A soaring bell tower overlooks the restful piazza, trees rustle along the shoreline, mountains span the skyline, and incredible lakeside views set the tone for my arrival in Lecco. It was to be my first encounter with Lake Como, one of Italy’s most famous lakes, and discovering all the amazing things to do in Lecco was high on my list.
It was a capricious trip. I was invited to a wedding hosted in the nearby Castello di Rossino, and I had little time to plan. This lack of time left me wanting during my stop in Milan; I missed the Last Supper and the rooftop terraces of Milan’s Duomo.
Still, I managed some research before arriving in Lecco, the picture-perfect town on the southeastern branch of Lake Como’s wishbone-shaped body. It might not be the most famous place on the lake, but it stole my heart, and I hope it steals yours, too.
I’ve gathered ten of the best things to do in Lecco, from strolling along the waterfront to climbing Campanile San Nicolò. Here are my thoughts, recommendations, and insights into one of the most beautiful places on Lake Como.
Quick Overview: The Best Things To Do In Lecco
Lecco is a lovely, off-the-radar town on the southeastern end of Lake Como. It was absolutely perfect for me: mountains, lakes, history, and good food; all without the crowds of the more famous towns (much like Lake Maggiore‘s Stresa).
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick overview of the best things to do:
- Boat Tour – See Lecco and the surrounding lake from the water; it’s going to be relaxing and full of great views: Lecco luxury cruise to Bellagio.
- Hiking Around Lecco – Monte Resegone, Monte Barro, the Grigna mountains, and Castello dell’Innominato offer trails for all levels. Alternatively, jump on the cable cars at Piani d’Erna.
- Historical Centre – Wander Piazza Cermenati, Palazzo delle Paure, Basilica di San Nicolò and Torre Viscontea.
- Gastronomical Adventures – Try local dishes like casoeula, missultìn, or join a food tasting tour or wine tasting experience.
- Waterfront Promenade – Walk along Lungolago di Lecco (also known as Lungolario Isonzo) to enjoy lakeside scenery and monuments.
- Hamlet of Pescarenico & Ponte Azzone Visconti – Explore the old fishing neighbourhood and cross its historic stone bridge.
- Villa Manzoni – Visit the elegant home of the young Alessandro Manzoni, full of history, art, and literary heritage. Finish with a trip to the top three famous villas on Lake Como from Lecco.
- Train to Varenna – Take a short train ride to this postcard-perfect lakeside town.
- Ferry Day Ticket – Hop on and off ferries all day to explore Lake Como towns at your own pace.
- Walk to Malgrate – A short stroll across the bridge gives incredible views of Lecco and a peaceful lakeside escape.
👉 Are you in Milan? If you’d like to make the most of a day trip, there are tours from Milan that include a visit to Lecco, Bellagio, a scenic cruise, and even a hidden gorge. It’s a great option if you’re short on time but want to experience the best of this part of the lake.
Key Takeaways
Lecco is perfect if you want an authentic Lake Como experience without the crowds. This is definitely more my style of travel, and staying in Lecco made this possible. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still busy and there are tourists, but it just feels more lived-in.
The historic centre is small, you’ll only need a day to explore the attractions mentioned above. I’d set aside a day for hiking if this is your vibe, and you’ll need another full day on the ferry to explore other towns.
The ferry is slow; I recommend choosing two to three locations only per day. A good idea is to catch the train to Varenna and do Lake Como’s Golden Triangle: Varenna, Bellagio and Menaggio.
There’s good shopping (especially along Via Roma) and plenty of restaurants, bars and cafes in Lecco. There are numerous accommodation options, although most range from mid to high-end; finding budget accommodation in Lecco can be challenging.
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10 Fun Things To Do In Lecco, Lake Como
🌟 My top pick >> Enjoy delicious, genuine traditional food samplings in several authentic locations within Lecco! Walk around the town guided by a local and pass by the top attractions, all while filling your tums!
1. A Boat Tour
There’s no better way to start exploring Lecco’s beautiful shoreline than from the shimmering waters. Sitting at the southeastern tip of Lake Como, the town makes the perfect launch point for a boat trip.
From the water, the town’s skyline is framed by mountains and dominated by the tall bell tower of San Nicolò. It’s even more striking than seeing it from the piazza.
If you have time, I recommend booking a private tour. Being out on the lake gives a whole new perspective. Small-group boat tours also run from Lecco.
It will be a wonderful experience and usually includes stops in villages, chances to swim, and even a glass of prosecco on board. Whichever way you do it, don’t skip the chance to see Lecco from the lake, it’s one of those simple but unforgettable experiences.
