Bellano

Bellano sits right where the Pioverna river flows into the lake, which gives it a unique character. You’ve got the calm waters of Como on one side and this rushing river that’s carved out a pretty impressive gorge – the Orrido di Bellano – on the other. It’s a pretty neat combination, and it makes for some interesting scenery.

One thing that sets Bellano apart is its history. It’s not just a modern resort town; it’s got some real history behind it, dating back to Roman times. This history is visible in some of the town’s architecture and in the general layout of the place. It gives Bellano a sense of depth that you don’t always find.

So, if you’re planning a trip to Lake Como and you’re looking for a place that offers a mix of natural beauty, authentic Italian culture, and a bit of history, give Bellano a look. It might just surprise you. I know it did me.

What to see in Bellano

Bellano’s got a few cool things to check out, most notably the Orrido, this wild gorge carved by the Pioverna river—it’s seriously impressive. Beyond that, just wandering the lakefront and soaking up the small-town vibe is a pretty good way to spend your time.

Orrido di Bellano

This isn’t your average scenic overlook; it’s a proper gorge, carved out by the Pioverna river over, well, a ridiculously long time. I’m talking millennia. This river, it’s got some serious persistence. It’s basically been working away at the rock, creating this dramatic chasm that’s quite a sight to behold.

So, what exactly is an “orrido”? It’s an Italian word that basically means a deep, narrow gorge or ravine. And the Orrido di Bellano definitely lives up to the name. You’ve got these steep rock walls, sometimes almost vertical, with the Pioverna rushing through at the bottom. It’s loud, it’s powerful, and it’s definitely not something you see every day.

What makes this place even more interesting is how they’ve made it accessible. They’ve built walkways and platforms that let you get right up close to the action. You can walk along the edge of the gorge, look down into the churning water, and feel the spray on your face. It’s a bit of an adrenaline rush, especially if you’re not a big fan of heights (like me, sometimes!). But don’t worry, it’s safe, they’ve done a good job making sure you won’t fall in.

The history of the Orrido isn’t just about geology, though. The force of the Pioverna has been used by people for centuries. Back in the day, they used the water’s power for mills and other industries. It’s fascinating to think about how this natural feature was so important for the local economy. It wasn’t just a pretty view; it was a source of energy and livelihood.

Sentiero del Viandante – Wanderer Trail

The Sentiero del Viandante is an ancient trail that runs along the eastern side of Lake Como. It’s been used for centuries by locals for traveling between villages, moving goods, and probably just getting some fresh air. Now, it’s a popular hiking route (see all the routes on Lake Como), and for good reason. It offers amazing views, a good workout, and a real sense of connection to the area’s past.

If you’re starting in Bellano, you’ve got a couple of options depending on how much you want to hike. You can head north towards Varenna or south towards Dervio (or further, of course, if you’re feeling ambitious). I’ve done both directions from Bellano, and each has its own appeal.

Heading north towards Varenna is probably the more popular choice. The path winds its way along the hillside, passing through woods, olive groves, and small villages. You’ll get some fantastic panoramic views of the lake, with the mountains rising sharply on the opposite shore.

Going south towards Dervio is a bit different. This section of the trail tends to be a bit quieter, with fewer people. It also offers some interesting historical sights, including old churches and ruins. The terrain is a bit more varied here, with some steeper sections and some flatter stretches.

Madonna delle Lacrime Sanctuary

Well, I’ve got just the thing: the Santuario della Madonna delle Lacrime, or the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Tears. Now, before you start picturing some gloomy, depressing place, let me assure you, it’s actually quite interesting.

This sanctuary isn’t exactly in Bellano proper; it’s up in the Lezzeno part, a bit further up the hill. And it has quite a story. Back in 1688 – that’s a long time ago – a local farmer was walking by a small chapel. He said his prayers to the Madonna image inside, and then, get this, he saw the image weeping tears of blood.

Blood! Obviously, this caused quite a stir. He ran to tell everyone, the local priest got involved, and eventually, word reached the bishop in Milan. Fast forward two years, and they laid the first stone for this sanctuary. The original plaster image of Mary, the one that supposedly did the weeping, is now kept in a niche above the altar. It’s the centerpiece of the whole place.

The sanctuary itself sits on a bit of a hill, so you get some nice views out over the lake. The building has a Baroque facade, but it’s not overly fussy or ornate. It’s got a clean, simple look with a bell tower off to the side. Inside, though, it’s a different story. You’ll find lots of marble (including some cool black marble from Varenna), stucco work, and paintings.

