From Breathtaking Hikes to Exquisite Cuisine: Experience the Sensory Wonders of the Lake Como Region

Nestled at the base of the Italian Alps in Lombardy, Lake Como and its surroundings have long been celebrated as a retreat for the elite, featuring exclusive boutiques, yacht clubs, and stunning villas amidst charming fairy-tale villages. This enchanting locale has also inspired numerous artists and thinkers since ancient times, including Pliny the Elder and Leonardo da Vinci, thanks to its rich culinary offerings, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant cultural heritage. Here, amidst Lake Como, Lake Lugano, and the area's hidden villages, you'll find centuries-old vineyards, magical woodland waterfalls, and layers of ancient and contemporary history that few places can boast.

A Vibrant Culinary Scene

Bordering Switzerland and historically a crossroads between Rome and Central Europe, the Lake Como region showcases a rich tapestry of cultural influences, especially in its culinary offerings. In and around the Brianza area, you'll find local delights like cazzoeula (a robust pork casserole with cabbage), buseca (a flavorful tripe soup), and risotto alla monzese (a luxurious rice dish with saffron and local sausage), perfect for chilly winter nights. Throughout the region, polenta rivals pasta in popularity, and local waters yield a variety of fish, including sturgeon and eel. A must-try dish is missoltino, made from dry-cured shad, unique to Lake Como.

In other parts of the region, indulge in exceptional highland cheeses and fresh farm products at lakeside agritourism spots like La Fiorida. Relish handmade cotechino (pork sausage) at Alpe di Megna, hunt for certified salami at participating members of the Salame Brianza Consortium like Fratelli Beretta, or explore the diverse flavors of Terre Lariane IGT wines with a vineyard tour in Montevecchia.

For a truly memorable dining experience, consider enjoying a meal in or near Vanzonico, a quaint hamlet of Stazzona village. Here, rustic eateries like Crotto Bercini offer meals in charming stone buildings steeped in tradition. To complete your visit, unwind at Villa Evelina or one of the many welcoming, family-operated hotels lining the lake.

Mountains and microclimates

From the hills of Vanzonico in Stazzona to the Upper and Central Lake regions, a wealth of outdoor adventures awaits. Menaggio, conveniently located between Lake Como and Lake Lugano, is perfect for a refreshing swim on hot summer days or a round of golf at the Menaggio-Cadenabbia Golf Club, the nation's second-oldest golf course.

Menaggio also marks the beginning of a scenic bike path that follows a former railway through lush forests at the base of Mt. Galbiga. Here, you can spot over 130 species of birds in the Lake Piano Nature Reserve before arriving at the charming village of Porlezza. Spend a sunny Saturday exploring the outdoor market, browsing local shops, and enjoying a sunset dinner at Tivàn or the modern Bistro Lurati.

Upper Lake is home to the village of Sorico, where a brisk 20-minute hike leads to the picturesque San Miro sanctuary nestled on the hillside. The protected shores of Lake Mezzola, within the Pian di Spagna Natural Reserve, provide an excellent setting for birdwatching in their natural environment.

From Gravedona ed Uniti, take a hike to the Santi Eusebio e Vittore complex, which includes an ossuary and an oratory adorned with frescoes by the famous Milanese artist Il Fiammenghino. Directly across from Gravedona, you can access the Piona Priory—a 12th-century Benedictine abbey—by foot or boat, where visitors can purchase products crafted by the resident Cistercian monks.

Close by, the Romanesque San Fedelino oratory has served as a peaceful retreat since at least the 11th century. At the base of Monte Legnone, the hilly town of Colico has been a key defensive location since the early 1600s, featuring well-preserved forts from both the Spanish army and French forces from World War I.

On the banks of Lake Lugano, adjacent to the ‘Painted Village’ of Claino con Osten, a winding path leads to a stunning waterfall and the seven limestone caves of Rescia, a popular destination since the 17th century. To the east of Lake Como, just outside Introbio, you can view the Troggia waterfall from above, which Leonardo da Vinci famously sketched in his Codex Atlanticus. Further south, the Regional Park of Montevecchia and the Curone Valley, known for its Terre Lariane IGT wines, offers breathtaking mountain biking along well-maintained trails surrounded by terraced vineyards and charming chestnut groves.

The culture of Como

Cycling enthusiasts have found their paradise here. With numerous bike-friendly roads and trails, the Lake Como region boasts a rich cycling heritage. Near Magreglio lies the famous “Ghisallo climb,” a regular feature in major races like the Giro d’Italia. At the summit, the Fausto Coppi Memorial offers breathtaking views in honor of one of Italy’s legendary postwar sports figures. This statue is accompanied by a sanctuary dedicated to the Madonna del Ghisallo, the cycling patron saint, along with a cycling museum that showcases significant racing artifacts from March to November, celebrating the Golden Age of cycling.

The “Woodland Spirit” route in the mountain village of Canzo features enchanting sculptures and a maze to explore. The Astronomical Observatory of Sormano has welcomed amateur astronomers since 1989, leading to discoveries of several minor planets and comets. (Be sure to check viewing conditions in advance to confirm the observatory is open during your visit.)

Baggero Island in the Brianza plain is full of charm. Explore the region’s industrial history at the old mill, then immerse yourself in tranquility at Il Corazziere, a “rural resort” where history blends seamlessly with stunning nature and some of the finest local cuisine.

Nestled between Lake Como and Lake Lugano, near Menaggio in the heart of Valsanagra Park, the Sanagra Valley Nature and Ethnography Museum (open on the last Sunday of each month) showcases the region’s traditions. In nearby Valsolda, you can pre-arrange tours of Villa Fogazzaro Roi, a beautifully preserved example of 19th-century aristocracy. For an exquisite stay, consider finishing your evening at Menaggio’s opulent Grand Hotel Victoria, one of the area’s most luxurious hotels.

For those intrigued by modern history, the town of Dongo on the western shore of Upper Lake is essential. Here, on April 27, 1945, at Palazzo Manzi, the Resistance captured and detained Mussolini and his top aides, marking a pivotal moment in the end of World War II. This site holds great significance for the Resistance’s legacy, and the End of the War Museum, open during the summer or by reservation, brings this historical narrative to life.

The air here holds a unique charm. The mountains, valleys, lakes, rivers, and charming villages have inspired generations, creating a rich cultural and culinary legacy unmatched elsewhere. Discover more about this enchanting destination by visiting Italy Tourism and begin planning your adventure today.