Valmadrera
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Latest page update: 8 April 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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The lakeside town of Valmadrera is situated in the Province of Lecco, on the shores of Lake Como. It has a population of around 11,000 residents and is located a distance of 56 kilometres north of Milan, the regional capital of Lombardy.
Valmadrera has a Lake Como ferry port, while nearby places of interest include Lecco, Abbadia Lariana and Mandello del Lario. |
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Valmadrera Overview
Valmadrera, located in the Lombardy region, is a small town situated on the eastern shore of Lake Como, offering beautiful views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Known for its peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty, Valmadrera provides a serene retreat for visitors seeking to explore the region’s landscapes and enjoy a quieter pace of life. The town’s traditional character, with narrow streets and historic buildings, adds to its charm and makes it an ideal destination for those looking to relax while enjoying the scenic surroundings.
Valmadrera is famous for its lakeside promenade, where visitors can take in the stunning views of Lake Como and the nearby hills while enjoying a leisurely walk along the water. The town is also home to the Chiesa di San Giorgio, a small church with historical significance. For outdoor enthusiasts, Valmadrera offers a variety of hiking and mountain biking trails that lead into the surrounding hills, offering panoramic views of the lake and the mountains. With its combination of natural beauty, historical charm, and peaceful setting, Valmadrera makes an excellent base for exploring the eastern shores of Lake Como.
Valmadrera is famous for its lakeside promenade, where visitors can take in the stunning views of Lake Como and the nearby hills while enjoying a leisurely walk along the water. The town is also home to the Chiesa di San Giorgio, a small church with historical significance. For outdoor enthusiasts, Valmadrera offers a variety of hiking and mountain biking trails that lead into the surrounding hills, offering panoramic views of the lake and the mountains. With its combination of natural beauty, historical charm, and peaceful setting, Valmadrera makes an excellent base for exploring the eastern shores of Lake Como.
Top Things to Do in Valmadrera
- Lakeside Area and Parè Beach: Valmadrera stretches along the eastern shore of the south-western branch of Lake Como and features Parè Beach, a popular spot for swimming, windsurfing, and picnics. The beach has a grassy area and panoramic views across the lake towards Malgrate and Lecco, making it a favourite with locals in the warmer months.
- Chiesa di San Giorgio: This historic church is located in the upper part of Valmadrera and dates to the medieval period. It features Romanesque elements, including a simple stone façade and bell tower, and contains interior frescoes and religious artworks that reflect the town’s longstanding traditions.
- Santuario della Madonna di San Martino: Perched in the hills above the town, this sanctuary is reached by a well-marked hiking path and rewards visitors with wide views over Lake Como and the surrounding mountains. The small church is a site of local pilgrimage and provides a peaceful setting for walkers and nature lovers.
- Hiking Trails to Monte Moregallo and San Tomaso: Valmadrera is a base for outdoor activities, with well-maintained trails leading up to Monte Moregallo and the pastoral area of San Tomaso, known for its panoramic views and small chapel. These routes are popular with hikers and mountain bikers seeking scenic routes above the lake.
- Day Trip to Lecco: Just a few minutes away by car or bike, Lecco offers cultural attractions, shopping, and ferry links to other towns on Lake Como. Its museums, lakeside promenade, and historic centre provide a rich contrast to the more rural, outdoor-focused setting of Valmadrera.
Comune di Valmadrera
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Province: Lecco
Region: Lombardy Population: 11,311 (in 2024 - source) Size: 13 km² Elevation: 237 metres Travel facilities: ferry port, train station Close by: Lecco, Abbadia Lariana, Mandello del Lario, Onno |
Where to Stay in Valmadrera - My Recommended Accommodation
- Hotel Villa Giulia Located on the lakeside in Valmadrera with direct views over Lake Como, this elegant villa hotel offers stylish rooms, a private dock, and a gourmet restaurant with terrace seating. Guests appreciate the scenic setting, high level of comfort, and easy access to the lake. €€€ (high-end)
- Hotel Bellavista Situated on a hillside above the town, this family-run hotel features panoramic views, a restaurant serving local dishes, and simple, comfortable rooms. Visitors enjoy the quiet location, friendly atmosphere, and proximity to Lecco and hiking trails. €€ (mid-range)
- Villa Maggie A modern holiday apartment near the lakefront, offering two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a private terrace. Guests value the spacious layout, secure parking, and short walk to shops and cafés in central Valmadrera. €€ (mid-range)
- B&B Località Manzoni Positioned close to the main square and lake promenade, this bed and breakfast offers well-kept rooms with mountain or lake views. Guests appreciate the welcoming hosts, convenient location, and easy access to Lecco by car or boat. €€ (mid-range)
- B&B Il Cortile Located in a quiet residential area of Valmadrera, this small B&B provides clean, comfortable rooms and a shared courtyard. Visitors enjoy the relaxed setting, personal service, and walking access to the lake and local amenities. €€ (mid-range)
Where to Eat in Valmadrera - My Recommended Restaurants
- Villa Giulia – Al Terrazzo: Located in Valmadrera, this refined restaurant offers a high-quality menu of Italian cuisine with a contemporary approach. Guests can dine on a panoramic terrace overlooking Lake Como, enjoying dishes such as seafood pasta, risotto, and delicately prepared meat mains. It’s a popular venue for special occasions thanks to the view and service. Price guide: €€€ (Special occasion)
- Osteria Le Bocce: Also in Valmadrera, Osteria Le Bocce serves traditional Italian and Lombard fare in a warm and informal atmosphere. The menu includes homemade pasta, grilled meats, and daily specials based on local ingredients. It’s well suited for relaxed meals with family or friends. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Bar Luna Trattoria Pizzeria: Situated in Valmadrera, this casual restaurant combines a pizzeria and trattoria with a wide selection of pizzas, pasta dishes, and mains. With generous portions and a family-friendly environment, it’s a convenient spot for everyday dining. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- La Filanda Ristorante: Found in Valmadrera, La Filanda offers a balanced menu of Italian classics, including fish, meat, and vegetarian dishes. The dining room is modern and comfortable, and the kitchen places an emphasis on fresh, well-prepared ingredients. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Basiliko Restaurant-Bar: Also in Valmadrera, Basiliko is located within the Tennis Club 88 complex and serves a variety of Italian dishes in a relaxed, sporty setting. It’s ideal for a casual lunch or dinner, especially during events or active days at the club. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
Valmadrera Gallery
Places close to Valmadrera
- Lecco (approx. 5 km southeast of Valmadrera): Situated at the southeastern tip of Lake Como, Lecco offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The town has a lively atmosphere with historic landmarks such as the Piazza XX Settembre and Lecco Cathedral, as well as hiking opportunities in the surrounding hills.
