Activities
Milan is less than an hour away from Lake Lecco by train, and ferryboats cross the lake at regular intervals, stopping at many interesting small towns.You can take a motor trip up into a lovely alpine valley and day trips on the eastern shores of the lake. Theres a 20 km biking route along one edge of Lake Lecco. This lake is an excellent setting for sport and recreation. Its crystal clear waters are surrounded by majestic mountains and charming medieval villages. The climate is pleasant and mild. The lakeside has been a popular travel destination for many centuries, thanks to the beautiful countryside and the wide variety of activities available. Over time many famous poets have stayed in the magnificent villas with gardens extending down to the lake. A particularly scenic destination is the village of Varenna, which features notable art galleries and the Pioverna canyon, a natural landmark consisting of rock formed by water. All the villages on the lakeside have excellent hotels, and restaurants serving delectable fish dishes. Trekking enthusiasts who want to explore the lake region have a variety of options, including the well-known "Wayfarers Path", divided in several stretches. It follows in the footsteps of pilgrims in the Middle Ages. Water sports such as sailing, canoeing, motor boating, water skiing and wind surfing are widely practiced here. The conditions are optimal from a technical and climactic point of view. Olympic champions Antonio Rossi and Paolo Bassani train on Lake Lecco on a daily basis.

Lecco
The beautiful landscape of the lake provides a backdrop to the city of Lecco, which lies at the center of a modern industrial zone, yet preserves the charm of the past. The city is 50 km north of Milan. It is bordered by the Bergamo Alps to the east and the lake to the west. This city was founded in ancient times, yet preserves just one historical building the castle. Another attraction is the statue commemorating Alessandro Manzoni, the author of The Betrothed. The first part of the novel was set in Lecco. In the 9th century Lecco came under the rule of the Como bishopric, but three centuries later it was under the authority of the archbishops of Milan. By the first half of the 14th century Lecco had become a powerful fortress, strengthened by Azzone Visconti. The citadel of Lecco was subject to ceaseless contention in the centuries that followed.

The city transformed into a major industrial center in the 19th century, mainly based on iron production. Lecco is the capital of Lecco Province, a wealthy and thriving zone.