Lecco holidays

Jump to sections

Popular hotels in Lecco
Top hotels in Lecco
Facts about Lecco

Holidays to Lecco serve up picture-perfect architecture and mountain views – along with a side of historic charm.

Piazzas and postcard views

On the southeastern shore of Lake Como, this charming town’s your launchpad for exploring the lake and mountains. Wander down narrow cobblestone streets with a gelato in hand, or people-watch in a piazza over an espresso and pastry, all surrounded by pastel Renaissance buildings and elegant churches. The vibe’s neo-classical meets medieval, so expect sleek columns and arches alongside rugged castle remains. Fancy exploring further? Hop on a ferry to other chocolate-box lakeside towns like Bellagio (the pearl of Como) or catch a train to Milan for a big city day — you can be there in just 40 minutes.

Sky-high scenery

You’ve got views for days here. Stroll or cycle for a scenic lakeside spin along the tree-lined prom. Up for a climb? Join a tour to the top of the neo-Gothic San Nicolò bell tower – nicknamed the ‘big pencil’ by locals – for stunning views across the town, lake and mountains. At 96m, it’s one of Europe’s tallest towers (the same height as Big Ben). And for even higher views, head to the Piani Resinelli iron walkway, suspended mid-air over the mountains. On a clear day, you’ll spot the town and lake way below – the ultimate backdrop for a next-level selfie.

That branch of Lake Como

Fancy a side of history with your hols? Lecco’s got roots in the Middle Ages. Spot the remains of stone castles like Torre Viscontea, now hosting free exhibitions on local culture. Then there’s Palazzo delle Paure if contemporary art’s your thing. And its literary claim to fame’s that Alessandro Manzoni put it on the map as “that branch of Lake Como” in The Betrothed – dubbed Italy’s most famous novel. Visit his home, then head to Pescarenico – an old fishing village named in the book – for colourful building photo opps and top-notch fish dishes (raw fish platters and grilled octopus, anyone?).

Out and about

Here’s some things you can experience in and around Lecco:

• Lakeside promenade
• Bike hire
• Public gardens
• Museum
• Guided mountain walks
• Art gallery
• Lakeside path
• Lakeside cycle paths
• Cycle routes
• Guided walking tours
• Botanical gardens
• Electric bikes
• Lake bathing
• Local ferries
• Local markets

Popular hotels in Lecco

Top things to see and do in Lecco

Beaches

Lido Orsa Maggiore

Rock up for free to this sandy beach, rent a lounger and kick back – soaking up the warm temps and mountain views. If you’re up for more action on the lake, hire a canoe or pedal boat. Grab a bite at the restaurant or hit the nightclub to get your groove on too if you like.

Abbadia Lariana

Hop on the D20 bus for a 15-minute ride from the town centre and you’ll find this beach. There’s grassy spots to relax in the park, plus tables for picnicking and a volleyball court. Then there’s the natural white pebble beach right on the lake. Pay a small entry fee and you’ll be all set to take a dip.

Lido di Mandello del Lario

A free-to-enter grassy beach dotted with shaded trees, where you can rent loungers and grab a lakeside lunch from the bar – and, of course, mountain views are guaranteed. Fancy this? Take the R13 train from the middle of town for 10 minutes, then stroll for another 10, and you’ll be there.

Shopping

Bargain buys

The traditional local market pops up a few times a week, giving you a taste of the lakeside community’s culture and local produce – think fresh fruits and veggies, artisanal cheeses and baked goods.

Mid-range buys

The Piazza XX Settembre and its surrounding streets are just the place for a good ol’ mooch. With boutiques packed with local clothes, accessories and jewellery, you can find a piece of Italian craftsmanship to take home. Plus, you’ll likely stumble across a few familiar high street brands for fashion and beauty products.

Designer buys

Hit Via Roma if you’re after designer stuff – this street’s known for its high-end boutiques. It’s lined with stores like Falconeri, where quality cashmere’s front and centre.

Nightlife

Laid-back evenings

Go for a stroll along the waterfront and find a bar like Imbarcadero. Grab a lakeside tipple and soak up the stunning views as the sun sets behind the mountains.

Lively evenings

Shake things up with a visit to The Cup for a cocktail. Then there’s the O'Connor Irish pub, where you can grab a pint and maybe catch some live tunes.

Food & drink

Fish, slices and scoops

Fish is the star of the show here, with fresh catches from the lake – taste-test it all, from your perch to your polenta. And since this is Italy, great pizza and gelato are pretty much a given. You’ll find gelaterias all over the place, and there’s no shortage of cosy spots to tuck into a wood-fired slice.

Lake to table tastes at Trattoria Vecchia Pescarenico

This spot keeps local culinary traditions alive in the old fishing village, serving up regional specialties like parmesan risotto with golden perch (caught from the lake, of course) in a cosy, centuries-old inn. It’s quaint but popular, so be sure to book in advance.

Pretty plates at Torchio Moderna Osteria

If you like your food as pretty as it is tasty, this is the place to go. The vibes are pure Italian – think eating outside at little tables on a cobbled street. Their seasonal menus change regularly, packed with creative dishes and unexpected combos. Try duck or grilled catfish, paired with a glass of local wine.

Classic Italian at Authentico Restaurant

You couldn’t go to Italy and not find a great slice of pizza, right? Well, this place has its own secret dough recipe and makes fresh pasta every day too. You’ll enjoy it all in a super sleek, modern setting – the perfect vibe for authentic Italian flavours with a creative twist.

Getting about

Buses

Hop on buses to get around without blowing the budget. Nearby towns and villages like Bellagio and Mandello del Lario are easy to reach on LineeLecco services – you’ll find the stop right outside the main train station.

Ferries

Ferries are a scenic way to town-hop. Bellagio’s a popular stop, with several sailings a day, and you can swing by charming villages like Varenna too. The ferry point’s right on the shoreline, just a 10-minute stroll from the town centre.

Summer lifts

Take the Piani d’Erna cable car up the mountain for sweeping views over the city, lake and peaks. Plenty of walking and hiking trails start from here, with cosy mountain huts along the way for a snack. And there’s even an adventure park – the zipline’s a winner with kids.

Trains

Lecco’s got its own train station, making it easy to explore nearby towns and villages. And if you fancy hitting bigger cities, hop on a train to Bergamo – or be in Milan in just 40 minutes.

On foot

Lecco’s city centre’s small and easily walkable – being pedestrianised helps. Most of the big-hitter sights are a short stroll away, like the Basilica di San Nicolò and the Torre Viscontea. And don’t forget the lakeside prom for a breezy wander with knockout views of the lake and mountains.

Walking

Monte Barro

Set aside a few hours to hike up Monte Barro, standing 922m tall. Grab a trail map at the Tourist Information Centre in Piazza XX Settembre, then choose the trail that suits your vibe. Then hop on the number 4 bus to Malgrate Gaggio to start the 14km loop. From the summit, lap up panoramic views of the hills, valleys and the mighty Monte Resegone.

Monte Resegone

If you’re an experienced hiker, take a day to conquer Monte Resegone, standing at 1,875m. It’s steep and challenging, but the views from the top make it all worth it. Hop on the number 5 bus from the town centre to the Piani d’Erna lift station, then follow cobbled paths through green hills, with mountain huts along the way for a snack. Once you reach the summit, soak in the views – it’s stunning how the clouds dance around the peaks.