Dongo
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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 Dongo is situated in the Province of Como, on the shores of Lake Como. It has a population of around 3,000 residents and is located a distance of 97 kilometres north of Milan, the regional capital of Lombardy
Dongo has a Lake Como ferry port, while nearby places of interest include Domaso, Pianello del Lario and Gravedona ed Uniti. |
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What People Ask About Dongo
Is Dongo worth visiting?
What is Dongo known for?
How do you get to Dongo?
Can you take a ferry to Dongo?
When is the best time to visit Dongo?
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Discover Dongo
Dongo, located in the Lombardy region, is a historic town situated on the northern shores of Lake Como. Known for its scenic beauty and tranquil atmosphere, Dongo offers visitors a chance to explore both its rich history and the stunning natural landscapes surrounding the lake. The town’s traditional buildings, narrow streets, and lakeside location make it an ideal destination for those seeking a mix of relaxation and cultural discovery.
Dongo is famous for its historic centre, which includes several notable landmarks such as the Chiesa di San Lorenzo, a beautiful church with impressive architectural features. The town is also known for its lakeside promenade, where visitors can enjoy leisurely walks while taking in the breathtaking views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore a range of hiking trails that lead into the nearby hills, offering panoramic views of the lake and surrounding landscapes. Dongo’s combination of historical significance, natural beauty, and serene lakeside setting makes it a perfect base for exploring the northern shores of Lake Como.
Dongo is famous for its historic centre, which includes several notable landmarks such as the Chiesa di San Lorenzo, a beautiful church with impressive architectural features. The town is also known for its lakeside promenade, where visitors can enjoy leisurely walks while taking in the breathtaking views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore a range of hiking trails that lead into the nearby hills, offering panoramic views of the lake and surrounding landscapes. Dongo’s combination of historical significance, natural beauty, and serene lakeside setting makes it a perfect base for exploring the northern shores of Lake Como.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Dongo
- Piazza Paracchini and Lakeside Promenade: The main square in Dongo opens directly onto the lake, with views of the northern shoreline and surrounding mountains. The promenade features a marina, shaded walkways, and several cafés, making it a welcoming and social area for both residents and visitors. It’s also a key stop on the ferry route around the upper lake.
- Palazzo Manzi and Museo della Fine della Guerra: Housed in the 18th-century town hall, this museum documents the events surrounding the end of the Second World War in Italy. Dongo was where Benito Mussolini was captured in 1945, and the museum explores this history with photographs, documents, and personal accounts.
- Chiesa di Santa Maria di Loreto: Located in the centre of town, this church dates to the 17th century and features a Baroque interior with frescoes, stucco decorations, and side chapels. It is one of several religious buildings in Dongo and plays an important role in the town’s spiritual and cultural life.
- Water Sports and Lakeside Activities: Dongo has a broad lakefront ideal for windsurfing, sailing, and swimming, with a long pebble beach and rental facilities nearby. Its position on the breezier upper section of the lake makes it particularly suitable for water sports, with several schools and clubs based in the area.
- Day Trip to Piona Abbey: Across the lake, accessible by boat or road via Colico, Abbazia di Piona is a Romanesque monastery set on a quiet peninsula. Surrounded by olive groves and gardens, it offers panoramic views, a peaceful atmosphere, and a chance to explore well-preserved medieval architecture.
Dongo Tours and Activities
Comune di Dongo
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Province: Como
Region: Lombardy Population: 3,172 (in 2024 - source) Size: 8 km² Elevation: 208 metres Highlights: Dongo Marina, Museo Fino della Guerra Travel facilities: ferry port Close by: Domaso, Pianello del Lario, Gravedona ed Uniti |
Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Dongo
- Hotel Dongo Located directly on the lakefront near the town’s central piazza, this modern hotel offers comfortable rooms, many with lake-view balconies, and an on-site café. Guests appreciate the central location, easy access to the beach and ferry stop, and walking distance to shops and restaurants. €€ (mid-range)
- Hotel La Villa Situated in a quiet area just outside the centre of Dongo, this elegant hotel features spacious rooms, a swimming pool, a garden, and private parking. Visitors enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, helpful staff, and short walk to the lakeshore. €€€ (high-end)
- Residence Linda A group of self-catering apartments close to the beach and promenade, offering lake-view terraces, modern interiors, and kitchen facilities. Guests value the convenience for families, lake access, and proximity to the centre of Dongo. €€ (mid-range)
- B&B Villa Rosalinda Set between Dongo and Musso, this friendly B&B in a restored villa offers classically furnished rooms, a peaceful garden, and homemade breakfast. Visitors enjoy the warm welcome, short walk to the lake, and personal touches throughout. €€ (mid-range)
- Casa Vacanze Dongo A private holiday apartment in the town centre, featuring a kitchen, two bedrooms, and a balcony. Guests appreciate the independence, spacious layout, and easy walking access to the harbour, museum, and local amenities. €€ (mid-range)
Where to Eat
Where to Eat in Dongo
- Osteria del Bumbardin: Located in Dongo, this osteria offers traditional Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. The menu features dishes such as homemade pasta, fresh lake fish, and local meats. The warm and rustic atmosphere provides an authentic dining experience. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Albergo Ristorante Dongo: Situated in Dongo, this establishment combines accommodation with a restaurant serving Italian and pizza dishes. Guests can enjoy a variety of pizzas, pasta, and seafood options. The casual setting is ideal for families and groups. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Ristorante Pizzeria La Lampara: Also in Dongo, La Lampara offers a selection of Italian dishes, with a focus on pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven. The menu includes various pasta dishes and seafood options. The friendly service and cosy environment make it a popular choice among locals and visitors. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- La Fattoria: Located in Gravedona ed Uniti (approximately 3 km from Dongo), La Fattoria is known for its Italian cuisine and pizza offerings. The menu includes a variety of pizzas and traditional Italian dishes. The rustic setting and outdoor seating area create a charming dining experience. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Ristorante La Baia: Situated in Cremia (about 8 km from Dongo), Ristorante La Baia offers Italian and seafood dishes. The menu features fresh lake fish and homemade pasta. The lakeside terrace provides a picturesque setting for dining. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
Photo Gallery
Dongo Photo Gallery
Places Close to [Place Name]
Places Close to Dongo
- Gravedona ed Uniti (approx. 5 km northwest of Dongo): Situated on the northern shore of Lake Como, Gravedona ed Uniti offers a perfect mix of natural beauty and historical landmarks. The Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie is a highlight, with its beautiful frescoes. The town also has a lovely lakeside promenade, great for walking and relaxing while enjoying the view, along with opportunities for hiking in the surrounding hills.
