Lezzeno
Latest page update: 6 April 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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The lakeside town of Lezzeno is situated in the Province of Como, on the shores of Lake Como. It has a population of around 2,000 residents and is located a distance of 72 kilometres north of Milan, the regional capital of Lombardy.
It has a Lake Como ferry port, while nearby places of interest include Nesso, Careno, San Giovanni and Giardini di Villa Melzi. |
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Lezzeno Overview
Lezzeno, located in the Lombardy region, is a charming village set on the eastern shore of Lake Como, offering stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Known for its tranquil atmosphere and picturesque setting, Lezzeno provides a peaceful retreat for visitors looking to explore both the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the area. The village’s narrow streets, traditional stone houses, and scenic lakeside location make it an ideal destination for those seeking a quiet escape with easy access to outdoor activities.
Lezzeno is famous for its lakeside promenade, which offers leisurely walks along the water’s edge, with breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. The village is home to the Chiesa di San Giuseppe, a historic church with beautiful frescoes and a peaceful ambiance. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of hiking and mountain biking trails that lead into the surrounding hills, offering panoramic views of the lake and the nearby countryside. Lezzeno’s combination of natural beauty, historical charm, and serene setting makes it a perfect base for exploring the eastern shores of Lake Como.
Lezzeno is famous for its lakeside promenade, which offers leisurely walks along the water’s edge, with breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. The village is home to the Chiesa di San Giuseppe, a historic church with beautiful frescoes and a peaceful ambiance. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of hiking and mountain biking trails that lead into the surrounding hills, offering panoramic views of the lake and the nearby countryside. Lezzeno’s combination of natural beauty, historical charm, and serene setting makes it a perfect base for exploring the eastern shores of Lake Como.
Top Things to Do in Lezzeno
- Lakeside Area and Small Harbours: Lezzeno stretches along several kilometres of Lake Como’s eastern shore, with a string of small harbours, narrow pebble beaches, and boat moorings. The lakeside is quieter and less developed than in neighbouring towns, offering a more authentic feel with local fishermen still active in the area.
- Chiesa dei Santi Quirico e Giulitta: This parish church is the main religious site in Lezzeno, known for its elegant façade and decorative interior. Inside are Baroque-style altars, religious paintings, and a carved wooden pulpit. The church continues to serve as a focal point for local religious and community events.
- Grotte delle Carpe (Carpe Caves): These natural caves along the lakeshore are only accessible by boat and are a popular destination for short excursions. The clear water and striking rock formations make them ideal for swimming, diving, or photography. Boat tours often include visits to the caves as part of longer trips along the lake.
- Water Sports and Outdoor Activities: Lezzeno is well known for water sports, particularly wakeboarding, water-skiing, and paddleboarding. Several local schools and rental centres offer equipment and lessons. The surrounding hills also provide walking routes with views over the lake and access to traditional mountain hamlets.
- Day Trip to Bellagio: Just 15 minutes away by car or boat, Bellagio offers cobbled lanes, lakeside gardens, and elegant shops. Its proximity makes it an easy excursion, and many visitors to Lezzeno choose to explore Bellagio while staying in the quieter, more relaxed surroundings of the village.
Comune di Lezzeno
Province: Como
Region: Lombardy Population: 1,918 (in 2024 - source) Size: 23 km² Elevation: 202 metres Highlights: views of Lake Como Travel facilities: ferry port Close by: Nesso, Careno, San Giovanni, Giardini di Villa Melzi |
My recommended accommodation options for Lezzeno:
- Filario Hotel & Residences Positioned directly on the lakefront, this stylish design hotel offers rooms and apartments with floor-to-ceiling windows, a private beach, infinity pool, and fine dining restaurant. Guests appreciate the modern interiors, high-quality service, and panoramic views across to Bellagio. €€€€ (luxury)
- Hotel Villa Aurora Located in the centre of Lezzeno with a private lakeside terrace and jetty, this family-run hotel features comfortable rooms, a restaurant with lake views, and canoe and paddleboard rentals. Visitors enjoy the welcoming atmosphere and excellent location for exploring the lake. €€€ (high-end)
- B&B Cherry En Rose Set on the hillside above Lezzeno, this bed and breakfast offers lake-view rooms, a swimming pool, and terraces overlooking the water. Guests value the quiet location, scenic surroundings, and helpful hosts. €€ (mid-range)
- Appartamento Riva Bianca A self-catering apartment just a few steps from the lake, featuring a terrace, two bedrooms, and a fully equipped kitchen. Visitors enjoy the convenience of direct lake access and walking distance to local shops and cafés. €€ (mid-range)
- Affittacamere Crotto del Misto Positioned near the water and attached to a traditional restaurant, this guesthouse offers simple rooms with lake views and access to a private beach. Guests appreciate the local character, friendly service, and peaceful lakeside setting. €€ (mid-range)
My recommended restaurants in Lezzeno and the local area:
- Ristorante Aurora Lezzeno: Located in Lezzeno, this restaurant offers traditional Italian cuisine with a focus on local specialities. Guests can enjoy dishes such as homemade pasta and fresh lake fish. The lakeside terrace provides scenic views of Lake Como. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Crotto del Misto: Situated in Lezzeno, Crotto del Misto has a long history of serving traditional Larian and regional dishes. The menu features lake fish and local meats, complemented by an extensive wine selection. The restaurant's lakeside setting enhances the dining experience. Price guide: €€€ (Special occasion)
- Osteria Il Governo 1801: Also in Lezzeno, this historic osteria offers traditional Lombard cuisine made with local products. Guests can dine in the lakeside garden, enjoying a family-friendly atmosphere. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Ristorante Filo: Located in Lezzeno, Ristorante Filo offers Italian contemporary cuisine. The restaurant boasts a superb lakeside location with views of the opposite shore, Comacina Island, and Villa Balbianello. Price guide: €€€ (Special occasion)
- Stone House Restaurant Food & Wine: Situated in Lezzeno, this restaurant offers Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. Guests can enjoy meals with views of Lezzeno's Lake Como park. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
Lezzeno Gallery
Close to Lezzeno
- Torno (approx. 10 km south of Lezzeno): A peaceful village on the eastern shore of Lake Como, Torno is known for its tranquil atmosphere and stunning lakeside views. Visitors can enjoy a stroll along the lakeside promenade, visit the historic Chiesa di San Giovanni Evangelista, or simply relax and take in the surrounding beauty. The town offers a quiet retreat with picturesque vistas of the lake and mountains.
