Blevio

Let me introduce you to Blevio, a charming village on the eastern shore of Lake Como. Now, when I say “charming”, I don’t mean in a clichéd, overly-touristy way. Blevio has a quiet, understated elegance about it. So, if you’re looking for a more tranquil and authentic Lake Como experience, Blevio is definitely worth considering.

Blevio isn’t one of the big, splashy towns that everyone immediately thinks of when they picture Lake Como. It’s more of a low-key, residential kind of place. This, in my opinion, is a huge part of its appeal.

Geographically, Blevio is situated on the eastern branch of Lake Como, offering stunning views across the water to the western shore. It’s a bit closer to Como city than some of the other villages further up the lake, making it relatively easy to access.

What to see in Blevio

It’s a quieter spot on Lake Como, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to see. It’s more about soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the scenery than ticking off a long list of must-see attractions. But there are definitely some things worth pointing out.

Mosaic Park

Let’s talk about the Mosaic Park in Blevio, because who doesn’t like a bit of art in the open air? This isn’t your typical manicured park with perfectly trimmed hedges; it’s something a bit more…unique. It’s a relatively small area, but it’s packed with visual interest. The main attraction, as the name suggests, is the collection of mosaics.

These aren’t ancient Roman mosaics unearthed from some archaeological dig; these are contemporary pieces, created by local artists and community members. What I find interesting about this park is the way the mosaics are integrated into the natural surroundings.

They’re not just plonked down on pedestals; they’re often incorporated into the landscape, using natural elements like stones and plants as part of the artwork. The style of the mosaics varies, which keeps things interesting. You’ll find abstract designs, representational pieces, and everything in between. Some are bright and bold, while others are more subtle and understated.

It’s worth noting that the Mosaic Park is a community project. This gives it a real local feel. It’s not some big commercial tourist attraction; it’s a place created by and for the people of Blevio. This adds to its charm and makes it feel like a genuine part of the town.

Villa Troubetzkoy

It’s not open for public tours in the usual sense, which adds to its mystique, but its presence is a significant part of Blevio’s character. First off, the name. It’s a bit of a mouthful, right? “Cagni Troubetzkoy”. It tells a story in itself. The “Cagni” part refers to the Cagni family, who were prominent in the area.

Then comes “Troubetzkoy,” a name of Russian aristocratic origin. This immediately hints at the villa’s interesting past and its connections to European nobility. The villa was originally built in the 19th century, during the period when Lake Como became the fashionable destination for wealthy Europeans.

The “Troubetzkoy” connection comes from Princess Elissaveta Esperovna Troubetzkaya, a Russian noblewoman who acquired the villa. This association with Russian aristocracy brought a certain level of social prestige to the property and to Blevio itself.

While specific details about the villa’s interior and gardens are not widely available (since it’s a private residence), its exterior architecture is quite striking. It’s a classic example of the elegant villas that line Lake Como, with its ornate façade and prominent position overlooking the water. It contributes significantly to Blevio’s overall visual appeal.
🔗 Official website: villacagnitroubetzkoy.com

Villa Cademartori

The villa sits right on the edge of Lake Como, in a small inlet called “Girola”, which basically means “gravelly area” in the local dialect. This gives it a prime waterfront location and some pretty nice views. It’s a three-story building with a tower on the right side, so it’s fairly easy to spot. Of course, it’s not as popular as Villa Carlotta, Villa del Balbianello, Villa Monastero or Villa Melzi.

The main floor has a series of windows with triangular tops (tympanums, if you want to get technical) and a terrace with statues supported by a Doric portico. This portico acts like a grand entrance, giving the villa a rather imposing look. The grounds around the villa are also worth mentioning. They’re home to some seriously old trees, including a massive plane tree and a rather fancy cedar of Lebanon.

Now for the history bit: Back in 1842, a German businessman and banker named Giorgio Mylius bought the property from the Artaria family, who were big-time publishers at the time. The Artarias had been using the place as a family retreat for quite a while, possibly going back to the 1700s.

After Mylius passed away, the villa went to his second wife, Sophie Elisabeth Vonwiller, who then passed it on to her son-in-law, Corrado Cramer. From the Cramer family, the villa eventually ended up in the hands of the Cademartori family, hence the name.

Enjoy a lakefront dinner in a michelin restaurant

Thinking about a Michelin-starred meal at L’ARIA in Blevio? Good choice! Let me give you the inside scoop. L’ARIA isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an experience, and a pretty swanky one at that. It’s located within the Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como, which immediately gives you a clue about the level of refinement we’re talking about.

