Top 20 Lakes around Val Rezzo
Best lakes around Val Rezzo, a comune in the Province of Como, Italy, is situated in a mountainous region. While lakes are not directly within its borders, Val Rezzo serves as a base for exploring several notable lakes in its vicinity. The area offers diverse natural landscapes and serves as a starting point for various outdoor activities. Visitors can find picturesque lakes and enjoy distant views of larger bodies of water.
Best lakes around Val Rezzo
- The most popular lakes…
Last updated: July 1, 2026
Lake Piano
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Beautiful trail along the cliffs
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Gandria Village on Lake Lugano
Highlight • Settlement
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Pier on Lake Piano
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Old Porlezza Road
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Val Rezzo.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
This beautiful lakeside path between Castagnola and Gandria (the "Sentiero di Gandria") is perfect for a stroll. I would advise against using a bike (the path is quite narrow, and there's a rather long staircase before Gandria). It's about 1600m from the (small!) car park in Castagnola to the car park in Gandria. A walk can be combined with a boat trip (e.g., from Gandria back to Lugano, or vice versa) (timetable: https://www.lakelugano.ch/de). Just before the start in Castagnola is Villa Helenum with a beautiful small park right on the lake. About 250m after the start, you reach one of Lugano's swimming pools, the Lido San Domenico, with a small grassy bathing area (info and prices: https://www.lugano.ch/vivere-lugano/cultura-e-tempo-libero/lidi-e-piscine/lido-san-domenico/). Approximately halfway (700m from the start in Castagnola), there is a public toilet and a drinking water fountain. A few meters further is the restaurant Elvezia with a terrace right on the lake and a stop for excursion boats ("Grotto Elvezia"). From the start in Castagnola, the first 1200m are flat and only a few meters above the lake. After 1200m, shortly before the village of Gandria, you climb a long staircase. At the top of the stairs, you have a wonderful view over the lake, including Monte San Salvatore in the background (and a cactus in the foreground). The destination, Gandria, is a beautiful village with a church worth seeing, many narrow alleys and stairs, several restaurants, some with terraces and lake views, and a stop for excursion boats.
0
0
Fascinating landscape, always worth a trip 👌👍
0
0
Nice, I had to get off the bike a few times because of the stairs, narrow, you can't pedal through them.
0
0
Wonderful spot by the lake - very quiet in the morning too.
0
0
Great old village with lots of old houses and narrow winding streets. No traffic, only accessible on foot. Highly recommended is the beautiful footpath along the lake.
2
0
This is the highlight on the cycle path between Lake Como and Lake Lugano. (Between Porlezza and Menaggio) Absolutely great place for a break.
1
0
Gandria is a pretty village on the shores of Lake Lugano. The village has very ancient origins and once lived on fishing and olive oil production. This is no longer the case, but today you can still admire the marina and residential buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of natural experiences can I expect around Val Rezzo's lakes?
The area offers diverse natural landscapes. You can explore the Lake Piano Nature Reserve, known for its tranquility and opportunities to observe various water birds amidst reed thickets and forests. The lake is surrounded by scenic paths perfect for peaceful walks.
Are there historical sites to explore near the lakes?
Yes, near Lake Piano, you can visit the medieval fortified houses of 'Castel San Pietro'. Additionally, the picturesque Gandria Village on Lake Lugano features well-preserved residential buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries with unique frescoes and stucco work.
What activities are suitable for families around the lakes?
Many areas around the lakes are family-friendly. Lake Piano offers serene walks and wildlife observation in its nature reserve. The Old Porlezza Road along Lake Lugano is a car-free, well-paved route with beautiful views, suitable for family strolls or cycling.
Can I go hiking or running near the lakes of Val Rezzo?
Absolutely. There are numerous trails for hiking and running. For instance, you can find routes like the 'Wooden Dock at Lago di Piano loop from Porlezza' or the 'Lake Lugano Trail'. Explore more options in the Hiking around Val Rezzo and Running Trails around Val Rezzo guides.
Are there cycling routes available around the lakes?
Yes, the region offers several cycling opportunities. The Old Porlezza Road along Lake Lugano is a popular car-free section. You can find routes such as 'Lake Piano – Lakeside Dock at Lago di Piano loop' or 'Lakeside Road to Menaggio'. More details are available in the Cycling around Val Rezzo guide.
Which lakes are good for swimming or relaxing by the water?
Lake Piano is a peaceful spot for relaxing by the water, and it has designated swim spots. Gandria Village on Lake Lugano also offers swim spots and a charming lakeside setting.
Where can I find the best panoramic views of the lakes?
For spectacular panoramic views of the plain of Porlezza and Lake Lugano, visit elevated points around Val Rezzo, such as the church of the Saints Materno and Martino. From Rifugio Menaggio, situated at 1383 meters, you can enjoy unique vistas of Lake Como.
Are the trails around the lakes dog-friendly?
Many trails and areas around the lakes are dog-friendly. For example, Gandria Village on Lake Lugano and the Pier on Lake Piano are noted as dog-friendly. Always ensure your dog is on a leash and respect local regulations.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes near Val Rezzo?
The lakes near Val Rezzo are beautiful throughout the warmer months, typically from spring to early autumn. This period offers pleasant weather for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and enjoying the lakeside. Winter can also be scenic, though some activities might be limited.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the lakes around Val Rezzo?
Visitors appreciate the diverse experiences, from the tranquility and wildlife observation at Lake Piano to the broader tourism offerings of Lake Lugano. The stunning distant views of Lake Como from elevated points are also highly valued, as are the scenic trails like the Beautiful trail along the cliffs.
Are there any peaceful or less-known spots among the lakes?
Lake Piano is often described as a small, picturesque lake known for its tranquility and nature reserve, making it a perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful escape away from larger crowds.
What are some easy walks or accessible trails near the lakes?
The scenic path around Lake Piano, starting from Bene Lario, offers an easy walk through meadows and forests. The Old Porlezza Road along Lake Lugano is also a well-paved, car-free route suitable for leisurely strolls.
How can I explore the villages and settlements near the lakes?
You can explore charming lakeside villages such as Gandria Village on Lake Lugano, known for its historical buildings and winding streets. The village is traffic-free and can be reached by boat or via scenic footpaths from Lugano, like the beautiful olive path.
Most popular routes around Val Rezzo
Most popular attractions around Val Rezzo
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found your perfect lake around Val Rezzo? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
