Hidden Gems of Lake Como
Beyond the glamour of Lake Como’s famous villas and star-studded shores lies another side of the lake, one of quiet villages, ancient churches, and timeless charm. These hidden gems are where the true character of Como reveals itself: cobbled lanes that lead to centuries-old sanctuaries, mountain towns where life moves at a slower pace, and secret vistas that make you feel as if you’ve stumbled upon Italy’s best-kept secrets. This is Lake Como in its purest form, a place of quiet magic and lasting memories.
Chiavenna
Chiavenna is a charming alpine town just north of Lake Como, resting on the main route that winds through the mountains into Switzerland. Nestled at the foot of the Alps, this laidback town straddles the River Mera, which flows right through its historic centre, a settlement believed to predate Roman times.
Known for its artistic soul, cultural heritage, and exceptional cuisine, Chiavenna embodies la dolce vita at its most authentic. It’s even earned the title of Città Slow - a movement celebrating quality of life and slow living, and it’s easy to see why.
Eat & Drink
The best way to truly taste the region is by dining in one of Chiavenna’s famous crotti, natural caves carved into the rock and transformed into cozy restaurants. Thanks to their year-round cool temperatures, these cellars are perfect for storing wine, cheese, and cured meats, the cornerstones of local tradition.
TBS Tip: Don’t leave without trying Pizzoccheri, one of my favourite regional dishes. Imagine spinach-infused buckwheat pasta layered with garlic, cabbage, potato, and melted local cheese - a comforting carb masterpiece you’ll dream about long after you’ve left.
See & Do
If history and architecture are more your thing, make your way to the Collegiata di San Lorenzo, a church dating back to 973. Its ancient treasury houses sacred artworks, including the Pace di Chiavenna, an 11th-century Gospel cover and an exquisite example of medieval goldsmithing.
Chiavenna is easy to reach from anywhere on Lake Como and is just about an hour’s drive from the glamorous Swiss ski resort of St. Moritz, making it the perfect stop on a Northern Italian escape.
TBS Moment: Enjoy an aperitivo in the town square as the late-afternoon sun bounces off the mountains, it’s pure Italian magic.
2. Chiesa di Sant’Eufemia
(The Church of Sant Eufemia)
Perched on the rocky Sasso di Musso above the lakeside towns of Musso and Dongo, the Church of Sant’Eufemia is one of Lake Como’s hidden gems. Only accessible on foot, the hike to the top rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of the lake stretching both north and south.
Dating back to the 16th century, this quiet sanctuary sits on a site believed to have ancient Roman origins, surrounded by traces of marble quarries and timeworn stone paths that whisper stories of the past.
TBS Tip: Visit in the late afternoon, the light here is something special, and you’ll likely have the view all to yourself.
3. Nesso by Boat
The enchanting village of Nesso clings to the shores of Lake Como, its charm best admired from the water. A boat tour is the most magical way to approach this town, where cascading cliffs meet emerald waters and medieval bridges span tumbling waterfalls.
Along the journey, you’ll pass storybook villages, lush greenery, and elegant villas before arriving in Nesso’s tiny harbour. Spend a few hours wandering its cobbled streets, browsing local boutiques, or sipping espresso at a lakeside café.
TBS Tip: Keep your camera ready as you glide under the Orrido di Nesso, a dramatic natural gorge and waterfall that looks like something straight out of a movie.
4. Varenna
With its colourful houses and postcard-perfect promenade, Varenna is the definition of lakeside charm. Often described as the quieter, more romantic counterpart to Bellagio, this picturesque village offers all the beauty with far fewer crowds.
Just over an hour’s drive from Milan, Varenna’s heart is Piazza San Giorgio, a lively square framed by the 14th-century Chiesa di San Giorgio, which houses Renaissance paintings and centuries of history.
Nearby, you’ll find Villa Monastero, once a Cistercian monastery and later a private residence of the noble De Marchi family. Today it’s open to the public from March to November, perfect for a leisurely stroll through its lush botanical gardens or a peek inside rooms filled with antiques and art.
Where to Stay: The charming Hotel Royal Victoria, named after Queen Victoria’s 1838 visit, offers elegant lakeside views and old-world charm right in the heart of Varenna.
TBS Moment: Grab a gelato, wander the Passeggiata degli Innamorati (the Lovers’ Walk), and let the colours of the lake and village wash over you — it’s Lake Como at its dreamiest.
