10 Hidden Gems in Lake Como: A Local’s Guide
If you are like me, and do not love to stay in the crowds, this list of secret Lake Como gems might be your saviour this holiday season. What many people do not know, is that the most authentic and inspiring Lake Como places are the ones that were not built for tourists. As an expat who has called this lake home for almost four years, I’ve found some less known spots that most visitors (and even many locals) miss entirely. From hidden vineyards and home restaurants to forgotten chapels, here are 10 hidden gems in Lake Como, that will make your Italian trip truly unforgettable and authentic.
10 Hidden Gems in Lake Como: Local’s List
- Orrido di Nesso (Nesso)
- The Vezio Castle of Ghosts (Varenna)
- Wine Tasting at Vitivinicola (Cernobbio)
- Chapel San Giacomo (Ossuccio)
- Casa dei Presepi (Mezzegra, Tremezzina)
- Home Restaurant “Wild Villa Experience” (Molina)
- The Writer’s Nest (Faggeto Lario)
- Monte Bisbino mountain top (Cernobbio)
- Mussolini’s capture trail (Dongo)
- Orrido di Belano (Belano)
1. Orrido di Nesso
Located between the villages of Nesso and Careno, the Orrido di Nesso is a dramatic canyon that formed centuries ago by rushing water. A narrow bridge goes over a cascading waterfall, leaving the other side a perfect spot for swimmers to dive into the Lake. In summer, you will often see people jumping into the water from that ancient bridge. This is a common spot for the boat tours, but I highly recommend visiting the Nesso town too – it has a panoramic view of the lake!
- Why It’s Special: Orrido di Nesso is one of the most impressive natural spots of the lake.
- What to See: The twin waterfalls that unite behind the medieval stone bridge, framed by moss covered cliffs. Little secret – this side of the lake has the most stunning sunsets.
- Getting There: Park in Nesso’s free parking lot, then follow the signs to the waterfall (5-minute walk). If you come by ferry, follow the signs and climb up through the ancient streets of Nesso (do not forget to enjoy the authenticity of the old town – it is indeed quite ancient!)
2. The Vezio Castle of Ghosts
Located on a rocky point above Varenna, Castello di Vezio has watched over Lake Como for more than a thousand years. Queen Theodolinda chose this spot for its unbeatable views and its power to guard every boat and village in the center of the lake. It is believed that this castle was built in Roman times. Today, the castle is a fun mix of history and scenery.
- Why It’s Special: Stone walls from the Middle Ages, faded Renaissance frescoes, and unforgettable “ghost” figures leaning over the ramparts – Castello di Vezio feels like living, open-air history, mixed with the modern art and the views.
- What to do: Climb the tower for a 360° lake panorama; Wander the olive gardens with modern art and the castle’s famous statues – “ghosts; Explore the underground passages and a small exhibit on the prehistoric “Lariosaurus,” Lake Como’s dinosaur.
- Bonus tip: Book a sunset aperitivo in the castle with a lake view! (Booking via their website: https://www.castellodivezio.it/).
3. Wine Tasting at Vitivinicola Cernobbio
One of the best experiences you can have while visiting Italy and Lake Como is meeting the locals. Vitivinicola is a small local winery that accepts people only via appointment. If you manage to get one, though, you will fall in love with this family and their story!
- Why It’s Special: Lake Como does not have many wineries – it is not an easy climate for making wine. Therefore, this one is special, and Gigi – the owner of the place – will tell you all about it! You will get to taste the wine, walk around the vineyards, hear about the process, and have a beautiful homemade aperitivo with the owners.
- Safety Note: Wear comfortable shoes. You might want to walk around the vineyards, and the path is uneven and can be slippery after rain.
- Dinner plans? Forget them, wine tasting includes an aperitivo with home made Italian snacks – you will love them!
4. Chapel San Giacomo (Ossuccio)
The first time I walked past this little chapel I actually sat on the bench next to it and never realised it was there – a secret hiding in plain sight. On my next visit, I spotted a worn doorway, stepped through, and found Chiesa di San Giacomo: a 12-century gem with Romanesque walls and the perfect balcony view over Lake Como and Comacina Island.
- Why it’s special: This pocket-sized 12th-century church sits in Ossuccio, overlooking the Lake. Romanesque stone, a single nave, and fragile frescoes give it the quiet soul of old-world Como. Out front? A view straight across to Isola Comacina.
- What to do: Push open the wooden door – no ticket desk – to see faded medieval saints painted in russet and indigo. Then sit on the low wall with a panino and watch little boats glide below: pure Lake Como calm, just a few steps off the main road.
- Insta-tip: This area is one of those photogenic Lake Como spots. Great place for some pictures!
5. Casa dei Presepi (Mezzegra, Tremezzina)
Located in a plain stone house on Mezzegra’s main lane, right next to a beautiful waterfall, this little museum looks ordinary until you step inside and find room after room glowing with little lights and handcrafted Nativity scenes – all year long!
- Why It’s Special: Nativity scenes are an old Italian Christmas tradition. Local volunteers build every presepe by hand, from tiny cribs to room-filling landscapes packed with moving shepherds, tiny waterwheels, and Lombard villages. The collection keeps Italian Christmas crafts alive all year.
