From Lecco through Valbrona, the Colma di Sormano and Nesso to Bellagio: views over Lake Como, scenic roads and historic sights.
A motorcycle itinerary through the Triangolo Lariano, between the two branches of Lake Como: from Lecco you climb towards Valbrona on a little-known scenic road, cross Asso up to the Colma di Sormano, drop down to the village of Nesso and its gorge, and follow the Como branch to Bellagio, before climbing to the Ghisallo Pass and the Civenna viewpoint. Endless bends, lake views and fairy-tale villages in a single ride.
You leave Lecco along the Lecco branch of Lake Como and at Onno turn off towards Valbrona. It is a hidden gem: a narrow, winding road with little traffic that climbs gently through dense woods and spectacular views, with the lake opening up below you bend after bend.
The tarmac is generally good, although it can be a bit worn in places, as is common on secondary mountain roads. The bends are continuous but never too tight: perfect for anyone who loves smooth riding and enjoying the scenery.
From Asso you climb to the Colma di Sormano, one of the passes most loved by riders and cyclists around Lake Como: a sequence of perfect bends through woods and wide clearings, with new mountain views at every hairpin.
Up there, at over 1,100 metres, stands the Sormano Astronomical Observatory: founded by a group of passionate amateur astronomers, it is now an international reference for the study of asteroids and comets.
Nesso is one of the most authentic villages on Lake Como, squeezed between water and mountains. Through narrow, steep lanes you reach the Orrido di Nesso, a natural gorge carved over the centuries by the stream that plunges straight into the lake.
Its most scenic spot is the Civera bridge, an old humpback stone bridge spanning the gorge: between rocks shaped by water and a roaring waterfall, it feels like stepping into a fairy tale.
Bellagio sits on the headland that divides the two branches of the lake and is one of the most elegant villages in Italy, with spectacular views in every direction.
Cobbled lanes, flower-lined stairways and lively little squares tell of a village rich in history and tradition, with craft shops, historic cafés and beautiful villas such as Villa Melzi and its gardens on the water.
The Ghisallo Pass is much more than a climb: thrilling bends and views of Lake Como lead up to the chapel of the Madonna del Ghisallo, patron saint of cyclists, which houses bicycles and memorabilia of great champions.
A few kilometres from Bellagio, the Civenna viewpoint offers a breathtaking view over the whole Como branch of the lake. The way back retraces the road to Valbrona.
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Partners & Gear
Insta360
360° footage up to 8K even in difficult light, FlowState stabilisation for smooth shots on the roughest roads and the invisible selfie stick for “drone-like” shots without a drone.
Insta360
They reduce the light entering the lens, so the camera uses longer shutter speeds and creates natural motion blur, for smoother, more cinematic videos that convey even more speed on a motorcycle. They come as ND16, ND32 and ND64: I recommend the middle option, ND32.
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