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Lecco​

Latest page update: 9 June 2025
By: Dion Protani
The city of Lecco is the capital city of the Province of Lecco with a population of 48,131 inhabitants.

Standing at an elevation of 214 metres above sea level, it covers a total area of 45 km² and lies 50 kilometres north east of Milan, the regional capital of Lombardy.

Lecco stands at the bottom of the south-eastern branch of Lake Como, at the point where the River Adda flows into the smaller Lake Garlate, just south of the city.

What People Ask About Lecco

Is Lecco worth visiting?
Yes, Lecco is a lakeside city on the southeastern arm of Lake Como, known for its mountain scenery, walking paths along the lake, and connections to the works of Alessandro Manzoni.
What is there to do in Lecco?
You can walk along the lakeside promenade, visit the Palazzo delle Paure and the Manzoni Museum, or hike the trails of the nearby Resegone and Grigna mountains.
How do you get to Lecco?
Lecco has its own train station with regular connections to Milan, taking around 40 minutes. It’s also accessible by car via the SS36 dual carriageway from Monza and the A4 motorway.
Is Lecco connected to Alessandro Manzoni?
Yes, Lecco was the setting for Manzoni’s novel *The Betrothed*. His former home is now a museum, and many sites in and around the city are linked to the story and its characters.
When is the best time to visit Lecco?
The best time to visit is from April to October, when the weather is good for lakefront walks, hiking, and sightseeing in both the town and surrounding nature areas.
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Discover

Discover Lecco
​Part of the Italian school curriculum is to read I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed), a book written by Alessandro Manzoni (1785 - 1873) who grew up in Lecco. The book is hugely popular in Italy and this alone draws visitors from all over the country, curious to visit some of the locations used in the book or to visit the Villa Manzoni Museum.

​Throughout Italy you'll find lots of other towns with their own Piazza Manzoni, Via Manzoni or Corso Manzoni and so on, such is his importance in Italian history. Lecco of course has its own Piazza Manzoni, replete with a statue of the great man. 
Lakeside resort
Aside from the Manzoni references, Lecco is known as a laid-back lakeside resort, without perhaps the throng of tourism enjoyed by the likes of Como or Bellagio, other notable towns further around the same lake. 

Although Lake Como is slightly smaller than Lake Garda when it comes to size, in terms of getting around the whole perimeter it can be more time-consuming due to its forked layout with Bellagio at the top of a peninsula roughly half way up. That being the case, Lecco is a good place to base yourselves if you're planning to explore the lake with good transport options and cheaper accommodation than you'll find at some of the more famous resorts mentioned above. 
Sightseeing Lecco
The small town centre has enough shops and places to eat to sustain a holiday, with some pretty squares such as Piazza XX Settembre and the main religious building, the Basilica di San Nicolò among the sightseeing highlights. It's also a lovely place to simply switch off and enjoy walks around the harbour with its tree-lined paths. ​

Things to Do

Things to Do in Lecco
  • Piazza XX Settembre and Historic Centre: The heart of Lecco is centred around Piazza XX Settembre, a lively square framed by arcades, cafés, and historic buildings. The old town features narrow streets, elegant façades, and traditional shops, all set against the backdrop of the towering Monte Resegone. The area combines local life with architectural charm.
  • Basilica di San Nicolò: Overlooking the lakefront, this basilica is dedicated to Lecco’s patron saint and features a striking neo-Gothic façade and a slender bell tower, known locally as the "Il Matitone." The interior is decorated with frescoes, marble altars, and a crypt, making it one of the town’s most important religious sites.
  • Lungolago di Lecco: The lakeside promenade stretches along the eastern branch of Lake Como and offers panoramic views, flower-lined paths, and access to small beaches and boat landings. It is ideal for walking or cycling, with cafés and parks along the route and ferries to other towns on the lake.
  • Monte Resegone and Outdoor Activities: The distinctive jagged peaks of Monte Resegone dominate the skyline and offer well-marked hiking trails, rock climbing, and cable car access to higher elevations. The surrounding area is part of a regional park, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts year-round.
  • Day Trip to Varenna: Easily reached by train and ferry, Varenna offers a romantic lakeside setting, botanical gardens, and historic sites such as Villa Monastero and Castello di Vezio. Its proximity to Lecco makes it a perfect half-day excursion for visitors looking to explore the central lake region.
Lecco Tours and Activities
Comune di Lecco
Province: Lecco

Region: Lombardy

Population: 47,145​​ (in 2024 - source)