- How to Get There: It is a part of the “Greenway” – 10 km hike around Lake Como towns, that I highly recommend trying. Or just follow Google maps – its a nice 20 min walk uphill from Lenno.
6. Home Restaurant “Wild Villa Experience”
Halfway up the lakeside road (SP 43) in a private villa, Wild Villa is run by hosts Lara and Pier, who open their own dining room and garden to small groups for lunch, dinner, cooking classes, and private events.
- Why It’s Special: It’s a real home setting – you eat in the couple’s villa, not a commercial restaurant, with wide lake views from the terrace. Menus change daily – Pier cooks with local fish, garden vegetables, and foraged herbs; spices from his travels add extra flair.
- Important to note: Reserve in advance via their website or Instagram DM – walk-ins aren’t accepted.
- Book a Romantic Activity: Ask about the next cooking-class date if you’d like to come back and make fresh-herb gnocchi or local fish dishes with Pier.
7. The Writer’s Nest (Faggeto Lario)
If you are looking for an authentic experience, The Writer’s Nest is the ultimate answer to the most commonly asked question: where to stay in Lake Como? A 19th-century stone quarryman’s hut turned waterfront villa, now the private hidden retreat of Lake-Como novelist Giuseppe Guin, and offered to guests as a three-bedroom gem on 3,000 m² of lawn and forest. It does not get more authentic than this!
- Why It’s Special: Guin wrote several of his books here; shelves still hold drafts, and lake-view desks beg for journaling. He renovated this house, preserving many parts of the authentic original shape.
- Hollywood touch: You might have seen this location in the Amazon Prime series Mr. and Mrs Smith – The Writer’s Nest was their hideout spot in the movie.
- Getting There: Arrive by boat taxi – the villa’s dock is the easiest access, adding James-Bond touch to your whole experience.
8. Ristoro Vetta Bisbino (Monte Bisbino, 1 325 m)
A stone refuge beside the Sanctuary of the Beata Vergine del Bisbino, 20 minutes above Cernobbio. Besides a spectacular view of the Swiss Alps, Lake Como, and occasional glider planes gliding above, you will also find military hideouts left there from the Second World War.
- Why It’s Special – Home-style mountain food (polenta taragna, brasato, local cheeses) served on a terrace with a 360° view: Lake Como, the Swiss Alps, and, on clear days, the Milan skyline.
- Getting There:
• Drive: narrow 12 km road from Cernobbio, park just below the church (2 minute walk).
• Hike: 3-hour trail up from Moltrasio (highly recommend!), or join the Via dei Monti Lariani ridge. - What to Order – Polenta uncia, Polenta with chocolate sauce, and deer or wild boar meat + brasato, a slice of their handmade cake, and a local herb liquor before ringing the church bell for luck.
9. Mussolini’s capture trail in Dongo
On 27 April 1945 Benito Mussolini and his RSI ministers were stopped in Dongo while trying to flee north in a German convoy. This event marked Italian freedom from fascism and became one of the most significant Italian historical events of that decade. Several spots in the village still tell the story and can be visited in less than an hour.
- Why It’s Special: A short walk, powerful history lesson, and one of the clearest physical traces of the war’s end on Lake Como. You do want to see it.
- Directions: Start at the boat dock and walk 2 minutes to Piazza Paracchini for the capture marker. Enter Palazzo Manzi (€5, closed Mon) and spend 30 min with the interactive displays tracing the final 48 hours of the regime. Follow the lake promenade south to the execution plaque (look closely at the rail for original bullet scars); panels (Italian/English) explain the events of 28 April 1945. Optional: drive or cycle 2 km north to Musso where some RSI ministers were first intercepted, completing the historical loop.
- Insider tip: If you want to know some inside details, go to a local bar or restaurant, talk to locals – most of them have relatives who, one way or another, participated in these events – they will tell you some incredible stories.
10. Orrido di Belano
Many people visit Varenna, but most miss Orrido di Belano – a narrow, 15-million-year-old gorge cut by the River Pioverna, hidden behind Bellano’s lakefront. Steel walkways cling to the rock walls, letting you walk above the waterfalls. Spectacular views!
- Why It’s Special: The gorge’s 50-metre limestone walls and waterfalls make visitors call it “one of Lake Como’s hidden gems” and “quieter than Bellagio”. You will love the mix of raw nature and the man-made footbridges, the view looks like a cathedral of rock. You can also step into the little Cà del Diavol tower for a short video on local legends and frescoes.
- Good to know: Buy a ticket online, in advance. The path is flat and well-maintained, so normal trainers are fine, but you might feel a cool mist – pack a light jacket even in July.
- Get there: 5 min train ride from Varenna!
Conclusion
Lake Como still hides more secrets than any guidebook can list. Start with these ten spots – dive from Nesso’s stone bridge, sip home-grown wine above Cernobbio, ring the summit bell on Monte Bisbino, and you’ll see the lake the way locals do. Planning your trip, and looking for less crowded, more authentic spots, the best food, and some local guidance? Download my free three-day itinerary and get a map pin for every gem mentioned here, plus ferry times, parking tips, and restaurant bookings in one click. See you on the lake!
