The Ultimate Lake Como Adventure: Uncover the Hidden Gems Along Italy’s Most Enchanting Lake
The main Italian lakes are concentrated in the Italian Alpine arc, such as Lake Garda, Lake Maggiore, and Lake Como. Whether in summer with the oppressive heat or in spring with nature in bloom, a tour along the shores of these large bodies of water can be a rewarding and relaxing experience, revealing the hidden beauties of northern Italy, specifically, the most hidden ones in Lombardy.
In this case, we want to focus on Lake Como, praised by Manzoni in The Betrothed: I Promessi Sposi. It’s the deepest Italian lake, plunging 410 meters at its deepest point, and also the one with the longest perimeter, stretching an impressive 170 km.
Lake Como’s Three Branches: A Journey Through Beauty
Lake Como is divided into three branches: Lake Lecco to the east, the Como branch to the west, and the Colico branch to the north.
Como Branch (West Bank)
Start your journey in the city of Como, at the southwestern tip of the lake, close to the Swiss border. Aside from visiting the Duomo, don’t miss the Tempio Voltiano, the Palazzo del Broletto, and the beautiful Villa Olmo before heading to Cernobbio. Stroll through the old town and visit Giardino della Valle along the Garrovo stream or the splendid Villa Erba.
A few kilometers north, you reach Moltrasio, a village known for its stunning aristocratic villas: Villa Passalacqua, Villa Fasola, Villa Pizzo, Villa Le Rose, and Villa Fontanella (which belonged to Gianni Versace).
Continue north to Laglio, recently famous as the location of George Clooney’s home. Even if you can’t visit the star’s residence, you can explore the village and visit Grotta dell’Orso in Torriggia, where prehistoric bear remains were found.
Six kilometers further is Argegno, a charming medieval village whose origins date back to Roman times. Explore the Telo stream with its characteristic stone bridge or take the cable car to the nearby Pigra plain.
Next up is Tremezzo, home to neoclassical Villa Carlotta, and a popular tourist destination with plenty of hotels and restaurants. From here, head to the nearby town of Menaggio, just a few kilometers north.
Exploring the Colico Branch
The upper part of Menaggio is marked by medieval alleys, with a lower part stretching out toward the lake. Villa Mylius Vigoni is a gem here, housing the Italo-German Center. Alternatively, enjoy a swim at the local beach.
Eighteen kilometers further north is Gravedona, an important religious center known for its churches like S. Maria del Tiglio, S. Vincenzo, and S. Maria delle Grazie.
In medieval times, Gravedona was an important site, even forcing Frederick Barbarossa to surrender his war spoils while escaping across the lake. Nearby, Domaso has become a hub for windsurfing and other watersports, especially popular in the summer.
Don’t miss San Bartolomeo Church and Villa Camilla with its beautiful garden. Before heading to the eastern shore, stop by the Church of S. Vincenzo in Gera Lario to admire an extraordinary mosaic from the 2nd century AD.
From here, travel along the SS340 to reach Colico, an ideal spot for watersports as well as cultural visits to Villa Malpensata, Piona Abbey, and Forte Fuentes.
The Eastern Shore and Varenna’s Charm
Continuing south on the SP72, pass through Dervio and Bellano. Bellano is a medieval village with pastel-colored houses along the lake, featuring Gola dell’Orrido, a small canyon carved by the Pioverna torrent.
Four kilometers south, you arrive at Varenna, perfectly located at the meeting point of the lake’s three branches. This charming village of just 800 inhabitants is home to S. Giorgio Church, Villa Monastero, Villa Cipressi, and the spectacular Vezio Castle.
Lecco Branch and the Iconic Bellagio
From Varenna, walk to the nearby hamlet of Fiumelatte, famous for its incredibly short river. Head south to Mandello del Lario, known for Moto Guzzi factories. Visit the Moto Guzzi Museum or explore ancient churches like S. Lorenzo and S. Giorgio.
Nearby, Abbadia Lariana boasts a beautiful Benedictine abbey dedicated to San Lorenzo. At the southern end of the eastern branch lies the city of Lecco. Surrounded by rocky peaks like Monte Resegone, a visit to the city should include Ponte Vecchio and Piazza XX Settembre, dominated by Torre Viscontea. Villa Manzoni, now home to the Museo Manzoniano, is also a must-see.
Finally, travel to Bellagio, situated at the meeting point of the lake’s three branches. Enjoy the natural beauty and explore the many ancient churches and famous villas like Villa Serbelloni and Villa Melzi.
Final Stops Along the Como Branch (East Bank)
Before ending the tour, make quick stops at the charming towns of Pognana Lario and Torno. Near Torno, Montepiatto offers the Church of Santa Elisabetta and the curious Pietra Pendula, a large rocky spur.
The Most Beautiful Villages on Lake Como
- Varenna (Lecco)
- Cernobbio (Como)
- Bellagio (Como)
- Menaggio (Como)
- Mandello del Lario (Lecco)
- Argegno (Como)
- Lenno (Como)
- Brienno (Como)
- Torno (Como)
- Carate Urio (Como)
- Pognana Lario (Como)
- Moltrasio (Como)
- Bellano (Lecco)
- Colico (Lecco)
