{"id":11819,"date":"2026-05-13T19:36:04","date_gmt":"2026-05-13T17:36:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/?p=11819"},"modified":"2026-05-14T00:02:22","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T22:02:22","slug":"ninfee-lago-di-piano-fioritura","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/en\/ninfee-lago-di-piano-fioritura\/","title":{"rendered":"Water lilies at Lake Piano: the small spectacle that returns every year between Ceresio and Lario."},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The first white corollas have recently appeared on the surface of Lake Piano. It&#039;s a phenomenon that repeats itself every spring, yet continues to amaze: within a few square meters of still water lies one of the largest aquatic blooms in the Lombardy pre-Alps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For those seeking a naturalistic experience away from the crowds of the great lakes, the <a href=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/en\/poi\/riserva-naturale-lago-di-piano\/\">Piano Lake Nature Reserve<\/a> It&#039;s one of the most discreet and generous destinations in our region. And May is the perfect time to discover it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_83 counter-flat ez-toc-counter ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/en\/ninfee-lago-di-piano-fioritura\/#Un_piccolo_lago_tra_due_piu_grandi\" >A small lake between two larger ones<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/en\/ninfee-lago-di-piano-fioritura\/#Che_cosa_fiorisce_in_primavera\" >What blooms in spring<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/en\/ninfee-lago-di-piano-fioritura\/#Il_sentiero_e_i_punti_migliori_per_osservarle\" >The path and the best points to observe them<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/en\/ninfee-lago-di-piano-fioritura\/#La_luce_migliore_consigli_per_chi_fotografa\" >The best light: tips for photographers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/en\/ninfee-lago-di-piano-fioritura\/#Non_solo_ninfee_una_biodiversita_sorprendente\" >Not just water lilies: a surprising biodiversity<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/en\/ninfee-lago-di-piano-fioritura\/#Come_arrivare\" >How to get there<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/en\/ninfee-lago-di-piano-fioritura\/#Cosa_vedere_nei_dintorni\" >What to see in the surrounding area<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/en\/ninfee-lago-di-piano-fioritura\/#Quando_andarci_in_sintesi\" >When to go, in short<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Un_piccolo_lago_tra_due_piu_grandi\"><\/span>A small lake between two larger ones<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Lake Piano is located in Val Menaggio, exactly halfway between Lario and Ceresio, in the municipalities of <strong>Carlazzo<\/strong> e <strong>Good Lario<\/strong>, a stone&#039;s throw from Porlezza. It is a glacial valley floor lake of just 0.72 km\u00b2, no more than 13 metres deep, enclosed in a <strong>Regional Nature Reserve of 176 hectares<\/strong> also recognized as <strong>Special Area of Conservation<\/strong> of the Natura 2000 Network, which expands its surface area to exceed <strong>200 hectares<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Its small size is exactly what makes it precious: the water balance is in equilibrium, the waters are slow and mesotrophic, and this creates the ideal conditions for the <em>nufareto-lamineto<\/em> \u2014 the dense floating aquatic vegetation of which water lilies are the protagonists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Che_cosa_fiorisce_in_primavera\"><\/span>What blooms in spring<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Four main species alternate on the surface of the lake:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>White water lily<\/strong> (<em>Nymphaea alba<\/em>) \u2014 the large white corollas with the yellow heart<\/li>\n<li><strong>Yellow water lily<\/strong> (<em>Nuphar lutea<\/em>) \u2014 the small cup-shaped yellow flowers, often confused with water lilies<\/li>\n<li><strong>Water chestnut<\/strong> (<em>Trapa natans<\/em>) \u2014 smaller rosette leaves, more discreet flowering in early summer<\/li>\n<li><strong>Amphibious polygon<\/strong> (<em>Polygonum amphibium<\/em>) \u2014 lanceolate leaves and delicate pink flowers towering above the water<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Flowering usually begins at <strong>late April \/ early May<\/strong> and continues until September, with the visual peak between <strong>May and July<\/strong>. The flowers open only during the day and when the sun shines; on overcast days, they remain closed. For those coming from far away, it&#039;s worth checking the weather forecast before leaving.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"ce5v-fc-wrap\" data-instance=\"ninfee\"><div class=\"ce5v-fc-carousel\"><div class=\"ce5v-fc-track\"><div class=\"ce5v-fc-slide\" data-full=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/hero_ninfee.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" class=\"no-lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/hero_ninfee-1024x341.jpg\" alt=\"Fioritura di ninfee bianche al Lago di Piano\"><\/div><div class=\"ce5v-fc-slide\" data-full=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2c28fda7-9aeb-4b33-b20f-de2a35a1831e.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" class=\"no-lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2c28fda7-9aeb-4b33-b20f-de2a35a1831e-938x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"Ninfee al Lago di Piano, Riserva Naturale tra Carlazzo e Bene Lario\"><\/div><div class=\"ce5v-fc-slide\" data-full=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/b3e0cc94-4adf-4913-9952-816bd9d6f9d3.