Fiumelatte
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Latest page update: 8 April 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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The lakeside location of Fiumelatte is situated in the Province of Lecco, on the shores of Lake Como. It's a part of the Comune of Varenna and is located a distance of 80 kilometres north of Milan, the regional capital of Lombardy.
Fiumelatte has a Lake Como ferry port, while nearby places of interest include Villa Monastero, Lierna, Bellano and Dervio. |
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Fiumelatte Overview
Fiumelatte, located in the Lombardy region, is a small village situated on the eastern shore of Lake Como, renowned for its unique and scenic setting. Known primarily for the Fiumelatte River, the shortest river in Italy, which flows through the village, Fiumelatte offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Its tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty make it an ideal destination for those seeking to experience the quieter, less touristy side of Lake Como.
Fiumelatte is famous for its lakeside setting, where visitors can enjoy peaceful walks along the water while taking in the breathtaking views of Lake Como and the nearby hills. The village is home to the Chiesa di San Giovanni, a small church that adds to the historical charm of the area. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore a variety of hiking trails that lead through the surrounding mountains, offering panoramic views of the lake and its beautiful surroundings. Fiumelatte’s serene environment, combined with its natural beauty and proximity to other lakeside towns, makes it an excellent base for exploring Lake Como.
Fiumelatte is famous for its lakeside setting, where visitors can enjoy peaceful walks along the water while taking in the breathtaking views of Lake Como and the nearby hills. The village is home to the Chiesa di San Giovanni, a small church that adds to the historical charm of the area. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore a variety of hiking trails that lead through the surrounding mountains, offering panoramic views of the lake and its beautiful surroundings. Fiumelatte’s serene environment, combined with its natural beauty and proximity to other lakeside towns, makes it an excellent base for exploring Lake Como.
Top Things to Do in Fiumelatte:
- Fiumelatte Stream: The village is named after the Fiumelatte, one of the shortest rivers in Italy, which flows for only about 250 metres before entering Lake Como. Its name, meaning “milk river,” comes from the bright white colour of its fast-flowing waters. The stream typically appears between March and October and has been noted in historical writings since the Renaissance.
- Panoramic Walking Trail: A scenic footpath connects Fiumelatte with Varenna, offering sweeping views of Lake Como and the surrounding cliffs. The trail passes through forested areas and alongside the Fiumelatte stream, making it a popular route for walkers and nature lovers seeking a short but rewarding hike.
- Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie: This small church stands near the village and dates to the 17th century. It features a simple façade and interior frescoes, and although modest in size, it contributes to the local heritage and religious tradition of the area.
- Access to the Sentiero del Viandante: Fiumelatte is located along the Sentiero del Viandante, a long-distance walking route that runs along the eastern shore of Lake Como. From here, hikers can follow the trail north toward Bellano or south toward Lierna, enjoying panoramic views and varied natural landscapes.
- Day Trip to Varenna: Just a 20-minute walk away, Varenna offers historic landmarks such as Villa Monastero, a lakeside promenade, and ferry connections to other towns. Its cultural sites and dining options make it a natural and convenient destination for a half-day visit from Fiumelatte.
Fiumelatte - frazione di Varenna
Where to Stay in Fiumelatte - My Recommended Accommodation
- B&B Villa Stefy Located in Fiumelatte just above the lake, this bed and breakfast offers bright rooms with balconies and panoramic views, along with homemade breakfast served on the terrace. Guests appreciate the warm welcome, peaceful setting, and easy walking distance to the Fiumelatte train station and lakefront path. €€ (mid-range)
- Casa Mary Varenna Situated in Fiumelatte, close to the walking trail that leads to Varenna, this holiday apartment offers a fully equipped kitchen, lake-view balcony, and private parking. Visitors enjoy the flexibility of self-catering, the views, and the short drive or 20-minute walk to Varenna’s centre. €€ (mid-range)
- Villa Varenna Just a few minutes from Fiumelatte in the direction of Varenna, this elegant villa offers refined rooms in a historic lakeside setting with easy access to the ferry terminal. Guests value the classic interiors, views over Lake Como, and convenience for visiting Bellagio and Menaggio. €€€ (high-end)
- B&B Il Bolentino Varenna Located near Fiumelatte station and the lakeside walking path, this small bed and breakfast offers clean, comfortable rooms with lake or garden views. Guests appreciate the location for exploring nearby attractions on foot or by train. €€ (mid-range)
- Appartamento Fiumelatte A private apartment right in the heart of Fiumelatte village, offering a lake-view terrace, one bedroom, and a kitchen. Visitors enjoy the quiet setting, proximity to the Fiumelatte river—the shortest in Italy—and the path connecting to Varenna. €€ (mid-range)
Where to Eat in Fiumelatte - My Recommended Restaurants
- Hosteria del Platano: Located in the centre of Fiumelatte, this long-standing restaurant offers lake-inspired Italian dishes with modern touches. The menu includes risotto, fish, and regional specialities, served in a cosy dining room with views over Lake Como. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- La Bottega di Fiumelatte: Also in Fiumelatte, this small eatery provides a casual setting for enjoying Italian classics and local specialities. Known for its friendly service and simple, home-style cooking, it’s a convenient option for a relaxed meal in the village. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Il Cavatappi: Located in Varenna (approximately 1.5 km from Fiumelatte), Il Cavatappi is a small restaurant with a reputation for high-quality cooking and a frequently changing seasonal menu. Dishes include fresh pasta, lake fish, and carefully selected wines. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Al Prato: Situated in Varenna (about 1.5 km from Fiumelatte), Al Prato serves modern Italian cuisine in a refined yet relaxed setting. The menu includes a range of seafood and vegetarian options, using fresh, local ingredients. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Osteria Quatro Pass: Found in Varenna (approximately 1.5 km from Fiumelatte), this rustic osteria focuses on regional Lombard dishes such as polenta, lake fish, and meat mains. The friendly staff and traditional interior make it a popular choice for a casual evening meal. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
Fiumelatte Gallery
Places close to Fiumelatte
- Varenna (approx. 5 km south of Fiumelatte): A charming lakeside town with colourful houses, cobbled streets, and breathtaking views of Lake Como. Villa Monastero, with its stunning lakeside gardens, and Villa Cipressi, known for its terraces and beautiful views, are key attractions in the town. Visitors can also stroll along the scenic lakeside promenade or enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the town’s historic centre.
