Visit Gravedona, Lake Como
Gravedona, official name Gravedona ed Uniti, is located on the northwestern shore of Lake Como, on the alluvial plain of the Liro stream. It seems that the origin of the name comes from the Celto-Ligurian root grava, indicating a gravelly shoreline.
The town has a beautiful, sunny lakeside promenade, within a small bay overlooked by the picturesque Palazzo Gallio and its massive towers. The eye is also captivated by a splendid Romanesque church abutting the lake, perched on a vantage point from which you will enjoy a unique and spectacular view of the gulf.
Gravedona is a perfect place for a family vacation on the lake. Beauty, art, sports, excellent accommodations for all needs (from excellent hotels to practical campsites), easily accessible beaches, and many stores and businesses are perfectly in harmony with a welcoming local atmosphere that is remained genuine so far.
What to do, to visit and to see in Gravedona
1. Discovering the Sacred Area of Gravedona
Our itinerary starts from the Infopoint in Gravedona, exactly here. (46.143526990370376, 9.30507018347466).
We set off on the road to our left, via Roma, passing in front of Le Terrazze Restaurant. After 200 meters a group of cypresses introduces us to our destination, where the silhouette of a beautiful and highly original Romanesque church catches our attention. We are in the Sacred Area of Gravedona in the presence of a true jewel of the lake, the Church of Santa Maria del Tiglio. The building is adjacent to the parish church of San Vincenzo, also famous for its medieval crypt.
Read here the itinerary
2. The village of Gravedona, its ancient paper mills, the church of Saints Gusmeo and Matthew and Santa Maria delle Grazie.
From the Infopoint go to the right, until you cross the Crai supermarket. This beautiful building was once a paper-mill, later purchased by Salice, a famous sports eyewear manufacturer.
Immediately after the supermarket, you go up Suganappa Street, where you can rent electric bicycles from E-moves rent e-bikes.
Continue the walk keeping the lake on your right, toward the historic center of Gravedona. The picturesque dominant silhouette of Palazzo Gallio will accompany your walk.
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3. Icecream and cocktail in Gravedona
In Gravedona there is a really nice place to eat a great ice cream or have a cocktail: Orchidee del Lario.
The place was born as a greenhouse and trade of orchids but, being in a beautiful location, the owners thought of combining it with a refined bar point with excellent homemade ice creams and granitas.
We point out that the production is done using fresh fruit purchased locally.
Where to play soccer and tennis in Gravedona
IN Gravedona there is a large sports center with a Tennis Club, soccer fields, and the athletic track of ASD Atletica Alto Lario.
If you are looking for a tennis court in Gravedona you can make a reservation at +39.391.3677752, the courts are open to all.
Where to sail in Gravedona
A few meters ahead from The Tennis Club you will find the Alto Lario Aval sailing center: the association offers sailing school for adults and children with attached guest house.
Museum, villas, monuments and sights
Events, festivals and music in Gravedona
Beaches and lidos, where to swim in Gravedona
Walk a few more meters to get to Serenella Beach, a lido-like area with a beach, bar with tables and showers. On summer evenings there is no shortage of music and disco here.
Just above, a bridge crosses the Liro River to continue the walk on Gravedona's welcoming long beach.
A few meters further on your right you will encounter the pool area (the pools are temporarily closed to the public but there is a nice bar with a green area) where live musicians often perform on weekend evenings. There is also a picnic area here, and you can rent everything you need (griddle, grill and utensils) for a good barbecue.Lido di Gravedona.
Best treks and scenic hiking trails in Gravedona
If you want to go trekking, hiking or nordic-walling on Lake Como and discover trails above the Gravedona mountains, we recommend the team HIKING LAKE COMO. Francesca and Mario are professional and passionate certified guides, as well as enthusiastic local people. Contact here.
How to geto to Gravedona