An Underrated Italian Village With Storybook Charm Offers A Crowd-Free Lake Como Escape

Nestled in the foothills of the Italian Alps, the glittering glacial beauty of Lake Como is undeniable. It is one of Italy's most stunning destinations, a combination of natural beauty, historical elegance, and sophisticated luxury, and it is easy to see why everyone from jet-setting honeymooners to the Hollywood elite is drawn here. And while all of the Italian Lakes are gorgeous, Lake Como is undoubtedly the crown jewel, overflowing with opulent neoclassical lakeside villas, shiny cars, and more than its fair share of glamor and bling.

But while Lake Como is an exquisite and delightful spot, its stunning views and chic ambiance come at a price. The main tourist towns of Varenna, Menaggio, Tremezzina, and Bellagio, the pearl of Lake Como, are often overcrowded, particularly during high season, and can make finding your own tranquil corner of la dolce vita a challenge. Luckily, there are a few spots that aren't as well-known, but with just as much storybook charm, that offer a crowd-free Lake Como experience.

Nesso is a small village on Lake Como's southeastern shore that still boasts the timeless, elegant charm and effortless chic that was once the calling card of the Italian Lakes. It is about 11 miles from the city of Como, on the southern edge of the lake, and roughly 40 miles from Milan. The nearest international airport is Milan Malpensa, just over an hour away by car, and it is possible to arrive by public transport on a train to Como Lago followed by a local bus to Nesso.

Nesso sits at the confluence of two streams, the Tuf and the Nosè. This is where you'll find one of the town's most recognizable landmarks, the Ponte della Civera, a gorgeous stone arched bridge dating back to the Medieval period. This charming spot is the best place to see the Orrido, a narrow, rocky gorge backed by a cascading waterfall that roars through the town and out into the lake.

Wandering the streets of Nesso feels like stepping into a dream. The village is a tangle of cobbled streets and winding alleyways, bounded by picture-perfect historic houses painted in soft pastels and topped with red terracotta roofs. The Castello San Lorenzo looms over the town, while the Chiesa Arcipretale Santi Pietro e Paolo hides a series of breathtaking frescoes as well as 18th-century stuccoes and paintings by Francesco Maria Bianchi and Giovanni Mauro della Rovere.

As with all the gems of Lake Como, the real beauty of the spot is found out on the water. A private boat tour is the perfect way to explore the lake, and there are plenty of operators waiting to take travelers around the lake, whether on a classic Italian sailing boat or a luxurious Riva yacht. For a more budget-friendly option, there is a public ferry that departs from the main pier in Nesso for trips to Bellagio, Tremezzina, Varenna, and Como.

The idyllic hills that surround Lake Como are filled with other exquisite hamlets and villages, and Nesso makes a wonderful base to explore some of the most picturesque ones. Just north of town sits the lungolago of Lezzeno, a magnificent promenade that meanders along the coastline, past pretty palazzos and opulent yachts. Another wonderful option is the Lido in the neighboring village of Faggeto, a spectacularly decadent beach club that offers the chance to swim in the waters surrounded by total luxury.

For something a little more historical, Careno is just outside the center of Nesso, a curious hamlet built in an unusual triangle, with a gorgeous Romanesque church and a grassy beach. Getting there means a walk along the old Regia Strada, just over 3 miles through woodland trails. Further afield, the Valle di Nosée offers some beautiful hiking trails with views of Lake Como, as well as the chance to take a dip in the cold waters of the river.

No Italian getaway is complete without a thorough examination of the local cuisine, and while Nesso might be small, there are several great eateries here and in nearby Lezzeno. The Trattoria del Porto is the standout choice, a fabulously relaxed joint with a menu heavily focused on locally-caught fish. Pizzeria Trattoria da Eugenio is another excellent place to try, largely due to its enviable location at the top of the hill and its stunning panoramic views. In Lezzenno, the Osteria il Governo offers sumptuous pasta dishes and some spectacular desserts as well.