Colico and surroundings
Colico
Colico is a small municipality in the province of Lecco, located directly on Lake Como. Situated just under 76 km above Milan, Colico is a popular destination for day trips.
The former fishing village is now a lively small town with several beaches, many restaurants, numerous shops, and a large shopping center. The municipality also has a boat landing stage, a marina, and a train station.
With just under 8,000 inhabitants, Colico is the largest town on the upper Lake Como and lies at the foot of Monte Legnone, which at 2,609 meters is the highest mountain on Lake Como. The sun-kissed municipality guarantees long red-gold evenings and beautiful sunrises.
A visit to the old town center and Piazza Garibaldi right on the lake is just as recommended as the scattered hamlets with villas, country houses, open fields, and old farmsteads on the gently sloping Montecchio hill.
Special highlights:
- Stunning view of the lake and mountains
- Located near Piona beach bay and the Pian di Spagna nature reserve
- Numerous excursion and sports opportunities (water sports, hiking, cycling)
- Ideal vacation spot for families (playgrounds, beach, wide range of leisure activities)
- Erbiola green oasis (foothills of Pian di Spagna)
Olgiasca
Olgiasca is a district of Colico and is located south of the town center on a wildly romantic wooded peninsula with sweeping views to the south. Olgiasca is home to the famous Piona Abbey and is a beautiful medieval village. It also has a hidden beach that can only be reached on foot and is less crowded than other beaches in the area.
The Bay of Piona
The bay of Piona borders Colico to the south and is easily accessible by bike or on foot. The gently sloping beach with sunbathing lawn invites you to linger. You will also find a good agriturismo restaurant near the beach and a beach bar serving delicious drinks. The beautiful panorama of the lake and mountains, framed by lush green nature, invites you to take long walks along the lake.
Corenno Plinio
Corenno Plinio is located on the eastern shore of Lake Como, about 5 kilometers from Colico. The village is particularly picturesque, built on a rocky promontory directly on the lake. The castle ruins, medieval cobblestones, winding steep alleys, and a romantic lake access with a bathing platform exude a very special flair and invite you to explore. The village square with marble tombs from the 4th century is also worth a visit.
There are several flat beaches adjacent to the small town. A beautiful panoramic hiking trail connects Corenno Plinio from Colico to Varenna.
Advanced water sports facilities:
Colico is known for its modern water sports facilities, which attract sailors and windsurfers from all over the world. The constant wind from Monte Legnone provides ideal conditions and makes Colico a mecca for water sports enthusiasts. In addition to windsurfing and sailing, you can also enjoy kitesurfing and stand-up paddleboarding here.
Historical sights:
Colico’s cultural appeal is also reflected in its history. Particularly worth seeing are the remains of the medieval fortress Forte di Fuentes, which towers high above the town and offers an impressive view of the lake. The fortress was built in the 17th century and once served as a line of defense against invasion attempts from the south.
Culinary experiences:
In Colico, visitors can experience the culinary diversity of the region. The restaurants along the waterfront promenade offer not only traditional dishes from Lombardy, but also fresh fish specialties from Lake Como. A highlight is a visit to the weekly market, where local farmers offer their fresh products such as cheese, olive oil, and handmade pasta.
Recreation and wellness:
For rest and relaxation, Colico also offers a range of wellness and spa facilities that invite you to unwind after an active day at the lake. Some hotels and resorts also offer yoga and meditation classes to bring body and mind into harmony.
Colico is not only a place for nature lovers and sports enthusiasts, but also for those interested in culture and connoisseurs of Italian cuisine and lifestyle. The combination of scenic beauty, historical heritage, and modern leisure activities makes Colico a year-round destination that has something to offer everyone.
Activities and highlights in Colico and the surrounding area
Transport links
By car:
- Via the tunnel highway on the eastern shore of the lake, 37.5 km to Lecco at the southern end of Lake Como (time-saving, fastest connection from north to south).
- Lake Lugano and Lake Maggiore are easily accessible by ferry from Varenna-Cadenabbia or the northwestern shore of the lake.
- The old trade route to Chiavenna/Bergell and Sondrio/Valtellina offers a wide range of shopping and excursion opportunities.
- Circumnavigation of the entire Lake Como with its countless picturesque villages along the lakeside road. Shortcuts by ferry or tunnel in many places.
- Distances for excursions:
- Chiavenna – 33,5 km
- Moritz – 75 km
- Bormio – 107 km
- Mailand – 92 km
- Monza – 78,6 km
- Bergamo – 79,2 km
By Boat
- Good boat and hydrofoil connections to most of the beautiful places on Lake Como
- Boat landing stage in Colico
- Boat trips to Piona Abbey outside the bay, to the towns opposite, and to Varenna, Bellagio, Menaggio, Lecco, and Como.
By train:
- Panoramic train from Colico and Piona/Laghetto to most places on the eastern shore, as well as to Chiavenna, Lecco, and Milan [Colico – Milan, 80 minutes by train without changing trains or searching for parking in Milan]
Fishing in Colico
- There are opportunities for angling and fishing in front of the Adda River and near the nature reserve.
Swimming opportunities, beaches & pools
- There are several extensive, gently sloping beaches and a small sandy beach in Piona.
- Lido beach with sunbathing and play areas and adjoining restaurant in Colico, south of the piazza
- Beautiful long beach north of the piazza and marina with large sunbathing area, kitesurfing school, and hiking/biking trail to other beaches, partly sandy, on the Adda tributary in the Pian di Spagna nature reserve, near the Adda with sandy beach.
