The complete travel guide — boat tours, hotels, things to do & more
Nesso is one of the most picturesque villages on Lake Como, renowned for its dramatic gorge, historic stone bridge, and authentic lakeside atmosphere.
Nestled on the western shore of the lake, it offers a quieter and more traditional experience than many of the area’s better-known destinations, with narrow alleys, ancient houses, and spectacular natural scenery waiting to be explored.
In this guide, you’ll discover the best things to do in Nesso, the must-see attractions, and all the essential information to help you plan your visit.
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To make the most of your time in Nesso, you can wander through its historic center, admire the spectacular Nesso Gorge, visit the charming hamlet of Careno, and more 
Start your visit in Piazza Castello, the heart of Nesso and the village’s main bus stop. From here, you can enjoy your first views of the famous Nesso Gorge and the opposite shoreline of Lake Como.
Follow Via Coatesa to discover the village’s most characteristic corners. This ancient stone-paved path winds through narrow alleys, stairways and traditional houses, offering a glimpse into everyday life in one of the lake’s most authentic communities.
As you explore the hamlets of Coatesa and Borgovecchio, you’ll come across the Church of Saints Pietro and Paolo, one of Nesso’s most important historic landmarks. Originally consecrated in 1095, the church was rebuilt in Baroque style during the 17th century and preserves centuries of local history.
Keep in mind that much of Nesso is connected by stairways and steep pedestrian paths, which can make exploration challenging for visitors with reduced mobility.
Formed by the Tuf and Nosée streams, the gorge features a dramatic waterfall that plunges directly into the lake. The best viewpoint is Ponte della Civera, a picturesque Romanesque stone bridge connected to Piazza Castello by a staircase of roughly 340 steps.
From the bridge, visitors can admire the waterfall, the narrow canyon walls and the remains of historic water-powered structures once used by local residents.
One of Careno’s highlights is the Romanesque Church of San Martino, perched directly above the lake. Its simple architecture and panoramic position make it one of the most charming religious buildings in the area.
A short walk from the church leads to a small grassy beach that is particularly popular with locals during summer. The hamlet’s narrow stepped streets, traditional stone houses and tranquil setting offer a quieter alternative to the busier villages of Lake Como.
The valley can be reached in less than 30 minutes on foot from the village center. The trail follows ancient paths and woodland tracks alongside the Tuf stream, gradually leading visitors into one of the area’s most peaceful natural environments.
At the heart of the valley, you’ll find a picturesque Roman bridge and a well-equipped picnic area. The cool waters of the stream provide a welcome respite during the warmer months, making this one of the best spots near Nesso for relaxation and outdoor recreation.
Located in the southernmost part of Nesso, Careno hosts a beach that consists partly of lawn and partly of pebbles. It can be reached on foot by simply following the alley leading to the pier through the old village. Sun beds or other facilities are not available on site.
Address: Via del pontile 13, Careno
South of Careno, in the village of Pognana Lario, is the public beach of Riva di Quarzano, a green area on the shores of the lake that can be reached only after a long and steep walk. The beach does not provide any services, but there’s a bar at the beginning of the walk. Parking places are along Via Matteotti.
Address: Via Matteotti 73, Pognana Lario
Strada Regia is an ancient mule track connecting Como to Bellagio in about 35 km. From Nesso you can choose 2 different paths.
A 2-hour loop trail starting at Orrido di Nesso and going along the Nosée stream up until Monti di Careno, a hamlet nestled in the hills of Nesso.
The path is quite easy with an elevation gain of only 430 m. Along the way you’ll encounter the Romanesque bridge over the Nosée river and a series of picturesque small stone houses.
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Ferries serving the area between the city of Como and Bellagio stop at Nesso. To visit the towns further north (such as Varenna), it’s best to get off at Bellagio and transfer to another ferry.
Boats to and from Nesso operate all year round, including winter. Service interruptions are limited to major holidays (see the company’s website).
The cost depends on several factors, in particular: length of the journey, type of service (e.g., regular or express), whether it is a round-trip ticket or a day pass. Here are some examples:
Nesso has two piers:
Both provide access to ferries that carry only passengers.
On the company’s official website, navigazionelaghi.it.
Online booking is highly recommended, especially during peak season (between June and September).
The best time to visit Nesso depends on what you look for. Here’s a clear breakdown:
If you want the perfect mix of good weather, beauty, and manageable crowds, choose:
➡️ Late May–June
➡️ Late September
The most convenient way to reach Nesso from Milan is by combining train and bus. Take a train from Milano Centrale or Milano Cadorna to Como, then continue with the C130 bus towards Bellagio (buses stop just outside both train stations). Nesso is one of the main stops along the route, and the journey from Como takes approximately 40 minutes.
In Nesso, it’s best to plan for at least half a day to fully appreciate the village’s unique combination of natural beauty and historic charm. This gives you enough time to explore the old town, walk through its characteristic stone-paved alleys, and admire the spectacular Nesso Gorge from Ponte della Civera.
If you enjoy hiking or prefer a slower pace, consider spending a full day in the village. This will allow you to visit the hamlet of Careno, explore the Valle di Nosée, relax by the lake, and discover some of the area’s most scenic viewpoints without rushing.
Nesso is characterized by many stepped alleys, so visiting some of the areas has limitations for people who have difficulty walking.
There is no tourist office, but you can ask for information at the town hall.
