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We own and run Casa Emilia Airbnb in Lierna check out all the details here 

Lierna

Of course we're biased that Lierna is one of the most picturesque villages located on the eastern shore of Lake Como in Italy, because it's where we have chosen to live.

It's between Mandello Del Lario and Varenna with a direct ferry connection to Bellagio.

Local Activities:
Upper Lierna is on the Sentiero Viandante that are trekking paths running from Lecco to Colico, these paths have options of close to the lake or high into the mountains.

You can hire a boat for the day from Nautica Lierna and explore the lake, hop on the Ferry located here to Bellagio with connections to all lake ferry ports including Como, Varenna or Lecco. For the car ferry, you need to leave from Varenna.

There are two "beaches" (they call areas designated for swimming in the lake as beaches) Riva Bianca and Grumo we prefer Riva Bianca, but they're both good to swim at, do note that even though it is a lake there are currents, so be mindful when swimming.

Riva Bianca has a roped off area with buoy's and next to Riva Bianca there is the "Castello" which is a collection of older buildings on the point and we think it's worth a walk around, with the main portion of the building dating back to the 10th century. 

Recommended day trips from Lierna:
Bergamo having 2 levels of ancient towns, it's well worth the train ride or hour drive, also the world famous San Pellegrino terme (hot spring baths and saunas) is located a short distance from the town.
St Moritz (see Bernina Express Below)
Milan the Duomo Cathedral is a must as well as many other tourist attractions
Como, there are 2 ferry’s that go to Como that can be caught from Bellagio, one is fast (45mins) and slow (2hrs 20mins). The fast has only a couple of stops, whereas the slow zig zags across the lake stopping at the different villages. It can be a great day out to catch the fast ferry to Como, spend some time looking at the town, church and shops and then get the slow ferry back, enjoying the view of the mountains and lake.

Opening times of all restaurants, cafes and shops are seasonally dependent and can vary from month to month. It is recommended to book for restaurants! 
A lot of businesses have a closing time – siesta time 12.30 – 3:30

Local Restaurants:

Lierna Cafe's and bars:
Sister’s café Serves great coffee, breakfast and lunches, as well as the place to buy train or ferry tickets, also a small selection of groceries.
Bar La piazza Coffee, drinks and small meals
Blue Flower Pizzeria Open all day, including breakfast and lunch
Pizzeria La Liernese Delivery is possible with a minimum order at times

Other restaurants close by:
See Varenna and Mandello Del Lario below as they are about 7 mins drive away in opposite directions.
Il Mercante Bistro (Colico about 35mins drive away) Serves traditional style food. A warning is the serves are huge!!

Pranzo di lavoro (The workmans lunch)
For a crazy low price of usually €13-€15 per person, you can experience a local restaurant's Pranzo di lavoro, where you usually get a choice of a first course, second course, and a dessert, coffee, wine and water. 

We recommend the following restaurants.
Momento in Mandello del lario
Aquaduulza in Olcio
Bellano in Taceno
Alva in Valsassina
Shops:
Il Buon Gusto Gourmet food shop, they have delicious prepared fresh meals available for takeaway as well as local produce.
Sacchi Panificio Is the local Bakery 
Market Amico Local supermarket that has a selection of everything, you can also rent an E-Bike from here.
Farmacia Motta Chemist Pharmacy
Alice bar Funky little cafe and bar near Riva Bianca
Gelateria Fresh and locally made ice-cream 
Bertarini Food and Bakery Small corner store essentials and small bakery open in the mornings only
Iperal (Mandello) for a larger supermarket that's open 8am - 8pm
Luca food truck - Wednesdays in Olcianico (just down the laneway from us) at 10am Luca arrives with his food truck with local cheeses, butter and meats.
Mandello Del Lario Food and Markets Every Monday morning 9am -12pm selling fresh fruit and vegetables, meats and cheeses, clothing and so much more!
Risparmio Mandello is a place you can buy clothes, towels and some household items if you need something 
 
Hiking and Nature Trails:
Nature lovers will appreciate the hiking trails around Lierna, which lead to breathtaking viewpoints and lush forests. Trails vary in difficulty, catering to both casual walkers and avid hikers.
Map showing the paths HERE
Information before hiking HERE (document translated by google) hiking info translated.docx
A local person Emily has written a book about different trails HERE

Local Events:
Lierna has a great Proloco organisation they host regular events so make sure you see if anything is on when you're here. 

Taxi’s numbers -
MANDELLO DEL LARIO
TAXITIME MANDELLO                 +39 335 7997207
 
VARENNA
TAXI SERVICE BARILI                  +39 341 815061
VARENNATAXI                               +39 328 2179171
FAGGI VARENNA                           +39 338 8554687
LORENZA                                         +39 338 4441084
 
LECCO
PASQUALINO                                  +39 339 8992020
TAXI COMUNE DI LECCO             +39 0341 364490
 

Varenna

A short drive or train ride away from Lierna is the picturesque village of Varenna,.

