Colico at the Northern tip of Lake Como

Colico belongs to the Province of Lecco and has a population of around 7,500 inhabitants. The village lies at the foot of Monte Legnone (2,609 metres), the highest mountain surrounding Lake Como. Thanks to its strategic location, Colico has served for centuries as an important gateway connecting Lake Como with the Valtellina, Valchiavenna and the Alpine passes leading into Switzerland.

A strategic gateway

Thanks to its location at the foot of the Alps, Colico has served as a strategic gateway to northern Italy since Roman times. Trade routes from the Alps, the Valtellina and Valchiavenna converged here before continuing along Lake Como towards Como and Milan. Over the centuries, the area was ruled by the Romans, the Lombards and the Dukes of Milan, helping Colico develop into an important defensive stronghold at the northern end of Lake Como.

Watersports and wide beaches

Colico is one of the best destinations on Lake Como for watersports. The almost daily winds create ideal conditions for windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing and paddleboarding. Along the wide beaches, you’ll find several surf and sailing schools, while the long lakeside promenade is perfect for walking, cycling or relaxing on a terrace overlooking the water.

Forts and Piona Abbey

Colico’s strategic location is still reflected today in the impressive Forte Montecchio Nord, one of the best-preserved First World War forts in Europe. The ruins of Fort Fuentes, built by the Spanish in the early seventeenth century, also bear witness to the area’s military past. On the nearby Olgiasca Peninsula, you’ll find Piona Abbey, one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture on Lake Como.

Pian di Spagna and Monte Legnone

Just north of Colico lies the Pian di Spagna Nature Reserve, one of the most important protected wetlands in Lombardy. Here, you can walk or cycle through marshes, reed beds and bird sanctuaries. For those looking for a greater challenge, Colico is also the starting point for the climb to Monte Legnone, at 2,609 metres the highest mountain surrounding Lake Como.

Why visit Colico?

Colico combines wide beaches, excellent watersports, spectacular natural scenery and a rich history. Thanks to its central location, it also makes an ideal base for exploring the northern part of Lake Como, the Valtellina, Valchiavenna and the Swiss Alps.