Sports
Golfing in Colico
- Menaggio e Caddenabbia golf course above Menaggio, best reached from Varenna (approx. 15 minutes by car) by ferry to Cadenabbia
- Valtellina Golf Club near Sondrio (approx. 30 minutes by car)
- There is another golf course south of Lecco in Brianza.
Canoeing & Rowing
- Fascinating opportunities for canoeists and rowers to enjoy “pure nature” in the vicinity of the Pian di Spagna nature reserve and Piona Bay, and Lake Mezzola (birdwatching area) connected by the Mera River.
- Guided tours through the nature reserve and along the lake for beginners and advanced skiers
- Professional rowers: Rowing club in Verceia with ideal conditions
- Contact via LABREVA landlord
By bicycle
- Traffic congestion has been reduced on the east bank.
- Cycling or jogging trail from Piona Bay along the lake to the green Valtellina Valley (approx. 17 km)
- The lakeside road towards Lecco is suitable for competitive cyclists.
- Many tours for mountain bikers in the surrounding mountains
- Bicycle rental on site (road bikes, mountain bikes, touring bikes, city bikes, e-bikes)
Horseback riding in Colico
- Two riding schools with indoor and outdoor riding arenas in the Pian di Spagna nature reserve adjacent to Colico
- The wide plain at the upper end of the lake stretching into the surrounding mountain valleys is ideal for horseback riding.
- Suitable for beginners and advanced learners
Sailing, surfing & kite surfing
- The south wind “La Breva” usually starts in the late morning and dies down in the early evening.
- The north wind Tivano tends to be gusty and, with strong winds, is suitable for experienced sailors.
- Beach north of Colico marina suitable for windsurfers and kitesurfers, with beach restaurant, bar and snack bar, kite/surf school, and surf equipment rental.
Tennis
- A sand court, a hard court, and an indoor tennis court right next to the Lido beach resort
- Additional spaces in neighboring towns
Water skiing & wakeboarding
- Modern wakeboarding facility in a pond
- Water ski school in Gera Lario
Hiking, walking, mountaineering & climbing:
- Beautiful routes along the lake
- Long lake promenade in Colico
- Hiking trails and forest
- Numerous easy and moderately difficult mountain hikes with magnificent panoramic views and rustic mountain restaurants
- Hiking excursions in the Valtellina Valley
- Monte Legnone (2,609 m) for more demanding tours
- Climbing opportunities on the mountain range around Lecco and on the rock massif in Varenna on the lake
Boat rental & boat moorings in Colico
- Electric motorboats for up to 7 people for only €35.10* for 1 hour – for trips on the upper part of the lake with its nature reserve and the idyllic Piona Bay to Bellagio.
- Silvia from Econoleggio offers all LABREVA guests a 10% discount on the current price list. The boats are moored in the fishing port of Colico and the service office is located opposite the port.
- For all motorboat enthusiasts on Lake Como – Silvia also has some excursion tips ready.
- Also ideal for parties or picnics on the lake or in combination with swimming fun.
- Colico Dorio – Motorboat and sailboat rental on Lake Como: blueeasyrent.it
- Are you bringing your own sailboat, yacht, or motorboat?
- The marina in Colico offers excellent facilities, including a pool and restaurant. Additional moorings are available in neighboring towns—we will be happy to advise you.
Indoor swimming pool & thermal baths
- There are beautiful indoor swimming pools in Chavenna, with an ice rink next door, in Bellagio, and in Como.
The whole family
- Beautiful, large children’s playgrounds in Colico and the surrounding towns such as Gera Lario and Dascio
- Beaches suitable for small children and beautiful long walking trails suitable for strollers in Colico, as well as in the bay of Piona and on the northwestern headland of Pian di Spagna.
Culture, Events & Entertainment
- Many cultural and musical evening events, markets in Colico in Piazza Garibaldi at the fishing port
- Popular evening venue in the Fuentes district (hits, salsa, folk music, dance events)
- Many churches and buildings of art-historical interest, as well as 12 famous historic villas, some with magnificent gardens
- Former Spanish Fort Fuentes with beautiful walking trails and Montecchio Fortress north of Colico
- Piona Abbey on the Olgiasca peninsula, south of Colico
- Classical concerts
Markets in Colico
- Friday morning: Weekly market in Colico with fresh fruit and vegetables, cheese, meat, and fish from the region, arts and crafts, clothing, leather goods
- During the summer months, also on Sundays
Shopping & Dining
- Numerous restaurants, cafés, and ice cream parlors
- Shops of all kinds in Colico
- Large shopping centers on the northern outskirts of the city
- Shopping trips:
- Lecco – 37,5 km
- Como (capital of silk) – 67.5 km (also accessible by boat or hydrofoil)
- Milan (fashion center) – 92 km
- Varese (Alessi factory outlet, Kartell) – 75 miles
- Morbegno – 18 km
- Old trade route Sondrio (fashion, delicacies, regional specialties along the old trade route) – 45 km
Theater, art, and concerts in Milan
- Good rail connection to Milan – 92 km
Winter attractions in Colico
- Alpine skiing / Nordic cross-country skiing / ice skating / ice boccia in attractive winter sports resorts 50-100 km away (St. Moritz (CH), Bormio, Teglio, Madesimo), smaller lifts nearby in the Valtellina Valley
- Popular: Touring skiing and snowshoe hiking on Lake Como
- Christmas markets and nativity scene exhibitions