What sets L’ARIA apart, in my opinion, is the interesting blend of Italian culinary traditions with Japanese influences. Chef Massimiliano Blasone is the mastermind behind this culinary fusion, and he clearly knows what he’s doing. The focus is on using top-notch seasonal ingredients and employing cooking methods that really bring out the flavors.

The setting itself is also a big part of the appeal. The restaurant is set within the resort’s lush botanical park. It’s a proper green oasis, which already sets a relaxing tone. The dining room itself has floor-to-ceiling windows and contemporary décor, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. But the real star of the show is the terrace. It offers spectacular views of Lake Como.
🔗 Official website: mandarinoriental.com

Strada Regia

The Strada Regia (Royal Road) isn’t just a random trail; it’s an old mule track that used to connect all the villages on the eastern side of the Larian Triangle, stretching from Como all the way up to Bellagio. Think of it as the original Lake Como highway, way before cars were even a glimmer in someone’s eye.

This wasn’t some casual shortcut; it was a vital route for shepherds moving their flocks, travelers going from place to place, and merchants transporting their goods. There’s even a fun little historical anecdote: it’s possible that Pope Urban II himself used part of this route back in the 11th century while he was on his way to the Council of Clermont (where he called for the First Crusade).

The 18th century saw the first proper official mapping with the Teresian Cadastre, and it appears again a few decades later in the “Catasto Cessato” surveyed between 1857 and 1861. The Strada Regia continued to be used right up until the early 20th century, when they started building the modern road (the Statale Lariana 583), which in some parts actually runs right over the old mule track.
Here a suggestive hike through Strada Regia (starting from Como city):

Hike & Yoga, a perfect match

Looking for a unique way to experience the beauty of Lake Como? Look no further than this hike and yoga experience in Blevio! It’s not your average yoga class; this is about combining physical activity, stunning scenery, and a touch of mindfulness, all rolled into one.

Immerse yourself in nature with a guided hike through the Blevio forest. The trail is a pleasant mix of shaded paths, hand-laid stairs, and the occasional stream crossing. Keep your eyes peeled – you might even spot some deer, rams, or even a curious chicken or two!

The hike itself is moderate, taking about 30 minutes to reach the destination: a charming, renovated baita (a traditional mountain cabin) nestled in the woods. This secluded spot boasts magical views of the lake, overlooking Villa d’Este, Villa Pizzo, Cernobbio, and Moltrasio. Talk about Instagram-worthy!

Now, here comes the zen part. After fueling your body with some tea, coffe and homemade treats, you’ll be led through a yoga class on the baita’s terrace. Imagine stretching and breathing deeply while surrounded by breathtaking lake views – it’s the ultimate way to unwind and reconnect with nature.

Blevio’s Beaches

Blevio doesn’t have what you’d call traditional “beaches” in the sandy sense. There aren’t wide, sandy shores where you can spread out a beach towel and build sandcastles (unless you’re very ambitious with pebbles).

Spiaggia del Belvedere (Viewpoint Beach)

First off, it’s less of a wide, sandy expanse and more of a designated access point to the lake. Think of it as a nice spot to get in the water and enjoy the views, rather than a place to build sandcastles (because, well, there isn’t much sand). It’s a very common type of “beach” on Lake Como.

Now, about swimming: the water in Lake Como is generally clean and refreshing, and the Spiaggia del Belvedere provides a good entry point. It’s not a huge area, so it can get a bit crowded during peak season (summer weekends especially). But if you’re looking for a quick swim or just a place to cool off on a hot day, it does the job.

It’s important to note that this isn’t a fully equipped lido with rows of sunbeds and beach bars. It’s a more natural and simple setup. So, if you’re expecting full-on beach resort amenities, you might be a tad disappointed. It’s more of a “bring your own towel and enjoy the lake” kind of place.

Wakeboard session

Right in Blevio, the first town you hit on the eastern shore just a few kilometers from Como city, you’ll find Wakeboardlakecomo. These guys are practically an institution; they’ve been doing this for over thirty years (celebrating their 30th anniversary in 2022!), making them one of the longest-running wakeboard, wakesurf, and water-ski schools on Lake Como.

If you’re a beginner, no worries! The instructors will start you off with the basics: getting up out of the water and finding your balance. As you progress, you’ll start venturing outside the wake and getting comfortable with different movements, eventually working your way up to jumps and tricks.

And it’s not just about adrenaline. They also offer yoga classes! Twice a week in the evenings and on Sunday mornings, they have group yoga sessions on their beautiful wooden dock, catering to both experienced yogis and beginners. For those with exceptional balance (or a good sense of humor), they even offer SUP yoga once a week.
🔗 Official website: wakeboardlakecomo.it