Piano Porlezza: Lago di Piano Nature Reserve and Trails

A specific landmark in Piano Porlezza is the Casa della Riserva in the hamlet of Piano Porlezza. It houses the reserve’s main information point and car park. The Lago di Piano reserve therefore provides a clear focus for nature watching and walks. The Church of Santi Nazaro e Celso and the historic Piano di Porlezza station also offer insights into the area’s cultural history.

Nature Reserve and Birdlife

The Lago di Piano Nature Reserve is part of Lombardy’s protected area system and is recognized by the European Union as a Site of Community Importance (SCI). It covers 176 hectares, of which 85 hectares are occupied by the lake basin. These figures distinguish the size of the entire reserve from that of the lake basin. More than 160 bird species have been recorded at Lago di Piano, including more than 60 breeding species. These figures complement the information about the area with details of the lake’s birdlife and distinguish the total number of recorded species from the number of breeding species.

Walks and Observation Points

Short walks in the reserve lead to several observation points on both shores. From the Casa della Riserva visitor centre, a flat, well-signposted main trail runs along Lago di Piano. The trails through the reserve are also suitable for families with children. For a walk, the flat main trail provides a clear route; observation points are located on both shores. You can also rent a rowing boat at the visitor centre to view the floating plant colonies. Check current availability before your trip if you plan to do this.

Cycle Route and Getting There

The Porlezza–Menaggio cycle route runs partly along Lago di Piano and continues towards Menaggio and Lake Como. Some sections may be affected by maintenance work or closures. Check current route conditions before setting out. To get there by road, there is an exit to Piano Porlezza on the SS340 Regina between Menaggio and Porlezza. Also check current traffic conditions and possible roadworks before your journey. The cycle route describes a ride towards Menaggio and Lake Como; the exit provides road access to Piano Porlezza.

Church and Historic Station

The Church of Santi Nazaro e Celso offers a distinct perspective on the area’s architectural history. Its parish was established in 1635; in 1856, the church was probably rebuilt on the footprint of the previous building. The parish’s founding date and the later rebuilding refer to different stages in its history. The church has a longitudinal floor plan, a single nave, four side chapels, and an east–west orientation. The floor plan and compass direction describe different features: the first refers to the layout, the second to the building’s orientation.

The historic Piano di Porlezza station is also a landmark in transport history. It was located near Lago di Piano at kilometre 7 of the route from Menaggio. While the cycle route concerns a present-day ride, the station refers to a historic route marker.

Search for Hotels Based on Your Interests

When searching for a hotel in Piano Porlezza, you can first decide which theme you want to shape your stay: short walks and nature watching, a cycle tour, or architectural and transport history. Rank these options according to your interests, then search specifically for hotels in Piano Porlezza.

Discover more destinations: Torno, Lurago Marinone, Gera Lario, Cantù, Albiolo, Cermenate, Veleso, Sala Comacina.

For the main travel overview: Como.