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

The walk starts in Via Stabilini – Via Scatti – Chiesa di San Leonardo, Via Scatti – Cimitero, Via Scatti – Via Agudio – Via Giuseppe Parini – walk back along Via Giuseppe Parini to Via Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini – Via Alessandro Volta – Viale Italia