Como & Lecco Panoramic Road

Experience the beauty of Northern Italy on the Como & Lecco Panoramic Road! This 111 km route starts in Como and passes through the towns of Menaggio, Varenna, Lecco, and Bellagio before ending back in Como. Along the way, you'll have the chance to take in breathtaking views of the Italian Alps, Lake Como, and the picturesque towns and villages. The best time to take this road trip is during the spring or summer months when you can enjoy the sunny weather and lush green landscapes. The roads are generally in good condition, but be aware that some of the roads are curvy and narrow. This road trip is suitable for all drivers and can be completed in one day. Plus, it won't break the bank! With its stunning views and memorable experiences, the Como & Lecco Panoramic Road is an unforgettable journey that will provide you with memories to last a lifetime.

Como is a beautiful city in the Lombardy region of Italy. It is located on the southern shore of Lake Como, one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Como is an ideal starting point for the road trip named "Como & Lecco Panoramic Road". It is a great way to explore the beauty of the lake and its surrounding areas. When in Como, one must visit the Duomo di Como, a stunning cathedral located in the heart of the city. It is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture, and its interior is adorned with beautiful frescoes and sculptures. Another must-see is the Villa Olmo, a grand neoclassical villa situated in the city's public park. The Villa is an architectural masterpiece and is surrounded by lush gardens and beautiful fountains. For international travelers, the closest international airport is Milan-Malpensa Airport (IATA: MXP). There are car rental services available at this airport, making it easy to begin your road trip from Como. Como is a great starting point for a road trip to explore the beauty of Lake Como and its surrounding areas. With its stunning architecture and breathtaking views, Como is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves to travel.

Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Como to Menaggio! This 33km drive takes less than an hour, so you can enjoy the most of what these two beautiful Italian towns have to offer. As you drive, take in the picturesque landscapes and keep an eye out for the historical sites along the way. Be aware that some sections of the road are winding and narrow, so take it slow and enjoy the scenery. Make sure to visit the numerous attractions in Como, such as the Tempio Voltiano and the Cathedral of Como. When you reach Menaggio, explore the beautiful lakefront and the Castello di Menaggio. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check the Itinerary of this stage. Bon voyage!

Welcome to the amazing road trip stage from Menaggio to Varenna! This stage is 0km long and can be completed in fewer than 0 hours. This is a great opportunity to explore the beauty of Lake Como and admire the stunning landscapes that surround it. Start your journey in Menaggio and visit the beautiful Church of San Carlone, a stunning Baroque-style church built in the 17th century. Then, take a ferry and cross the lake to reach Varenna. Here, you can visit the Medieval Castle of Vezio and the Museum of Fishing, where you can learn about the local fishing industry. At the end of your journey, take a stroll along the lakefront promenade of Varenna and admire the beautiful views of the lake. You can also take a boat to explore the nearby villages and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

Get ready for an amazing road trip starting in Varenna, Italy, and taking you through the picturesque towns of Mandello del Lario and Lecco. This adventure will take you on a 25 km journey, with a driving time of less than an hour. As you drive, take in the breathtaking scenery, including lush green hills and sparkling blue waters. Be sure to keep an eye out for the narrow sections of the road. In Mandello del Lario, make sure to visit the beautiful Lake Como, as well as the historic Moto Guzzi Museum. In Lecco, enjoy a stroll along the lakefront and explore the old town. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

Welcome to the beautiful road trip stage from Lecco to Bellagio! This 22 km journey will take you less than an hour to complete and will give you the chance to explore some of the most interesting places in the area. During your drive, keep an eye out for the historical sites and the scenic roads. As you drive, you will find some sections of the road winding and some sections narrow, so please drive with caution. You will be passing through some of the most beautiful parts of the area, so make sure you take the time to appreciate the views. When you reach Bellagio, make sure to visit the Church of San Giacomo, the Villa Melzi Gardens, and the Punta Spartivento promontory. For a more relaxed atmosphere, take a stroll along the cobblestone streets of the old town and enjoy the breathtaking views of Lake Como. This is just one of the stages of a larger tour, so for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

Embark on an unforgettable road trip starting in Bellagio, Italy and ending in Como, just a 30km drive away. This scenic drive takes less than an hour and offers breathtaking views of the Italian countryside. Along the way, you'll be able to admire historical sites, picturesque landscapes, and scenic roads. Please be mindful of the winding roads and narrow sections in some places. You will be able to take in the beauty of the region, while also having plenty of opportunities to take pictures. As this is only one stage of a larger tour, more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route can be found in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, buckle up for a memorable journey through the Italian countryside and make sure to take in all the sights along the way!