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" class=\"no-lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/b3e0cc94-4adf-4913-9952-816bd9d6f9d3-694x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"Ninfee al Lago di Piano, Riserva Naturale tra Carlazzo e Bene Lario\"><\/div><div class=\"ce5v-fc-slide\" data-full=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_5463.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" class=\"no-lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_5463.jpeg\" alt=\"Ninfee al Lago di Piano, Riserva Naturale tra Carlazzo e Bene Lario\"><\/div><div class=\"ce5v-fc-slide\" data-full=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_5507.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" class=\"no-lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_5507-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"Ninfee al Lago di Piano, Riserva Naturale tra Carlazzo e Bene Lario\"><\/div><div class=\"ce5v-fc-slide\" data-full=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_5825.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" class=\"no-lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_5825-1024x653.jpeg\" alt=\"Ninfee al Lago di Piano, Riserva Naturale tra Carlazzo e Bene Lario\"><\/div><div class=\"ce5v-fc-slide\" data-full=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_5852.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" class=\"no-lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_5852-787x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"Ninfee al Lago di Piano, Riserva Naturale tra Carlazzo e Bene Lario\"><\/div><div class=\"ce5v-fc-slide\" data-full=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_5854.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" class=\"no-lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_5854-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"Ninfee al Lago di Piano, Riserva Naturale tra Carlazzo e Bene Lario\"><\/div><div class=\"ce5v-fc-slide\" data-full=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_5871.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" class=\"no-lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_5871-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"Ninfee al Lago di Piano, Riserva Naturale tra Carlazzo e Bene Lario\"><\/div><div class=\"ce5v-fc-slide\" data-full=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_6216.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" class=\"no-lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_6216-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"Ninfee al Lago di Piano, Riserva Naturale tra Carlazzo e Bene Lario\"><\/div><div class=\"ce5v-fc-slide\" data-full=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_7582.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" class=\"no-lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_7582-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"Ninfee al Lago di Piano, Riserva Naturale tra Carlazzo e Bene Lario\"><\/div><div class=\"ce5v-fc-slide\" data-full=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_9936-scaled.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" class=\"no-lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_9936-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Ninfee al Lago di Piano, Riserva Naturale tra Carlazzo e Bene Lario\"><\/div><div class=\"ce5v-fc-slide\" data-full=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_9939-scaled.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" class=\"no-lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_9939-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Ninfee al Lago di Piano, Riserva Naturale tra Carlazzo e Bene Lario\"><\/div><\/div><button type=\"button\" class=\"ce5v-fc-nav ce5v-fc-prev\" aria-label=\"Previous\">\u2039<\/button><button type=\"button\" class=\"ce5v-fc-nav ce5v-fc-next\" aria-label=\"Next\">\u203a<\/button><\/div><div class=\"ce5v-fc-dots\"><\/div><div class=\"ce5v-fc-counter\"><\/div><p class=\"ce5v-fc-caption\">The water lilies of Lake Piano<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Il_sentiero_e_i_punti_migliori_per_osservarle\"><\/span>The path and the best points to observe them<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>From the <strong>House of the Reserve<\/strong> (Visitor Center, tel. 0344 74961) is the starting point of the main, flat, and well-marked trail that runs along the lake. The route isn&#039;t a circular walk, but it&#039;s still complete: you can reach various observation points of the nufareto-lamineto from both shores, along short walks that are also suitable for families with children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The best places to observe water lilies up close are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The walkways over the water<\/strong> immediately after the Visitor Center, where the path directly overlooks the nufareto-lamineto<\/li>\n<li><strong>The southern shore, below Mount Galbiga<\/strong>, in the stretch between the beach of the locality <strong>Rivetta<\/strong> and the area called <strong>Mirandola<\/strong>, where frontal views of the lake open up<\/li>\n<li><strong>The botanical walkway near the Nature Observatory<\/strong> (always along the southern bank), which accompanies the visitor - with specific signage - to understand and see for real the concept of &quot;vegetation