7 Natural Pools Where You Can Cool Off Around Lake Como In This Insanely Hot Summer
Pic by Manuel Calì
This summer meets all the criteria to be defined as insanely tropical: temperatures approaching 40 ° C, no rain, the lake which is slowing receding... however magical summer can be with its "warm" and bursting beauty, with such a crazy heat we’d all deserve a dip in freezing waters!
If you want to explore the wild corners of our lake and its surroundings, especially if you wish to escape from the "usual" beach life, don't miss our selection of 7 natural pools of Lake Como! You’ll be surprised to see of many hidden havens our lake offers just behind the corner.
Ready? Continue reading!
Domaso: waterfall of Livo stream
Let's start with Domaso, northern Lake Como: maybe not everyone knows that in this old fishermen's village there's an amazing waterfall with stunning cliffs: we're talking about the one created by Livo stream. Our advice is to park at the church, reach the stone bridge that is nearby, cross it and go down the ladder immediately after that leads to the stream bed.
Along the stream there are several artificial waterfalls, at the foot of which there are pools of fresh and crystalline water where you can swim. Pure paradise!
The same stream creates awesome little pools near Crotti Dangri, a well-known restaurant immersed in the nature in Livo hamlet.
Gravedona ed Uniti: a little pool along Liro stream
There’s a small artificial waterfall created at the mouth of Liro stream in Gravedona ed Uniti, along Viale Scuri. The pool to immerse yourself in is not huge, but we assure you that the feeling of well-being of the icy water will give you an indescribable relief!
There’s a large car park a few meters along the road that leads to the magnificent Serenella beach, just in case you want to make a dive also in the lake!
Abbadia Lariana: Cascata del Cenghen
To reach this incredible waterfall (50 meters high!) you just take a fairly simple path starting from the hamlet of Crebbio on the heights of Abbadia Lariana: it takes 1 hour.
This impressive jet of water is created by Zerbo stream that descends from the mountains above Abbadia, not far from the famous Sentiero del Viandante trail.
Image via Meeters
The waterfall creates a large pool of cold and crystalline water where many people go to cool off, sitting between the greenery and the rocks.
Porlezza: Begna waterfall
These wonderful waterfalls near Lake Lugano are really worth a visit this summer!
Starting from the quaint hamlet of Begna, following the signs for the “Ponte Strolech” waterfall, via Caduti in Guerra and then Via alla Piana, you just have to go up through the streets of the town and then along the path: that’s how you will reach the small but impressive Begna waterfall.
The unspoiled nature, the freshness of the water and the charm of this small wonder hidden in the woods: you definitely have to add this to your to-see list for this summer!
Valchiavenna: Cascate dell'Acquafraggia
If you don't mind taking your car and driving towards the beautiful Valtellina region, don't miss the spectacular Acquafraggia waterfalls, by far one of the most stunning natural monument of Lombardia.
Image by Paul Bica
We recommend taking the path in the woods to the right almost entirely with steps to reach the top of the waterfall. From there you can continue to reach several very beautiful less crowded pools; the route is about 45 minutes long.
Lecco: Pozze di Erve
Erve natural pools are created by the Gallavesa stream, near the climb to the Resegone, on the Lecco branch; due to the surreal color of their water, someone call them "the Maldives near Milan".
Image via Eccolecco
Beautiful, fresh, set in an evocative natural setting, the Erve pools can be reached by parking the car in one of the parking areas of Erve village, after getting in the car from Calolziocorte along the SP 181.
The first pools are located along the path: they’re the ideal place for families with small children. For those who want deeper pools, dug into the rock, you must continue the journey into the adjacent woodland with the stream on your right. Here you can find fantastic pools with transparent water, rocks all around, and a magical silence.
Valmadrera (Lecco): the path of natural tanks
This is definitely the most adventurous destination among the ones described in this article. It starts from Valmadrera region on the Lecco branch, where the Inferno stream forms these amazing natural tanks where cooling off in a pretty unique scenario.
The path to get there, however, is rather inaccessible and therefore you must also use chains or brackets.
The trail reaches the plain of San Tomaso, from which you can admire a breathtaking view of the lake near Lecco.
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