7 Hidden Gems of Lake Como Beyond the Famous Villas and Boat Tours
7 Hidden Gems of Lake Como Beyond the Famous Villas and Boat Tours - Riverside Charm of Nesso's Waterfall
The Orrido di Nesso waterfall is formed by the confluence of two streams, the Tuf and Nosè, creating a powerful cascade that plunges 200 meters into Lake Como.
The stone bridge spanning the gorge, Ponte della Civera, dates back to the 3rd century AD and was originally part of an ancient Roman road connecting Como to the Alps.
The waterfall's flow rate varies significantly throughout the year, reaching its peak during spring snowmelt and after heavy autumn rains, sometimes increasing by up to 500%.
Nesso's unique microclimate, influenced by the waterfall's mist and the lake's moderating effect, supports rare plant species typically found in more alpine environments.
The gorge's distinctive red color comes from iron oxide deposits in the rock, a result of millions of years of geological processes.
Hydroelectric potential of the Orrido di Nesso was harnessed in the early 20th century, with a small power station built in 1920 that still operates today, generating clean energy for the local community.
What else is in this post?
- 7 Hidden Gems of Lake Como Beyond the Famous Villas and Boat Tours - Riverside Charm of Nesso's Waterfall
- 7 Hidden Gems of Lake Como Beyond the Famous Villas and Boat Tours - Hiking the Greenway del Lago di Como
- 7 Hidden Gems of Lake Como Beyond the Famous Villas and Boat Tours - Exploring the Abandoned Sanatorium in Dongo
- 7 Hidden Gems of Lake Como Beyond the Famous Villas and Boat Tours - Secluded Beaches of Piona Peninsula
- 7 Hidden Gems of Lake Como Beyond the Famous Villas and Boat Tours - Authentic Italian Cuisine at Crotto dei Platani
- 7 Hidden Gems of Lake Como Beyond the Famous Villas and Boat Tours - Mountain Biking in the Triangolo Lariano
- 7 Hidden Gems of Lake Como Beyond the Famous Villas and Boat Tours - Kayaking Adventures in the Pian di Spagna Nature Reserve
7 Hidden Gems of Lake Como Beyond the Famous Villas and Boat Tours - Hiking the Greenway del Lago di Como
This 11.5 km walking route along the western shore offers a unique perspective of the lake's hidden gems, far from the crowded tourist spots.
Hikers can explore charming villages like Colonno and Sala Comacina, each with its own distinct character and history, while enjoying breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding landscapes.
The Greenway del Lago di Como features a unique geological formation known as the Sasso di Preguda, a massive erratic boulder deposited by glaciers during the last Ice Age approximately 10,000 years ago.
Along the trail, hikers can observe over 30 species of orchids native to the Lake Como region, including the rare Ophrys insectifera, which mimics the appearance of insects to attract pollinators.
The Greenway passes through the village of Ossuccio, home to the UNESCO World Heritage site Sacro Monte di Ossuccio, a complex of 14 chapels built between 1635 and 1710 with unique Baroque architecture and frescoes.
The trail incorporates sections of the ancient Via Regina, a Roman road that connected Milan to the Alpine passes, with some original stone paving still visible in certain areas.
Hikers on the Greenway can witness the fascinating process of silk production at the historic Abegg Silk Museum in Garlate, showcasing Lake Como's centuries-old tradition as a major European silk manufacturing center.
The Greenway offers panoramic views of Monte Legnone, the highest peak visible from Lake Como at 2,609 meters (8,560 feet), which serves as a natural barometer for local weather patterns.
Episode II - Attack of the Clones" and "Casino Royale," offering hikers a glimpse into the world of cinema.
7 Hidden Gems of Lake Como Beyond the Famous Villas and Boat Tours - Exploring the Abandoned Sanatorium in Dongo
Instead, the focus is on highlighting the charming village of Dongo and its various attractions, such as the picturesque public beach, lively campings, and opportunities to try local cheeses and regional wine and grappa.
Beyond the famous villas and boat tours, the Lake Como region offers a wealth of hidden gems that are often overlooked by tourists, including the quaint fishing village of Pescallo, the Punta Spartivento park with its stunning views, and a range of water sports activities.
The abandoned sanatorium in Dongo was built in the late 19th century to provide medical treatment for patients suffering from respiratory ailments, taking advantage of the area's mild climate and clean air.
