COMPLETE GUIDE TO LECCO, ITALY

Lecco is a city that is almost forgotten amongst its bigger, brighter and ritzier neighbors around Lake Como. It is a place that is framed by the crystal blue waters of the lake, and towering, snow capped mountains. This is a city that poets and artists fall in love with, yet the majority of visitors afford but a passing glance. In this Guide to Lecco, I will take a peek into why Lecco is a city that should be given more attention than a simple rest stop along the way to greener pastures.

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Table of Contents

• Where is Lecco?
• About Lecco
• Things to do in Lecco
• How to get to Lecco
• Where to stay
• Check your Visa Requirements and Insurance!
• Summary

Where is Lecco?

First up, we will look at where Lecco it is located.

Lecco can be found nestled by the shores of Lake Como, at the mouth of the River Adda. On a map, it can be located at the very South Eastern tip of the lake, below Bellagio, and set well apart from most of the more popular lakeside destinations. The nearest large cities are Bergamo and Milan.

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About Lecco

Lecco is a beautiful little city, with some gorgeous views. Its location between the serene lake and dramatic mountains makes it unique, yet tourism has never been big, and has never been a large source of income. It is actually industry that has historically kept the economy turning over.

The biggest attraction for visitors to Lecco is the geography. The mountains and the lake offer so many possibilities in the form of activities for visitors, that this is only natural. Much can also be said for many other such places around the Lakes edge. Como, for instance, has always been a favorite for tourists, which leaves Lecco quiet and a lot less spoiled. It is a lot easier to find a spot on the beach in Lecco!

The city of Lecco is also rich in History. The artifacts around Lecco belonged mostly to the Manzoni family of Lombard. They left their mark on the city, and to this day Lecco still echoes with their influence. The town was even immortalized in the book “The Betrothed” by Alessandro Manzoni. Any good guide to Lecco will point out that the city of Lecco owes a great deal to the family.

Things to do in Lecco

Visitors to Lecco typically will only arrive on a daytrip. Most will catch a ferry from Bellagio, or drop by on a drive around the lake. Not too many will base themselves in Lecco, however there is plenty to do, depending upon what you are looking for.

So let’s have a look at my list of best things to do in Lecco.

• Enjoy the food! – Lecco is typical of any towns in the Lombardy Province, and you don’t have to go far to find a pretty awesome culinary experience. From cheese to fine meats. Stews and wines to fresh fish plucked fresh from the lake. Eat your way around Lecco and be happy!
• Hiking – A city at the foot of the mountains is bound to have some awesome hiking routes, and Lecco serves up some of the best. From serious hiking to less severe scenic walks, you will find something for everyone. In fact, some very famous mountaineers cut their teeth on the peaks around Lecco! There is a great hike you can do with GetYourGuide that also includes Craft Beer Tasting at the brewery, and Sunset on the peak of Mount Resegone. Check it out HERE.
• Skiing – If you are there in the winter, then skiing is definitely on the menu. The resorts close to Lecco are not big, but they are good, and offer plenty of variety for all levels.
• Take the cable car to Piani D’Erna – This cable car was originally built for the ski resort, but these days is mostly used by tourists heading up for the amazing views. The mountain is right behind the city, and is a great hiking destination too.
• Go cycling – Around the lake edge, or down the River Adda. There are amazing cycling paths that follow the river, and actually go all the way to Milan! The river is beautiful, as are the views from the paths, and it is a great way to stop off at some other historical locations along the route.
• Check out the famous architecture – Like all towns and cities in Italy, the architecture is amazing. In Lecco, visit such places as the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, The Church of Santa Marina, Visconti Bridge, and the famous Bell tower. There are also the Piazza XX Settembre and Piazza Zermenati where you can stop off for lunch or coffee.
• Enjoy the lake – this is a given for a lake side town. The beaches are less crowded here than other resort towns, and things a lot cheaper. You can sail, or just stroll along the gorgeous paths beside the water. For a great sailing boat experience, check out THIS link.

Lecco is a beautiful town, and with the mountains, the lake, the river and history, there is so much more to see and do than most visitors give it credit for!

How to get to Lecco

Getting to Lecco is rather easy.

The city is a major railway hub, so getting there by train is almost the obvious choice. There are lines running in all directions. From the airport at Bergamo it is only 40 minutes, and from Como it is 1 hour. Just check the services as they are fairly infrequent from Como. You can also get the train from the northern end of the lake, Monza, or even from Switzerland.

If you are flying into Italy Internationally, then you will most likely fly to one of the Milan airports, and of those Milan Malpensa which is the closest major international airport. The best way to reach Lecco once you are at Milan is by train.

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If you are driving to Lecco, then it is about 50 minutes from Bergamo, or 1 hour from Milan. There are roads coming into the city from nearly every direction, so getting to Lecco by car is pretty straightforward.

If you are already holidaying on the lake, there is a ferry service from Bellagio that runs on a frequent schedule as well.

Are you planning on renting a car or driving when you are overseas? Then make sure you are fully covered by having your International Driver’s Permit. Find out more, or pick one up easily at THIS LINK.

Where to stay

There are plenty of places to stay in Lecco, from Bed and Breakfast’s to Air BnB’s. Here is my Guide to Lecco list of best places with top reviews from Booking.com and Agoda.

NH Lecco Pontevecchio is a highly rated hotel with many recommendations. It is on the pricier side, but is only 100m from the lake and 5 minutes to the historic center of town.

Huonder House features apartments/house that is only meters from the Piazza. Very centrally located it is a short stroll to the lake and restaurants. The owners are pretty helpful too, which is always a bonus when traveling!

La Maison de Miki is another apartment. Very centrally located, it is only a few minutes from the lake and described by most as a real Hidden Gem in Lecco!

Looking for the best Budget accommodation? Hostelworld have you covered with all of the very best budget friendly accommodation around town. Check them out at THIS LINK.

Check your Visa Requirements and Insurance!

If you are traveling to Italy, then make certain that you have checked your Visa Requirements. Many countries will have easy access to the Schengen Region, but there are some that don’t. Plus, in this day and age a passport and a visa may not be all that you need. So check ahead of time by doing an easy search online.

Below, I have included a link to the very best place to find out everything you need to know.

The other thing you need to think about and have organized is travel insurance. I never go anywhere without my SafetyWing Policy tucked away in my pocket, and neither should you! They cover so much stuff that others don’t, and you can get your policy organized from anywhere in the world, even if you aren’t at home!

Do yourself a favor and check them out at THIS LINK.

Summary

Lecco is a real Hidden Gem in Italy. The fact that it is located in the famous Lakes Area of Lombardy makes it a mystery as to why it is not over run by tourists. But that only makes it even better for you and me to visit! Personally, I am a sucker for places that so seamlessly combine the seductiveness of a crystal blue lake, with the snowy, craggy and indomitable peaks of the mountains. Lecco fits the bill perfectly!

I hope this guide has been helpful, and that now you have all the information to make your trip just that much more enjoyable.

If you are interested in more hidden gems in Italy, or seeing some more of my Italian guides, then click the link below.

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