A GREENWAY TO DISCOVER THE HIDDEN TREASURES OF THE LAKE COMO

 

 

The Greenway trekking is an easy hiking or mountain bike route, which offers a pleasant walk between Colonno and Cadenabbia on the western shores of Lake Como.

The route follows original stretches of the ancient Via Regina, which used to link Como to the Alpine valleys through the shores of Lake Como.

 

 

Through the cobbled streets, stretches of path, and typical alleys, you can discover hidden corners of Lake Como, beautiful gardens and villas, views of the lake and built-up areas, surrounded by the Mediterranean vegetation

  

 

"The Greenway for us is the memory of a fun walk with family and friends, taking advantage of a nice day trip on Lake Como. Walking through the alleys, peeking in the gardens of the villas, taking happy pictures and selfies and at the end of a nice dip in the lake in front of the island Comacina, at the Lido di Ossuccio, before embarking on a visit to the island.

A great day and itinerary that we recommend to everyone"

 

Lorenzo e Paolo

 

 

The Greenway of Lake Como is about 10 km long, is a free route suitable for everyone and can be covered on foot in about 3.5 hours or by mountain bike.

Cadenabbia or Colonno can be reached by bus, or by boat service on the lake. During the route, particularly suitable for children, you can make stops at bars and restaurants on the shores or in the squares in the various villages.

 

In addition to visiting the most famous villas, such as Villa Balbianello and Villa Carlotta and their gardens, we recommend not to miss a stop in Ossuccio and a trip to the island Comacina, reachable by boat in about 10 minutes (taxi service or boat available on site).

   

 


WHAT TO DO ALONG THE GREENWAY

 

ON THE WAY

1. Discover the hidden corners of Lake Como, along the Greenway.

2. Visit the gardens of Villa Carlotta and Villa Balbianello.

3. Don't miss an excursion to Comacina Island.

4. Relax with your family at the Lido of Lenno and the  Lido of Ossuccio

 

IN THE NEARBY AREA

1. Visit the best villages in the center of Lake Como, Varenna, Menaggio, Cadenabbia, Tremezzo, Lenno.

2. Don't miss a trip to Comacina island.

3. Climb the walls of Monte Grona, Grigna and Grignetta.

4. Reach the abbey of San Pietro al Monte and the top of Monte Cornizzolo.

5. Ride to the famous Bellagio, through the Lariani Mountains and visit the Cycling Museum near the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Ghisallo.

6. Don't miss a visit to Como and Brunate.

7. Walk through the flowery gardens of Villa Carlotta in Tremezzina.

8. Trekking along the Greenway of Lake Como.

9. Excursion to the Breglia mountains and to the panoramic Menaggio Refuge.

 

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WHERE TO SLEEP NEARBY THE GREENWAY - HOTELS, B&B, APARTMENTS

 

The Greenway is located between Colonno and Cadenabbia. The area offers good hotels and a number of holiday houses. It is possible to find an accomodation also in others villages of the lake.

 

Thanks to pictures, facilities informations and reviews, You can check easly the availability of Hotels, B&B and Holiday Houses and book the best solution for You, using this link:

 

BOOKING - HOTELS B&B HOLIDAY HOUSES NEARBY THE GREENWAY

  


HOW TO GET TO THE GREENWAY

 

The Greenway is located on the west side of Lake Como, between Colonno and Cadenabbia that are connected to Colico and Como by bus and ferry service.

Local Turist offices offer more information and map about the greenway and the tipical indications, blue and yellow, are easy to follow during your tour.

  

FLIGHT CONNECTIONS: Check here for your flight on:

MXP - Milan Malpensa airport  1,30h

LIN - Milan Linate airport  1,30h

BGY - Milan Bergamo airport  1,40h

 


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BELLAGIO THE PEARL OF THE COMO LAKE

 

Bellagio is located at the top of the peninsula that splits the Lake Como into two branches; it is definitely the most famous and visited destination of the area.

 

The unmistakable silhouette of Villa Serbelloni - a famous 5-star luxury hotel - and the colorful facades of the buildings overlooking the lake are photographed every day by hundreds of tourists arriving in Bellagio via the ferries that connect the villages of the Lake Como.

 

 

The historical part of Bellagio is mostly pedestrian and still well preserved, even if a large number of tourists and shops has made Bellagio a bit chaotic. Bellagio offers its best in the early morning and in the evening when the tourist flow ends when the ferry service ends.

 

Walking through the alleys and stairs is a pleasure and you can stop and sip a coffee or an aperitif, enjoying the view of the mountains and the lake in peace.

 

 

"Bellagio is definitely an incredible place you can’t miss it if you visit the Como Lake. There are many people there every day, but I suggest you visit the Villa Melzi and Villa Serbelloni’s gardens, the small villages and enjoy a lake dunking in summer.

This place surrounded by Como Lake offers an incredible landscape. It looks like a Mediterranean fjord.”

