Arrival:
The Greenway is a popular bicycle and pedestrian path that stretches along the western shores of Lake Como in Lombardy.
The route follows a scenic 11.2-kilometre route and connects several municipalities along the lake, offering spectacular views of the surrounding waters and mountains.
The duration of the tour clearly depends on the speed used, the stops one decides to make and the time spent visiting the many places of interest. In general, it is reasonable to expect a total time of about three and a half hours.
Now that we understand what the Greenway is and how long it is, let’s see what its main stops are, where you can stop and explore the various points of interest.
The 7 stages of the route
- The Greenway starts in the characteristic village of Colonno, which is located on the western shore of Lake Como. Here you can admire the typical colourful houses, strolling through the picturesque streets.
- Continuing along the route, we arrive at the charming village of Sala Comacina: this stage offers wonderful panoramic views of the lake and a peaceful atmosphere.
- The third stop, Ossuccio, is where you will find some of the most famous sights, such as Isola Comacina, the only island on Lake Como, and the magnificent Santuario Madonna Del Soccorso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Continuing on, you arrive at Lenno, a charming village with the famous Villa del Balbianello complex, one of the most beautiful villas on Lake Como.
- Mezzegra is another delightful village along the way, characterised by narrow streets and a pleasant lakeside atmosphere.
- On its sixth and penultimate stop, the Greenway also takes us to Tremezzo, a place known for its beauty and the famous Villa Carlotta, a charming residence with a magnificent garden.
- Finally, the last stop is Griante, a fascinating and evocative place, where you can enjoy further breathtaking panoramic views of the lake.
Must-see places along the Greenway
One of the places not to be missed is Villa Carlotta: located between Menaggio and Tremezzo, it is a majestic historic villa renowned for its spectacular botanical garden, which covers some 70,000 square metres and houses a wide variety of exotic and local plants.
The gardens are arranged in panoramic terraces, with magnificent views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains. The villa also serves as a museum, exhibiting works of art by famous artists, including sculptures by Antonio Canova and paintings by Francesco Hayez.
Not to be outdone is Villa del Balbianello, a magnificent residence located on the tip of the Lavedo peninsula.
The location is close to the village of Lenno, and can be reached by land or by lake. This privileged position offers a unique panoramic view.
The villa is famous for its beautiful terraced gardens, rich in flowers, exotic plants and statues. The main building is an imposing structure dating back to the 18th century and was built on a site that originally housed a Franciscan monastery.
Set for several films, including “Casino Royale” from the James Bond series and “Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones”, it is now owned by the Fondo Ambiente Italiano (FAI) and is open to the public for guided tours.
Finally, Isola Comacina, a fascinating natural island, the only one on Lake Como, is also worth a visit.
Its wild, unspoilt nature and fascinating historical artefacts, such as the remains of the ancient basilica of Sant’Eufemia, attracts lovers of history, culture and nature in equal measure.
The island can only be reached by water, and many tourists opt to take a boat from the port of Como or other surrounding villages to reach it. As a place of great historical and scenic interest, it is also the venue for cultural events and festivals, which attract visitors from all over the world.
Tips for tackling the Greenway
To get to Colonno, the first stop on the Greenway, take the Strada statale 340 Regina or take the ASF Line C10 (Como-Menaggio-Colico), the stop of which is a short walk from Via Luigi Civetta, the point where the route begins.
It is advisable to park your car along Via Cappella in Colonno. On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays parking is chargeable, at a cost of €5 for the whole day. It is possible to rent bicycles or opt for a relaxing walk.
Ultimately, what is the Greenway? A clever way to promote sustainable tourism and allow visitors to enjoy the area’s natural beauty and cultural attractions. An itinerary that allows visitors to admire ancient villages, historic villas, lush gardens and amazing landscapes. An unforgettable experience through one of the most beautiful and fascinating places in Italy.
Would you like to visit any specific location during your stay on Lake Como or would you like advice on the most beautiful places to visit?Our reception is available to help you with all the information you need.