Musso to San Vito – Touring the towns of Lake Como
September 9, 2021
Most people pass by the area from Musso to San Vito. They drive into a tunnel just after Dongo and pop out again 4km later in San Vito. In between is a quiet patch of 2 small villages, little traffic and a lake-side path that travels the entire 3km between them. This is a world apart from the more touristy areas on either side of the tunnel. It is also a place we called home, albeit for only 6 months.
Lake-side walk from Musso to San Vito
The stretch of the western side of Lake Como from Musso to San Vito is for me, all about the lake-side path. There are of course a few reasons to deviate from the lake to take in some of the local architecture, some food options and even a hike up to a church with fantastic views over the lake.
It is an easy and flat path for the entire 3km, affording many opportunities to look around and enjoy the lake and mountain views. And what views!
So many pleasant diversions along the way....
- The harbour at Musso. I love a harbour and this one is so small and picturesque.
On a hot day, a swim in the lake is amazing. We keep coming back to the same place, Pianello. It’s a small pebbly beach, not at all crowded, and quiet on the watersports front. Perfect for a swim.- Veranda Beach Cafe – we’ve stopped many a time for their ‘artisinale’ gelato. Also a good place to stop for a beer or cocktail (This was a mere 2 minute walk from our apartment when we lived here. Memories).
- Next door, the restaurant Laguna Beach has a huge terrace right over the lake-side. Their pizzas are particularly good.
- Just past Pianello, there is a small hamlet called Breva e Tivan. The small grass piazza on the lake has some unique “tree art”, stunning little houses, a book nook (bring and take) and a seating area.
- Between Pianello and San Vito is a very popular spot for wind and kite surfers. The skill and speed of some of these guys is very impressive. Hours of entertainment watching them.
- At the end of the path in San Vito is our favourite craft beer bar, Lo Scalo, with fantastic outdoor seating going right out onto the pier (careful not to drop anything through the slats. There was an incident with some car keys going in the lake. Ours? Er, maybe).
- There is also a lovely harbour in San Vito. A Good sunny spot and a good signal for catching up with everyone.
- After all that, food is required and right on the harbour is the restaurant La Baia (which means The Bay). Really great food, and a very entertaining local wine service from super sized bottles.
Deviations from the Musso to San Vito lake path
There are two churches just a short walk from the lake path. In Musso, Chiesa San Biagio and in Pianello, Chiesa San Martino. Both worth a short detour to see inside and take a walk around the churches. And some slightly more elevated views of the lake are an added bonus.
Cycling along L'antica Via Regina
We found a fantastic route for cycling in this area. Starting in Musso, we cycled along the main Via Statale before heading up to a higher road which gave us great views over the lake and the towns below. The route eventually leads to the old ‘L’antica Via Regina’. The original cobbled “main road” that ran between the lake towns. Off-road and very enjoyable through trees and past some stunning lake-view houses, before heading down to the lake at Santa Maria Rezzonico. From here to San Vito we would normally drive through a tunnel, but on the bike we discovered a small traffic free road that went around the edge of the tunnel with views of the lake all the way. Did we stop for a beer in Lo Scalo? It would be rude not to, right?
Fab photos. Looks amazing