Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
LAKE BEACHES
With the exception of an unkempt stretch at the lake's northern end around Gera Lario, beaches around Lake
Como tend to be of the grey pebble variety. That doesn't stop locals getting out for a bracing dip and sunbathe,
though. At some of the more popular ones, sun lounges are set out and you'll find summertime bars. Restaurants
and pizzerias are never far off. Among the nicer stretches are the beach at
Rezzonico
on the west bank, a series of
strands at
Onno
(about halfway down the road between Bellagio and Lecco) and the strip at
Abbadia Lariana
on
the east shore, north of Lecco.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Gravedona & Around
Gravedona spreads out behind a gently curved bay on the lake. Towards the southern end
stands a unique and beautiful Romanesque church, the late-12th-century
Chiesa di Santa
Maria del Tiglio
. Square-based and with apses protruding on three sides, the structure has an
unusual bell tower (probably added later), which is octagonal at the top and rises from the
centre of the facade. Inside, high arched galleries allow in sunlight at the top of the
church. Colourful remnants of frescoes dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries depict,
among other things, the Last Judgement. The heavy wooden crucifix is a fine example of
Romanesque carving.
A 6km road winds out of Gravedona up to the plateau town of
Peglio
(650m), whose
15th-century stone
Chiesa di Sant'Eusebio
offers wonderful views of the lake and plains
around Gravedona. The church boasts 17th-century frescoes, but it's often closed.
Although possible at various points around the lake, boat hire is popular at the north
end of the lake, with several outlets at Dongo, Gravedona and Domaso, which is 3km
northeast of Gravedona. At
Como Lake Boats
( 333 401 49 95;
www.comolakeboats.it
; Via Antica Regina
26)
you can hire your own Zodiac (expect to pay €65 for two hours) as well as organise to
do waterskiing (€55 for 30 minutes) and wakeboarding (€50 for 30 minutes). It can also
provide instructors.