2. Hiking around Lecco
Lecco is framed by mountains, so it’s no surprise that hiking is one of the best things to do here. Even if you’re not a big hiker, the views are worth it.
Every morning while I was in Lecco, I woke up with a wish to hike to the top of Monte Resegone, but it required a full day, and I could never quite make it. In typical wedding style, the only full free day I had was spent hungover! It’s a shame, as I love a good hike.
Nevertheless, Monte Resegone is the most famous peak. It’s got a jagged ridge line that looks like a saw blade, quite impressive to look at – I could see it from my apartment window. The climb is said to be tough, but you can also take shorter walks at the base for gentler trails and views over the lake.
Monte Barro is across the lake near Malgrate and provides an easier climb, although the views are reportedly not as good as those from the top of Monte Resegone.
The Grigna mountains are another option, offering more dramatic hikes. These trails are better if you’re looking for a challenge and don’t mind steep paths.
If you prefer something a little more unusual, head to Castello dell’Innominato. It’s a ruined fortress linked to Alessandro Manzoni’s novel The Betrothed. The walk up is short but steep, and the reward is panoramic views of Lecco and the surrounding landscape.
Tip >> If hiking feels a bit much, you can always join a guided bike tour around Lecco. Some include a pizza lunch – not a bad way to balance out the exercise.
And for an easier mountain experience, take the Piani d’Erna cable car. It whisks you up into the hills. From the top, enjoy hiking trails, fresh air, and stunning views that stretch across Lake Como.
3. The Historical Centre
Lecco’s old town isn’t big, and it’s not as charming as other Italian towns on the lake, but it still has that cute factor.
I enjoyed wandering through the narrow streets, being swept up in all that is Lecco: little piazzas, frescoed buildings, unique shops and plenty of cafes for a quick espresso stop or, better yet, an aperol spritz.
A good place to start is Piazza Mario Cermenati, which kind of merges into Piazza XX Settembre, the main squares that spill out onto the lakefront. It’s lively but not overwhelming, and the backdrop of mountains makes it feel extra special.
From here, you can spot the Basilica di San Nicolò, the town’s main church. Its soaring bell tower, the Campanile di San Nicolò, dominates the skyline and is one of Lecco’s most iconic landmarks. If you’re up for it, climb the tower; the views from the top are incredible.
Nearby is the Palazzo delle Paure (“Palace of Fears”), once home to tax collectors. Today, it’s an art gallery and exhibition space. Even if you’re not into museums, it’s worth a peek inside, and the architecture is beautiful.
And don’t do what I did and miss exploring the Torre Viscontea either. This medieval tower is all that remains of the old city walls and is home to temporary art exhibitions. To learn about the town’s past and culture, this little slice of history tucked into the modern streets is the perfect stop.
In all honesty, the historical centre isn’t flashy like Milan or even Bellagio, but that’s what makes it so appealing. I found it to be real, lived-in, and easy to explore at my own pace.
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4. Gastronomical Adventures
If you’re anything like me, food is always part of the adventure. And in Lecco, I found plenty of local dishes to try. Being right on Lake Como, freshwater fish features heavily on menus.
Missultìn (sun-dried lake shad) is a traditional speciality, often grilled and served with polenta. It’s not for everyone, but worth trying at least once.
For something more comforting, go for Casoeula, in which pork and cabbage are combined to create one of the great classics of Lombardy and Lake Como cuisine.
I’ve got a massive sweet tooth, so if you want to skip straight to dessert (no judgment here), look out for Paradello con le mele (apple pancake) and Pan de Mej (sweet focaccia with elderflower).
Tip >> The gelato from Grom is superb!
👉 Suggested activity>> If you want to dive deeper into Lombardy’s food culture, you can book a Lecco food tour or even a wine-tasting experience. Both are great ways to sample local flavours with some context, and they save you the effort of choosing where to eat.
5. The Waterfront Promenade
One of the simplest but most enjoyable things to do in Lecco is to walk along the lakefront. The Lungolago di Lecco (the watefront walk) is flat, easy, and offers a perfect blend of lakeside views and incredible mountains which plunge into the water.
What I loved most about the promenade was the pace. Everyone was moving slowly, there were no big crowds, and I noticed a lot of local families strolling around. The backdrop of peaks rising behind the town was perfect; it’s the kind of walk that makes you slow down without even realising it.
Start around Piazza Cermenati, and follow the path along the water. You’ll pass shady trees, benches, and plenty of spots to just stop and take it all in.
Along the way, look out for the monument of San Nicolò, perched on the water and glistening in gold; there’s also the Antonio Stoppani monument, a local geologist and writer who left a big mark on the area.
And if you keep going, you’ll eventually reach Pescarenico, Lecco’s old fishing neighbourhood (more on that below).
