Colonno, Lake Como: Where the Greenway Begins

Colonno village and its bell tower above Lake Como seen from the Antica Via Regina — Colonno and its bell tower seen from the Antica Via Regina, the old road the Greenway del Lago now follows. Photo: JmTVW / Wikimedia Commons – CC BY-SA 4.0.

Some Lake Como villages are destinations; Colonno is a starting line. This small village on the western shore marks the southern end of the Greenway del Lago di Como, the gentle walking route that threads north through the old villages of the Tremezzina.

Most who come here come to walk. But Colonno rewards a pause of its own — a quiet, unshowy village that sees the crowds pass through on their way up the shore.

A brief history

Colonno grew, like its neighbours, on the ancient Strada Regina, the Roman road along the western shore, living for centuries from the lake and the terraced slopes above it. It has always been a modest place, and it has kept the plain, hard-working character of the old lake villages rather than the polish of the resort towns.

Where Colonno sits on the lake

Colonno lies on the western shore of the Como arm, just south of Sala Comacina and the Tremezzina proper, about two-thirds of the way up the Como arm. Steep wooded hills climb behind it, and the water opens north toward Isola Comacina and the villa shore beyond.

Colonno village on the western shore of Lake Como with the lake beyond — Colonno spreads along the western shore of Lake Como beneath its wooded hillside. Photo: JmTVW / Wikimedia Commons – CC0.

The best things to see in Colonno

1. The start of the Greenway del Lago di Como

Colonno’s claim to fame is its footpath. The Greenway del Lago di Como begins here and runs about eleven kilometres north to Griante, following mule tracks, cobbled lanes and stretches of the old Roman road through a string of shoreline villages. Starting the walk in Colonno is the classic way to see this part of the lake on foot; our hiking and outdoor guide sets out the route.

2. The old lanes and church

The village itself is a small knot of stepped lanes and stone houses climbing from the water, with the neoclassical parish church of San Michele Arcangelo at its heart. It takes only a few minutes to walk, and gives you the shape of an unspoilt western-shore village before you set off up the shore.

3. The lakefront

Colonno’s waterfront is quiet and largely local — a short promenade, a slipway, and open views across the lake. It is a pleasant place to wait for a boat or to end a walk with a drink by the water.

Planning your visit

Getting there. Colonno sits on the western-shore road; the nearest boat landings are at Argegno and Sala Comacina. See our Lake Como ferry guide for routes and tickets.

Best for. Walkers starting the Greenway, and travellers after a quiet, authentic village; one of the lake’s hidden gems.

When to go. Spring and autumn are ideal for walking the Greenway in comfort.

Nearby. Sala Comacina and its island lie just to the north, Argegno a little to the south.

Colonno is a small village with a big walk on its doorstep — come for the Greenway, and give the village a few quiet minutes of its own before you go.