Belvedere

Belvedere is a scenic viewpoint in Corenno Plinio, a small hamlet within the municipality of Dervio, set on the eastern shore of Lake Como. The name itself — Italian for "beautiful view" — describes the spot well: a compact lookout offering a wide panorama over the lake, the surrounding mountains, and the rooftops of the old village below.

Where exactly is it?

The Belvedere sits right at the entrance to Corenno Plinio, at the point where the lakeside road opens up to reveal the water and the steep slopes on the opposite shore. Its coordinates are roughly 46.08994 N, 9.31092 E. Corenno Plinio itself is one of the smallest and most photogenic villages on Lake Como, built around narrow stone lanes and a medieval castle that overlooks the water.

What can you see from the lookout?

From the Belvedere, the lake narrows noticeably between steep mountainsides, giving this stretch of Como a look closer to a fjord than a typical alpine lake. On one side, the old rooftops of Corenno Plinio cluster along the shoreline; on the other, the water opens up toward Bellano and Varenna. On clear days visibility stretches far along the lake, and the spot is a popular place to watch the sunset in the evening.

How do you get to the Belvedere?

By car, the easiest route is the SS36 road running along the eastern shore, with Corenno Plinio located between Dervio and Bellano. By train, the Dervio-Corenno Plinio regional station is just a short walk from the viewpoint. Travelers can also arrive by lake ferry, disembarking at nearby Dervio or Bellano and walking along the shore from there.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and early autumn are the best seasons — fewer crowds than summer and generally clearer air for long-distance views. Summer weekends can get busier, as travelers moving between Menaggio and Lecco often stop here along the way. In winter, morning mist sometimes settles over the lake and peaks, but it usually clears by midday, leaving crisp, sharp winter views.

What else is worth combining with a visit?

While heading to the Belvedere, it's worth walking through the old part of Corenno Plinio first, past the Andreani family castle and the parish church standing right at the water's edge. The village lanes take only a few minutes to explore, and the viewpoint makes a natural final stop for a short outing along this side of the lake.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to the Belvedere free? Yes, it's a public roadside viewpoint with no entrance fee or barriers.

How long does a visit take? The viewpoint itself takes only a few minutes to enjoy, but plan 20–30 minutes if you combine it with a walk through old Corenno Plinio.

Is it accessible for visitors with limited mobility? Getting there by car is straightforward, though the immediate surroundings have the slightly uneven, stone-paved character typical of Lake Como's lakeside villages.

Is it worth pairing with Dervio or Bellano? Yes — both towns are just minutes away by car or one train stop, making it easy to extend the trip along the eastern shore of the lake.