thatched umbrellas, banana plants and wood decks while overlooking the water and lush greens. It also ensures accessibility for people with disabilities.
My friend Enole and I headed down to take a look and rent a canoe. After paying €15 for the hour, we chose our vessel (a closed or open canoe) and set off paddling around the lake.
While no strangers to the lake, we still remained completely awestruck with the magnificence of the lake and its surrounding greenery while oaring. It’s an immersive, beautiful experience moving within the crater; to be inclosed in a stunning walled bowl of green while gliding on a clear blue lake. Within the hour, we rowed halfway around the lake against the current, hugged the shore line, then paddled back cutting through the center of the lake.
The new center doesn’t come without controversy. Advocates for the center claim it is a driving force for better use of the lake, enhances the surrounding area and is a boost to local tourism.
The opposition group Comitato Protezione Boschi dei Colli Albani (Committee for the Protection of the Alban Hills Forests) argues it promotes a type of tourism that damages the area’s delicate ecosystem. Locals are also not happy with the bar’s late night DJ sets.
I understand both points of view: Lake Nemi is an unspoiled, natural haven with just a few commercial businesses/activities on its shores. I don't see how the area can support even the slightest increase in the amount of tourists on the weekends; the single road around the lake is so narrow, in some points only one car can pass.
However, it’s nice to have comfortable options to enjoy the lake. We were considering purchasing our own canoe and SUP to have, but the center makes it easy for us to easily practice water sports, rent a sunbed in a stylish, maintained area, or bring someone who may have difficutly accessing the other beaches.
I highly recommend the experience, whether you’re a local or a tourist. We had such a good time, we are headed back soon to try the standup paddle boards.
*****
Matrix, Centro Canoe Nemi, via Perino, tel 06 56196465
JHeel Lounge & Chill Bar - 3928529628 & 06 56196468
Some parking within the structure available. On Saturdays and Sundays, via Perino is partially closed off to traffic and its difficult to reach the center by car; shuttle bus avallabile from Genzano and Nemi