The town of Colico

Colico is a small town of about seven thousand people at the base of Monte Legnone. The origins of its name are still unknown and although many hypotheses have been made, none seems to fully satisfy the historians. In fact, it is thought that the name "Colico" may derive from the latin "caput lagus" which means "at the top of the lake" to refer to its position at the top of Lake Como. The name could also be linked to the presence of the "Montecchi", the hills that delimit the territory of the town. Even if the origins of the name are uncertain, its historical importance is definitely certain. In fact, the town of Colico has been used for its strategic position since Roman times, whose presence can be traced to the remains of some towers. Another important heritage of this town dates back to the Spanish domination of the seventeenth century, when the governor Don Pedro Enriquez de Acevedo decided to build a Fort on the hill "Montecchio Est" to defend the extreme border of the Duchy of Milan, the Fuentes Fort.

In more recent times the strategic position of Colico raised interest shortly before the outbreak of the First World War. Indeed, it was chosen for the construction of Forte Montecchio Nord, one of the forty-eight Forts along the Northern Frontier. Not only has Colico a past rich in history, but it is also a popular tourist destination both for italians and foreign tourists since it offers wonderful natural views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

From the town it is possible to access the Valtellina path, a cycle/pedestrian path that goes along the Adda river until it reaches Bormio, a nice village in the Lombardy Alps. But the Valtellina path is just one of the many trails that start from Colico, another noteworthy path is certainly the Sentiero del Viandante, an ancient mule track that led pilgrims from Lecco to Valtellina. In summer you can also relax on one of the many beaches in the area of Colico, appreciated by kitesurfers and windsurfers who come here every year to enjoy the waves caused by the Breva, the famous lake wind that blows in the afternoon. If, on the other hand, you are looking for a destination for an afternoon walk on a sunny spring Sunday, Colico could be the right choice for you. In fact, the lakeside promenade and Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi full of small bars and restaurants are perfect for enjoying a different day and take a break from the daily routine.

Colico is easily reachable both with the public transport thanks to the railway network which allows a direct connection between Colico, Milan and Tirano, but it is also possible to drive there via the SS36 of Lake Como and Spluga. In short, Colico is the ideal destination for those looking for a holiday dedicated to sport or culture, but it is also perfect for a simple one day trip.