There is a corner of Lombardy where the lake nestles between the mountains and time seems to slow down. Porlezza and its surroundings, overlooking the banks of the Lake Ceresio, preserve a surprising heritage of painted villages, ancient caves, frescoed churches, and nature reserves. If you're wondering what to see in Porlezza and in the valleys that surround it, this guide takes you to discover 15 places that are really worth visiting.
Villages and hamlets not to be missed
1. Painted Village of Claino
A few kilometers from Porlezza, the Painted Village of Claino It's a true open-air museum. Strolling through the narrow streets of this ancient medieval village overlooking the lake, you'll discover dozens of murals that tell the story, crafts, and legends of the area. The project, launched in 2015 by a few residents, has transformed the facades of the houses into an art gallery open to the public year-round and free of charge. Allow at least an hour to wander the narrow streets and discover every hidden artwork.
2. Valsolda and its hamlets
Valsolda is a scattered municipality made up of small hamlets clinging to the mountain, each with its own character. Tour of the Hamlets It's an easy walk of about 8 km that passes through the villages of Oria, San Mamete, Castello, Loggio, and others, offering incredible views of the lake and Switzerland across the way. Antonio Fogazzaro set his most famous novel here, and walking through these hamlets, you'll understand why.
Churches and historical monuments
3. Church of San Vittore in Porlezza
Among the attractions of Porlezza most significant, the Church of San Vittore It is the oldest in the deanery, with origins dating back to the 5th century. The neoclassical façade, designed by Pietro Gilardoni da Puria, leads to a breathtaking interior: frescoes by Giulio Quaglio da Laino, richly decorated side chapels, and a wooden high altar from 1684. Don't miss the Oratory of San Giovanni Battista, which houses 14th-century frescoes. The visit is free and lasts about 30 minutes.
4. Sanctuary of Caravina
Overlooking the lake, a short walk from the hamlet of Cressogno, the Sanctuary of Caravina It is one of the most evocative places in Valsolda. Its history dates back to 1562, when an image of the Pietà was seen weeping. Charles Borromeo himself confirmed the miracle. Inside, you can admire Baroque frescoes by Isidoro Bianchi and a historic organ from 1675. Reachable on foot from Cressogno in about a 20-minute walk, it offers an unforgettable panoramic view.
5. Church of San Martino in Castello Valsolda
In the hamlet of Castello, the Church of San Martino It's surprising for the richness of its frescoes. A small church that recounts centuries of devotion and art in an intimate and authentic setting, far from the tourist crowds. Combine it with a tour of the Valsolda hamlets for a complete experience.
6. Villa Fogazzaro Roi
Overlooking the lake in Oria, Villa Fogazzaro Roi It is the home where Antonio Fogazzaro spent his summers and where he set his famous novel "Piccolo Mondo Antico." Now owned by the FAI (Italian National Trust), it preserves intact its original furnishings, the writer's library, and the garden that slopes down to the lake. Guided tours last about an hour. A place that speaks of literature, history, and the timeless beauty of Lake Ceresio.
Nature and underground wonders
7. Rescia Caves
The Caves of Rescia are perhaps the most spectacular place among the things to see in Porlezza. A system of natural cavities where stalactites and stalagmites create almost unreal scenarios, illuminated by plays of light that enhance the ancient rock formations.
The guided tour lasts about 45 minutes and the temperature remains constant year-round: perfect even on rainy days or in the height of summer. Suitable for families with children.
8. Piano Lake Nature Reserve
Halfway between the Lake Ceresio and Lake Como, the Piano Lake Nature Reserve It is a protected oasis recognized by the European Union as a Special Area of Conservation. A crystal-clear body of water surrounded by reeds, wet meadows, and woods where herons, coots, and kingfishers nest. circular route of the reserve (7 km, easy, about 2 hours) is ideal for families and birdwatchers.
9. Valsolda Regional Forest
For those seeking the wildest nature, the Valsolda Regional Forest It is a vast wooded area that extends across the mountains above the lake. Beech, fir, and larch trees create an almost alpine atmosphere just steps from the shore. Several trails crisscross it, from main path (8 km, medium difficulty, 4-5 hours) to shorter hikes. In autumn, the foliage colors here are extraordinary.
10. Valsanagra Park
Between Porlezza and Menaggio lies the Valsanagra Park, a natural area where the Sanagra stream has carved out a wild valley with a drop of nearly 2,000 meters. Oak forests, alpine meadows, and a fossil site of national importance: plant remains over 310 million years old have been found here, the oldest fossils in the province of Como. The Valsanagra Ecomuseum connects the park to the nearby ethnographic museum.
Museums and local culture
11. Valsanagra Naturalistic Ethnographic Museum
Housed in the splendid Villa Camozzi, the Valsanagra Museum In Grandola ed Uniti, the museum gathers together the region's history in seven exhibition rooms: from 310-million-year-old fossils to reconstructions of wildlife habitats, from freeze-dried mushrooms to the instruments of the local band. The paleontology room is not to be missed, featuring unique finds in Lombardy from the coal deposits of the Val Gariasca.
12. Valley Museum
In Val Cavargna, the Valley Museum It chronicles the life of a mountain community that remained isolated until 1953. Founded by Don Federico Scanziani, it documents the traditional crafts of the blacksmiths (tinsmiths and coppersmiths), woodworking, alpine livestock farming, and popular religiosity. Educational tours are available for schools, including a visit to the Mezzano mine. An authentic immersion in ancient mountain life.
13. Pagani House Museum
In Valsolda, the Pagani House Museum It offers an intimate glimpse into local life and culture through a collection ranging from art to local history. A small museum worth stopping by during your tour of the Valsolda hamlets.
Scenic routes and walks
14. Porlezza-Menaggio cycle/pedestrian path
The Porlezza-Menaggio Cycle/Pedestrian Path It's probably the most popular walk in the area: 13.6 km connecting Lake Ceresio to Lake Como, crossing the Lago di Piano Nature Reserve. Easy and flat, it takes just over an hour by bike or three hours on foot.
Along the way, you'll pass through ever-changing landscapes: from lakes to wetlands, from woods to meadows. Ideal for families and perfect in any season.
15. Walk of the 9 Bell Towers
La Walk of the 9 Bell Towers It is an 8.5 km circular route that touches the historic hamlets around Porlezza, passing by nine bell towers that mark the rhythm of local life.
Easy and suitable for everyone (about 2.5 hours), it offers lake views and a glimpse into the life of the small villages surrounding Porlezza. A perfect way to discover the area at a leisurely pace.
How to organize the visit
With 15 places to visit in Porlezza and its surroundings, you'll need at least 3-4 days to enjoy it all at your leisure. We recommend dedicating one day to the villages and churches (Claino, San Vittore, Valsolda), one to nature (Rescia Caves, Lake Piano Reserve, cycle/pedestrian path), and one to the museums and the Valsolda Forest.
For sleep, the area offers different solutions for all budgets: from’Hotel Europa directly on the lakeside of Porlezza at B&B on the Lake for a more intimate stay, up to Camping Frog for those who prefer to be in contact with nature.
For eat, don't miss the Crotto del Lago for traditional cuisine, Vinyl Wine & Food for a more sophisticated evening, or the’La Lanterna Inn in the charming Valsolda. In summer, an ice cream from Visconti Ice Cream on the lakeside it is a must.
Porlezza and Lake Ceresio don't yet have the fame of nearby Lake Como, and that's precisely their strength: here you can enjoy an authentic, human-scale experience, where every corner tells a story. Happy exploring!.
