Codogna-Cardano Trip Overview
A relaxing day of cycling the Italian side of Lake Lugano, exploring hilltop villages, rock pools, and panoramic churches.
We set off from the historic agricultural hamlet of Cardano and start with an easy ride along the cycle path following green fields and lakes until we hit the first beach of Lake Lugano.
Cycling along the beach, you will enjoy the expansive views of the water and mountains and the quaint streets of the old center of Porlezza town. Our destination today is the Valolda, the valley connecting Lake Como and Lake Lugano. It is a rather forgotten valley that is in fact full of hidden architectural and artistic gems just waiting to be discovered. The lake views will also not disappoint today.
Our day would not be complete without dipping our feet in the crystal clear water of some rock pools before we enjoy a lunch stop in a mountain restaurant. We wind down a relaxing country road back to Cardano.
Additional Info
Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes
Starts: Codogna-Cardano, Italy
Trip Category: Day Trips & Excursions >> Day Trips
Explore Codogna-Cardano Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Codogna-Cardano, Lombardia, Italy
A relaxing day of cycling the Italian side of Lake Lugano, exploring hilltop villages, rock pools, and panoramic churches.
We set off from the historic agricultural hamlet of Cardano and start with an easy ride along the cycle path following green fields and lakes until we hit the first beach of Lake Lugano.
Cycling along the beach, you will enjoy the expansive views of the water and mountains and the quaint streets of the old center of Porlezza town. Our destination today is the Valolda, the valley connecting Lake Como and Lake Lugano. It is a rather forgotten valley that is in fact full of hidden architectural and artistic gems just waiting to be discovered. The lake views will also not disappoint today.
Our day would not be complete without dipping our feet in the crystal clear water of some rock pools before we enjoy a lunch stop in a mountain restaurant. We wind down a relaxing country road back to Cardano.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Pass By: Grandola ed Uniti, Grandola ed Uniti, Lake Como, Lombardy
We leave from the small agricultural hamlet of Cardano, located in Grandola ed Uniti. The hamlet dates back to the Renaissance. It is home to the historic country home of the Bagatti Valsecchi family. We ride through the cobbled alleys and on to the cycle path that takes us past green fields and mountain views before we hit the beach of Lake Lugano.
Stop At: Santuario B.V. della Caravina, Via Al Santuario, 37, 22010 Cressogno Italy
We ride up to this sanctuary to admire the beautiful, peaceful location above the lake. This little church has been written about in books and is also said to be a place of healing and miracles.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Church of San Martino, Castello Valsolda, 22010 Valsolda Italy
We ride for a few kilometers along the main road heading from Porlezza town into the Valsolda. After this, we head up into the mountains and towards the small village of Castello. This fortified village dates back to the Middle Ages and it’s position right on the cliff edge offers some stunning views. The San Martino church is known at the ‘Sistine Chapel’ of the north. The village is in fact the birthplace of many important artistic families. On our way down from Castello we stop at the rock pools of the Soldo river to enjoy the cool breeze and fresh mountain water.
Duration: 30 minutes
Pass By: Naggio, Naggio, Lake Como, Lombardy
We head home towards Lake Como, via the mountainous back roads leading to the small village of Naggio. The scenic roads through the ‘Imperial forest’ with lovely exposed rock face on one side and panoramic lake views on the other, offer a fantastic insight into the quieter agricultural life of Lake Como.
Stop At: 22010 Velzo CO, Italy
We head through the characteristic cobbled streets and past the open fields of this small village before stopping for lunch at a typical mountain restaurant. It’s time to enjoy a good meal in the company of lovely lake views.
Duration: 1 hour
