While everyone’s attention is focused on the two luxury areas, the rest of the resort is actually accessible to people with regular incomes.
Lake Como and the town of the same name in the Italian Alps have long been one of the symbols of luxurious European vacations and glamorous life. Of course, anyone can come there and take a few selfies, but only millionaires can fully relax there.
The publication Independent notes that there are actually places on Lake Como where you can have a reasonably budget-friendly vacation by European standards. Foreigners often do not realize that in addition to the towns of Como and Bellagio, where luxury is at every step, there are other towns and villages around the lake where Hollywood stars do not visit, where there are no villas of Russian oligarchs and crowds of tourists.
Italians who like to relax by Lake Como choose the town of Lecco, located 30 km east of the city of Como. It is a compact town, convenient for pedestrians – from the train station to the pier you can walk in 10 minutes. There are almost no souvenir shops, but there are shops of famous European brands (H&M, Calzedonia), supermarkets Carrefour and small local bookstores and boutiques.
In the central Piazza Garibaldi, you can enjoy an espresso with a croissant while listening to live music from street musicians. Then, take a walk along the waterfront, which features bike lanes, flowers, and ice cream from Capo Horn Gelateria Artigianale. Restaurants like Bottega del Maiale, L’EK Bistrot, and Cardamomo Persian Palace Lecco offer delicious outdoor dining near the lake.
From the shore, you can enjoy impressive views of the Monte Rosa, Monviso, and Adamello mountains. It’s not uncommon to see couples or families enjoying a picnic at sunset.
The pace of life in Lecco is calm, perfect for those who want to take a break from the hustle and bustle. Here, you can easily spend a few hours sipping Sforzato di Valtellina or Franciacorta at the Palazzo delle Paure or climb to the panoramic point of Lungolago di Lecco, which features medieval ruins.
In Lecco, you can find not only expensive but also reasonably priced hotels (by Western European standards, of course) within walking distance of the lake.
Lecco has a lot to offer for outdoor enthusiasts. There are hiking and climbing trails nearby, including the Magnodeno, Monte Barro, and Sentiero delle Pozze. The famous Nibbio rock for climbers is just a half-hour drive away.
If you’re ready to climb higher, the route to Piani d’Erna or Monte Resegone will whet your appetite for local dishes such as Valtellina pizzoccheri, tender polenta, and flavorful risotto.
