7 experiences not to be missed in Tremezzina
If you are spending at least one day in Tremezzina we suggest 7 experiences not to be missed. Certainly in one day you cannot follow all our tips, you would need 3 or 4 days, but you can make your choice according to your taste and interests and how much you like to walk.
#1 Villa Balbianello
Magnificent gardens and an impressive XVIII century villa where artists, scholars and travellers have resided along the centuries. Built on the edge of a wooded peninsula, it offers an enchanting view on the lake. A visit not to be missed.
From Info Point Lenno: Total walking time 2h30
When you leave the Info Point, follow the lakefront till the Lido di Lenno, where you can take a motorboat going along the coast to the Villa (Suggested) or follow the evocative path in the woods. At the Lido you find all the directions to reach the Villa.
From Info Point Tremezzo: Total walking time 3h
Take a boat from Tremezzo to Lenno (8 minutes). When you get off the boat in Lenno, follow the lakefront till the Lido di Lenno, where you can take a motorboat going along the coast to the Villa (Suggested) or follow the evocative path in the woods. At the Lido you find all the directions to reach the Villa.
#2 Madonna del Soccorso + San Benedetto + Abbazia dell’Acquafredda
Located at 400m above sea level, the Sanctuary of the Beata Vergine del Soccorso or Madonna del Soccorso dominates the charming basin of Isola Comacina and Tremezzina. You can reach easily the Sanctuary in 45 minutes along a wide road where 14 chapels are located, small temples with a central plan, built between 1663 and 1688, and decorated by statues in plaster and stucco.
Climbing up from the Sactuary, you reach the ancient Monastery of Saint Benedetto, built between 1083 and 1090 (817 m, 2 h). From the Monastery you can continue picking up the trail behind the church. Then you cross the bridge over the stream Perlana and follow the trail along the opposite side of the valley, going back towards Lenno.
From Info Point Lenno: Total walking time 4 h
ascent +600 m with some steep ascents and descents. When you leave the Info Point, follow the lakefront till the main square, piazza Santo Stefano, where the church St. Stefano and the XI century baptistery stand. Cross the main road (you can use an underpass) and just past the post office and the bus stop turn left along an uphill lane in the direction of the Santuario della B.V. del Soccorso.
#3 Villa Carlotta
Villa Carlotta was built in a natural basin between lake and mountains at the end of XVII century by the Milanese marquis Giorgio Clerici. The building is imposing but sober, surrounded by a fascinating and romantic Italian-style garden with a great view on the lake and mountains. The gardens of Villa Carlotta are well-known for the rhododendrons’ and azaleas’ spring flowering (over 150 different sorts), but you can find also old varieties of camellias, century old cedars and sequoias, huge planes and tropical plants, the Rock garden and the Ferns valley, the Rhododendrons wood and the Bamboos garden, the agricultural tools museum and wonderful views of the lake. Villa Carlotta also hosts musical events, temporary exhibitions and interesting cultural activities.
From Info Point Tremezzo: Walking time + visit 3h
Follow the lake side promenade for approx. 400 m to the north passing by the Grand Hotel Tremezzo. In ten minutes you arrive to the great plane trees in front of the entrance to Villa Carlotta.
From Info Point Lenno: Walking time + visit 3h20
If you are in Lenno, take the boat (direction Bellagio): the first stop is Tremezzo. Follow the lake side promenade for approx. 400 m to the north passing by the Grand Hotel Tremezzo. In ten minutes you arrive to the great plane trees in front of the entrance to Villa Carlotta.
#4 The Roman Crypt of the Church of Santo Stefano in Lenno
The Church of Santo Stefano stands on the main square of the village and houses an interesting and fascinating crypt, open to visits. A secret, mystic place that takes you back to the XI century.
From Info Point Lenno: Walking time + visit 1h
When you leave the Info Point, follow the lakefront till the main square, piazza Santo Stefano, where the church St. Stefano and the XI century baptistery stand. Enter through the side door of the church and behind a column you will see a small gate opening on the narrow stairs going down to the crypt.
From Info Point Tremezzo: Walking time + visit 1h30
Take a boat (direction Como), the first stop is Lenno. Starting from the boat landing, follow the lakefront till the main square, piazza Santo Stefano, where the church St.Stefano and the XI century baptistery stand. Enter through the side door and behind a column you will see a small gate opening on the narrow stairs going down to the crypt.
#5 The Greenway
The Greenway is a leisurely and pleasant walk of about 10 km that leads from Colonno to Griante, going along the shores and in some points climbing from the main road and offering a beatiful view. You can choose to walk along a portion of the entire walk. The trail is indicated by road signs and metal plates on the pavement. It is a good alternative to public or private transport. The round-trip trail takes an entire day, but a single portion of the walk could be an interesting solution.
We suggest:
Walk along the Greenway from the Info Point Tremezzo to the Info Point Lenno or viceversa.
#6 Comacina Island
It is not only a beautiful green island, but also a place rich in histories and legends, secluded corners and the open views, with an aura of mystery lingering. The ideal place for a relaxing and easy walk, far from noises and traffic, perfect for children…don’t forget your bathing suit.
#7 Path of the Alpini. Panoramic trail
Among dozens of mountain paths we have chosen the most evocative trail, certainly not an easy one, but walking uphill you are going to have unobstructed, magnificent views on the lake.
It is a rather difficult trail with an important ascent, suitable for children above 10, an unforgettable experience that you will hold dear.
Walking time: 8h
Necessary equipment: trekking shoes, trekking poles, water, sunscreen, hat. First Aid Kit.
Follow itinerary 6 and 3b on the map of the trails
Path of the Alpini from Tremezzo to Rogaro and Mount Crocione:
From Tremezzo you reach Rogaro (300m) where you can park near a picnic area. The route takes you to the chapel of the Alpini where you come to a fork: on the right (6A) you climb towards Monti di Nava along a path offering a beautiful view; on the left (6B) you reach Mount Crocione (1,641m).
From Mount Crocione you walk towards Alpe di Mezzegra, then following the itinerary 3B 3B you reach Narro (988m), a small hamlet where you can find food and drinks at the Azienda Agricola Sceresa. After a perfect pause, you can climb down to Lenno, reach the boat landing and take a boat to Tremezzo, then climb back to Rogaro where your car is parked.