Paolo

 

 

Spending a day in Bellagio you can visit the botanical gardens of Villa Serbelloni (by appointment only, info at the tourist office) and Villa Melzi (entry fee). In addition, the various villages that make up the town of Bellagio offer many interesting views and excellent restaurants certainly less crowded.

 

In summer at the Lido di Bellagio or in the public beaches of the hamlet of San Giovanni, you can relax in the sun and swim in the waters of Lake Como.

 

It is strongly recommended to reach Bellagio by ferry from the villages of Varenna, Tremezzo, Menaggio (The daily ticket "center of the lake" includes unlimited travel).

 

Cycling and panoramic road lovers can reach Bellagio along the 2 branches of Lake Como, Como - Bellagio road or Lecco - Bellagio road, or alternatively reach Bellagio through the Erba - Civenna - Bellagio road, enjoying a visit to the Cycling Museum and the Sanctuary of the Madonna in Ghisallo.

  

 


WHAT TO DO AND VISIT IN BELLAGIO AND IN THE NEARBY AREA

 

IN THE VILLAGE

1. Discover the hidden corners of the old town and the hamlets of Bellagio.

2. Dive into the waters of the lake at the Lido di Bellagio or the beach of San Giovanni.

3. Enjoy a walk through the gardens of Villa Melzi and Villa Serbelloni.

4. Visit the Romanesque church of San Giacomo.

 

IN THE NEARBY AREA

1. Visit the best villages in the center of Lake Como, Varenna, Menaggio, Cadenabbia, Tremezzo, Lenno.

2. Don't miss a trip to Comacina island.

3. Climb the walls of Monte Grona, Grigna and Grignetta.

4. Reach the abbey of San Pietro al Monte and the top of Monte Cornizzolo.

5. Ride to the famous Bellagio, through the Lariani Mountains and visit the Cycling Museum near the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Ghisallo.

6. Don't miss a visit to Como and Brunate.

7. Walk through the flowery gardens of Villa Carlotta in Tremezzina.

8. Trekking along the Greenway of Lake Como.

9. Excursion to the Breglia mountains and to the panoramic Menaggio Refuge.

 

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WHERE TO SLEEP IN BELLAGIO - HOTELS, B&B, APARTMENTS

 

Bellagio offers good hotels and a number of holiday houses. It is possible to find an accomodation also in others villages of the lake.

There are also many mountain huts that offer hospitality on the mountains and pastures that surround the area of Lake Como.

 

Thanks to pictures, facilities informations and reviews, You can check easly the availability of Hotels, B&B and Holiday Houses in Bellagio and book the best solution for You, using this link:

 

BOOKING - HOTELS B&B HOLIDAY HOUSES IN BELLAGIO

  


HOW TO GET TO BELLAGIO

 

Located in the tip of the peninsula of Lake Como, Bellagio is connected to Lecco and Como by bus and ferry service. We strongly recommend reaching Bellagio by ferry, from the nearby villages or from Como.

  

FLIGHT CONNECTIONS: Check here for your flight on:

MXP - Milan Malpensa airport  1,30h

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BGY - Milan Bergamo airport  1,30h

 


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THE WWI MILITARY MUSEUM OF THE FORT OF MONTECCHIO IN COLICO

 

This fort was built in a strategic point nearby the village of Colico, where Valchiavenna and Valtellina meet, just in front of the Como Lake.

The fort was completed at the end of 1914 and it is one of the most technological Italian military compounds of World War One, it was part of the long "Linea Cadorna" defence.

 

 

The four cannons are still in place today and they can fire with great precision up to 12 kilometres of distance. Thanks to its leading position, the fort offers a evocative and unique landscape on Lake Como and on the Valtellina and Valchiavenna mountains.

 

  

The fort is open to tourists accompanied by guide only and is included in the price of the ticket. It is necessary almost 2h to visit the entire complex and it end on the roof of the main building, where the cannos are located.

 

 


WHAT TO DO AND VISIT IN COLICO AND IN THE NEARBY AREA

 

IN COLICO

1. Visit the historical Fort of Montecchio (XX century) and the ruins of the Fort of Fuentes (XIV century).

2. Relax at the Lido of Colico (free access).

3. Fun on the lake with a kitesurf or a windsurf, Altolario (the name of the north side of the como lake) is world famous for these sport.

4. Walk beside the lake at the port of Colico, the right place for a dinner or an apertivo in front of the Como lake.

 

IN THE NEARBY AREA

1. Take a boat from the beautiful Varenna to Bellagio.

2. Follow the Alta via del Lario long trail.

3. Kitesurf and windsurf in Colico and Gera Lario.

4. A long escursion to the top of Monte Legnone.

5. Bike to the famous Bellagio across the hills and visit the museum of the bikers at the Santuario Della Madonna del Ghisallo.

