Orrido di Bellano – A Hidden Natural Wonder at Lake Como
We started our second day with a peaceful, unhurried morning. After breakfast, we chose one of the activities from our pre-planned list. This time, we set our sights on the Orrido di Bellano gorge, which wasn’t far from where we were staying. A little after 10 AM, we hit the road and reached Bellano after a 40-minute scenic drive.

Alongside its famous villas, Lake Como is home to many lesser-known gems. The Bellano gorge turned out to be one of the most unique and memorable experiences of our trip. When I was listing the sights around the lake, I had no idea this stunning natural marvel would become one of our favorites. Once again, we were reminded how rewarding it is to seek out hidden treasures—not just stick to the most popular attractions.

The Orrido di Bellano is the town’s top attraction, carved out over millions of years by the erosion of the Pioverna River and the ancient Adda glacier. This narrow canyon can be explored via a system of walkways built high along the cliff walls, offering breathtaking views over the rushing water below. At night, the gorge is illuminated, revealing a whole new side of its beauty.

Bellano lies just north of Varenna and is home to one of the oldest natural formations in the region—the gorge itself is over 15 million years old. A dramatic waterfall adds to the spectacle, making this spot even more magical.

Helpful Information
Address: Piazza S. Giorgio, 23822 Bellano
Tickets & Opening Hours: You can find the most up-to-date info here: Discovering Bellano

Here you can find offers for visiting the Bellano Gorge: Getyourguide

Orrido di Bellano with a Toddler – Easy Walk with Stunning Views

Traveling with a toddler always adds a bit of extra planning. Liny fell asleep in the car on the way, so we let her rest a bit before getting out. Once she woke up, we let her stretch her legs with a short walk. We also grabbed the baby carrier—thankfully, because we quickly realized she wouldn’t be walking for long. The trail starts with a steep incline, followed by a long staircase leading to the gorge entrance. Even the path to the ticket office is uphill, and from there you’re led directly into the cave-like mouth of the canyon.

Fortunately, the entire trail is well built, and you don’t need any special gear—but with a young child, a carrier is definitely recommended. The walk takes about 30 minutes at a comfortable pace, and every step of the way is a visual treat. Deep within the gorge, you’ll find glimmering turquoise pools where sunlight dances on the surface. The walkway varies in height but is easy to navigate overall.

If I had to mention one downside, it would be the music playing through hidden speakers along the trail—it was occasionally a bit too loud for my taste. Personally, I would have preferred to enjoy the natural sound of waterfalls, so this felt a little out of place. And since we visited just after the Christmas season, some decorations were still up, which also felt slightly odd in such a raw, natural setting.

That said, the view more than made up for these small distractions. Tip: Just before the exit gate at the end of the gorge, there’s a great photo opportunity where you can capture a Bellano church, the snow-capped mountains, the lake, and lush pine trees all in one stunning frame.

After our visit to the gorge, we stopped by Bar Monastero, located right at the bottom of the staircase. We had a delicious sandwich and a good coffee—and since there are no restrooms in the gorge, this café also provided a much-needed bathroom break, which is always a priority when traveling with a little one.

All in all, visiting Orrido di Bellano was a fantastic experience. I highly recommend it to anyone traveling around Lake Como who wants to discover a remarkable natural wonder off the beaten path.

Castello di Vezio – A Fairytale View Over Lake Como
A spontaneous decision that turned out to be so worth it

After a pleasant sandwich lunch, we hopped in the car and decided to explore Castello di Vezio, perched high above Varenna. Although we had planned to visit Varenna the following day, we didn’t want to cram too many things into one day. Plus, we feared that if we skipped the castle now, we might not make it back the next day — and that would’ve been such a shame!

If you’re looking for a truly unique viewpoint, don’t miss this place! The medieval fortress offers jaw-dropping views: the shimmering lake and the surrounding mountains unfold before your eyes. Standing here, in what feels like the very heart of Lake Como, you can see all three branches of the lake at once — it’s simply breathtaking.

What to expect at the castle

The sturdy tower of Castello di Vezio has guarded Lake Como for over a thousand years, looming above Varenna. But it’s not just the view that makes it special. Inside, there’s a small museum where you can learn about the region’s local history and culture. And then there are the castle’s “residents,” who give the place a magical vibe:
• Eerie ghost statues, perfect for a spooky (and fun!) selfie
• Birds of prey, including owls you can observe safely in their aviary (note: the falconry show has been permanently canceled due to vandalism)
• The legend of the Lariosaurus, a mythical lake creature featured in a small exhibit

The castle requires an entry ticket — for up-to-date info, check the official website: Castello di Vezio.

Getting there – tips for families with young children

By train: The closest train station is Varenna. From there, it’s roughly a 30-minute walk to the castle.
By car: The castle is easily accessible by car. There’s a paid parking area near the entrance. From there, we continued on foot and brought our baby carrier, since a short hike still lay ahead.

The path to the castle
We followed the brown signposted trail toward the village, walked along the cobbled Via del Castellano, passed the “Il Portichetto” restaurant, then continued on a narrow street with clear signage. We passed a small ceramic shop, reached the church, and followed the road next to the cemetery, which led us straight to the castle.

Bonus for families: There’s a clean restroom and baby changing station next to the ticket office — always a big win when traveling with little ones!

Ending the day at our perfect home base

After soaking in the stunning views and unique atmosphere of the castle, we made our way back to the car and headed back to our accommodation in Dongo. On the way, we stopped for groceries so we could cook a warm dinner — and, as we had done the days before, we saved some for the next day. A hearty dinner and a cozy evening were just what we needed to recharge for another adventure-filled day.