Located where the Meru River meets Lake Como, Sorico is a historic fishing town in the Italian region of Lombardy. It was once an important stopover between Milan and northern Europe on the ancient Via Regina. Framed by majestic mountains and olive groves, it’s a popular getaway destination and a picturesque base for hikers on the Monti Lariani Way.
Things to do in Sorico
In the warmer months, you can enjoy a dip in Lake Como from Spiaggia di Sorico, a sandy beach ideal for swimming, relaxing and water sports. Canoes are available for rent and there’s a small kiosk selling drinks and snacks. Nearby are the stone remains of the Torre Medioevale and the palatial ruins of Villa Giulini.
Sorico makes a good base for visiting the Pian di Spagna Nature Reserve, which is nestled between the Lepontine and Rhaetian Alps. It encompasses wetlands and grasslands that provide important habitats for native wildlife, including butterflies, frogs and lizards. Birdwatchers can spot crested grebes, cormorants and black terns, while history buffs can discover the fortress remains of Fuentes and Montecchio Nord.
Keen hikers can explore along the 125-kilometre-long Monti Lariani Way, which traverses the undulating hills on Lake Como’s western shore. En route to Cernobbio, it follows a combination of old mule tracks and stone-paved military roads constructed during World War I. The trail’s four sections take in dense forests and pastures while offering magnificent views across Lake Como.
Getting around Sorico
Sorico is around 1.5 hours’ drive from Milan and Milan Malpensa Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Buses travel through Sorico, although renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around the area. Sorico lies at one end of the long-distance walking trail known as the Monti Lariani Way.