Discovering Lake Como, Italy: Hidden Gems and Scenic Villages
Keep discovering Lake Como and some of the most enchanting hidden gem villages in Italy: Brienno, Argegno and Greenway of Lake Como (Colonno, Sala Comacina, Ossuccio, Lenno, Azzano, Tremezzo, Griante).
Brienno, Argegno and Greenway of Lake Como (Colonno, Sala Comacina, Ossuccio, Lenno, Azzano, Tremezzo, Griante)
The itinerary proposed includes lots of walking. Another disadvantage is that buses in Italy in general, and in the area of Lake Como included, may not run that often between stops. You have to be lucky to catch it just when you need it. Renting a car for this one-day journey would be ideal. Alternatively, you can find a private or group tour to book. Also, the itinerary is very complex. It can be done in 2 days. Alternatively, some parts may be skipped for a 1 day itinerary.
Take C10 bus from Menaggio to get to Brienno. The bus station is in front of Grand Hotel Menaggio bus stop. Travel to Brienno – paese bus stop. The journey takes around 45 minutes. Change buses in Argegno – piazza roma – pontile. It’s 6 stops to Brienno – paese after the change. Check the website for any routes changes.
An all day ticket extraurbano costs 10.50 euros per person. You can also buy tickets online in app or site.
Discovering the Heart of Brienno on Lake Como, Italy
Because it’s somewhat small and off the main bustle, Brienno is ideal for a peaceful stop, rather than heavy tourist crowds.
The bus stop Brienno – paese is just in front of Bri’en Pizza e cafe‘, the main restaurant in Brienno. It is in front of the Brienno boat stop and Chiesa dei Ss Nazaro e Celso. The church is just above the water. There is also a square with old houses that descend into the water. You will also find tiny streets and passages. From this main square in Brienno you can enjoy an excellent view of the lake and of Nesso.
Bri’en Pizza e cafe‘ is the main place where you can eat in Brienno. It is quite cheap. Pizza costs 6 euros, and cappuccino costs 1.5 euros, but coperto is 2 euros per person. Moreover, you can have a nice view of the lake from the rooftop terrace.
Walking Tour Along the Lake and Hidden Streets in Brienno
Brienno has a preserved medieval character: narrow alleys, stone houses built into the hillside, porticos, stair-ways and charming old architecture give it an atmospheric feel.
Begin your exploration by descending the stairs to the port of Brienno. Then go near the church by the lake shore. There is a small lawn. In front of Brienno church head north along the lakeshore. Walk on Via delle Vale and eventually you will arrive by the city hall, Municipio di Brienno. From there you can have beautiful views of the Chiesa dei Ss Nazaro e Celso and the tiny houses. Also, there are small tunnels, stairs, and alleys.
Then, at the end of Via delle Vale, turn left on Via dei Portici. Arrive at the main road, Via Regina. Go back to the right on Via della Torre. Turn left and then left again on Via del Biello. Continue on Via dell Biello until arriving back on the road Via Regina. Turn back a little, towards south and go right on Via del Castello, a tunnel. Go back on Via Regina and further south there is another tunnel, Via Labirinto, also on the right.
Then continue to the northern part of Brienno, on Via Regina, and just above a road tunnel you will see a church, La Madonna dell’Immacolata. There is also Bar Pinseria La Terrazza 125 where you can eat and have nice views of the lake.
To leave Brienno get through the tunnel and continue a little forward on the road. Then take bus C10 from Brienno – brascee to Argegno – Piazza Roma Pontile – 6-minute ride away.
Exploring the Heart of Argegno
After Brienno, your next stop is Argegno. Get off the bus in the town center at the bus stop, Argegno РPiazza Roma Pontile. In the town center there are many restaurants and caf̩s, where you can eat.
On the left side, across the lake shore, there is Hotel Argegno – ristorante. It is just in front of the ferry stop. It offers an elegant terrace and also beautiful views. Hotel Argegno has an elegant restaurant and rooms. Accommodation is quite cheap and the food is good. Just after the hotel there is a Gelateria Pasticceria. And after the pasticceria there is Ristorante Barchetta: 9 – 20 euros a course. Continue north and you will get to the center of Argegno and you will find a square – Piazza Roma, and also a fountain – “Le Ciotole“. Near Ristorante Barchetta, to the left, there is Cafe Colombo, cheap restaurant with good pizza and nice piazza views.
