Winter Drive in Italy 🇮🇹 | Tremezzina to Colico Scenic Lake Como Road – January 2026

Route https://maps.app.goo.gl/DeuzP1n7kgFNw... 01:25 Griante 04:55 Menaggio 11:50 Santa Maria Rezzonico San Siro 13:20 Acquaseria 14:55 Molvedo 17:00 Prato 18:40 Pianello del Lario | Crotti 19:50 Calozzo 22:50 Musso 25:30 Dongo 30:05 Gravedona 35:10 Domaso 39:18 Vercana 40:15 Gera Lario 43:10 Sorico 51:05 Colico This winter drive follows the western shoreline of Lake Como in northern Italy, starting in Tremezzina at 210 meters (688 ft) above sea level, with a temperature of 8°C (46°F). The route follows the SS340, also known as Strada Statale Regina, a historic lakeside road that connects the southern and northern sections of the lake along its western edge. The road runs directly between the water and steep mountain slopes, forming a continuous scenic corridor shaped by alpine terrain and centuries-old settlements. Tremezzina was formed by merging Lenno, Mezzegra, Ossuccio, and Tremezzo. The area lies along the central basin of Lake Como and faces the opposite shore where the lake divides into branches. The landscape includes terraced hillsides, olive groves, stone stairways, and narrow waterfront lanes. Behind the town, wooded slopes rise toward the foothills of the Prealps, including Monte Crocione and Monte Galbiga. The drive reaches Griante, positioned across the water from Bellagio. Here the shoreline narrows and the SS340 curves tightly along the lake. Buildings are constructed close to the rock face, leaving limited space for the roadway. The surrounding slopes climb steeply toward the Prealpine ridges. Menaggio appears at the mouth of the Sanagra Valley. Historically, it served as a commercial link between Lake Como and inland routes toward Lake Lugano and Switzerland. The town sits on a small plain formed by mountain streams. Behind it rise Monte Grona and surrounding peaks, creating a dramatic alpine backdrop. Continuing north, the route passes Santa Maria Rezzonico in the municipality of San Siro. This lakeside village features clustered stone houses and remnants of medieval defensive structures. The road remains narrow, with short tunnels and retaining walls built into the rock. The lake stays constantly visible, while forested slopes dominate the opposite side. Acquaseria stretches along a small alluvial area at the base of steep mountains. Above it rises Monte Bregagno, one of the dominant peaks of the Alto Lario region, exceeding 2,100 meters. In winter, higher elevations may be snow-covered while the lakeside climate remains relatively mild. The drive continues through Molvedo and Prato, small hamlets made up of stone homes, narrow streets, and modest harbors. The shoreline becomes more rugged, with sections where the mountains descend almost directly into the water. Pianello del Lario is known historically for fishing and boat construction. The town lies beneath slopes rising toward the Bregagno massif. “Crotti” refers to natural rock cellars built into the mountainside, traditionally used for preserving food due to constant cool airflow. Further north, the road passes Calozzo and reaches Musso, located beneath the rocky spur called Sasso di Musso. This stretch of the SS340 includes protective galleries and rock-cut sections designed to shield vehicles from falling debris. The terrain feels dramatic, with cliffs bordering the lake. Dongo sits at the mouth of the Albano Valley, which extends inland toward mountainous terrain near the Swiss border. The shoreline widens slightly here, forming small deltas created by descending streams. Gravedona lies on a broader plain at the northern section of the western shore, backed by peaks of the Lepontine Alps. The lake opens into the Alto Lario basin, creating wider water views and a less confined landscape. Domaso features a longer waterfront and open perspectives across the lake. The mountains step back slightly from the immediate shoreline. Vercana sits elevated above the water, offering panoramic views over the northern basin. Gera Lario is located near the mouth of the Mera River, which flows from the Valchiavenna valley and the Swiss Alps before entering the lake. Sorico marks the northernmost end of Lake Como, where the Adda River enters from the Valtellina valley. Nearby wetlands of the Pian di Spagna contrast with the steep rocky shores further south. The drive concludes in Colico, positioned between Monte Legnone, the highest mountain in the Lake Como area at 2,609 meters, and the river delta plains at the lake’s northern tip. Colico connects Lake Como with the Valtellina and Valchiavenna valleys, making it an important transport junction. Throughout this journey from Tremezzina to Colico, the SS340 follows the natural curves of Lake Como, passing historic villages, narrow streets, small harbors, and dramatic alpine scenery. In winter, calm water, cool air, and snow-dusted peaks create a peaceful and atmospheric driving experience along one of northern Italy’s most scenic lakeside roads. #solo_traveler_7o