- Bellagio (approx. 15 km southeast of Lezzeno): Often referred to as the "Pearl of Lake Como," Bellagio is famed for its charming cobbled streets, historic villas, and breathtaking lake views. Visitors can explore the Villa Melzi gardens, wander through the town’s quaint shops and cafes, or take a boat trip to enjoy stunning views of the lake from the water. The town is a highlight of any visit to the region.
- Menaggio (approx. 20 km northwest of Lezzeno): A lively town on the western shore of Lake Como, Menaggio offers a beautiful lakeside promenade, a charming historic centre, and plenty of outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the local shops and cafes, take a boat trip across the lake, or hike in the nearby hills for stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Cernobbio (approx. 25 km south of Lezzeno): Situated on the southern shore of Lake Como, Cernobbio is known for its luxurious Villa d'Este and picturesque lakeside setting. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing walk along the promenade, explore the charming town centre, or take a boat ride on the lake. The town is a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and sophistication.
- Argegno (approx. 15 km north of Lezzeno): Located on the western shore of Lake Como, Argegno is a quaint village with a relaxed atmosphere. The town offers a lakeside promenade with beautiful views, and visitors can take the cable car to Pigra, a hilltop village offering panoramic views of the lake and mountains. The surrounding area is ideal for hiking and outdoor exploration.
How to get to Lezzeno
By Rail: Lezzeno does not have its own railway station. The nearest major station is Como San Giovanni, located approximately 23 kilometres to the south-west. Trenitalia and Trenord operate frequent services from Milan to Como San Giovanni, with journey times of about 40 minutes. From Como, travellers can reach Lezzeno by bus, taxi, or ferry.
By Road: Lezzeno is approximately 70 kilometres north of Milan and about 23 kilometres north-east of Como. Driving from Milan takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes via the A9 motorway, exiting at Como Centro, and then following the SP583 road along the eastern shore of Lake Como. From Como, the journey is approximately 40 minutes via the SP583 road. The roads along the lake can be narrow and winding, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Nearest International Airports:
Lake Como Ferries: Lezzeno is served by ferry services on Lake Como, providing a scenic and convenient means of transportation to various lakeside towns. The ferry terminal in Lezzeno offers regular services to destinations such as Como, Bellagio, and Varenna. The journey from Lezzeno to Como takes approximately 27 minutes, with tickets costing between €6 and €10. Ferries operate every three hours, but schedules and routes vary seasonally. It is advisable to check the current timetables and plan journeys accordingly.
By Road: Lezzeno is approximately 70 kilometres north of Milan and about 23 kilometres north-east of Como. Driving from Milan takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes via the A9 motorway, exiting at Como Centro, and then following the SP583 road along the eastern shore of Lake Como. From Como, the journey is approximately 40 minutes via the SP583 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 80 kilometres south-west of Lezzeno, the drive takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes via the A36 and A9 motorways, exiting at Como Centro, and then following the SP583 road. From the airport, travellers can take the Malpensa Express train to Milan Cadorna station, then a train to Como San Giovanni, followed by a bus, taxi, or ferry to Lezzeno.
- Milan Linate Airport (Aeroporto di Milano-Linate): Situated around 90 kilometres south of Lezzeno, the drive takes approximately 2 hours via the A9 motorway, exiting at Como Centro, and then following the SP583 road. Public transport options from Linate Airport to Lezzeno involve taking a bus to Milan Centrale station, then a train to Como San Giovanni, followed by a bus, taxi, or ferry to Lezzeno.
Lake Como Ferries: Lezzeno is served by ferry services on Lake Como, providing a scenic and convenient means of transportation to various lakeside towns. The ferry terminal in Lezzeno offers regular services to destinations such as Como, Bellagio, and Varenna. The journey from Lezzeno to Como takes approximately 27 minutes, with tickets costing between €6 and €10. Ferries operate every three hours, but schedules and routes vary seasonally. It is advisable to check the current timetables and plan journeys accordingly.