Local Activities:

Walks and photo opps
You can stroll up and down the steep Salita's (walkways and stairs) with the some fantastic photo opportunities, as well as a pathway from the main area where the restaurant are located to the port. 

Explore Villa Monastero 
Visit this beautiful villa and its botanical gardens, which feature exotic plants and stunning views of Lake Como. The villa also hosts exhibitions and offers guided tours. more details HERE

Hike to Castello di Vezio 
Take a scenic hike up the hill to the medieval Castello di Vezio. Enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the lake and mountains from the castle and explore its historic grounds. more details HERE

Take a Ferry Ride
Use the ferry service to explore other towns on Lake Como, such as Bellagio and Menaggio. The boat rides offer unique perspectives of the lake and its charming villages.

Shopping
Find a selection of boutiques with souvenirs and local products 

Restaurants:
There are a lot of restaurants in Varenna and these are just a few recommendations
Al Prato High quality food and bookings are essential
Osteria Quatro Pass is in a laneway but beautiful food 
Bar Il Molo Is overlooking the bay area and the adjoining Gelateria has excellent gelato

Bellagio

Bellagio, known as the "Pearl of Lake Como," is famous for its stunning scenery, charming streets, stairs, stairs and stairs but so worth it! Million dollar views and endless photo opportunities. Be prepared for it to be busy!  

Local Activities:
Explore the Villa Melzi Gardens
Stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens of Villa Melzi, which extend along the lake and feature a variety of plants, sculptures, and picturesque views.

Wander through the Old Town
Stroll through the charming cobbled streets filled with boutique shops, local artisans, and restaurants offering delicious Italian cuisine.

Take a Ferry Ride
Use the ferry service to visit nearby towns like Varenna and Menaggio. The views from the water are spectacular. A coulpe of places worth the short ferry ride are Villa Carlotta and Villa Balbianello

Walk to La Punta and Pescallo
La Punta is the very point of the lake where it splits off and goes to Lecco or Como and has great views up to the Italian and Swiss Alps
Pescallo is located a short stroll over the hill and down into the bay on the other side of the point and is a quaint and a breather from the madness of the crowds in Bellagio.

Shopping
A selection of boutiques selling high quality and local products

Tourist Tram
Bellagio Express is a small tourist tram that is driven around a circuit of Bellagio leaving from the car ferry terminal.

Is a medium walk or ferry ride away and has a nice small cafe surrounded by stone buildings a church.

Restaurants:
So many to choose from and ever changing so these were good when we were there last time
La Punta a upmarket restaurant specialising in fish and amazing views
Babayaga delicious very thin and crunchy based pizza as well and normal menu
La Fontana tucked away in a laneway but the food was always delicious 
Hotel Florence great for an aperol spritz and watching the clothes walk by and they have a lakefront restaurant with great food
Da Franco Piadineria fresh made piadina great for lunch on the go

If you're going there with a car, you can get the car ferry from Varenna or take the windy narrow lakeside road from Lecco, good for the adrenalin rush. With a car we'd recommend taking a drive up behind Bellagio to Civenna and Ghisallo for the views of the lake from above.

Some restaurants accessible with a car or arranging a taxi are

Mandello Del Lario

Mandello del Lario, is a short drive (7mins) or train ride away from Lierna, being a larger village it has more restaurants, cafes and supermarkets.  

Local Activities 
Visit the Moto Guzzi Museum
Explore the history of this iconic motorcycle brand, which has its headquarters in Mandello del Lario. The museum showcases vintage bikes and offers insight into the company's heritage. More information HERE

Hike the Trails
The surrounding hills offer numerous hiking trails with stunning views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains. Popular trails include the paths to the nearby Grigna mountains.

Explore the Lakeside Promenade
Stroll along the waterfront promenade, enjoy the picturesque views, and relax by the lake. It's a great spot for photography and taking in the natural beauty. Located HERE

Ferry Port 
Enjoy a scenic boat ride on the lake, exploring nearby towns like Varenna and Bellagio while soaking in the breathtaking landscapes.

Restaurants
Aquaduulza Pranzo Di Lavoro (workmans lunch €13) and al a carte dining in the evening. right on the lake.
Rosalba Pizzeria only serving pizza now but traditional and authentic 

Abbadia Lariana

Abbadia Lariana is a charming lakeside village on the eastern shore of Lake Como, just a few kilometers from Lecco and Lierna. It offers a blend of natural beauty, history, and leisure activities.

Relax on the Beaches: Abbadia Lariana is known for its long, natural white-stone beach with easy lake access, a beach bar, green areas, and facilities like showers and bathrooms. The lakeshore promenade is perfect for a stroll, and there are parks and playgrounds for families. 

