Dervio
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Latest page update: 26 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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The lakeside town of Dervio is situated in the Province of Como, on the shores of Lake Como. It has a population of around 2,600 residents and is located a distance of 93 kilometres north of Milan, the regional capital of Lombardy.
Dervio has a Lake Como ferry port, while nearby places of interest include Dorio, Abbazia di Piona, Bellano, Colico and Varenna. |
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Discover Dervio
Dervio, located in the Lombardy region, is a small village situated on the eastern shore of Lake Como, offering stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Known for its peaceful atmosphere and scenic beauty, Dervio provides a serene setting for visitors to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. The village’s traditional character, with its narrow streets, stone houses, and lakeside location, makes it an ideal destination for those seeking a quiet retreat.
Dervio is famous for its lakeside promenade, where visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the water, taking in the breathtaking views of Lake Como and the surrounding hills. The village is also home to the Chiesa di San Quirico, a historic church with significant architectural features. For outdoor enthusiasts, Dervio offers a variety of hiking and mountain biking trails that lead through the surrounding hills, providing panoramic views of the lake and the nearby mountains. The village’s tranquil setting, combined with its natural beauty and proximity to the lake, makes Dervio a perfect base for exploring the eastern shore of Lake Como.
Dervio is famous for its lakeside promenade, where visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the water, taking in the breathtaking views of Lake Como and the surrounding hills. The village is also home to the Chiesa di San Quirico, a historic church with significant architectural features. For outdoor enthusiasts, Dervio offers a variety of hiking and mountain biking trails that lead through the surrounding hills, providing panoramic views of the lake and the nearby mountains. The village’s tranquil setting, combined with its natural beauty and proximity to the lake, makes Dervio a perfect base for exploring the eastern shore of Lake Como.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Dervio
- Lakeside Promenade and Beaches: Dervio offers a wide, well-kept lakeside promenade with direct access to long pebble beaches and grassy sunbathing areas. The promenade is ideal for walking and cycling, with panoramic views over the northern section of Lake Como and a relaxed, open atmosphere popular in summer months.
- Castello di Orezia: Overlooking the town from a rocky hilltop, this medieval tower once formed part of a larger defensive structure guarding the Valvarrone. Though only partial ruins remain, the site is accessible via a short uphill walk and offers sweeping views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
- Chiesa dei Santi Quirico e Giulitta: This Romanesque church is located in the historic core of the village and features a tall bell tower, stone walls, and simple interior frescoes. It reflects the religious and architectural traditions of the region and remains a functioning parish church.
- Water Sports and Outdoor Activities: Dervio is a popular base for windsurfing, sailing, and paddleboarding, with several schools and rental centres along the lakefront. Inland, marked trails lead into the Valvarrone and nearby hamlets, offering hiking and mountain biking routes with varied terrain and scenery.
- Day Trip to Bellano and the Orrido: Just a few minutes away by car or train, Bellano offers cultural interest with its historic church and the dramatic Orrido di Bellano gorge. It makes a worthwhile short excursion from Dervio, especially for visitors interested in natural landmarks and traditional village life.
Dervio Tours and Activities
Comune di Dervio
Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Dervio
- Hotel Le Ortensie Located just steps from the lakeshore and a short walk from the centre of Dervio, this charming hotel offers classically furnished rooms, some with balconies and lake views. Guests appreciate the proximity to the beach, friendly hosts, and access to the Sentiero del Viandante walking trail. €€ (mid-range)
- Residence Oasi Del Viandante Set on a hillside above the town, this modern residence features self-catering apartments with lake-view terraces, a swimming pool, and on-site parking. Visitors enjoy the peaceful setting, great views, and short drive or walk to the centre of Dervio. €€ (mid-range)
- B&B Villa Stefy Situated in a quiet area close to the train station and lakefront, this bed and breakfast offers comfortable rooms, a garden, and homemade breakfast. Guests value the welcoming atmosphere, cleanliness, and convenient location for exploring the eastern shore. €€ (mid-range)
- CasaVacanza Dervio A private holiday apartment near the harbour, featuring a living room, kitchen, and balcony. Guests appreciate the central location, walking distance to the ferry terminal, and easy access to restaurants and lakeside activities. €€ (mid-range)
- Camping Village Riviera Positioned directly on the lake with a small beach area, this campsite offers mobile homes and bungalows with lake views. Visitors enjoy the relaxed environment, facilities for families, and ideal setting for windsurfing and swimming. €€ (mid-range)
Where to Eat
Where to Eat in Dervio
- Ristorante Pizzeria Le Vele: Located in the centre of Dervio, Le Vele serves a mix of traditional Italian dishes and wood-fired pizzas. The restaurant is close to the lakefront and marina, making it a convenient choice for visitors. The menu includes pasta, fresh fish, and meat options, all served in a casual, welcoming atmosphere. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Osteria del Viandante: Also in Dervio, this small osteria offers a selection of traditional dishes from the region, with a focus on quality ingredients and careful preparation. The menu includes lake fish, risottos, and hearty meat-based mains. The setting is intimate, with a simple interior and friendly service. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Ristorante Oasi del Viandante: Situated slightly above the town, this restaurant is part of a local holiday residence. It offers views over Lake Como and a varied menu of Italian dishes. Known for its tranquil setting and good service, it’s a suitable option for a relaxed evening meal. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Ristorante Al Prato: Located in Corenno Plinio (approximately 2 km from Dervio), this small, family-run restaurant is close to the lake and specialises in fish dishes, homemade pasta, and traditional desserts. Its quiet location and lakeside setting make it a good choice for a more scenic meal. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Trattoria Pizzeria Da Ely: Situated in Dorio (around 4 km from Dervio), Da Ely offers an extensive pizza menu alongside classic Italian starters and mains. The relaxed setting and large outdoor seating area make it popular with both locals and holidaymakers. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
Photo Gallery
Dervio Photo Gallery
Places Close to [Place Name]
Places Close to Dervio
- Colico (approx. 10 km north of Dervio): Located at the northern tip of Lake Como, Colico offers a mix of natural beauty and outdoor activities. The town is home to the Fort Montecchio, a World War I-era military fortress that provides stunning views of the lake and mountains. Colico also has several beaches, making it a great destination for swimming, sailing, and windsurfing, as well as scenic walking routes around the lake.