Size: 46 km²

Elevation: 214 metres

Highlights: Basilica di San Nicolò​, lake, Piazza XX Settembre

​Close by: Malgrate, Lake Garlate, Abbadia Lariana, Varenna

Where to Stay

Where to Stay in Lecco
  • NH Lecco Pontevecchio Located along the Adda River just a short walk from the historic centre and the lakefront, this modern four-star hotel offers spacious rooms, a restaurant, gym, and private parking. Guests appreciate the views of the mountains, proximity to the old town, and direct access to walking and cycling paths. €€€ (high-end)
  • Hotel Alberi Situated close to the lake and right next to Lecco’s pedestrian area, this family-run hotel features clean, comfortable rooms, friendly service, and a varied breakfast. Visitors enjoy the central location, short walk to the ferry terminal, and access to cafés and shops. €€ (mid-range)
  • Casa sull’Albero Set in a park in nearby Malgrate, just across the bridge from Lecco, this boutique hotel offers sleek, eco-friendly rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, a spa, and a lakeside setting. Guests value the contemporary design and tranquil atmosphere just minutes from Lecco centre. €€€ (high-end)
  • Affittacamere Polvara Trentuno Located in a quiet residential area about 10 minutes from the city centre by car, this guesthouse offers modern rooms with private balconies and free parking. Guests appreciate the relaxed setting, easy road access, and short drive to the lake and train station. €€ (mid-range)
  • Agriturismo Deviscio Situated on the hillside above Lecco, about 15 minutes’ drive from the city, this agriturismo offers rooms with panoramic views, homemade produce, and access to nature trails. Visitors enjoy the peaceful mountain location and connection to local traditions. €€ (mid-range)

Where to Eat

Where to Eat in Lecco
  • Ristorante Don Rodrigo: Located in the centre of Lecco, Don Rodrigo offers traditional Italian and Lombard dishes in a classic setting. The menu includes risotto, fresh pasta, and lake fish such as lavarello, prepared with regional flair. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
  • Mamaioa Bistrot: Found close to the lakefront in Lecco, Mamaioa Bistrot serves creative Italian cuisine with an emphasis on seafood. The restaurant has a modern interior and a seasonal menu featuring dishes like octopus carpaccio and tuna tartare. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
  • Trattoria Corte Fiorina: Situated in Lecco’s old town, this family-run trattoria specialises in home-style Italian cooking. The menu includes pasta dishes, grilled meats, and fish from Lake Como, served in a rustic and welcoming environment. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
  • Ristorante Granozero: Located just outside the town centre, Granozero focuses on contemporary Mediterranean cuisine with a refined presentation. It offers a selection of lake fish, meat dishes, and seasonal produce in a bright, elegant dining room. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
  • Nicolin: Found in the southern part of Lecco, Nicolin is a long-established restaurant known for its refined menu and elegant setting. The kitchen produces inventive takes on classic Italian dishes, using high-quality ingredients and creative plating. Price guide: €€€ (Special occasion)

Photo Gallery

Places Close to [Place Name]

Places Close to Lecco
  • Varenna (approx. 15 km northwest of Lecco): A charming town 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, take a walk up to the Castello di Vezio for panoramic views of the lake, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the town by the water.
  • Bellagio (approx. 25 km northwest of Lecco): Known as the "Pearl of Lake Como," Bellagio is famous for its cobbled streets, elegant villas, and stunning views of the lake. Visitors can explore the lush gardens of Villa Melzi, stroll through the charming town centre with its boutique shops and cafes, or take a boat trip to explore other towns along the lake. The town offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and water.
  • Mandello del Lario (approx. 10 km south of Lecco): A quiet lakeside town on the eastern shore of Lake Como, Mandello del Lario is known for its scenic beauty and as the home of the renowned Moto Guzzi motorcycle factory. Visitors can explore the picturesque streets, visit the Museo Moto Guzzi, or enjoy a relaxing day by the lake, taking in the stunning views and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
  • Olginate (approx. 10 km east of Lecco): A small town located on the southern shores of Lake Garlate, Olginate is known for its peaceful environment and natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy lakeside walks, visit the Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista, or explore the nearby hills and forests. The town offers a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy the surrounding countryside.
  • Como (approx. 35 km southwest of Lecco): A historic city at the southern tip of Lake Como, Como is rich in culture and history. Visitors can explore the Cattedrale di Como, visit the Tempio Voltiano, or take the funicular to Brunate for stunning panoramic views of the lake. The city also offers a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, making it a great base for exploring the rest of the lake and nearby towns.

How to Get to [Place Name]

How to Get to Lecco
It's possible to take a ferry up the lake from Lecco to Bellagio, a journey of around and hour and a half, although the crossings are infrequent out of season. There are also trains that run up the eastern half of the lake towards the beautiful town of Varenna with a journey time of 20 minutes followed by a 10 minute walk. You can also head south to Milan (Milano Centrale) in 39 minutes, with the train stopping along the way in Monza (26 minutes). Another popular destination from Lecco is Bergamo which takes 40 minutes on the R7 train. The train station is situated in the city centre, a 5 minute walk (450 metres) from Piazza XX Settembre. 

The most convenient airports for Lecco are Milan Bergamo Airport which takes 42 minutes at a distance of 40 kilometres and Milan Linate Airport, also 42 minutes but a slightly greater distance - 58 kilometres. Milan Malpensa Airport is also a very realistic option with a journey time of 58 minutes and a distance of 75 kilometres. ​
Public transport: ​Central train station, lake ferries, local buses

By train: ​Varenna - 21 minutes, Milan - 39 minutes
By car: ​Como - 37 mins (32 km), Monza - 37 mins (42 km)

Fly to: ​Milan Bergamo Airport - 42 minutes by car (40 km)

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