succession&quot;\u00ab<\/li>\n<li><strong>The rowing boat<\/strong> available for rent at the Visitor Centre: the point of view changes completely, and you can get close to the floating colonies without damaging them<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to plan your visit with stops and times, consult the complete itinerary sheet <a href=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/en\/percorsi\/visita-alla-riserva-lago-di-piano\/\"><strong>Visit to the Piano Lake Reserve<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A recommendation<\/strong>Water lilies are not to be picked. It&#039;s prohibited by law throughout the Reserve, and they are a protected species. The pleasure is in looking at them, not taking them home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"La_luce_migliore_consigli_per_chi_fotografa\"><\/span>The best light: tips for photographers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There&#039;s one thing you should know before you go: <strong>Water lilies do not follow the length of the day, but have their own internal rhythm<\/strong>. In June as in September the behavior is the same: the flowers open towards the <strong>10\u201311 am<\/strong>, reach the <strong>maximum opening hours between 2pm and 3pm<\/strong>, and they gradually close back in <strong>late afternoon<\/strong> (around 4\u20135 pm). At first light and after sunset they are closed in bud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The useful window for photographing them open is therefore approximately <strong>from 10:30 to 16:30<\/strong>. Inside, the two most interesting moments are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Late morning (11\u201312)<\/strong> \u2014 newly opened flowers, still fresh and perfectly white; light still at a minimum angle<\/li>\n<li><strong>Mid afternoon (3\u20134 pm)<\/strong> \u2014the flowers are at maximum aperture but the light is starting to warm up and soften, a condition often preferred by nature photographers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The only really difficult band is the <strong>midday with the sun high<\/strong> (12:30\u20132:30 PM in summer): Floating leaves reflect heavily, and whites burn easily. With slightly cloudy skies, the problem is less noticeable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Those looking for close-ups can bring a <strong>telephoto lens<\/strong> (100\u2013200 mm) to isolate individual flowers without leaving the path. For those renting a boat, a wide-angle lens is also satisfying, with the water lilies in the foreground and the Galbiga forest in the background.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For those who love the dawn<\/strong>: it&#039;s worth arriving early for the lake itself\u2014mist over the reeds, still water, reflections of the mountains\u2014knowing that the water lilies will still be closed until mid-morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Non_solo_ninfee_una_biodiversita_sorprendente\"><\/span>Not just water lilies: a surprising biodiversity<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Lake Piano is one of the small treasure troves of biodiversity in the province of Como. It has been surveyed <strong>over 160 species of birds<\/strong> (of which over 60 nesting), 17 species of fish and at least 26 mammals. The Reserve also hosts a stable population of the rare <strong>freshwater shrimp<\/strong> (<em>Austropotamobius pallipes italicus<\/em>), one of the last in the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Amphibians and reptiles are also well represented with about a dozen different species, among which the <strong>European pond turtle<\/strong> (<em>Emys orbicularis<\/em>), a threatened species with a fragmented and heterogeneous range that generates genetic isolation and serious conservation issues. For this species, Lake Piano represents one of the <strong>northernmost stations in Italy<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Among the birds closely linked to aquatic environments, the <strong>Kingfisher<\/strong> (<em>Alcedo atthis<\/em>): due to its striking livery and small size it symbolically represents the characteristics of the Reserve and, for this reason, it was chosen as <strong>logo<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Among the bird species that frequent the nufareto-lamineto, rails such as the <strong>Coot<\/strong> (<em>Fulica atra<\/em>), the <strong>Moorhen<\/strong> (<em>Gallinula chloropus<\/em>) and the <strong>Water Rail<\/strong> (<em>Rallus aquaticus<\/em>) are the most visible: the last two, thanks to their extremely elongated toes that distribute their weight over a large surface, are even able to walk on the large leaves of water lilies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Great Crested Grebe<\/strong> (<em>Podiceps cristatus<\/em>) \u2014 a purely aquatic and fish-eating bird, capable of diving and swimming without breathing for a few minutes \u2014 uses the plant parts of water lilies (leaves, stems, flowers) and algae to build its nest: a floating nest, anchored to the submerged stems of water lilies, in places where the water depth exceeds three metres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Between the end of February and the beginning of March, the Great Crested Grebe is the protagonist of a <strong>wedding parade<\/strong> which has no equal in the world of aquatic birds: the two partners assume different postures and shake their heads in mirror images, facing each other, raising their ear tufts of feathers in a truly exciting display. The apotheosis is reached when the two individuals begin to rise above the surface of the lake and run towards each other until they reach and touch each other&#039;s breastbones. The dance ends with the\u2019<strong>wedding offering<\/strong>: the male, after fishing for submerged plant material, reappears on the surface, approaches the female and gives her the algae \u2014 it is the promise of fidelity and reproduction, with which they will begin to build their nest.