These monuments and neighbourhoods are a nice reminder that Lecco isn’t just about pretty views; it has layers of history too.
6. The Hamlet of Pescarnenico & Ponte Azzone Visconti
Pescarenico is one of Lecco’s most atmospheric corners. Once a humble fishing village, it still feels separate from the rest of town, with narrow streets, old houses, and an even slower way of life.
The hamlet is also famous thanks to Alessandro Manzoni’s novel The Betrothed. He set several key scenes here, and you’ll see plaques and references to the story as you wander around.
Just nearby is the Ponte Azzone Visconti, Lecco’s medieval stone bridge. Built in the 14th century, it was once a crucial crossing point and today remains one of the town’s most iconic landmarks.
7. Villa Manzoni
If you’re interested in culture and history, a visit to Villa Manzoni is a must. This elegant 18th-century villa was once the family home of writer Alessandro Manzoni, one of Italy’s most famous literary figures. His novel The Betrothed is considered a classic, and you’ll see his influence all over Lecco.
Today, the villa is a museum.
Inside, you’ll find manuscripts, portraits, and furniture that belonged to the Manzoni family. There are also art collections and rotating exhibitions, so even if you’re not a huge literature fan, it’s still worth a wander.
What I liked most was the atmosphere. The villa feels grand yet personal, like you’re stepping into the private world of a family who left a lasting mark on Lecco.
👉 Suggested activity >> If villas are your thing, you can also use Lecco as a base for exploring more along the lake. Tours run from the town, including entry tickets to lakeside villas with ferry transport, which is a great way to combine culture, views, and a boat trip in one day.
8. Train to Varenna
One of the best things about Lecco is how easy it is to get around. It’s possible to hop on a train and be in Varenna in about 20 minutes. Unfortunately, when I was there, the track was under maintenance, and so it was closed.
Varenna is said to be one of the most beautiful towns on Lake Como. Colourful houses line the waterfront, narrow lanes wind uphill, and everywhere you turn, there’s another postcard view.
The Passeggiata degli Innamorati (the Lovers’ Walk) is the highlight, a lakeside path that leads straight into the centre. You can also visit Villa Monastero with its botanical gardens, or climb up to Castello di Vezio for sweeping views across the lake.
👉 Varenna is part of Lake Como’s Golden Triangle; the other two towns, including Bellagio and Menaggio, are worth exploring, especially on a scenic boat cruise.
9. The Ferry Day Ticket
To see more of Lake Como without breaking the bank, the ferry day ticket is the way to go; this is how I explored the lake.
From Lecco, it’s super easy to buy a pass that lets you hop on and off ferries all day from the ferry port, making it easy to explore different towns at your own pace.
It’s one of the most relaxing ways to experience the lake, although I have heard the ferries can become crowded during peak season. From my experience, it was stress-free and peaceful, just watching the scenery roll by.
For me, the best part was the freedom. I didn’t need to plan too much; I just checked the timetable the day before and decided which towns I wanted to visit. In the end, I stopped by Bellagio and Mandello.
I probably could have woken up a little earlier and fitted in another town. Even so, it was a flexible, fun, and very “Lake Como” way of travelling, which I highly recommend.
10. Walk to Malgrate
Sometimes the simplest things turn out to be the best. One of my favourite experiences in Lecco was walking across to Malgrate, the little town on the opposite shore.
It’s an easy stroll over the bridge, and once I arrived, I got some of the best views back across the water to Lecco. The mountains rise behind the town, the bell tower of San Nicolò stands tall, and the whole scene reflects beautifully on the lake.
Malgrate itself is quiet, with a tidy lakeside promenade and a few cafes to stop for a drink. It’s not a big destination, but that’s the charm. It feels local and quite overlooked compared to the busier towns on Lake Como.
Final Thoughts: The Best Thing To Do In Lecco
Lecco may not be the first place I thought of when I pictured visiting Lake Como, but that’s exactly why I loved it.
It’s a town where you can soak up mountain views, wander calmer streets, and enjoy the lake without feeling rushed or crowded, yet still feel immersed in Italian culture and excitement.
The boat tours are a must on any itinerary to Lecco, while making time for the mountain trails is high on my list if I ever return (I’m very upset I missed this). The historic piazzas and simple lakeside walks offer great photo opportunities and are a great way to unwind; I think Lecco offers a little bit of everything.
It’s a great spot for families, couples and friends. Although the nightlife isn’t as crazy as other spots on the lake, during the weekend, Piazza XX Settembre does come alive with a dash of frenzy excitement.
It’s authentic, unpretentious, and the kind of place that sneaks up on you and stays in your memory long after you’ve left. I loved it.
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