Garlate​

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Latest page update: 26 May 2025

By: Dion Protani

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Where to Stay

Where to Stay in Garlate

Garlate has only a small number of hotel-style options, with most accommodation consisting of lakeside apartments and B&Bs along the Lecco branch of Lake Como. For established full-service hotels with stronger facilities and a higher volume of guest reviews, neighbouring towns provide the most reliable choices.
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In Malgrate, Hotel Griso Collection is one of the most established options, appreciated for its panoramic lake views, modern rooms and consistently professional service (€€€). In Varenna, Hotel Royal Victoria offers an elegant lakeside stay with historic character, refined interiors and strong guest satisfaction (€€€€). Also in Varenna, Hotel Villa Cipressi provides terraced gardens, polished hospitality and memorable lake views, making it a popular choice for a scenic and atmospheric stay (€€€€).

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Where is

Where is Garlate?

The lakeside town of Garlate is situated in the Province of Lecco, on the shores of Lake Garlate. It has a population of around 2,700 inhabitants and is located a distance of 58 kilometres north east of Milan, the regional capital of Lombardy.

​Nearby places of interest include Lake Annone, Pescate, Lake Olginate, Lake Como and Lecco.

Garlate, Lombardy

Garlate, Lombardy

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Comune di Garlate

Province: Lecco

Region: Lombardy

Population: ​2,595​​ (in 2024 - source)

Size: 2 km²

Elevation: 205 metres

​​Close by: Lake Annone, Pescate, Lake Olginate, Lake Como, Lecco​

Recommended hotel: NH Lecco Pontevecchio (5 km)

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What People Ask About Garlate

Is Garlate worth visiting?

Yes, Garlate is a lakeside town south of Lecco, known for its views over Lago di Garlate, its cycling and walking paths, and the silk museum housed in an old spinning mill.

What is there to do in Garlate?

You can visit the Museo della Seta, cycle or walk around the lake, or enjoy the riverside park areas. The lakeside path connects with nearby towns including Olginate and Lecco.

How do you get to Garlate?

Garlate is about 5 km from Lecco and is best reached by car or bike. The nearest train station is in Lecco, with buses running regularly between the two towns.

What is the Museo della Seta in Garlate?

The Museo della Seta is a silk museum located in a former spinning mill. It explores the history of silk production in the region with exhibits, machinery, and educational displays.

When is the best time to visit Garlate?

The best time to visit is from spring to early autumn, when the weather is good for walking, cycling, and spending time outdoors by the lake.

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Related links

​Things to see in Lombardy

Lake Garlate

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Discover

Discover Garlate

Garlate is situated on the eastern shore of Lake Garlate, a small lake along the course of the River Adda just south of Lecco. Surrounded by low hills and with the water forming its focal point, the town has a compact historic centre alongside the lakeside road that links Lecco with towns further south towards Bergamo and Milan. Its position makes it both a local community and a passage point between the larger centres of Lombardy.
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The town is noted for the Church of San Giovanni Battista and the Silk Museum, which reflects the area’s long association with silk production. With its lakeside walks and views towards the Orobie Alps, Garlate combines cultural and natural features in a small setting. It is well placed for visiting Lecco and other towns along the Adda, while road and rail links nearby provide straightforward connections to the Valtellina Valley and beyond.

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Things to Do

Things to Do in Garlate

• Lago di Garlate: Garlate is located on the eastern shore of Lake Garlate, a small lake fed by the Adda River just south of Lecco. A lakeside promenade offers walking and cycling paths with views of the surrounding hills and calm water. The lake is popular for birdwatching, fishing, and canoeing, with several quiet spots along its edge.
• Civico Museo della Seta Abegg: This silk museum is housed in a former 19th-century spinning mill and explores the region’s long history of silk production. Exhibits include machinery, weaving tools, and displays on the social and economic impact of the silk industry in Lombardy. The museum offers guided tours and educational workshops.
• Chiesa dei Santi Nazaro e Celso: This parish church stands in the centre of the village and dates to the 16th century. It features a neoclassical façade, a bell tower, and an interior with frescoes and decorated chapels. It remains an active place of worship and an important part of Garlate’s community life.
• Walking and Cycling along the Adda River: Garlate is a key point along the Ciclabile dell’Adda, a long riverside cycling and walking route that follows the river south toward Brivio and north toward Lecco. The route passes through wooded areas and open countryside, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels.
• Day Trip to Lecco: Just a 10-minute drive or bike ride away, Lecco offers a historic centre, lakeside cafés, and attractions such as the Basilica di San Nicolò and the Palazzo delle Paure. It provides a wider range of cultural and shopping opportunities while remaining close to the tranquillity of Garlate.

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Tours and Activities

Garlate Tours and Activities

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Lombardy Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Lombardy

1. Lake Como
2. ​Milan
3. Lake Garda
4. Mantua
5. Lake Maggiore
6. Cremona
7. Lake Iseo
8. ​Lake Lugano
9. Pavia
10. San Pellegrino Terme

​👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Lombardy

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How to Get to [Place Name]

How to Get to Garlate

By Rail: Garlate does not have its own train station. The nearest station is in Lecco, about 6 kilometres away, on the Milan–Lecco–Sondrio line operated by Trenord. From Milan, trains to Lecco take around 40 minutes, and from there Garlate can be reached in about 10 minutes by car or local bus.

By Road: Garlate is located on the eastern branch of Lake Como, just south of Lecco. From Milan, the distance is about 50 kilometres, with a driving time of around 1 hour via the SS36 road. From Bergamo, the journey is approximately 35 kilometres and takes about 45 minutes. Parking is available near the lakeside and within the village.

Nearest International Airports:
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• Milan Bergamo Airport (Orio al Serio): About 40 kilometres from Garlate, with a drive of around 45 minutes. This is the closest airport, with a wide range of international and domestic flights.
• Milan Linate Airport: Approximately 60 kilometres away, taking about 1 hour by car. Convenient for flights across Europe.
• Milan Malpensa Airport: Roughly 85 kilometres from Garlate, with a driving time of about 1 hour and 20 minutes. A major hub for long-haul and European routes.

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Private Transfers

Garlate Private Transfers

A private transfer is the easiest way to travel to or from Garlate, offering a direct service without the need to arrange bus connections or drive the local roads yourself. You’ll be collected from your chosen location and driven by a local, professional driver, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey.

From Garlate, the nearest hub is Lecco city centre, which can be reached in about 10 minutes, a distance of 6 km. Milan Linate Airport is roughly 55 minutes away at 55 km, while Milan Malpensa Airport can be reached in about 1 hour 15 minutes, covering 75 km. A transfer to Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport usually takes 45 minutes with a journey of 40 km. For those travelling into Switzerland, Lugano is about 1 hour 15 minutes away, a distance of 70 km.
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To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.

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