Dervio on Lake Como: Trails, Water and History

Dervio is located on the eastern shore of Lake Como and at the entrance to Valvarrone. At the same time, the town extends across a green peninsula that juts out into the lake. This gives you clear focal points: walks along the shore, walking trails, water sports and historic buildings.

Between the Lakeshore and the Mountain Village

Corenno Plinio lies on a rocky promontory between the lake and the mountains, at the foot of Monte Legnoncino. The fortified village is characterised by steps carved into the rock. The combination of the rocky promontory, water, mountains and stone steps defines the appearance of the village.

Walks and Activities by the Water

Dervio has a lakeside promenade for walking and small beaches on the lake. Windsurfing and kitesurfing are also possible. If you like to divide your days between stretches along the shore and active time on the water, Dervio offers various ways to do so.

Trails through Dervio

Dervio is a starting point for excursions and walks. On the section through Dervio, the Sentiero del Viandante continues after the climb past the railway station to Dervio Castle and then along the lake to Corenno Plinio. For your planning, the sequence is clear: The trail leads from the climb via the castle to the lake and onwards into the historic village.

Sailing with Different Course Levels

The Centro Vela Dervio is a sailing school recognised by the Federazione Italiana Vela (F.I.V.). It organises introductory and advanced sailing courses for children, young people and adults. The programme therefore ranges from the first steps to more advanced course levels.

Churches, Towers and Historical Traces

The Chiesa San Tommaso di Canterbury was built at the end of the 12th century as a chapel for the feudal Andreani family. The Chiesa dei SS Quirico e Giulitta is mentioned in documents dating from 814. The earliest historical mention of a church in Dervio dedicated to Saint Cecilia is found in the statutes of Dervio from 1389.

The notable buildings include the Torre del Castello di Orezia and Le Arche Trecentesche. The Torre del Castello di Orezia is a keep on a rocky outcrop overlooking the plain of Dervio. Le Arche Trecentesche display three different architectural styles. At Mai, the remains of Castelvedro are still visible; they date from the 5th or 6th century.

At the meeting on 13 April 2022, the inclusion of the Torre di Orezia and the medieval village route of Corenno Plinio in the Sistema museale della Provincia di Lecco was approved. Thus, the historical perspective in Dervio extends from early references to visible remains and later architectural forms.

More Places for Planning Your Trip to Italy

More destinations: Onno, Baita, Pasturo, Brivio, Annone Di Brianza, Fiumelatte, Cassina Valsassina and Mandello Del Lario.

For the higher-level travel overview: Lecco.