Rustico in Taceno

Lake Como is at Bellano itself, on the eastern shore of the central lake. The area sits below the Lepontine Alps and the first high ridges above the lake, with the Grigne group nearby across the branch toward Varenna and Mandello. The Orrido di Bellano is in the village, a natural gorge cut by the Pioverna stream. The nearest ski lifts are at Pian delle Betulle above Margno, roughly 45 minutes by road, with larger ski areas farther up Valtellina. Lecco is the nearest town of size, with full services and rail links; Colico is the main small centre to the north on the upper lake. Varenna, a few kilometres south, is one of I Borghi più belli d'Italia. The area is known for the lake landscape, ferry connections across the mid-lake, and steep old villages and hamlets on the slopes above the shore.