This is a brief guide of things to see and do on Lake Como starting at Como and working around to Lecco. We hope it helps give you a starting point but the best thing is to come and see for yourself!
Lake Como also known as Lario is in Lombardy, northwest Italy. It has an area of 146km2 making it the third largest lake in Italy after Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore. At over 400m deep it is one of the deepest lakes in Europe. The lake is shaped like the letter Y. The northern tip begins at the town of Colico, while the towns of Como and Lecco are southwest and south east respectively. The villages of Bellagio, Menaggio and Varenna are situated at the midsection of the lake and this area is known as the Golden Triangle.
On a trip to Como we recommend you visit the stunning cathedral with its 18th century dome or the beautiful basilica in Piazza San Fidele. Take a walk down Viale Geno by the lake and stop off at any one of the restaurants that line the street to watch the people and boats go by. Head towards the Golden Triangle and Menaggio and pass through the pretty villages that line the shore.
Cernobbio
The first village is Cernobbio, home to the beautiful Villa D’Este Hotel where you can relax over lunch on a glorious terrace with unrivaled views. Laglio always attracts a crowd as it is home to George Clooney so if you fancy some fun celebrity spotting, stop off for a coffee in the pretty centre. Beyond this on your right you will note the Isola Comacina. This is a tiny island but it does boast two very beautiful churches and is a romantic setting for dinner. There are regular boat crossings and if you go towards the end of June there are firework displays to celebrate Saint John. Further along you come to Tremezzo, a firm favourite with holiday makers for many years. Take a stroll along the well kept promenade or visit the beautiful Villa Carlotta which was built in the seventeenth century. It offers a wonderful collection of art that includes frescoes as well as paintings including a Canova.
Menaggio
Castle Vezio
Arrive in Menaggio and you reach a thriving hub with a major port on the lake. Menaggio has over 3000 inhabitants making it big by lake standards. The heart of it is situated around Piazza Garibaldi close to the harbour. There are plenty of shops and boutiques aswell as an impressive amount of restaurants and bars in which to sample the local food and drink. If your hobby runs to Golf, The Menaggio and Cadenabbia Golf Club is situated just above the town. It was established in 1907 and offers an 18 hole course designed by John Harris.
Pianello del Lario and Dongo
Going further north one comes to Pianello del Lario and Dongo. There is a very pretty marina and walkway that starts in Pianello and goes to Dongo and beyond. There are plenty of sailing schools and other watersport activities here as well as local landmarks to visit such as the museum “La Raccolta della Barca Lariana” which houses hundreds of 19th century boats that detail the nautical history of the area. There is also the stunning church of San Martino famous for its frescos.
Northern tip of the Lake
Lake Como Ferry Service
Colico is the at the northern tip of the lake and has a population of over 7000. Monte Legnone dominates the area and there is the pretty river Adda. The town boasts two famous forts. Fort Montecchio was built in 1911 prior to World War I and there are visits to the armoury where there is a four gun with a range of 14km among others. Fort Fuentes was built in 1603 on the order of Count Fuentes who was the then governor of Milan. It was built as a defense against France and Switzerland who occupied Valtellina at that time. A beautiful fresco which was in the fort has been relocated to the parish church of San Giorgio in the town centre. Colico is also hugely popular with water sport enthusiasts as the area is often windy thus providing great sailing and surfing conditions. The town centre is lively with plenty of restaurants and there is a great lido for all the water adventures.
The Eastern Side
Heading down the eastern side towards Varenna, it is worth stopping at Piona to visit the abbey which is in fact the most famous Romanic building in Lombardy. It has a beautifulconvent and the church which dates back to the 11th century and gardens are peacefuland beautifully kept. The village of Belano has a recently renovated promenade which leads to a pretty beach to wile away the hours. The historic centre set behind the lake front is full of antique shops and little streets.
The Abbey at Piona
Another point of interest is the Bellano Gorgewhich was formed after years of erosion created a deep ravine in the mountain. There are viewer platforms so you can watch the waterfalls and take in the stunning surroundings.
Varenna
Varenna is the jewel on Lake Como – remember Bellagio is the pearl! Varenna is an ancient fishing village built into the hillside that offers unparalleled views of the Golden Triangle. The village is overlooked by the Castello di Vezio, a protected medieval fortress offering nature trails as well as a falconry and on a clear day the best photograph opportunities to be had on the lake. The main square, Piazza San Giorgio, is dominated by the church of San Giorgio which dates back to 1313. The square is also home to many of the village’s restaurants and bars. Within walking distance are the villas Monastero and Cipressi both of which offer stunning gardens and lakeside walkways. From the square you walk through the tiny cobbled alleyways down to the harbour and promenade. Varenna is a main port so you can catch a ferry to Menaggio or Bellagio or one of the passenger boats to anywhere on the lake.
Mandello del Lario
Next along is Mandello del Lario which is most famous as the home of Moto Guzzi the Italian motorbike manufacturer and each year there are special international Guzzi days. There are also several pretty beaches along the shoreline to relax at.
Lecco
Lecco has long since held the industrial title of the lake’s two cities and this often conjures up a negative impression. Nothing could be further from the truth. With a recently redeveloped promenade to walk along as well as a pretty centre offering lively squares such as Piazza XX Settembre full of restaurants and bars. Lecco is also good for shopping for anyone wanting to stay local instead of going to Milan. The Italian poet and novelist Alessandro Manzoni comes from an old family of Lecco and he in fact set the story of the first half of ‘The Betrothed’ in the town. The town even gets a mention in Mark Twain’s “Innocents Abroad”.
This is just a sample of the things to see on Lake Como – to write it all down would involve you downloading a book! Why not visit yourself and see all that there is to discover.