- Domaso (approx. 5 km southwest of Dongo): A charming town on the northern shores of Lake Como, Domaso is known for its laid-back atmosphere and stunning views of the lake and mountains. The town is a popular spot for outdoor activities, particularly water sports like windsurfing and sailing. Visitors can explore the town’s narrow streets, enjoy the beaches, or take a relaxing boat ride on the lake.
- Colico (approx. 10 km south of Dongo): Located at the northern tip of Lake Como, Colico offers visitors beautiful lakeside views and a variety of outdoor activities. The Fort Montecchio, an old military fortress, provides panoramic views of the surrounding area. The town also has several beaches where visitors can swim, relax, or take part in water sports, and there are plenty of scenic hiking trails in the area.
- Tremezzo (approx. 25 km south of Dongo): Tremezzo is a picturesque lakeside town famous for Villa Carlotta, known for its stunning gardens and fine art collections. Visitors can stroll through the lakeside parks, enjoy a boat tour, or visit the nearby Parco Municipale. The town also offers scenic dining options with views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains.
- Menaggio (approx. 20 km southeast of Dongo): Situated on the western shore of Lake Como, Menaggio is a lively town with a beautiful promenade and plenty of cafes and restaurants. The town offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and water sports, and visitors can enjoy panoramic views from the town or take a ferry to other towns along the lake. The Piazza Garibaldi is the heart of the town, where visitors can relax and watch the world go by.
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Dongo
By Rail: Dongo does not have its own railway station. The nearest major station is Colico, located approximately 15 kilometres to the northeast. Trenord operates regular services from Milan to Colico, with journey times of about 1 hour and 40 minutes. From Colico, travellers can reach Dongo by bus or taxi.
By Road: Dongo is approximately 90 kilometres north of Milan and about 40 kilometres northeast of Como. Driving from Milan takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes via the A9 motorway, exiting at Lago di Como, and then following the SS340 road along the western shore of Lake Como. From Como, the journey is approximately 1 hour via the SS340 road. The roads along the lake can be narrow and winding, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Nearest International Airports:
Lake Como Ferries: Dongo is served by ferry services on Lake Como, providing a scenic and convenient means of transportation to various lakeside towns. The ferry terminal in Dongo offers regular services to destinations such as Como and Bellagio. The journey from Dongo to Como takes approximately 1 hour and 16 minutes, with tickets costing between €11 and €17. Ferries operate four times a day, but schedules and routes vary seasonally. It is advisable to check the current timetables and plan journeys accordingly.
By Road: Dongo is approximately 90 kilometres north of Milan and about 40 kilometres northeast of Como. Driving from Milan takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes via the A9 motorway, exiting at Lago di Como, and then following the SS340 road along the western shore of Lake Como. From Como, the journey is approximately 1 hour via the SS340 road. The roads along the lake can be narrow and winding, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Nearest International Airports:
- Milan Malpensa Airport (Aeroporto di Milano-Malpensa): Located about 100 kilometres southwest of Dongo, the drive takes approximately 2 hours via the A36 and A9 motorways, exiting at Lago di Como, and then following the SS340 road. From the airport, travellers can take the Malpensa Express train to Milan Cadorna station, then a train to Colico, followed by a bus or taxi to Dongo.
- Milan Linate Airport (Aeroporto di Milano-Linate): Situated around 110 kilometres south of Dongo, the drive takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes via the A9 motorway, exiting at Lago di Como, and then following the SS340 road. Public transport options from Linate Airport to Dongo involve taking a bus to Milan Centrale station, then a train to Colico, followed by a bus or taxi to Dongo.
Lake Como Ferries: Dongo is served by ferry services on Lake Como, providing a scenic and convenient means of transportation to various lakeside towns. The ferry terminal in Dongo offers regular services to destinations such as Como and Bellagio. The journey from Dongo to Como takes approximately 1 hour and 16 minutes, with tickets costing between €11 and €17. Ferries operate four times a day, but schedules and routes vary seasonally. It is advisable to check the current timetables and plan journeys accordingly.