- Varenna (approx. 10 km south of Dervio): A picturesque village on the eastern shore of Lake Como, Varenna is known for its colourful houses, cobbled streets, and scenic lakeside promenade. Visitors can explore the beautiful Villa Monastero and its botanical gardens, hike up to the Castello di Vezio for panoramic views, or simply enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the town with its cafes and shops overlooking the lake.
- Bellano (approx. 5 km south of Dervio): A charming town on the eastern shore of Lake Como, Bellano offers beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The town is known for its historic centre, the Chiesa di San Martino, and the Orrido di Bellano, a spectacular gorge that visitors can explore. The town provides a peaceful environment perfect for walking, relaxing, and enjoying the natural surroundings.
- Tremezzo (approx. 25 km south of Dervio): Tremezzo is a stunning lakeside town known for the Villa Carlotta, with its beautiful gardens and art collections. Visitors can stroll along the lakeside promenade, explore the Parco Municipale, or take a boat trip to explore the lake further. The town offers fantastic views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains, making it a perfect spot for sightseeing and relaxation.
- Menaggio (approx. 20 km south of Dervio): A popular town on the western shore of Lake Como, Menaggio features a beautiful lakeside promenade and a lively town centre with plenty of cafes, shops, and restaurants. Visitors can take a boat ride across the lake, explore nearby hiking trails, or simply enjoy the stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The town is ideal for those looking for both outdoor activities and relaxation.
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Dervio
By Rail: Dervio has its own train station on the Lecco–Colico railway line, with regular regional services operated by Trenord. Trains run approximately once per hour in both directions, connecting the town to Lecco, Colico, and Milan. The journey to Lecco takes about 40 minutes, while the journey to Milan takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes with a change at Lecco. The station is located close to the centre of Dervio and a short walk from the lakefront.
By Road: Dervio is located on the eastern shore of Lake Como, around 80 kilometres north of Milan and 40 kilometres north of Lecco. The drive from Milan takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes via the SS36 dual carriageway, exiting at Dervio. From Lecco, the journey takes around 45 minutes. There is a selection of car parks available in and around the town, including near the lake and the marina.
By Ferry: Dervio is served by Navigazione Laghi passenger ferry services, which operate mainly during the spring and summer months. Boats connect Dervio with other eastern shore towns such as Bellano and Colico, and with mid-lake towns including Varenna, Bellagio, and Menaggio. There are no vehicle ferry services from Dervio, but car ferries can be accessed from nearby Varenna, approximately 10 kilometres to the south.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Dervio is located on the eastern shore of Lake Como, around 80 kilometres north of Milan and 40 kilometres north of Lecco. The drive from Milan takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes via the SS36 dual carriageway, exiting at Dervio. From Lecco, the journey takes around 45 minutes. There is a selection of car parks available in and around the town, including near the lake and the marina.
By Ferry: Dervio is served by Navigazione Laghi passenger ferry services, which operate mainly during the spring and summer months. Boats connect Dervio with other eastern shore towns such as Bellano and Colico, and with mid-lake towns including Varenna, Bellagio, and Menaggio. There are no vehicle ferry services from Dervio, but car ferries can be accessed from nearby Varenna, approximately 10 kilometres to the south.
Nearest International Airports:
- Milan Bergamo Airport (Aeroporto di Bergamo-Orio al Serio): Located about 75 kilometres south-east of Dervio, the drive takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Travellers can also take a bus to Bergamo train station, followed by trains to Lecco and Dervio.
- Milan Linate Airport (Aeroporto di Milano-Linate): Situated approximately 90 kilometres south of Dervio, the journey takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes by car. Public transport options include a bus or taxi to Milan Centrale, then a train to Lecco and a connecting service to Dervio.
- Milan Malpensa Airport (Aeroporto di Milano-Malpensa): Roughly 110 kilometres south-west of Dervio, the drive takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes. Travellers can also take the Malpensa Express to Milan Centrale, then continue by regional train via Lecco to Dervio.