Welcome to Como, the charming city on the shores of the northern Italian lake of the same name. The city is the end point of the beautiful "Como & Lecco Panoramic Road", which winds its way through the breathtaking Lake Como area, offering stunning views of the lake and its surroundings. Upon arriving in Como, visitors can explore the city's old town, a maze of narrow cobblestone streets lined with traditional Italian buildings, punctuated by the bell tower of the Duomo di Como. The Duomo is a must-see, with its impressive baroque façade and its stunning frescoes by Giovanni Battista Crespi. Also worth a visit is the Basilica di San Fedele, with its impressive façade and its beautiful marble interior. For a different perspective of Como, take a ride on the funicular railway, which takes visitors to the top of the hill where the old town and the lake meet. At the top, visitors can explore the old town and enjoy the breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Como is also a great place to enjoy outdoor activities, with its many lakeside parks and beaches. The nearby parks of Villa Olmo and the Parco San Marco offer a pleasant spot for a stroll, while the beaches of Lido di Como and Lido di Moltrasio are ideal for swimming and sunbathing. The closest international airport to Como is Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), approximately 60 kilometers away. Car travel from the airport to Como takes around an hour, depending on traffic. So, why not end your road trip through the Lake Como area in style by visiting this beautiful Italian city?

Before you set off

The Como & Lecco Panoramic Road, a breathtaking 111 km route in Northern Italy, affords travelers captivating views of the Italian Alps and the shimmering waters of Lake Como. Starting in the city of Como, the route meanders along the lake's edge, connecting a string of picturesque towns, including Menaggio, Varenna, Lecco, and Bellagio, before returning to Como. This journey seamlessly blends natural grandeur with Italian charm and heritage.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

• Como: Your adventure begins in this elegant lakeside city, renowned for its magnificent Gothic cathedral, the Como Cathedral, and a historical funicular railway that offers panoramic views from the hilltop village of Brunate.
• Menaggio: This delightful town invites visitors to stroll along its scenic lakeside promenades and delve into its quaint historical center, which is adorned with lovely piazzas and frescoed buildings.
• Varenna: A must-visit destination, Varenna is home to the medieval fortress Castello di Vezio, where you can relish in sweeping views over Lake Como.
• Lecco: Known as the backdrop for Alessandro Manzoni's classic novel `The Betrothed,` Lecco's enchanting landscapes can be admired while walking along the beautiful lakeside promenade.
• Bellagio: Often referred to as the `Pearl of Lake Como,` Bellagio is famous for its steep, stone-laden streets and opulent villas, such as Villa Melzi and Villa Serbelloni, which are set amidst lush gardens.

Best Time to Go:

The optimal months for embarking on this Road Trip are during the spring and summer when the weather is warm and sunny, the local flora is in full bloom, and the temperatures are ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Potential Risks:

Travelers should exercise caution when navigating the Road's more curvaceous and narrow stretches. Additionally, the weather in this region can be unpredictable; it's wise to stay alert to the possibility of sudden changes that might affect driving conditions.

Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:

• Though it's possible to complete the Trip in one day, taking the time to explore each town will enrich the experience.
• Drivers should be prepared for mountainous Roads, which, while generally well-maintained, can be a challenge for those not used to such terrain.
• The excursion is cost-effective, offering a wealth of cultural and natural attractions, thus providing exceptional value to travelers.

A good choice for:

Embarking on the Como & Lecco Panoramic Road is an experience that combines affordability with the splendor of Northern Italy's landscapes and cultural wealth. Whether you're navigating through Alpine vistas or immersing yourself in the charm of lakeside villages, this journey is bound to be an unforgettable feature of any traveler's sojourn in Italy.