Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldii, 23864 Malgrate (September 2024)

Malgrate

Nestled along the eastern shore of Lake Como, Malgrate is a small yet captivating town in northern Italy that offers a quiet counterpoint to the more famous destinations surrounding the lake. Located in the Lombardy region, directly opposite the city of Lecco, Malgrate combines natural beauty, historical depth, and a relaxed local atmosphere that makes it an appealing place for visitors seeking authenticity and calm. With its lakeside promenade, mountain backdrop, and traditional architecture, Malgrate presents a refined introduction to the lifestyle and landscape of northern Italian lake towns.

The town’s identity is deeply shaped by its setting. Lake Como stretches out in front of Malgrate, reflecting changing skies and surrounding peaks, while the foothills of the Alps rise just behind it. This dramatic contrast between water and mountains creates a striking visual harmony and offers countless opportunities for walking, photography, and quiet reflection. Unlike larger tourist centres, Malgrate retains a sense of intimacy, where daily life unfolds at an unhurried pace and the lake remains a natural part of the town rather than a backdrop designed solely for visitors.

Historically, Malgrate developed as a modest fishing and trading settlement, benefiting from its strategic position along lake routes and near important land connections. Over time, it grew alongside Lecco, maintaining close economic and cultural ties while preserving its own character. Remnants of its past can still be seen in its churches, narrow streets, and lakeside buildings, which reflect centuries of regional craftsmanship and Lombard traditions. The Church of San Carlo Borromeo stands as a notable landmark, representing the town’s religious heritage and architectural simplicity.

Malgrate is also known for its welcoming residential feel. Cafes line the waterfront, offering views across the water toward Lecco’s skyline and the surrounding mountains. Local restaurants emphasize regional cuisine, featuring freshwater fish, risotto, polenta, and seasonal ingredients that highlight Lombardy’s culinary roots. Evenings in Malgrate are often quiet and atmospheric, with soft light reflecting on the lake and residents gathering for conversation along the promenade.

For travellers, Malgrate serves as both a destination and a starting point. Its proximity to Lecco makes it convenient for exploring hiking trails, mountain paths, and cultural sites, while ferry connections open access to other towns along Lake Como. Yet many visitors find that Malgrate itself is enough, offering a sense of balance between nature, history, and everyday Italian life. As an introduction to Lake Como, Malgrate reveals a subtler side of the region. It invites visitors to slow down, observe, and appreciate the enduring relationship between land, water, and community that defines this corner of Italy.

Worth a Visit

Photo Gallery of Walk in Malgrate – Via Stabilini to Viale Italia
Approximately 0.00 km – 0.00 miles

Description of Walk
The walk through Malgrate begins along Via Stabilini and Via Scatti, quiet residential streets that reflect the peaceful character of this lakeside town on the eastern shore of Lake Como. Early in the route, the walk passes the historic Chiesa di San Leonardo, a small church that represents the religious and cultural heritage of the area. Continuing along Via Scatti, the route reaches the local cemetery, a calm and reflective place surrounded by greenery and views toward the hills above the lake. The walk then follows Via Agudio and Via Giuseppe Parini, streets lined with homes, gardens, and local buildings that offer a glimpse into everyday life in Malgrate. Retracing part of the route along Via Giuseppe Parini, the walk continues onto Via Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini and Via Alessandro Volta, where the surroundings gradually open toward broader urban and lakeside spaces. The route ends on Viale Italia, Malgrate’s attractive waterfront promenade, well known for its panoramic views across Lake Como toward Lecco and the surrounding mountains. The walk combines historic landmarks, residential charm, and scenic lake landscapes in a compact but varied journey.