- Civate (approx. 7 km north of Valmadrera): A small town known for its historical sites, including the Abbazia di San Pietro al Monte, a medieval abbey with remarkable frescoes and stunning views over the lake. Civate also offers scenic hiking paths and beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
- Malgrate (approx. 3 km east of Valmadrera): A picturesque town with beautiful views of Lake Como. Malgrate offers a peaceful lakeside promenade, perfect for relaxing walks, as well as charming narrow streets and small cafes to explore.
- Pescate (approx. 6 km south of Valmadrera): A small town located on the eastern shore of Lake Como, Pescate offers quiet lakeside views and access to outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling. The town is also home to the Chiesa di San Giorgio, a historic church with stunning views over the lake.
- Lecco’s Piani d'Erna (approx. 10 km southeast of Valmadrera): While not a town, Piani d'Erna is a popular area for hiking and skiing. The mountain is accessible by cable car from Lecco and offers panoramic views of the lake and surrounding region, making it a great place for outdoor activities.
How to get to Valmadrera
By Rail: Valmadrera has its own train station, Valmadrera Station, located on a minor branch line with limited regional services. For more frequent connections, travellers should use Lecco station, just 3 kilometres away. Lecco offers regular Trenord trains to Milan, with journey times of approximately 40 minutes, and services north towards Colico and Sondrio. Valmadrera can be reached from Lecco by local bus or taxi, and the walk takes around 30–40 minutes.
By Road: Valmadrera lies at the south-eastern tip of Lake Como, just west of Lecco. It is about 50 kilometres north of Milan and only 3 kilometres from the centre of Lecco. The drive from Milan takes about 1 hour via the SS36 dual carriageway, exiting at Lecco and continuing on the SP583 lakeside road. From Lecco, the drive takes less than 10 minutes. Public parking is available in the town, including near the lake and residential areas.
By Ferry: Valmadrera is not currently served by Navigazione Laghi ferry services. The closest ferry terminal is in Lecco, where passenger boats operate seasonally to towns along the eastern shore of Lake Como, including Abbadia Lariana, Mandello del Lario, and Bellano. For more extensive ferry routes, including crossings to Bellagio and Menaggio, visitors can travel north to Varenna, approximately 20 kilometres away.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Valmadrera lies at the south-eastern tip of Lake Como, just west of Lecco. It is about 50 kilometres north of Milan and only 3 kilometres from the centre of Lecco. The drive from Milan takes about 1 hour via the SS36 dual carriageway, exiting at Lecco and continuing on the SP583 lakeside road. From Lecco, the drive takes less than 10 minutes. Public parking is available in the town, including near the lake and residential areas.
By Ferry: Valmadrera is not currently served by Navigazione Laghi ferry services. The closest ferry terminal is in Lecco, where passenger boats operate seasonally to towns along the eastern shore of Lake Como, including Abbadia Lariana, Mandello del Lario, and Bellano. For more extensive ferry routes, including crossings to Bellagio and Menaggio, visitors can travel north to Varenna, approximately 20 kilometres away.
Nearest International Airports:
- Milan Linate Airport (Aeroporto di Milano-Linate): Located about 55 kilometres south of Valmadrera, the drive takes around 1 hour. Travellers can also reach Valmadrera by taking a train from Milan Centrale to Lecco, followed by a short bus or taxi journey.
- Milan Bergamo Airport (Aeroporto di Bergamo-Orio al Serio): Situated approximately 40 kilometres south-east of Valmadrera, the drive takes around 50 minutes. Public transport options include a bus to Bergamo station, a train to Lecco, and onward travel to Valmadrera.
- Milan Malpensa Airport (Aeroporto di Milano-Malpensa): Roughly 90 kilometres south-west of Valmadrera, the journey by car takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The Malpensa Express train runs to Milan Centrale, with onward connections to Lecco and local transport to Valmadrera.