Lakefront Promenade

This isn’t just some boring stretch of concrete; it’s the heart and soul of the town, a place where everyone gathers, from locals taking their evening passeggiata to visitors soaking up the Lake Como vibes. You’ve got the shimmering lake on one side, with stunning views across to the mountains on the opposite shore.

On the other side, you’ll find a mix of buildings – some with those classic Italian facades, others housing cafes, restaurants, and shops. It’s not a uniform line of structures; it’s a bit of a mix, which adds to its character. It’s not overly manicured or touristy. You’ll see locals chatting on benches, kids chasing pigeons (as kids do), and couples enjoying a leisurely stroll.

The promenade isn’t particularly long, which is actually a plus in my book. It’s perfect for a relaxed walk without feeling like you’re embarking on a marathon. You can easily stroll from one end to the other, stopping for a coffee or a snack along the way. There are also plenty of benches if you just want to sit and soak up the atmosphere.

La Ca Di Radio Vecc

Let me tell you about La Cà di Radio Vecc – or, as it translates, “The House of Old Radios“. It’s not your typical museum; it’s more like stepping into a time capsule of sound. This place is packed with vintage radios and gramophones, and it’s a real treat for anyone interested in technology, history, or just cool old stuff.

This isn’t some corporate museum; it’s a labor of love. Paolo and Rina Panatti, the owners, spent fifty years collecting these amazing pieces. They opened the museum in 2014 in a house right in Bellano’s historic center, making it a truly unique experience. It feels like you’re visiting someone’s incredibly interesting (and slightly cluttered, in the best way) home.

The exhibition is laid out chronologically, which I found helpful. It starts with the early days of radio, taking you all the way from Guglielmo Marconi’s inventions up to the 1960s. We’re talking serious history here. They’ve got some real rarities, like an early Marconi radio from 1923, and some fancy gramophones that look like they belong in a period drama. They also have some homemade radios on display, which is really interesting to see the ingenuity of people back then.

An amazing boat tour

Getting out on the water in Bellano? Let’s face it, you can’t really experience Lake Como without taking a boat ride. It’s like going to Rome and skipping the Colosseum – you just don’t do it. From my experience, there are a few ways to tackle this, and each has its own perks.

There are the private boat tours (see more) . Now, these are where things get a bit more interesting. You can rent a boat with a driver (or sometimes even without, if you have the proper license) and create your own itinerary. This gives you a lot of flexibility. Want to cruise past George Clooney’s villa (from a respectful distance, of course)? You can do that. Want to find a quiet cove for a swim? You can do that too.

It’s a more personalized experience, and it’s great if you’re traveling with a group or want to celebrate a special occasion. These tours are where you really get to feel like you’re experiencing the lake in style. Below you can find our recommended solution for a trip all around the lake.

Bellano’s Beaches

Bellano offers a couple of spots where you can soak up the sun and cool off in the water, and they have their own unique spirit.

Lido di Bellano

First off, the location is prime. It’s right on the shore of Lake Como, which, let’s face it, is a pretty stunning backdrop. Lido di Bellano has been a family-run business since 2012, and you can tell they put a lot of heart into the place. It feels welcoming and comfortable, not like some impersonal resort.

They’ve got a private beach area where you can soak up the sun and take a dip in the lake. The water is clear and refreshing, perfect for cooling off on a hot day. If you prefer swimming in a pool (and let’s be honest, sometimes that’s just easier), they’ve got you covered there too.

Now, let’s talk about the food. Because, let’s be real, that’s a big part of any good vacation. Lido di Bellano has a lakeside restaurant that serves up fresh fish, wood-fired pizza, and other traditional dishes. They emphasize using high-quality ingredients, which is always a plus. I’ve tried their pizza, and it’s definitely worth a shout. Eating with that lake view is a pretty great experience.
🔗 Official website: lidobellano.com

Public Beach

Bellano’s public beach is a little more… down-to-earth. And honestly, I kind of like it that way. It’s not a huge stretch of golden sand like you’d find on the coast. It’s more of a grassy area with access to the lake. Think of it as a park that happens to have a waterfront. There are some concrete sections too, which are handy for getting in and out of the water. It’s a public space, so it’s free to use.

Now, let’s be real: this isn’t a place for serious sunbathing sessions where you’re aiming for a deep tan. It’s more of a place to relax, cool off in the lake, and enjoy the scenery. You’ll see families picnicking, kids splashing around, and people just chilling out. The water is generally clean, which is good news. It gets refreshing, especially in the summer heat.