Musso
Musso is a charming historic village located about 45 kilometers north of the city of Como. You will find the authentic local life combined with the beauty of lake Como and easy access to Varenna, Bellagio, and Menaggio.
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Nearby towns are: Dongo, Gravedona, Domaso, Cremia & Rezzonico
Restaurants & Bars
Breakfast
Italy is well known for its delicious (and affordable) coffees & sweet pastries. Try out our favorite 3 spots close to the house.​
Local bakery serving fresh pastries and excellent Italian coffee. Savor an espresso at the bar like a true local.
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Typical Italian bar right on the square of Dongo serving fresh pastries and excellent Italian coffee. Savor an espresso at the bar like a true local.
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Porto Diciotto - Pianello
Cosy breakfast bar with a beautiful terrace right on the water where you can sit among the real Italians.
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Bar San Gottardo
Ristorante Albergo di Dongo
View from Lo Scalo
Grand Hotel Tremezzo
Da Giacomo al Lago
Osteria del Bumbardin
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​​Lunch or Diner
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Albergo Ristorante - Dongo - Pizza & Pasta
Long-standing, family-run hotel and restaurant located directly on Dongo’s main square.
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Historic, family-friendly establishment founded in the 1970s. Located in the town's historic center, it is one of the oldest pizzerias in the Upper Lake Como region.
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Ajo Griglieria con cucina - Domaso
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The perfect restaurant for lunch or dinner, located right next to the lake with beautiful views. On Wednesday evenings, it transforms into a lively party scene with music and a vibrant atmosphere.
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Fish restaurant offering delicious risotto, pasta and other traditional dishes.
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Hotel Ristorante Lumin - Cremia
Good for a quick casual bite including traditional Italian dishes and wood-fired pizza. The restaurant is located right on the Cremia beach and offers a beautiful view over the lake.
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Lo Scalo cocktail bar - Cremia
Excellent cocktail bar set in a cosy, intimate spot right next to the lake creating a relaxed and atmospheric setting. The bar is known for its stylish, well-balanced cocktails prepared by a professional mixologist, best enjoyed on the charming patio that makes it a favourite evening stop in Cremia.
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Da Giacomo al Lago (Pricey) - Tremezzo
If you think of classical Italian beauty and class, this is the definition of it. Part of the 5-star Grand Hotel Tremezzo, its colorful striped interior and beach vibes make it the perfect spot for a cocktail, lunch, or dinner. We recommend booking in advance to ensure you get a table.​
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Al Véluu - Griante (Pricey) - Menaggio
Spectacular view on the lake from higher up in the mountains. It's a pricey restaurant but it's an experience to pass by Luca and to enjoy his meals and to hear him talk about they are made from the vegetables of his garden. Our favorite: Fiorentini with zucchini fries. We recommend booking in advance to ensure you get a table.​​​​​​
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Delicious Italian food with a terrace looking right over the lake. Make sure to try their special tiramisu as a dessert.
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Icecream
No Italian holiday is complete without having tried a real gelato! No words needed just gotta taste it.
​​Gelateria golosella - Dongo
Gelateria La Carapina - Gravedona
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MUST SEE
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Villa Balbianello - A Cinematic Masterpiece on Lake Como
Perched on the tip of the Dosso d’Avedo peninsula in Lenno, Villa del Balbianello is one of Lake Como’s most iconic landmarks. Originally built in 1787 by Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini atop a former Franciscan monastery, the villa features twin towers remnants of the original church and a stunning loggia offering panoramic views of the lake. ​
Over the centuries, the villa has been owned by notable figures, including explorer Count Guido Monzino, who led Italy's first expedition to Mount Everest. Monzino adorned the interiors with artifacts from his travels, 18th and 19th-century French and English antiques, and installed secret passages due to security concerns during Italy's tumultuous 1970s. Today, the villa is managed by the Italian National Trust (FAI) and is renowned for its terraced gardens and cinematic allure, having featured in films like Star Wars: Episode II and Casino Royale.
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Villa Carlotta - Art and nature in perfect harmony
Located in Tremezzo, Villa Carlotta is a splendid 17th-century residence celebrated for its art collections and botanical gardens. Commissioned in 1690 by Marquis Giorgio Clerici, the villa later became the property of Gian Battista Sommariva, who enriched it with masterpieces by artists like Antonio Canova and Francesco Hayez.
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In 1844, Princess Marianne of Nassau gifted the villa to her daughter, Charlotte, upon her marriage to Duke George II of Saxe-Meiningen. An avid botanist, the Duke expanded the gardens into a 70,000 m² landscape featuring over 150 varieties of rhododendrons and azaleas, ancient camellias, and exotic plants.