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"ce5v-fc-wrap\"><div class=\"ce5v-fc-carousel\"><div class=\"ce5v-fc-track\"><div class=\"ce5v-fc-slide\" data-full=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/018d674a-15dc-4a15-8e19-f868e3f7e59f.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" class=\"no-lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/018d674a-15dc-4a15-8e19-f868e3f7e59f-1024x693.jpg\" alt=\"Fauna della Riserva Naturale Lago di Piano\"><\/div><div class=\"ce5v-fc-slide\" data-full=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1fbf7741-404c-4746-afe1-5cf595f1334d.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" class=\"no-lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1fbf7741-404c-4746-afe1-5cf595f1334d-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Fauna della Riserva Naturale Lago di Piano\"><\/div><div class=\"ce5v-fc-slide\" data-full=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/23c99c8a-75ce-4a6c-bcee-694a66f18623.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" class=\"no-lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/23c99c8a-75ce-4a6c-bcee-694a66f18623-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Fauna della Riserva Naturale Lago di Piano\"><\/div><div class=\"ce5v-fc-slide\" data-full=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/29852afe-bce8-4db9-92aa-d42888a303a0.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" class=\"no-lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/29852afe-bce8-4db9-92aa-d42888a303a0-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Fauna della Riserva Naturale Lago di Piano\"><\/div><div class=\"ce5v-fc-slide\" data-full=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2bcca6c5-8c0c-48ac-b965-2e69a8096f63.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" class=\"no-lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2bcca6c5-8c0c-48ac-b965-2e69a8096f63-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Fauna della Riserva Naturale Lago di Piano\"><\/div><div class=\"ce5v-fc-slide\" data-full=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/471731140_18478124995031852_4700593532813401698_n.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" class=\"no-lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/471731140_18478124995031852_4700593532813401698_n-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Fauna della Riserva Naturale Lago di Piano\"><\/div><div class=\"ce5v-fc-slide\" data-full=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/517121648_10234034058046923_4299873864305525353_n.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" class=\"no-lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/517121648_10234034058046923_4299873864305525353_n-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Fauna della Riserva Naturale Lago di Piano\"><\/div><div class=\"ce5v-fc-slide\" data-full=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/517126251_10234034044726590_3807535873907677837_n.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" class=\"no-lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/517126251_10234034044726590_3807535873907677837_n-1024x653.jpg\" alt=\"Fauna della Riserva Naturale Lago di Piano\"><\/div><div class=\"ce5v-fc-slide\" data-full=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/517522127_10234023100973003_4435463172640858798_n.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" class=\"no-lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/517522127_10234023100973003_4435463172640858798_n-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Fauna della Riserva Naturale Lago di Piano\"><\/div><div class=\"ce5v-fc-slide\" data-full=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/517606872_10234022825126107_3666112715685367400_n.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" class=\"no-lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/517606872_10234022825126107_3666112715685367400_n-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Fauna della Riserva Naturale Lago di Piano\"><\/div><div class=\"ce5v-fc-slide\" data-full=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/517740037_10234022825246110_8436187561279913868_n.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" class=\"no-lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/517740037_10234022825246110_8436187561279913868_n-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Fauna della Riserva Naturale Lago di Piano\"><\/div><div class=\"ce5v-fc-slide\" data-full=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/517791547_10234023068972203_7101134399995420864_n.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" class=\"no-lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/517791547_10234023068972203_7101134399995420864_n-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Fauna della Riserva Naturale Lago di Piano\"><\/div><div class=\"ce5v-fc-slide\" data-full=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/517923104_10234014431396269_9205959353861153520_n.