Lenno is a well-known village located on the western shore of Lake Como, about 27 kilometres from the city of Como. Its 1,800 residents can certainly be considered fortunate. Why? The Bay of Lenno can truly be considered the most beautiful bay on Lake Como. A lovely promenade lined with stately trees runs along the lakeshore. Along this boulevard, you’ll find numerous restaurants, bars, and the best gelato shops. We once enjoyed a visit to Albergo Lenno. A touch of romance is never far away in the Bay of Lenno. It is also the favorite nightlife area for young people.

Because Lenno is located behind a small peninsula, the water here is always relatively calm. You can enjoy the sun on the public beach or wade into the water. In the summer, many boats anchor here for a day of fun on the lake. The bay of Lenno is sometimes called Golfo di Venere. According to locals and old tales, the bay is said to hide an underwater city. During storms, old mosaic tiles wash ashore and the bell of a vanished church can be heard beneath the water. So be sure to put on your diving mask when you go swimming.

When you think of Lenno, you think of Villa del Balbianello. At the tip of the peninsula stands this stunning villa with a beautifully landscaped garden. Its location is idyllic and perfectly in harmony with the surrounding scenery. Villa del Balbianello seems straight out of a dream. Not to state the obvious, but it is one of the main tourist hotspots on Lake Como. We should also mention Villa Cassinella, a luxurious villa available for rent only to the most fortunate enthusiasts. You can also rent a boat and, for example, explore Isola Comacina, combining visits to both villas and the bay of Lenno. The American businessman Richard Branson is also said to have a residence on the peninsula.

The waterfront of Lenno has a lot to offer. Cars stay in the background, allowing you to explore the peninsula and walk directly to the bay of Lenno. Along the way, you pass the striking red-orange Villa de Herra and Villa Aureggi. Be sure not to miss Piazza XI Febbraio, with the Santa Stefano church and its accompanying Baptistery of San Giovanni, featuring beautiful frescoes. In the centre of the square stands a war memorial. Lenno is known as one of the most decorated villages in Italy for the bravery of its residents during the war.

You certainly won’t need much courage to step into the famous ice cream shop La Fabbrica del Gelato. It is arguably the best gelateria on Lake Como. Enjoy a delicious gelato while sitting on a bench and taking in the surroundings.


Delicious!

If you have your walking shoes on, you can definitely consider a walk to Abbazia dell’Aquafredda. The old 12th-century abbey is situated higher up in Lenno, against the mountainside. It serves as the final resting place for victims of the plague.

The name Lenno comes from the Greek Lemnos. Greek colonies later became Roman settlements. As in many towns around Lake Como, Roman influences are still clearly visible. Ruins and excavations reveal the area’s history to this day. Under the influence of Julius Caesar, the cultivation of olives and wine was heavily promoted during the time of Nuova Como. In Lenno, you can still find centuries-old mills that once produced olive oil.

Be sure to set aside time to explore Lenno. Despite its relatively small size, there is plenty to see and do. Park your car a little further away and continue on foot, you definitely will not regret it.