On the opposite side of the piazza, there is another good and reasonably priced restaurant. It is called Ristorante la Piazzetta, and it serves good pizza. And just near it is Grandi pasticceria, a nice little old fashioned pastry shop. It has an old style interior and also offers good coffee and breakfast options.
Walking Along the Lake and Across the Ancient Bridge of Argegno
After exploring the central piazza of Argegno continue along the main street towards the lake shore. You will come across a bar on the lake shore – Bar caffetteria Il Porto, with great views of Lake Como. However, it offers expensive food and drinks. A small can of coca cola costs 4 euros. Then continue north on the lake shore. Walk at Piazza Dante Rosati and finally arrive at Pizzeria – Ristorante Lido di Argegno. It is listed on The Fork app with a 20% discount. Prices range from 6 to 12 euros a course.
From Pizzeria – Ristorante Lido di Argegno turn right and cross the bridge and continue right on the lake shore and arrive at Parrocchia Santissima Trinità – Argegno. The church is built at the mouth of Telo stream, a waterway that separates the town in two parts. A magnificent ancient bridge, dating back to Roman times, connects the two parts of Argegno and offers a characteristic glimpse of the town.
The ancient bridge of Argegno can be seen from the terrace of the restaurant La P’Osteria. The restaurant is listed on The Fork app with no discount. Prices range between 14 – 18 euros per course, and desserts are 6 euros. To reach the restaurant, return from the church. Do not cross back the bridge, but keep forward on that side of the river of Telo. The restaurant it’s on the left just after the cars bridge, Via Spluga.
To return to the town center of Argegno from the restaurant La P’Osteria, head straight on the river shore. Follow Via Lungo Telo di Sinistra. Next, cross the ancient bridge on Via Caccatori delle Alpi. Then, turn right at the crossroads. Finally, arrive in Piazza Roma.
The Greenway of Lake Como, Italy: A Scenic Walking Trail
Take bus C10 from Argegno – piazza Roma pontile or from Stazione Funivia to Colonno – Borgo delle Uve – 5 min.
The Greenway of Lake Como is a hiking area. It is 10 km and 3.30 h long – an easy path that is suitable all year round.
The trail is very well marked. Blue and yellow directional signs guide you. Circular plaques and medallions are inset into the path. The wander through the villages provides tons of great spots for pictures. There are also some spots to stop for lunch, a drink, or a gelato along the way. The Greenway del Lago di Como is also a pleasant walk. It begins at Colonno, right next to Argegno and the walk eventually reaches Cadenabbia di Griante. In fact, the route follows the path of the ancient Via Regina.
Colonno: Starting Point of the Greenway del Lago di Como
Take the C10 bus from Argegno and get off at the entrance Colonno – Borgo delle Uve. Continue right on Via Statale SS340 and when you see a parking lot on the right side. Then go right on Via Natale Cazzaniga that leads to a square on the lakefront where the church of San Michele Arcangelo is and also the harbor of Colonno. As getting out of the church, turn right and go on that alley and climb some stairs to arrive at the main road just in front of the post office. Go right and pass through the historic center of Colonno, cross the bridge over the Pessetta stream, which is frequently dry. Arrive in a square called Piazza Matteotti, where there is another bus stop.
Go back in front of the Post Office, and just above the stairs you climbed when coming from the church there is the sign pointing towards the Greenway. So, cross the street and continue on Via Riva Modesto. Continue right, and then forward, follow the signs. Get to the road Antonio Soldati. Close to the end of Colonno the stone road is called Via Vecchia Regina. The walk takes around 15 minutes, it’s a kilometer long. As an alternative you can take bus C10 from Piazza Matteotti to Sala Comacina.
Sala Comacina: Panoramic Views of Lake Como, Italy
Take bus C10 from Colonno – Piazza Matteotti to Sala Comacina – San Rocco – 3 minutes, 3 stops. Or you can walk on the ancient Via Vecchia Regina until you reach Sala Comacina. There you will see the chapel of San Rocco and have panoramic views of the historical center of Sala Comacina, Church of San Bartolomeo and the lake shore.