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Today, Villa Carlotta operates as a museum and botanical garden, offering visitors a blend of artistic treasures and horticultural splendor against the backdrop of Lake Como.
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Musea della Fine della Guerra
The Museo della Fine della Guerra (Museum of the End of the War) in Dongo is a high-tech historical site located in the neoclassical Palazzo Manzi. It focuses on the dramatic events of April 1945 that took place on the shores of Lake Como.
The museum documents the arrest of Benito Mussolini and his ministers in Dongo by local partisans. It explores the Resistance movement, the end of the Fascist regime, and the liberation of Italy. Immersive Experience: Unlike traditional museums, it uses interactive multimedia, video projections, and soundscapes to recreate the atmosphere of the 1940s. You can view original documents, historical photographs, and artifacts related to the capture and the subsequent events at Giulino di Mezzegra. Situated in the historic town hall (Palazzo Manzi), the building itself is a point of interest, particularly the "Golden Room" (Sala d'Oro).
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Villa Balbianella by Peter Thomas
Villa Balbianella by Peter Thomas
Villa Carlotta garden
Villa Carlotta
Musea della Fine della Guerra dongo
Must Do
Villa Balbiano
Hike to Chiesa San Eufemia
Boat tour on Lake Como
Ferry boat views
Ferry boat Lake Como
Lungolago path
Hike to Chiesa San Eufemia
A rewarding hike that gains elevation quickly, offering beautiful views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains. The ascent can be steep in sections, and it takes about 40 minutes round trip.
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Rent a kayak, paddleboard, or boat
No better way to experience the beauty of Lake Como than from the water! You can rent a kayak, paddleboard (SUP), or boat to explore the lake at your own pace. Whether you prefer to glide across the water on your own or enjoy a relaxing cruise with a skipper, there are options for everyone.
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Book a private boat ride with a local skipper who will guide you to the best spots on the lake, including hidden beaches, historic villas, and charming lakeside villages. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can rent a boat and navigate the lake on your own. It's the perfect way to enjoy the freedom of the water with a bit more privacy.
Book self-drive boat: rentland.it
Book boat with captain: lakecomoboats.com or dtboat-tour.com
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Take the ferry and visit Varenna, Bellagio, or Como
Hop on the ferry and embark on a leisurely journey across Lake Como, one of the most relaxing and scenic ways to explore the region. The ferry offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and pristine shoreline as you glide between some of the lake’s most charming towns.
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Get off at Varenna, a picturesque village with colorful buildings, and stunning lakeside views. Or head to Bellagio, often called the "Pearl of Lake Como," known for its cobbled streets, elegant villas, and magnificent gardens. Como, the city at the southern tip of the lake, offers a rich blend of history, culture, and modern Italian life, with historic landmarks, shopping, and stunning waterfront promenades. The ferry ride itself is a highlight, offering panoramic views of the lake, the mountains, and luxurious lakeside villas.
With regular departures from several towns, including Sala Comacina, it’s an easy and unforgettable way to see the beauty of Lake Como.
Book tickets online on navigazionelaghi.it
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Rent a bike:
Cycling is a fantastic way to explore the area at your own pace. With an e-bike you can easily ride up into the mountains, or you can bike all the way from Dongo to Colico along the lake. Stunning views are guaranteed within minutes. If you’d like inspiration, you’ll find many bike routes on Komoot, where you can choose a tour that matches your level and interests. Book online in advance and arrange delivery or pick-up.
Reserve your bike here: bicisport2000.com
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Lungolago path
Beautiful, flat lakeside walk that runs between Domaso and Gravedona ed Uniti, following the water’s edge almost the entire way. The route is approximately 3.5–4 km one way and takes about 45 to 60 minutes to walk at a relaxed pace. With uninterrupted lake views, wide promenades, grassy areas, and easy access to beaches, cafés, and small marinas, it’s ideal for an early-morning stroll, sunset walk, or an easy bike ride.
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Kitesurfing and windsurfing
The northern end of Lake Como is one of Italy’s top areas for kitesurfing and windsurfing, thanks to its consistent thermal winds and wide, open shoreline. Popular spots include Dongo, Domaso, and Gera Lario, all offering excellent conditions for both beginners and experienced riders.
On windy days, the lake comes alive with colorful kites and sails, making it just as enjoyable to watch from the beach as it is to join in. For lessons, equipment rental, and local guidance, visit 360insport.
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