- Bellano (approx. 10 km south of Fiumelatte): A tranquil town known for the dramatic Orrido di Bellano, a gorge that visitors can explore along walkways built into the rock formations. Bellano also has a picturesque historic centre and a peaceful lakeside promenade, offering stunning views of the lake and mountains.
- Lenno (approx. 15 km southeast of Fiumelatte): Famous for the stunning Villa Balbianello, a lakeside villa with beautiful gardens and panoramic views of the lake, Lenno offers visitors the chance to explore this iconic property or take a boat ride to admire the surrounding villas. The town also boasts a lovely lakeside promenade, perfect for a relaxing walk.
- Tremezzo (approx. 25 km southeast of Fiumelatte): A picturesque town known for Villa Carlotta, an 18th-century villa with lush gardens and an impressive art collection. Visitors can explore the villa and its beautiful grounds or enjoy a leisurely walk along the lakeside promenade. Tremezzo is also home to several charming cafes and restaurants, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing afternoon.
- Menaggio (approx. 25 km south of Fiumelatte): A lively town with a historic centre and a scenic lakeside promenade. Menaggio is a great base for exploring the surrounding hills with numerous hiking and cycling routes. Visitors can enjoy a boat trip across Lake Como, explore the town’s shops and cafes, or simply relax while soaking in the stunning views.
How to get to Fiumelatte
By Rail: Fiumelatte has its own small train station on the Lecco–Colico railway line. Only a limited number of regional Trenord services stop here each day, so it may be more practical to use nearby Varenna-Esino station, located just 1 kilometre to the north. From Varenna, there are frequent trains to Lecco and Milan, with a journey time of around 1 hour and 10 minutes to Milan and about 25 minutes to Lecco. The Fiumelatte station is located close to the lakeside and within walking distance of the village centre.
By Road: Fiumelatte is located on the eastern shore of Lake Como, approximately 75 kilometres north of Milan and 25 kilometres north of Lecco. The drive from Milan takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes via the SS36 dual carriageway, exiting at Abbadia Lariana or Varenna and continuing along local roads. Access by car is limited and the roads are narrow, so parking is extremely restricted within the village. Visitors often park in Varenna and walk along the lakeside path to reach Fiumelatte.
By Ferry: Fiumelatte does not have its own ferry terminal. The nearest ferry services operate from Varenna, located just a short walk away along a pedestrian lakeside path. Varenna is a major hub in the Navigazione Laghi ferry network, with regular passenger boats to Bellagio, Menaggio, and other towns on the central lake. Vehicle ferries also operate from Varenna to Bellagio and Cadenabbia.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Fiumelatte is located on the eastern shore of Lake Como, approximately 75 kilometres north of Milan and 25 kilometres north of Lecco. The drive from Milan takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes via the SS36 dual carriageway, exiting at Abbadia Lariana or Varenna and continuing along local roads. Access by car is limited and the roads are narrow, so parking is extremely restricted within the village. Visitors often park in Varenna and walk along the lakeside path to reach Fiumelatte.
By Ferry: Fiumelatte does not have its own ferry terminal. The nearest ferry services operate from Varenna, located just a short walk away along a pedestrian lakeside path. Varenna is a major hub in the Navigazione Laghi ferry network, with regular passenger boats to Bellagio, Menaggio, and other towns on the central lake. Vehicle ferries also operate from Varenna to Bellagio and Cadenabbia.
Nearest International Airports:
- Milan Linate Airport (Aeroporto di Milano-Linate): Located about 85 kilometres south of Fiumelatte, the drive takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes. Travellers can also take a bus or taxi to Milan Centrale station, then continue by train to Varenna and walk to Fiumelatte.
- Milan Bergamo Airport (Aeroporto di Bergamo-Orio al Serio): Situated around 65 kilometres south-east of Fiumelatte, the drive takes roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes. Public transport options include a bus to Bergamo station, followed by trains to Lecco and on to Varenna or Fiumelatte.
- Milan Malpensa Airport (Aeroporto di Milano-Malpensa): Approximately 110 kilometres south-west of Fiumelatte, the drive takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes. The Malpensa Express train connects to Milan Centrale, from where travellers can continue to Varenna and reach Fiumelatte on foot.