Then descend the steps to visit the historical center of Sala Comacina. From the center of the terraced steps you can see some of the most iconic elements of the Tremezzina landscape: Isola Comacina, the hump of Lavedo with Villa del Balbianello, the ridge of Mount San Primo descending toward the tip of Bellagio, and the peak of the Grigna (2410 m) in the background.
Exploring the Lakefront and Historic Streets of Sala Comacina
Once you reach the main road that crosses the town center of Sala Comacina turn right, back in the direction of Colonno. Once you see the Bank of Sondrio on the left, turn left and arrive in the harbor of Sala Comacina. There is a beautiful hotel on the right, on the lake shore. And if you turn left you can have beautiful views of the town and the harbor. You can also continue further left on the lake shore promenade.
Come back the same way and reach the main road again and go right towards North and continue until you arrive at Chiesa di San Bartolomeo.
Across the street from the church there is a tiny alley going left towards the lake, just before an orange building. Go on that alley and you will pass some arched way and you will reach a beautiful square on the lake shore and there is one of the few places where you can eat in Sala Comacina, but it’s quite expensive – Locanda La Tirlindana, the cover charge is 3 euros and main courses go from 15 to 30 euros.
To the left, on Puncia promontory there is Lido di Sala Comacina, another option for a meal, maybe more reasonably priced.
From the Lido di Sala Comacina, looking left you will see Villa Rachele, not open to the public.
Then, from the lido, get back to the main road, Via Statale and climb a little the road – Viale degli Ulivi. From the parking lot to be able to capture amazing views of Sala Comacina.
Discovering Ossuccio and Lakefront Views
Leave Sala Comacina and keep walking North on Via Statale and enter Ossuccio, a locality of Tremezzina. Just after the Greenway Parking lot ends go right on some stairs and reach the lake shore and see La Velarca, a houseboat. It is not open to the public, but it is a panoramic point in front of Isola Comacina.
Go back on the main road and find Chiesa di San Giacomo on the right. It offers a panoramic view of the lake. Walk on the short footpath next to the ancient Church of San Giacomo, and then head for the interior of the historical hamlet of Spurano. Back to the main road you can take bus C10 from Ossuccio – spurano for 1 stop to Ossuccio – S. Giovanni – Bivio Ossuccio, or walk until looking on your right you’ll see the bell tower of Santa Maria Maddalena.
The Church of Santa Maria Maddalena and Isola Comacina
Continue right and reach the church of Santa Maria Maddalena. Its bell tower is one of the symbols of Lake Como located in front of the island Comacina. To capture a perfect picture of the church tower go up on Via Andrea Castelli. Then turn back to Via Statale.
Near the church there is a beach on the lake in front of the Comacina island, from where you can take a traghetto boat to the Isle of Comacina. The lakeshore promenade offers panoramic views of Comacina island. If you want to go from Ossuccio to Isola Comacina, you have to call the telephone number on the big wooden sign. Set with the country code +39 before. The taxi boat will come within 5 min. Payment for the crossing is possible directly on the boat. To get back, just get on the boat dock and every 30 minutes the boat comes over. The island entrance fee is 7 euros. It is a pretty island in a lake with a restaurant frequented by celebrities and a Romanesque style church. From the church you can get nice views. You can have a drink at La Botte restaurant.
Continue forward on Via Statale to get to Lenno. Pass the Church of Santi Eufemia and Vincenzo on the left and after the intersection walk on the lakeside street.
Exploring Lenno and the Hamlet of Campo
Cross the pedestrian bridge over the Perlana stream and reach the picturesque Historical hamlet of Campo, another hamlet of Lenno and Tremezzina. See from the outside Casa Brenna Tosatto. The pedestrian path of the Greenway passes through the Lenno and especially through the hamlet of Campo on Via Regina, named on Google maps Via Andreea. After Casa Brenna Tosatto, turn left and you will see the arrows indicating the way. At the crossroads turn right and arrive on the lakeshore, where there is a promenade called Via Stazione and to the right there is Campo boat stop, very picturesque.
Continue left on the lake shore and turn left North and then at the bifurcation turn right and there is Villa Monastero on the left, a beautiful wedding venue in Lenno, not opened to the public. Pass by Villa Monastero and continue the path further, turn left at the bifurcation and then right on a little alley where you see a blue arrow on the wall of a tall house. At the bifurcation, keep left and pass by Lavedo campsite, then by Albergo Ristorante Lavedo with prices between 10 – 18 euros a course, and then when you arrive at a parking lot.
