Colico

Colico offers a range of ways to spend your stay: cycling and walking routes, water sports at Ontano Beach, and buildings with military and religious histories. If you are looking for a hotel in Colico, you can start by considering which focus best suits your trip. The routes, museums and historic sites help you assess what the destination has to offer.

Cycling routes with different terrain profiles

The Sentiero Valtellina is 114 kilometres long and runs along the Adda, connecting Colico with Bormio. Along the route, there are 40 equipped rest areas and 46 access points. It is also connected to six bike rental locations. This makes it considerably longer than the Ciclabile Valchiavenna.

The latter starts in Colico and runs for 40 kilometres to Villa di Chiavenna, the last village before the Swiss border. The Ciclabile Valchiavenna is almost entirely flat, suitable for all types of bicycles and can also be used with a pushchair. The two routes can therefore be distinguished by their length and the profile described: the Sentiero Valtellina extends as far as Bormio, while the Ciclabile Valchiavenna is characterised by its flat terrain and the fact that it can be used with a pushchair.

Museum and historic buildings

In the hamlet of Villatico, the Museo della Cultura Contadina di Colico focuses on rural life in the Colico area between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The activities documented include cheese-making, haymaking, livestock farming, grape growing and cereal cultivation. The museum thus offers a glimpse into everyday life and agricultural work during a clearly defined period.

The military buildings also tell stories of different eras. Forte di Fuentes was built in 1603 to prevent the expansionist ambitions of the Grisons; it is one of the few surviving examples of Spanish rule in this area. Visits are possible by prior reservation; arrange your visit in advance. Forte Montecchio Nord is the only Italian fort from the First World War whose original armament is still fully intact. It can only be accessed as part of a guided tour, which runs every hour. Check the schedule before you travel.

Torre di Fontanedo was built in the 14th century at the behest of Bernabò Visconti as part of the Upper Lake defensive line and was restored in 2019. It can be reached on foot via a mule track marked with AF signs by CAI Colico. The Anello dei Forti offers a viewpoint overlooking the Colico plain, Montecchio Est and Bassa Valtellina.

Water sports at Ontano Beach

Visitors can learn and take part in wakeboarding, SUP, windsurfing, kitesurfing and sailing at Ontano Beach. Colico also has three facilities where kitesurfing equipment can be rented and the sport practised. The difference is clear when choosing a water sports focus: several sports are available at Ontano Beach, while the three facilities in Colico are specifically dedicated to kitesurfing and renting the equipment needed for it.

Abbey and location on the Olgiasca peninsula

The Abbazia di Piona, more precisely the Priorato di Piona, is a rare example of Lombard Romanesque architecture. It lies within the municipality of Colico, at the tip of the small Olgiasca peninsula. It can be reached by car via a free car park, as well as on foot from Colico or by boat. These options offer different ways to include the abbey in your plans.

Discover more destinations: Missaglia, Paderno, Primaluna, Cernusco Lombardone, Lecco, Merate, Olginate, Dorio.

Return to the main travel overview: Lecco.