What to do & Where to go
Lieux emblématiques
This is the last beach with beach facilities on Piona Lake shoreline before it meets up with the main lake. The beach has a small port and it is bordered by a tree-lined avenue that at certain times of day offers shelter from the hot summer sun. From the shore you can enjoy a splendid view of the headland and the Cistercian Abbey of Piona. Being adjacent to a large car park and a refreshments kiosk makes beach particularly suitable for those who prefer comfort to adventure. There is also a kiteboarding school where SUPs and canoes can be rented.
Spiaggia di Piona
Via Montecchio SudThis is the last beach with beach facilities on Piona Lake shoreline before it meets up with the main lake. The beach has a small port and it is bordered by a tree-lined avenue that at certain times of day offers shelter from the hot summer sun. From the shore you can enjoy a splendid view of the headland and the Cistercian Abbey of Piona. Being adjacent to a large car park and a refreshments kiosk makes beach particularly suitable for those who prefer comfort to adventure. There is also a kiteboarding school where SUPs and canoes can be rented.
A wonderful hiking path that follows the ancient mule trails that once linked Milan and Switzerland. It really is as picturesque as it sounds. The full trail is about 45km. The most popular stretch is from Varenna to Vezio Castle, which is what we did.
The trail is very scenic at points although it becomes closed in with greenery. It is a fairly steep walk although the climb is steady. At times, there are uneven, and roughly made stone stairs which would be easy to slip on if you are not wearing decent walking shoes. You don't need hiking boots but I’d get out my trainers rather than sandals or shoes with thin soles.
GETTING THERE
From Varenna, start at Villa Monastero. Walk alongside the villa (and take the chance to look down at the gardens as you go). Across the road, there is a multi-level carpark and at this point, take the street that runs uphill from the carpark. There is a sign to ‘Castello Di Vezio’. The other ‘Sentiero Del Viandante’ signs along the way will be orange but signage is not always clear or obvious so it can be useful to stop and double-check with others if they pass you. In particular, the path at the top, that diverts to the castle is easy to miss. Look out for two signs on opposite sides of big stone walls. One is a large brown sign with various arrows and the other is a small white sign saying ‘Via al Vezio’. Take the narrow path between the two signs.
HIGHLIGHT
The views from the castle lookout point are absolutely stunning. Look out also for the castle ghosts – each year they make plaster casts of real-life volunteers and position them around the grounds to make a striking display. Don't stop when you get to the castle. Climb to the top of the central tower. You would think the views couldn't get better but they do, so don't baulk at climbing these final lot of stairs.
If you can, time your visit with the displays of falconry. The castle is also a training centre for birds of prey. The hike was absolutely worth it.
It is worth noting that the castle is usually only open between March and November. There is a café and toilet at the entry point. Entry to the castle & grounds is € 4 (well worth it). Importantly, pick up an information sheet where you pay. There is no information inside so the sheet is really helpful.
OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST
* the tiny town of Vezio with its medieval church, small graveyard, ceramic studio and olive grove.
* dry stone walls along the way – so clever to make these walls without any mortar and with just the weight and compression of the stones keeping them together for so long.
* beautiful wildflowers in the spring and summer months
64 personas locales recomiendan
Sentiero del Viandante
Sentiero Del ViandanteA wonderful hiking path that follows the ancient mule trails that once linked Milan and Switzerland. It really is as picturesque as it sounds. The full trail is about 45km. The most popular stretch is from Varenna to Vezio Castle, which is what we did.
The trail is very scenic at points although it becomes closed in with greenery. It is a fairly steep walk although the climb is steady. At times, there are uneven, and roughly made stone stairs which would be easy to slip on if you are not wearing decent walking shoes. You don't need hiking boots but I’d get out my trainers rather than sandals or shoes with thin soles.
GETTING THERE
From Varenna, start at Villa Monastero. Walk alongside the villa (and take the chance to look down at the gardens as you go). Across the road, there is a multi-level carpark and at this point, take the street that runs uphill from the carpark. There is a sign to ‘Castello Di Vezio’. The other ‘Sentiero Del Viandante’ signs along the way will be orange but signage is not always clear or obvious so it can be useful to stop and double-check with others if they pass you. In particular, the path at the top, that diverts to the castle is easy to miss. Look out for two signs on opposite sides of big stone walls. One is a large brown sign with various arrows and the other is a small white sign saying ‘Via al Vezio’. Take the narrow path between the two signs.
HIGHLIGHT
The views from the castle lookout point are absolutely stunning. Look out also for the castle ghosts – each year they make plaster casts of real-life volunteers and position them around the grounds to make a striking display. Don't stop when you get to the castle. Climb to the top of the central tower. You would think the views couldn't get better but they do, so don't baulk at climbing these final lot of stairs.
If you can, time your visit with the displays of falconry. The castle is also a training centre for birds of prey. The hike was absolutely worth it.
It is worth noting that the castle is usually only open between March and November. There is a café and toilet at the entry point. Entry to the castle & grounds is € 4 (well worth it). Importantly, pick up an information sheet where you pay. There is no information inside so the sheet is really helpful.
OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST
* the tiny town of Vezio with its medieval church, small graveyard, ceramic studio and olive grove.
* dry stone walls along the way – so clever to make these walls without any mortar and with just the weight and compression of the stones keeping them together for so long.