Villa del Balbianello: Iconic Film Location on Lake Como, in Lenno, Italy
After the parking lot and not before it, go right on Via Guido Monzino through the forest and keep going uphill on the path for about 20 minutes, 1 km until you reach Tomba di Guido Monzino and Villa del Balbianello, fairy-tale villa in Lenno where James Bond Casino Royale and Star Wars films were filmed. Prices: visit only the garden – 11 euros, villa and garden – 22 euros. The interior can only be visited with a guided tour that lasts about 45 minutes. Opening times: Monday and Wednesdays closed, rest of the days 10 am – 4:30 pm (last guided tour starts at 4:30 pm). Tickets can be bought online here.
The villa itself is buried on the side of the hill so you will need to approach it by water transfer or taxi in order to see it. Gardens are well kept and quite steep. You can take photos without flash. There is a shuttle boat from the parking lot to the villa every 15 min, around 7 euros, or you can walk the hilltop route which will take 20 – 30 minutes, 1.2 km.
Lenno’s Lakeside Promenade and the Historical Hamlet of Villa
Go back on the path, reach the parking lot and turn right and continue forward and arrive at Lido di Lenno. Restaurant prices at Lido di Lenno are reasonable: antipasto 16 – 20 euros, first course 18 euros, dessert 10 euros, ice cream 16 euros. Lido prices: 10 euros entrance fee, sunbed 10 euros, parasol 6 euros.
Go north on the lake shore on Lungolago Guido Delmati and arrive at the Tower of Villa and enter the historical hamlet of Villa by turning left on Vicolo Guido Delmati, the first tiny street to the left. At the intersection go right on Via Antica Regina and pass by the gardens and Villa Aureggi, not open to the public. Continue forward North and arrive at Parrocchie Lenno e Ossuccio – Church of Santo Stefano and the Baptistery of San Giovanni Battista. Turn right and there is Trattoria Santo Stefano Lenno on the left, a nice trattoria located in the mail square of Lenno, offering nice lake views, and prices between 12 – 22 euros a course, 2.5 euros coperto per person. Further left, on Lenno lakeshore there is a nice two star hotel – Albergo Ristorante Plinio – 95 euros per night, breakfast included.
From Albergo Ristorante Plinio if you continue left on the lake shore you can reach Chiosco di Venere, near the Lenno boat stop; public free entry beach with a snack bar serving 5 euros panini, wine, sandwiches, pizza, etc. You can rent chairs and sun beds, they have Wi-Fi.
Azzano (Mezzegra): Culture and Cuisine near Lake Como Italy
Go back and reach Albergo Lenno hotel situated by the boat stop. They have a nice restaurant with prices between 16 – 25 euros a course. From there go right on Via Lungo Lago until you reach the main street Via Statale – Strada Regina, and there go right, towards East on this street until you reach Mezzegra, or take C10 bus just from the intersection with the main street, bus station called Lenno Imbarcadero and get off at Azzano – Bivio per Mezzegra bus stop – 2 min.
From the bus stop, cross the street, cross the parking lot, turn left on Via XXIV Maggio and there is Antica Trattoria del Risorgimento on the left at the first intersection; the restaurant has reasonable prices, delicious and unique dishes. The menu changes and you cannot find a fixed menu online. They use regional products. Continue North West on Via XXIV Maggio. At the first intersection, go right up on a staired alley Via Sant’Abbondio.
At the next intersection, cross the street and go up the stairs. Reach Church of Saint Abundius from where you can enjoy a wonderful view on the promontory of Bellagio. Go right and reach La casa dei presepi museum. The museum hosts a Crib Exhibition open all year. It is located in an old barn. Continue right and reach Palazzo Brentano. It dates back to the 17th century. The rich local Brentano family built it. Continue on the left street Via Fratelli Brentano. Cross the antique urban center of Bonzanigo, get through a tunnel and then turn right, go down towards the lake, get back to Azzano – Bivio per Mezzegra bus stop. Take the bus C10 for 1 stop to Bolvedro – Piazza Roma.
Tremezzo: Gardens, Villas and the Beauty of Lake Como, Italy
The final length of the Greenway del Lago di Como runs entirely along the lakefront of Tremezzo.