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" class=\"no-lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/517923104_10234014431396269_9205959353861153520_n.jpg\" alt=\"Fauna della Riserva Naturale Lago di Piano\"><\/div><div class=\"ce5v-fc-slide\" data-full=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/518258828_10234023099012954_3629338942034803593_n.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" class=\"no-lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/518258828_10234023099012954_3629338942034803593_n-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Fauna della Riserva Naturale Lago di Piano\"><\/div><div class=\"ce5v-fc-slide\" data-full=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/518317155_10234023068292186_6397652488182396138_n.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" class=\"no-lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/518317155_10234023068292186_6397652488182396138_n-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Fauna della Riserva Naturale Lago di Piano\"><\/div><div class=\"ce5v-fc-slide\" data-full=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/519384888_10234022819365963_5042674313361717415_n.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" class=\"no-lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/519384888_10234022819365963_5042674313361717415_n-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Fauna della Riserva Naturale Lago di Piano\"><\/div><div class=\"ce5v-fc-slide\" data-full=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/520346521_10234034875907369_5210677396803156285_n.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" class=\"no-lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/520346521_10234034875907369_5210677396803156285_n.jpg\" alt=\"Fauna della Riserva Naturale Lago di Piano\"><\/div><div class=\"ce5v-fc-slide\" data-full=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/583330028_10235661566293612_696110377541078299_n.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" class=\"no-lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/583330028_10235661566293612_696110377541078299_n-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Fauna della Riserva Naturale Lago di Piano\"><\/div><div class=\"ce5v-fc-slide\" data-full=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/594996458_10235901513812150_1676439283687355944_n.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" class=\"no-lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/594996458_10235901513812150_1676439283687355944_n-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Fauna della Riserva Naturale Lago di Piano\"><\/div><div class=\"ce5v-fc-slide\" data-full=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/5ae578a6-8659-4df1-8608-452dcb249003.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" class=\"no-lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/5ae578a6-8659-4df1-8608-452dcb249003-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Fauna della Riserva Naturale Lago di Piano\"><\/div><div class=\"ce5v-fc-slide\" data-full=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/699eefda-fa8b-442e-8f06-68d9b56d0a89.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" class=\"no-lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/699eefda-fa8b-442e-8f06-68d9b56d0a89-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Fauna della Riserva Naturale Lago di Piano\"><\/div><div class=\"ce5v-fc-slide\" data-full=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/bffc7d1b-eb14-4af1-9cae-fd2bba50cceb.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" class=\"no-lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/bffc7d1b-eb14-4af1-9cae-fd2bba50cceb-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Fauna della Riserva Naturale Lago di Piano\"><\/div><div class=\"ce5v-fc-slide\" data-full=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/c7388379-56f5-4911-8bd2-7cc7f1dc301d.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" class=\"no-lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/c7388379-56f5-4911-8bd2-7cc7f1dc301d.jpg\" alt=\"Fauna della Riserva Naturale Lago di Piano\"><\/div><div class=\"ce5v-fc-slide\" data-full=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/c90cafeb-1cdc-4882-921a-72782cc2c53f.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" class=\"no-lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/c90cafeb-1cdc-4882-921a-72782cc2c53f-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Fauna della Riserva Naturale Lago di Piano\"><\/div><\/div><button type=\"button\" class=\"ce5v-fc-nav ce5v-fc-prev\" aria-label=\"Previous\">\u2039<\/button><button type=\"button\" class=\"ce5v-fc-nav ce5v-fc-next\" aria-label=\"Next\">\u203a<\/button><\/div><div class=\"ce5v-fc-dots\"><\/div><div class=\"ce5v-fc-counter\"><\/div><p class=\"ce5v-fc-caption\">The fauna of the Lago di Piano Nature Reserve. Photo by Fabrizio Manservisi<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>For those who aren&#039;t satisfied with the blooms, the Reserve is a year-round destination: in autumn for the migratory passage, in winter when the lake freezes and completely changes its appearance, and in late winter to witness the grebe mating parade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/c1b866f4-92e1-49d5-9b83-deeada50c13e-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Fauna della Riserva Naturale Lago di Piano\" class=\"wp-image-11855\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/c1b866f4-92e1-49d5-9b83-deeada50c13e-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/c1b866f4-92e1-49d5-9b83-deeada50c13e-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/c1b866f4-92e1-49d5-9b83-deeada50c13e-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/c1b866f4-92e1-49d5-9b83-deeada50c13e-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/c1b866f4-92e1-49d5-9b83-deeada50c13e-8x12.jpg 