Lenno, on the western shore of Lake Como, marks the start of the richly decorated hamlets of the Costa della Tremezzina. A promenade, waterside restaurants and a fringe of groves and vineyards first planted by the Romans all curve around the horseshoe bay. Don’t worry if you get a strange sense of déjà vu while gazing at the view of Villa Balbianello. Lenno has doubled as a film set since Hitchcock shot his debut film here in the 1920s. The region’s real stories, however, are even more interesting, with a Celtic, Greco-Roman and rebellious partisan World War history lying behind the Hollywood polish.
Getting to know Lenno
Lenno might be small, but its offering of things to do is mighty. This little town is filled with cosy trattorias, grand villas, a lido, Romanesque churches – as well as cobbled streets along which to wander. However, one of the best things to do is absolutely nothing. Pull up a chair in a waterfront restaurant, order a cappuccino and drink in the views across the water to Bellagio and the mountains. Ferries putter from the pier, headed for the other towns of Lake Como.
Historic houses: Villa Balbianello
Most people visiting Lenno make a beeline for Villa Balbianello. Perched on the Lavedo promontory, it offers 360-degree views of the lake – exactly what made it an irresistible backdrop for Hollywood productions such as Star Wars and Casino Royale. You can take a stroll in the waterside gardens of holm oaks and statue-topped terraces.
Walking tours delve into the house museum, which is largely dedicated to the Italian mountaineer and explorer Guido Monzino, who lived here until his death in 1984. As well as an extensive library of maps, the exhibition includes a dog sled from an expedition to the North Pole.
Walking through Lake Como
Feeling inspired by Guido’s explorations? Head out onto the trails of Lake Como for a mini adventure. The Lake Como Greenway passes through town on its way to Campo, a medieval hamlet with a maze of shoulder-width alleys and stone houses. Alternatively, head north through neighbouring Azzano, where local partisans resisted the fascist regime of Mussolini – and where he was assassinated in 1945. Continue to Tremezzo, meandering past churches, palaces and tiny museums dedicated to nativity scenes. The 12th-century Acquafredda Abbey also lies on the northern edge of town; approach via a photogenic path through olive trees.
Lunches on Lenno lakeside
Lake-view restaurants range from smart ristorantes to casual pizzerias. Seafood risotto and the almond-sprinkled torta Tremezzina are Lenno classics – and it’s well worth joining the queue at a popular gelateria for a scoop of lemon or raspberry gelato. A market fills the waterfront Piazza XI Febbraio every Tuesday too, with local traders selling everything from haberdashery and tools to mountain cheeses and bottles of the beloved local olive oil, which is still made in the old mill of Oleificio Vanini Osvaldo.
Why book a summer holiday in Lenno with Inghams?
At Inghams, we do walking holidays differently. With no fixed itinerary, you have more time in your destination and the freedom to walk as much or as little as you like, discovering some of Lenno's best activities at your own pace.
With over 85 years of outdoor travel experience, our holiday packages to Lenno include flights, transfers, and accommodation, so you can relax and leave the small details to us. Our experts can help you choose the best holiday for you, and our team in resort can give you the inside scoop on how to spend your time away with us.