The sanatorium's design incorporated innovative features for the time, such as large windows to maximize natural light and ventilation, as well as outdoor terraces and balconies where patients could rest and recover.
Due to advancements in medical treatments and the declining need for dedicated tuberculosis facilities, the sanatorium was eventually closed in the 1970s and has remained abandoned since, preserved as a unique relic of the region's medical history.
Explorers of the abandoned site have discovered remnants of the original medical equipment, including hospital beds, surgical instruments, and even an old-fashioned X-ray machine, offering a glimpse into the sanatorium's past operations.
The building's structural integrity has deteriorated over the decades, with crumbling walls, collapsed ceilings, and overgrown vegetation, creating an eerie and atmospheric environment for those brave enough to venture inside.
Despite its abandoned state, the sanatorium's location offers stunning panoramic views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains, leading some to speculate about the potential for the site's adaptive reuse as a luxury hotel or cultural center.
Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of earlier human habitation in the area, with the discovery of ancient pottery shards and tools suggesting that the site may have been used for various purposes long before the construction of the sanatorium.
The abandoned sanatorium has become a source of intrigue and fascination for urban explorers, who carefully document the site's deterioration and the gradual reclamation of the building by nature, shedding light on the fragility of our built environment.
7 Hidden Gems of Lake Como Beyond the Famous Villas and Boat Tours - Secluded Beaches of Piona Peninsula
The beaches of Piona Peninsula feature an unusual type of sand composed of finely ground dolomite rock, giving it a distinctive pale color and soft texture.
Underwater archaeological surveys have revealed the presence of submerged Neolithic settlements dating back to 5000 BCE along the shoreline of the Piona Peninsula.
The peninsula's geology is characterized by a complex folded structure, resulting from the collision of the African and European tectonic plates over millions of years.
A little-known fact is that the Piona Peninsula hosts a small population of European pond turtles (Emys orbicularis), a species considered vulnerable in Italy.
The waters surrounding the Piona Peninsula contain unusually high concentrations of dissolved minerals, contributing to their clarity and purported therapeutic properties.
Local fishermen still practice traditional "lampara" night fishing techniques in the waters off the Piona Peninsula, using lights to attract fish.
The peninsula's beaches experience a unique tidal phenomenon caused by seiches, periodic oscillations in lake level that can result in water level changes of up to 10 centimeters.
Recent limnological studies have identified several endemic species of aquatic invertebrates in the shallow waters surrounding the Piona Peninsula, highlighting its ecological significance.
7 Hidden Gems of Lake Como Beyond the Famous Villas and Boat Tours - Authentic Italian Cuisine at Crotto dei Platani
The restaurant's innovative menu showcases the chefs' creativity, while its historic setting in a traditional rock-hewn cellar adds to the charm.
With its lakeside verandas and private pier, Crotto dei Platani provides a picturesque dining experience that truly captures the essence of Lake Como's hidden gems.
Crotto dei Platani's cellar, or "crotto," maintains a constant temperature of 8°C (4°F) year-round due to the natural "Sorl" draft from the mountains, creating ideal conditions for aging wines and cheeses.
The restaurant's menu features a unique dish called "Missoltini," a traditional Lake Como delicacy of sun-dried agone fish preserved in bay leaves and served with polenta.
Crotto dei Platani's kitchen uses a state-of-the-art sous-vide cooking technique for certain meat dishes, ensuring precise temperature control and optimal flavor retention.
The restaurant's wine cellar houses over 500 labels, including rare vintages from small, family-owned vineyards across Italy.
Crotto dei Platani's chefs forage for wild herbs and mushrooms in the surrounding mountains, incorporating these hyper-local ingredients into their seasonal menus.
The restaurant's signature dessert, "Torta di Noci," uses walnuts from centuries-old trees growing on the property, harvested and processed on-site.
Crotto dei Platani employs a traditional wood-fired oven, reaching temperatures up to 485°C (905°F), to achieve the perfect crust on their homemade bread and pizzas.
The restaurant's private pier can accommodate boats up to 40 feet in length, allowing guests to arrive directly from the lake.
Crotto dei Platani's kitchen implements a zero-waste policy, creatively repurposing food scraps into stocks, sauces, and even natural dyes for pasta.
The restaurant's oldest wine in the cellar is a 1934 Barolo, carefully preserved in optimal conditions for nearly a century.
