Only a short drive from Milan, Lecco is blessed with a dramatic mountainous setting and stunning location on the south-eastern shore of Lake Como. All the more surprising, then, that this is not considered a hotspot for tourists. Instead, the charming Alpine town maintains a relaxed and tranquil atmosphere all year round.
Lecco is an especially fascinating place to visit if you are interested in hiking and getting closer to Como’s natural beauty. Lecco might not have a famous name, but it offers many of the same attractions as the town of Como while being significantly quieter – even during the tourist season.
Things to Do in Lecco
There is no doubt that the major appeal of visiting Lecco lies in its fairytale beauty. Views of the shimmering lake combined with towering verdant mountains make this a truly unforgettable place. But Lecco has more than just scenery to enjoy.
This is a popular spot for hiking, with many well-established trails into the mountains. It is always a good idea to plan thoroughly where you are going to be hiking, as there are many paths and some are more strenuous than others.
There are museums to visit including the Civic Planetarium, the Museum of Natural History and one dedicated to novelist and poet Alessandro Manzoni. This region is also famous for producing some truly spectacular food and you can take your pick from a huge range of delectable dining options. There are superb wines from local vineyards as well, and you can even book a visit, as Terre Lariane estates are located just minutes away in Montevecchia.
Transport to Lecco
The best way to reach Lecco from Malpensa Airport is to hire a car and drive. The airport is west of Milan while Lecco is northwards. The journey is scenic, especially the closer you get to Lecco where you can enjoy views of the lakes and the hills. With reasonable traffic, the drive will take less than an hour. The quickest route is usually to drive via the A36, but sometimes a less direct route through Milan will actually work out faster.
It is possible to reach Lecco without driving, typically by taking either a taxi or train to Milan where you can catch further public transport on to Lecco. The city is a hub for trains, and an excellent starting point for a rail journey.