When you have explored all the villages that make up Bagni di Lucca there are hundreds of interesting hamlets to visit in nearby Garfagnana.
Isola Santa is a partially submerged village not far from Castelnuovo in the Garfagnana. It was built in the Middle Ages, probably the 13th century, around a hospice for travellers and pilgrims.
The hospice was disbanded in 1575. It was brought back to life in 1608 and rebuilt as the church of St Jacopo, which still stands today. The detached bell tower was built in 1899.
In 1950 the construction of a hydroelectric station forced the inhabitants to leave. A dam was built and the old bridge and a mill were flooded. Years later some inhabitants returned and restored some of the buildings, but these days it is almost deserted.
It doesn’t take long to explore a Isola Santa…come for a walk through the village.
The best reason to come to Isola Santa is to enjoy the calm, clear water held back by the dam. It is a great place to have a picnic, eat at one of the restaurants or go fishing.
Isola Santa would be a lovely day trip from Bagni di Lucca.
Bella Bagni di Lucca 
It is lovely and one of Tina’s recommendations all of which are most enjoyable
It is a pretty place. I have been before, but it is always a pleasure to return.
What a beautiful village. It’s on the list…
It is lovely, worthy of a visit or 2.
I highly reccommend eating at Mattarello – Ostello dell Isola – right off the road. I was there 2 summers ago when it re-opened. Delicious!
Nothing was open the day I visited. I will return.
Oh, it looks so peaceful and beautiful!
Such a beautiful place, but, oh, that spectacular hydrangea!