7. Don't miss a visit of Como and Brunate.

8. MTB on the Tracciolino Trail.

9. Discover the Valchiavenna and Valtellina.

10. Visit the Abbey of Piona and buy the famous Gocce imperiali drops.

 

EXCLUSIVE EXCURSIONS AND ACTIVITIES IN COLICO

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WHERE TO SLEEP IN COLICO - HOTELS, B&B, APARTMENTS

 

Colico offers fewer hotels and a number of B&B and holiday houses. It is possible to find an accomodation also in others villages of the Como lake.

 

Thanks to pictures, facilities informations and reviews, You can check easly the availability of Hotels, B&B and Holiday Houses in Colico and book the best solution for You, using this link:

 

BOOKING - HOTELS B&B HOLIDAY HOUSES COLICO

  


HOW TO GET TO THE COLICO AND FORT OF MONTECCHIO

 

Located at the north of the Como lake the Fort of Montecchio is in Colico. Colico is reachble by car driving on the 36ss road, exit Colico.

Colico is connected by train to Lecco and Milan and by boat and bus to Como. The fort of Montecchio is at the north side of the village of Colico just beside the lake.

  

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VARENNA A SYMBOL OF THE COMO LAKE

 

Varenna is located on the east coast of the Como lake, in front of the famous Bellagio. Both those villages share the fame of being two of the main symbols of the Como lake. You can visit Varenna within a few hours. It is distributed on the side of the mountain that descends sharply to the Como Lake shores.

 

 

The small bay of Varenna is a walkable treasure chest of colorful houses and small restaurants. A nice suspended walkway connects the harbor to the main center, and the steep steps lead to the upper center and the church.

 

 

"Varenna is magical, especially at sunset. Even if the bay is very small, it has a Dolce Vita charm. When I am lucky enough to take my friends to the Como Lake, I never miss the opportunity to visit Varenna and enjoy a nice aperitif or a dinner there.

If you have the opportunity to stop here at sunset in any season, the sun goes down between the peaks of Menaggio, enlightening the lake and coloring the village of Varenna"

Paolo

 

 

The best time to enjoy this small village’s charm is at sunset when the Menaggio perks are caressed by the sun and the water of the lake becomes red. A romantic time to share with your friends and loved ones, enjoying a nice lake fish dinner and a tasty glass of wine.

At the edge of the village, you can find the access to the Villa Cipressi and Villa Monastero Italian gardens (with admission fee) framed by the mountain and the lake.

Varenna is the best boarding point to enjoy the main villages of the Como Lake – Bellagio, Maneggio, Cadennabia, etc. We suggest you to choose the 40-minute walk to reach the Vezio Castle’s ruins, an incredible viewpoint location of many falconry shows.

Varenna is also a great starting point for a trip on the lake on the ferry. You can also board your car to reach Bellagio or Cadenabbia.

 

 


WHAT TO DO AND VISIT IN VARENNA AND IN THE NEARBY AREA

 

IN THE VILLAGE

1. Discover the hidden corners of the old town of Varenna.

2. Reach the panoramic castle of Vezio.

3. Enjoy a dinner or an aperitivo at the bay of Varenna.

4. Visit the beautiful garden of Villa Monastero.

5. Buy a ticket to the best villages of the Como lake, Boat service to Bellagio, Menaggio, Cadenabbia, Lenno, Tremezzo.

 

IN THE NEARBY AREA

1. Visit the best villages in the center of Lake Como, Bellagio, Menaggio, Cadenabbia, Tremezzo, Lenno.

2. Don't miss a trip to Comacina island.

3. Climb the walls of Monte Grona, Grigna and Grignetta.

4. Reach the abbey of San Pietro al Monte and the top of Monte Cornizzolo.

5. Ride to the famous Bellagio, through the Lariani Mountains and visit the Cycling Museum near the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Ghisallo.

6. Don't miss a visit to Como and Brunate.

7. Walk through the flowery gardens of Villa Carlotta in Tremezzina.

8. Trekking along the Greenway of Lake Como.

9. Excursion to the Breglia mountains and to the panoramic Menaggio Refuge.

 

EXCLUSIVE EXCURSIONS AND ACTIVITIES IN VARENNA

INFO AND BOOKING

 


WHERE TO SLEEP IN VARENNA - HOTELS, B&B, APARTMENTS

 

Varenna offers few hotels and a number of holiday houses. It is possible to find an accomodation also in others villages of the lake.

 

Thanks to pictures, facilities informations and reviews, You can check easly the availability of Hotels, B&B and Holiday Houses in Varenna and book the best solution for You, using this link:

 

BOOKING - HOTELS B&B HOLIDAY HOUSES IN VARENNA

  


HOW TO GET TO VARENNA

 

Varenna is connected to Lecco and Colico by bus and train and by boat to Como.

  

FLIGHT CONNECTIONS: Check here for your flight on:

MXP - Milan Malpensa airport  1,30h

LIN - Milan Linate airport  1,00h

BGY - Milan Bergamo airport  1,00h

 


DON'T MISS THIS SITE OF THE ALPS

  

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