Plesio: quiet and views over the central lake
This guide is part of UTLAC's Area section and is intended for people arriving at Lake Como to race, accompany an athlete, or turn the event into an opportunity to discover the area with their family.
Plesio is a very interesting place because it allows you to stay in the central lake area without necessarily having to endure its busiest side. It has a quieter character, more spread among hamlets and routes, and is perfect for those seeking a slower and more authentic experience of the area.
For those following UTLAC, it is a stop not to be underestimated: it does not have Menaggio's immediacy, but it conveys well the relationship between inhabited landscape, forest, mountain, and view. In short: less showpiece, more substance.
At a glance
| Location | Plesio |
| Area | Above Menaggio, central lake |
| Access | Access by car to the village; then routes and hamlets |
| Type | Mid-elevation village / point of interest |
| Ideal for | Families, walkers, those seeking a less crowded lake |
| Map | Open the location in Google Maps |
What to see and do
- the hamlets and viewpoints above Menaggio
- the routes toward Breglia, Sant’Amate, and the Monte Grona area
- the feeling of already being in the mountains, while remaining close to the lake
Trails, views, and nearby places
- combine Plesio with Menaggio for services and the lakeside
- go up toward Sant’Amate for the sweeping view
- consider routes on the Via dei Monti Lariani or local trails
Local flavors
Here, the food is decidedly Alpine: polenta, braised beef, alpine cheeses, cured meats, honey, chestnuts, and mushrooms are the most natural references. On race days, it is best to choose simple places, with local cuisine and a more relaxed pace than on the lakeshore.
Art, culture, and local identity
Plesio represents well the system of mid-slope villages of the Lario: not mere satellites of the better-known places, but communities with an autonomous identity, made up of churches, hamlets, forest, and rural memory.
How to experience it during UTLAC
It is suitable for those wishing to follow the race in a less chaotic setting, with a good balance between accessibility and landscape quality. It can also work very well for families who alternate part of the day at the lake with a more scenic part.
Where to stay nearby
For accommodation, check the Where to stay page. Although there is no direct agreement in Plesio, the municipality is perfect to present as a day destination in the central lake area.