Is Nesso Worth a Visit? Lake Como's Hidden Gem

Find out what to see in Nesso in Lake Como Italy and if it is worth a visit. Including off-beat places, interesting architecture and local vibe in this travel guide about this peaceful village on the shores of Lake Como with a dark history that is ideal if you fancy the Italian slow life out of the city.

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Nestled serenely between the glittering waters of Lake Como and the towering Alps is the town of Nesso. This charming village provides a timeless, peaceful haven. For those looking for a true Italian experience, Nesso is still a hidden gem, despite being less well-known than Bellagio and Varenna.

Is Nesso worth a visit?

Oh yes, I love it! Nesso is a wonderful little place on the lake of Como. The beauty is so peaceful that you can easily distance yourself from the mass tourism flows of the more popular locations, and get to know the relaxing pace of a little Italian village. The waterfall falling into the lake is incredible, together with the old

What is Nesso Italy known for?

The waterfall of Orrido di Nesso falls into the Lake Como in the small north Italian town of Nesso. Ponte della Civera, the iconic ancient Roman bridge of Nesso is a beautiful sight to see. These are some of the reasons why Nesso is one of the most beautiful destination on Lake.

Can you swim in Nesso Italy?

Yes, it is still possible to swim in Nesso though, usually in summer months, the lakes next to the waterfalls and the lake itself have a lot of people sunbathing as well as swimming in the clear freshwater. Of course being on rocks make this option dangerous as the currents of the water do move and the rocks can be slippy.

How do I get to the waterfall in Nesso?

You have to walk quite far to get to the waterfall at Nesso. If you start in Nesso's main road, look for a lane leading down to the lake. It’s pretty steep and has lots of steps.

But it is worth it in the end! Your efforts are rewarded with a stunning view of the gorge as well as the waterfall, with a chance to take some amazing pictures here. You can use the bridge to swim and swim below the bridge and then you get there at the waterfall.

Where Is Nesso?

Located about 15 kilometers north of Como, Nesso sits where Lake Como divides into two long legs. This spot is as scenic as it is significant. Visitors find themselves enveloped by the alpine splendor the region is known for, amidst historic buildings and narrow cobbled streets that radiate tranquility.

When To Visit Nesso

The best time to visit Nesso is during the off-peak seasons of spring and fall, when the weather is mild and perfect for lakeside strolls and village walks.

For those who prefer quieter times, winter also has its charms, despite the cooler temperatures. While summer is popular, it offers a respite from intense heat, though you might encounter more tourists.

(My personal favorite is summer)

Getting To Nesso

By Air

You can get to Nesso closest easy connecting to Milan Malpensa airport, from there you can either do the drive (it takes 1.5-2 hour) or you can connect from the airport to the train station in Milan and then take the train and bus (you will add an hour or two but that adds some adventure!

By Road

By car, the A9 motorway (E35) runs southeast from Milan out to Como, then on to Nesso. It’s an infamously scenic drive, cutting a stately arc through the Alps and along the lakeside.

By Water

And one of the best ways to get there is a ferry across Lake Como (Nesso is linked by the boats that course around the lake, a splendid way to travel because they run alongside the villas and voyage under the alpine peaks).

Getting Around Nesso

Nesso is small and easily walkable, with its steep, narrow alleys offering beautiful views and quaint corners. If you're looking to explore further or venture into nature, consider renting a bicycle or scooter. For those preferring not to walk, local taxis are available to take you around.

From Milan to Nesso

There is no direct way from Milan to Nesso, and to arrive by public transport – by far the most beautiful way to ‘arrive’ by train and bus – you must follow the same path into this delightful part of Italy.

First, take a train from Milano to Como. You have two choices for this stretch of the trip: a fast regional service and a slower express service. From Milano Cadorna station, the best way is to take a direct train to Como Nord Lago station. The approximate journey time is 1 hour.

Como San Giovanni station can easily be reached from Milan by train – take the train to Milano Centrale or Milano Porta Garibaldi station.

The trip lasts around 40 minutes to one hour, depending on which station you depart from.

The second leg is to take the bus from Como to the Nesso, the starting town at the tip of the Lake Como lakefront . You can take either Como Bellinzona bus route (C30) at Como main bus terminal, which is located on the lakefront near the Como Simplon train station.

The trip from Como to Nesso is approximately 40 minutes by bus with a view of the Lake Como and surrounding areas. This journey will offer yet another blend of convenience and the chance to see some glorious views along Lake Como.

Whatever you do, check for the most up-to-date schedules, possibly buying your train tickets in advance, to avoid any hassles..