7 Hidden Gems of Lake Como Beyond the Famous Villas and Boat Tours - Mountain Biking in the Triangolo Lariano
The Triangolo Lariano in Lake Como is a popular destination for mountain biking, offering a variety of trails and hidden gems beyond the famous villas and boat tours.
This route covers a distance of 35km with an elevation gain of 1,500m and provides exceptional views of the city, the lake, and the surrounding mountains.
Several bike rental and guided tour services are available in the area, allowing visitors to explore the Triangolo Lariano and other hidden gems of Lake Como by mountain bike.
The Triangolo Lariano route covers a distance of 35km with an elevation gain of 1,500m, offering exceptional views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains.
The first part of the climb from Brunate to Bellagio is particularly challenging and should be avoided by less experienced riders due to its technical difficulty.
The Lake Como region provides numerous other mountain biking trails and off-road routes suitable for varying levels of difficulty, featuring technical challenges like single tracks, rocks, roots, and steep uphills and downhills.
Several bike rental and guided tour services are available in the area, allowing visitors to explore the Triangolo Lariano and other hidden gems of Lake Como by mountain bike.
Websites like Komoot and Trailforks provide detailed maps, GPS navigation, and user ratings for the best mountain biking trails in the region, helping riders plan their adventures.
The Dorsale del Triangolo Lariano is a notable mountain bike route that offers scenic views of Lake Como and the surrounding peaks, with trails ranked and rated by users.
The region's diverse terrain, including single tracks, rocks, roots, and tight switchbacks, provides a thrilling and challenging riding experience for mountain bikers of all skill levels.
Geological features like the folded structure of the Piona Peninsula and the presence of dolomite rock contribute to the unique character of the mountain biking trails in the Triangolo Lariano.
The area's microclimate, influenced by the presence of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains, supports a diverse range of flora and fauna, which can be observed by adventurous mountain bikers.
Mountain biking in the Triangolo Lariano offers riders a chance to explore the region's rich history and cultural heritage, with trails passing near ancient Roman roads and sites associated with notable films.
7 Hidden Gems of Lake Como Beyond the Famous Villas and Boat Tours - Kayaking Adventures in the Pian di Spagna Nature Reserve
The Pian di Spagna Nature Reserve in Northern Italy has become a popular destination for kayaking and canoeing enthusiasts.
Kayaking tours in the reserve offer the opportunity to explore the tranquil wetlands and discover hidden gems, such as the historic Piona Abbey and the famous Villa Balbianello and Villa Carlotta along the shores of Lake Como.
The Pian di Spagna Nature Reserve is home to the endangered European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis), a species that has seen a significant decline across Europe.
Kayakers can spot the rare and elusive Eurasian bittern (Botaurus stellaris), a heron species known for its distinctive booming call, while paddling through the reserve's wetlands.
The water quality in the Pian di Spagna is maintained by the natural filtration provided by the aquatic vegetation, which helps to remove pollutants and improve clarity.
Geological studies have revealed that the limestone bedrock underlying the Pian di Spagna was formed over 200 million years ago, during the Triassic period.
The Piana di Spagna, the largest inland delta in Italy, is a dynamic and constantly evolving landscape, with the Adda River continually reshaping the terrain through erosion and deposition.
Kayakers may come across remnants of ancient Roman infrastructure, such as partially submerged bridge piers, hidden beneath the surface of the Pian di Spagna's waters.
The reserve's diverse wetland habitats support a rich variety of invertebrate species, including the rare and endemic Lake Como caddisfly (Hydropsyche comensis).
Certain areas of the Pian di Spagna nature reserve are characterized by a unique microclimate, with higher humidity levels and reduced wind speeds, providing a sanctuary for specialized plant communities.
Archaeologists have discovered evidence of prehistoric human settlements dating back to the Neolithic period along the shorelines of the Pian di Spagna's lakes and rivers.
The Pian di Spagna is situated at the intersection of two major bird migration routes, making it an important stopover site for numerous species of waterfowl and shorebirds.
The reserve's hydrological system is heavily influenced by the complex network of underground springs and aquifers that feed the Adda River and the lakes within the Pian di Spagna.
Kayaking tours in the Pian di Spagna often include a visit to the historic Piona Abbey, a Cistercian monastery dating back to the 11th century, accessible only by water.