5 Things to Do in Bellano

A village nestled between the rocks and Lake Como

Bellano is a small town on the eastern shore of Lake Como, nestled between the Grigne mountains and the waters of the Lario, and crossed by the icy waters of the Pioverna. Over time, the latter has carved through the rock, creating a small canyon: its name is the Orrido di Bellano. Bellano is a picturesque fishing village with narrow streets and colorful buildings. It is not particularly elegant, but here you can experience the true essence of the lake and nature. From the small marina, you can admire the other towns of the Lario, such as Bellagio or Menaggio: from here you can observe how the weather changes on the lake and what happens before a storm... Something magical!

Orrido di Bellano
The Orrido di Bellano was formed by the power of the Pioverna stream, which, with its icy waters from Valsassina, has carved through the rock for millennia, eroding it with a stunning result. It is not a physically demanding experience, as the path is fully equipped with walkways and viewpoints... However, the relentless force of nature and the deafening roar of the water leave you breathless, and the only thing to do is admire them in silent and amazed respect.

Sanctuary of Lezzeno
According to tradition, on August 6, 1688, a farmer passed by a chapel dedicated to the Madonna and, after reciting a prayer, saw that the Madonna was weeping tears of blood. After informing relatives, friends, and the parish priest, they all rushed to Milan. Following this event, the Sanctuary was built; positioned on a hill, it overlooks Lake Como. Rich in precious ornaments, it is a renowned and popular place of pilgrimage, especially for its tradition of welcoming visitors and families.

Fish Menu
The fish from Lake Como is of the highest quality. A must-try is the missoltino, a particular variety of dried shad, served with special seasonings. The shad is a distant relative of anchovies, trapped centuries ago during the thaw in the lake's waters and adapted to the new environment. Salting and drying fish are ancient processes, with traces dating back at least to the medieval period. The seasonal shad fishing season opens in late spring: a regular event that marks the life of the small coastal villages.

Sentiero del Viandante
A green itinerary between history and nature, the Sentiero del Viandante (Wayfarer's Path) is perfect for you! The route connecting Abbadia Lariana to Perledo retraces the footsteps of the ancient Romans, the first to travel these paths along the eastern shore of Lake Como to reach the most isolated small settlements. Along the way, let yourself be transported back in time by listening to the voice of nature and its scents which, despite the passing centuries, have remained unchanged to this day!

Sailing Excursion
Thanks to its strategic position, Bellano is a perfect starting point for sailing excursions, as well as an ideal regatta course. Throughout the year, the thermal wind that locals call the Breva blows from the south from midday until sunset: a fabulous condition for sailing on the deep blue waters of Lake Como. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, you can lounge along the Bellano lakeside on Lake Como and admire the white sails gliding across the water in front of the charming town on the eastern shore of the Lario.