Explore the Silk Museum: The Pietro Monti Silk Museum is a highlight, showcasing the region’s silk-making heritage. The museum is attached to the civic library and offers insights into both local history and the silk industry. 

Enjoy Outdoor Activities: The area is a paradise for walkers and hikers. The famous Sentiero del Viandante (Wayfarer’s Trail) runs through Abbadia Lariana, offering scenic lakeside and mountain routes. There are also trails for trekking, mountain biking, and horse riding.

Visit Historical Sites: You can visit the San Lorenzo Church and see remnants of old watchtowers, adding a touch of history to your trip. 

Discover Natural Attractions: The Cenghen Waterfall is a popular hiking destination nearby, perfect for nature lovers. 

Enjoy Local Cuisine: There are several places to eat in the village, offering local Italian and lake specialties. 


Como

Como, Italy, is a picturesque town located at the southern tip of Lake Como. It is known for its stunning scenery, charming architecture, and various recreational activities. Here are some of the top activities to consider when visiting Como:

Local activities

Boat Tours
Take a leisurely boat tour on Lake Como to enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and luxurious villas. 

Ferry Rides
Use the ferries to travel between Como and other charming towns around the lake, like Bellagio and Varenna.

Visit the Duomo di Como
 This beautiful Gothic cathedral features stunning stained glass and intricate details. It's one of the main landmarks of Como and worth exploring.

Cable Car to Brunate
Ride the funicular railway to Brunate for panoramic views of Lake Como and the surrounding area. There are great hiking opportunities and quaint cafés here.

Walk along the Lakeside Promenade
Stroll along the scenic promenade that borders the lake, dotted with benches and beautiful gardens. It’s a great spot for people-watching and enjoying the scenery.

Shopping in the Historic Center
Discover boutiques, artisanal shops, and local markets in Como's historic centre, where you can purchase silk products and other local crafts.

Restaurants
A large selection of restaurants, cafes and bars are all located in the Como central area

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Tremezzo to Tremezzina

Tremezzo is located on the western shore of Lake Como, directly across from Bellagio.

Villa Balbianello
Is one of Lake Como’s most beautiful and charming attractions, set on a wooded peninsula with breathtaking panoramic views. Its elegant gardens and historic 18th-century architecture have made it a favourite for weddings, films (including James Bond and Star Wars) and travellers seeking a fairy-tale setting. A visit here feels like stepping into a storybook, surrounded by lush greenery and lake vistas. It's important to buy a ticket before going as recently it has been sold out HERE

Villa Carlotta
Located just a short ferry ride away, Villa Carlotta is famous for its magnificent botanical gardens and impressive art collection. The villa’s terraced gardens are especially beautiful in spring, bursting with azaleas and rhododendrons. Inside, you’ll find neoclassical sculptures and paintings that offer a glimpse into the villa’s aristocratic past. HERE

You can walk between the 
The walk from Villa Carlotta (in Tremezzo) to Villa del Balbianello (in Lenno) is a scenic journey along the western shore of Lake Como. The distance between the two villas is about 5.2 km (just over 3 miles), and the walk typically takes around 1 hour and 10–15 minutes at a leisurely pace, though it may take longer if you stop to enjoy the views or take photos

Bernina Express to St Moritz

The Bernina Express is a famous scenic train journey that runs between Chur, Switzerland, and Tirano, Italy. It is renowned for its breathtaking views and is often considered one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. Here’s what you can expect from the experience: More information HERE

Stunning Scenery
The train travels through some of the most picturWPCID:2552924esque landscapes in the Swiss Alps. Passengers are treated to views of towering mountains, glacial lakes, charming villages, and expansive valleys.

Architectural Marvels
The route features impressive engineering, including the iconic Landwasser Viaduct, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Brusio spiral viaduct, which adds to the scenic charm of the journey.

Comfortable Ride
The Bernina Express offers panoramic windows that allow passengers to fully enjoy the surroundings. The comfortable seating and smooth ride make for an enjoyable experience, whether you’re traveling in first or second class.

Cultural Experience
The journey connects two countries and offers a glimpse into both Swiss and Italian cultures. You can experience the differences in architecture, food, and language as you cross into Italy.

Seasonal Changes
Depending on when you travel, you may witness seasonal changes in the landscape. In winter, snow-covered peaks create a winter wonderland, while summer showcases lush green valleys and vibrant wildflowers.

Dining Options
Onboard catering options are available, allowing you to savor local delicacies and beverages while enjoying the views.

Stops Along the Way
The train makes brief stops in various towns, allowing passengers to disembark and explore if time permits, such as the picturesque town of St. Moritz or the charming village of Poschiavo.

The Bernina Express offers a unique combination of stunning natural beauty, cultural experience, and historical significance, making it a must-do for travelers seeking to explore the majesty of the Swiss Alps

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