* beautiful wildflowers in the spring and summer months
At Iperal Fuentes you can find everything you need. Even Local food and products. Only 20 minutes from our rental houses.
63 personas locales recomiendan
Iperal Fuentes
354 Via la RosaAt Iperal Fuentes you can find everything you need. Even Local food and products. Only 20 minutes from our rental houses.
The abbey of Piona, or more precisely, the Priory of Piona, a typical building of Comacina art in exposed squared stone, which can also be reached from the lake by boat, is a rare jewel of Lombard Romanesque architecture.
Located on the Olgiasca peninsula, in front of Gravedona on the extreme tip of the Lecco branch, it offers a splendid panoramic view of the western coast of the Lario, as well as the opportunity to savor the tranquility and peace enjoyed by the Cistercian monks who still live there today. .
Consecrated in 1138 and dedicated to the Virgin, the first mention of the Cluniac monastery dates back to 1169 with the title of San Nicolò.
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Cluny Abbey of Holy Mary of Piona
55 Via Abbazia di PionaThe abbey of Piona, or more precisely, the Priory of Piona, a typical building of Comacina art in exposed squared stone, which can also be reached from the lake by boat, is a rare jewel of Lombard Romanesque architecture.
Located on the Olgiasca peninsula, in front of Gravedona on the extreme tip of the Lecco branch, it offers a splendid panoramic view of the western coast of the Lario, as well as the opportunity to savor the tranquility and peace enjoyed by the Cistercian monks who still live there today. .
Consecrated in 1138 and dedicated to the Virgin, the first mention of the Cluniac monastery dates back to 1169 with the title of San Nicolò.
The Cable Park is a water park with all sorts of activities immersed in the greenery not far from Lake Como. Anyone ages 5 to 90 can have a fun afternoon full of thrill as they wakeboard through the water. For "kiters" of all levels, even beginners, the cable park is a great way to practice and perfect your skills on days even without wind.
Como Lake Cable
16/A Via Al ConfineThe Cable Park is a water park with all sorts of activities immersed in the greenery not far from Lake Como. Anyone ages 5 to 90 can have a fun afternoon full of thrill as they wakeboard through the water. For "kiters" of all levels, even beginners, the cable park is a great way to practice and perfect your skills on days even without wind.
Monte Legnone is the highest peak in the immediate Lake Como area. The view from the top is definitely unforgettable. Monte Legnone is 2,610 metres high making it the highest peak in the Lake Como area. It is located at the north end of the lake, but its recognizable pyramid-like peak is visible from almost anywhere on the lake. It usually holds some snow until May or even June.
Most Popular Route
The most popular way to reach the summit of Monte Legnone from Lake Como is to begin hiking at the Rifugio Roccoli Lorla (m1460) which can be reached by car from the town of Tremenico (near Dervio). There you will see signs for the rifugio. The road is narrow but paved almost to the end. A short hike from the parking area will get you to the rifugio. From there is only one way up.
Level of Difficulty
This Route has a level of difficulty between EE and EEA which means it is for skilled hikers. The EEA rating, as defined by the Club Alpino Italiano (CAI), is given because there are exposed sections, particularly on the final ascent, that require some scrambling up rocks and the use cables that are permanently fixed in the mountain to assist you. Here is an unofficial explanation of the difficulty rating system in Italy. There are other routes to the summit.
Wildlife
You will likely encounter deer, goats, or chamois.
Safety
There is no water on this hike, so bring your own. Winds can be very strong so use caution. Winter climbing is for experts only.
26 personas locales recomiendan
Monte Legnone
Monte Legnone is the highest peak in the immediate Lake Como area. The view from the top is definitely unforgettable. Monte Legnone is 2,610 metres high making it the highest peak in the Lake Como area. It is located at the north end of the lake, but its recognizable pyramid-like peak is visible from almost anywhere on the lake. It usually holds some snow until May or even June.
Most Popular Route
The most popular way to reach the summit of Monte Legnone from Lake Como is to begin hiking at the Rifugio Roccoli Lorla (m1460) which can be reached by car from the town of Tremenico (near Dervio). There you will see signs for the rifugio. The road is narrow but paved almost to the end. A short hike from the parking area will get you to the rifugio. From there is only one way up.
Level of Difficulty
This Route has a level of difficulty between EE and EEA which means it is for skilled hikers. The EEA rating, as defined by the Club Alpino Italiano (CAI), is given because there are exposed sections, particularly on the final ascent, that require some scrambling up rocks and the use cables that are permanently fixed in the mountain to assist you. Here is an unofficial explanation of the difficulty rating system in Italy. There are other routes to the summit.
Wildlife
You will likely encounter deer, goats, or chamois.
Safety
There is no water on this hike, so bring your own. Winds can be very strong so use caution. Winter climbing is for experts only.
Gastronomie
El Logasc is the probably the best restaurant. You have all the local specialities from the north of Italy. Great staff and great Value for such good food. Located almost at the beach.
10 personas locales recomiendan
el Logasc
5 Via LogascEl Logasc is the probably the best restaurant. You have all the local specialities from the north of Italy. Great staff and great Value for such good food. Located almost at the beach.
This is the closest restaurant from our vacation houses. Fantastic place with great food. Very peaceful with stunning view over the lake.
Trattoria Bel Sit
34 Via PosalloThis is the closest restaurant from our vacation houses. Fantastic place with great food. Very peaceful with stunning view over the lake.