Get off the bus just in front of Villa Sola Cabiati which was built in 1910 and is still one of the finest hotels around Lake Como. It was once known as Villa La Quiete and it features a well-curated Italian-style garden. It cannot be visited but is clearly visible from the road along the lake. On Fridays you can see some wedding ceremonies.
Continue forward and see the Church of San Lorenzo also on the left and on the right go and visit Parco Civico Teresio Olivelli. The park has a nice snack on weekends. In summer it’s possible to take a swim and lay on the grass with your towel. Beautiful public park with a wonderful view on the lake and the mountains. The entrance is free.
Continue forward on Via Statale, pass by the pier of Tremezzo, then cross the road in order to walk along the antique arcades with shops and restaurants. Continue forward on Via Statale and reach a parking lot on the right and Bar Red And White – with good prices; you may sit outside with a spectacular view of Lake Como, and La Locanda Tremezzo on the left – restaurant listed on The Fork, prices: 5 – 8 euros.
Visiting Villa Carlotta and Its Gardens
Continue forward on Via Statale and at the first intersection if you go left you get to Casa Aquadulza restaurant, also listed on The Fork app, prices between 6 – 14 euros. Back in Via Statale, continue forward North on the lakeshore. Finally reach beautiful Villa Carlotta, with its Botanical Garden of Villa Carlotta and Oratorio Sommariva, a must visit. Price: 12 euros, 6 euros for students (26 years), free with Abbonamento Musei Lombardia. Opening times: daily 10 am – 7 pm (6 pm last entrance).
The villa is stunning, you should reserve around two hours to visit it. Walk around and take the longest route which is the best. At the back of the villa there’s also an adjacent olive grove offering the best views. The beautiful gardens have three levels of accessibility, well signposted with rubbish bins and toilets throughout. Within Villa Carlotta there is Bar Acqua Cheta – with a spectacular view on the lake and surrounding mountains, cold dishes and sandwiches; they may not be accepting payment with cards.
Continue forward on the lake shore.
Griante: The Final Stop on the Greenway of Lake Como
After walking just a few meters beyond Tremezzo, you will finally arrive in Griante, therefore the final stop on the Greenway del Lago di Como. See Bar & Bistrò Vittoria on the left – listed on The Fork app, prices 15 – 20 euros, 6 euros desserts.
The stroll on the Greenway del Lago di Como ends when you reach the English church that was consecrated in 1891. Then continue forward North on the road, pass the Cadenabbia ferry stop and reach the bus station C10 Cadenabbia Majolica and across the street there is Bar Company Vecchia Maiolica S.A.S Di Aletti Michel – listed on The Fork app, prices 7 – 15 euros.
You can continue your stroll forward on the lake shore, see Villa Margherita Ricordi from the outside, because it’s not open to the public, and Restaurant La Cucina della Marianna and Alberghetto La Marianna on the left. This is a nice restaurant, with a homey, seaside inn feel, listed on The Fork app, set menu at 55 euros, prices between 9 – 26 euros a dish. As a set 4 course meal, you can skip certain parts so it is taken off of the price at the end. They use fresh, local products.
Lakeside Promenade and Final Stops
Continue forward to a parking lot on the right, with Villa Giuseppina on the left (not open to the public). You can also walk a little forward and reach Villa Maria on the left or even further and also reach Villa Maresi on the left, also both not open to the public, and then Snack Beach Bar Al Pùunt – free beach with snack bar, with sunbeds and umbrellas that can be rented for a small fee, serving sandwiches, wraps, snacks, also soft drinks, beers, coffee, ice creams, granitas, white and red wines. Afterwards, return to the bus station, C10 Cadenabbia Majolica and go to Menaggio – Hotel Menaggio bus stop – a 5 minutes ride.
Read On
Moreover, make sure to explore Destination Italy: Lake Como, City of Milan and Bergamo – Day 4 for the next chapter of our Italian journey — from hidden corners to breathtaking views, there’s so much more to discover. You can find all our posts about Lake Como on this page. Also, for more inspiration and practical travel tips, don’t miss our maps and travel guides, and visit our Italy Travel Hub and Italy Bucket List — your go-to resources for exploring Italy in depth. Are you looking to expand your itinerary? Don’t miss our posts on Venice!
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