A Brief History of Nesso

Seated on the shore of Lake Como, Nesso is a hamlet with a history. It is most likely that Nesso was inhabited since Roman times: it was a strategically important place, with past roads connecting the village, which functioned as a quiet guardian of history as empires passed in and out. Nesso was a nexus in the Roman world.

For this reason, the village’s architectural and cultural heritage is strongly rooted in its past. The Ponte della Civera, one of the most prominent of Nesso’s historical landmarks, is a magnificently arched Roman bridge that crosses the gorge right in the heart of the village.

Its magnificent proportions commemorate the majesty of Roman engineering and at the same time frame the Orrido di Nesso (this is the lake’s name), an impressive waterfall that plummets into the waters, creating a breathtaking spectacle over which generations have gazed and marvelled since time immemorial.

A second episode of that history concerns the extraction of the black marble that, locally, is called marmo nero. This industry was a period of intense economic growth and a real transformation of the village’s landscape and architecture, which still reflects the affluence and style of that period.

To this day, however, Nesso remains a quiet place of refuge, its past palpable in its quiet cobbled streets, its old stone houses, where one can find peace by the lake, and step back in time.

The village both preserves and responds to age-old needs, while its historical depth, bucolic landscapes and the striking beauty of Lake Como continue to attract others.

What To See In Nesso And Surroundings

Here's 6 spots you can't miss in Aosta and around.

1. The Waterfall: Orrido di Nesso

The most famed and dramatic of Nesso’s sights is the Orrido di Nesso, a natural waterfall pouring through a narrow gorge into the lake. The vistas of the falls, both above and below, are majestic, and are rendered sublime as waters trickle over the sheer rock faces, and surge with white rapids into the dully glistening waters.

2. The Church of Nesso

Church of SS. Pietro e Paolo, with its quaint bell tower and impressive façade, also contains a number of fine frescoes and provides shade and quiet space for thought under hot skies, should you be visiting the town on a sunny day.

3. The Roman Military Tower

Another extremely ancient feature of the village was the Torre della Nessesità, one of a chain of Roman watchtowers built to guard the lake from invaders and which now keeps silent guard over the pendola. It has the best views in the piazza

4. Nature Trails

Nature lovers will be in heaven: there’s a multitude of hiking trails that loop through the mountains that surround Nesso, stopping at lookout points over the gleaming surface of Lago Di Como and beyond.

One takes you to the “Sentiero Del Viandante” (The Wayfarer’s Path): an ancient path that follows the edge of the lake through history and nature.

5. Strada Regia

A favorite among ramblers is the Strada Regia, an ancient artery of Roman times that is well worth walking along the banks of Lake Como, linking hill communities with some splendid views.

6. Stroll through Carenno

Careno is a small village belonging to the commune of Nesso, one of the old inland municipalities overlooking Lake Como. Its name used to be Careno Vira for its triangular building shape, which produces surprising effects when viewed from the water.

Nesso Boat Tours

A quintessential Lake Como experience, a boat tour from Nesso can take you to hidden coves, stunning villas, and waterside restaurants.

Many tour operators offer a variety of excursions, from intimate private cruises to group tours that cater to various interests, including historical, cultural, or that simply take you to the most photogenic spots on the lake.

Here is a popular boat tour you may like: click here

Best Guided Tours

Hire a local guide to see around Nesso, Italy. They offer top insights and perks. Explore our favorite northern Italy tours. You'll love them.

Best Places To Eat In Nesso

Here's our honest guide to the best eats in Nesso. We chose these places, adding a few tips from family and friends in Italy.

Pizzeria Trattoria Da Eugenio is your chance to have a lovely, traditional run-of-the-mill Italian pizza and pasta made in a cosy traditional atmosphere. Probably great for locals wanting to eat local food.

Inside Pub e Pizza d’Asporto Sas Di Orio Lorenzo You’ll find lively decor, but plenty of pizza variations to enjoy. Great for a casual dining experience, there is often a lot of sports fans watching their games too.

In Nesso, stop off at Bar La Cascata for a drink or snack overlooking the waterfall at the end of the village – the perfect place to pause after visiting the sights.

Where to Stay in Nesso

Need a place to stay in Nesso? Check out Booking.com. Outstanding for bargains. Check out the deals. Locate the right area. Look at actual images. Experience the power of genuine reviews. Also, be sure to check out some of these highly rated places:

Explore More of Italy!

Nesso kicks things off. Italy's marvels stretch out from here. Find more magic down below. Safe travels!