8w, https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/c1b866f4-92e1-49d5-9b83-deeada50c13e.jpg 1365w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>The nuptial offering: the male brings his mate the plant material that will become the nest. Photo by Fabrizio Manservisi<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Come_arrivare\"><\/span>How to get there<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>By car<\/strong>: from the <strong>SS340 Regina<\/strong> Between Menaggio and Porlezza, exit for Piano Porlezza. Free municipal parking is available next to the traffic lights, or in front of the Casa della Riserva. Alternatively, you can leave your car at the <strong>nearby shopping centers<\/strong> (Carrefour Market and Iperal Carlazzo) and reach the lake on foot or by bike along the last stretch of the <a href=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/en\/percorsi\/percorso-ciclopedonale-porlezza-menaggio\/\"><strong>Porlezza\u2013Menaggio cycle\/pedestrian path<\/strong><\/a>, which borders the Reserve. From Lugano: about 30 minutes. From Como: about 1 hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For those arriving from Switzerland, <a href=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/en\/trasporti-pubblici\/\"><strong>Public Transport page (C12 bus)<\/strong><\/a> It is the most convenient public line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cosa_vedere_nei_dintorni\"><\/span>What to see in the surrounding area<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Lake Piano is the ideal starting point for a leisurely day between Carlazzo, Bene Lario, and Porlezza:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/en\/poi\/castel-san-pietro\/\"><strong>Castel San Pietro<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 the small medieval village inside the Reserve<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/en\/ristoranti\/?comune=Carlazzo\"><strong>Restaurants in Carlazzo<\/strong><\/a> for lunch<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/en\/percorsi\/via-del-ferro-tra-carlazzo-e-san-bartolomeo\/\"><strong>Via del Ferro between Carlazzo and San Bartolomeo<\/strong><\/a>, historical excursion for those who want to extend the day<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/en\/poi\/chiesa-di-san-vittore-porlezza\/\"><strong>Church of San Vittore in Porlezza<\/strong><\/a> to complete with a stretch of Ceresio<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/en\/poi\/borgo-dipinto-di-claino\/\"><strong>Painted Village of Claino<\/strong><\/a>, a few minutes away, for its frescoed facades<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Quando_andarci_in_sintesi\"><\/span>When to go, in short<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Period<\/th><th>What to expect<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Late February \u2013 March<\/strong><\/td><td>Wedding parade of the grebes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>May<\/strong><\/td><td>Beginning of flowering, predominantly white water lily, fresh vegetation<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>June\u2013July<\/strong><\/td><td>Peak flowering, even water lily, long days<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>August<\/strong><\/td><td>Still flowering widely, warmer<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>September<\/strong><\/td><td>Flowering tail, softer light<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Fall<\/strong><\/td><td>Migratory passage<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Winter<\/strong><\/td><td>Frozen lake, completely different physiognomy<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The council<\/strong>: aim at <strong>mid afternoon (3\u20134 pm)<\/strong> On a sunny day, when the flowers are fully open and the light is already soft. Bring binoculars: the water lilies are the guaranteed spectacle; the rest of the Reserve is what you take home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group box-autore-collaborazione is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border:1px solid #c9b87a;margin-top:2em;padding:1.5em\">\n\n<p><em>Article produced with the scientific advice of <strong>Vincenzo Perin<\/strong>, Park Ranger of the Lago di Piano Nature Reserve, who was particularly responsible for the fauna section. Photographs of the fauna: <strong>Fabrizio Manservisi<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The first white petals have recently appeared on the surface of Lake Piano. This phenomenon is\u2026<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":11820,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[161],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11819","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-escursioni-natura"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11819","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11819"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11819\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11873,"href":"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11819\/revisions\/11873"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11820"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11819"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11819"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ceresio5valli.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11819"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}