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Orrido di Nesso: Lake Como’s Best Kept Secret

Most visitors to Lake Como know the famous villas. They know Bellagio. They know the elegant promenades and the mountain views.

But very few know about Orrido di Nesso.

And those who discover it — never forget it.

Orrido di Nesso is one of the most dramatic and breathtaking natural wonders on Lake Como. A deep gorge carved by two mountain streams, where waterfalls plunge directly into the lake in a spectacular cascade of water, rock and mist.

It is raw. It is wild. And it is completely unexpected on a lake famous for elegance and luxury.

What Is the Orrido di Nesso?

The word “orrido” in Italian doesn’t mean horrible — it refers to a deep, narrow gorge carved by water over thousands of years.

Located near the small village of Nesso, roughly halfway between Como and Bellagio, this natural wonder was formed by the Tuf and Nosé streams converging and falling dramatically into the lake below.

The result is a stunning geological formation:

• Vertical rock walls rising from the water
• Twin waterfalls cascading down the gorge
• A dramatic contrast between wild nature and the calm lake surface
• A sound you can hear before you see it

Even Leonardo da Vinci reportedly visited and was inspired by the dramatic landscape of this area. That alone says everything.

How to Visit Orrido di Nesso

There are two ways to experience Orrido di Nesso.

From Land

You can reach Nesso village by car or local bus from Como. Once there, a stone bridge offers a view into the gorge from above. It’s scenic and accessible — but limited.

The perspective from the bridge gives you a glimpse. Not the full picture.

From the Water

This is where everything changes.

Arriving at Orrido di Nesso by boat gives you a completely different dimension. From the lake, you see the full scale of the gorge — the height of the rock walls, the power of the waterfall, the dramatic meeting point of nature and water.

You approach slowly. The sound grows louder. The mist becomes visible. And suddenly, you understand why this place has captivated artists and travelers for centuries.

No photo fully captures it. You have to be there, on the water, to feel it.

Why Seeing It by Boat Makes All the Difference

Our modern boats navigate close to the shoreline, allowing you to approach Orrido di Nesso from the lake at the perfect distance.

Unlike large ferries that pass quickly and at a distance, a private or shared boat tour stops and gives you time to absorb the scene, take photos, and truly experience the moment.

Being low on the water amplifies everything:

• The sound of the waterfall echoes across the surface
• The scale of the gorge becomes truly impressive
• The photo opportunities are extraordinary
• The contrast between the wild gorge and the calm lake is stunning

It’s one of those moments that reminds you why Lake Como is not just beautiful — it’s genuinely extraordinary.

Arriving at Orrido di Nesso by boat — the most spectacular perspective.

Orrido di Nesso as Part of Your Lake Como Experience

Orrido di Nesso is included as a highlight on several of our Lake Como boat tours. It pairs perfectly with:

• A cruise along iconic villas like Villa Balbianello and Villa Pizzo
• A stop in Bellagio for free exploration
• A sunset cruise returning along the eastern shore

Whether you choose a shared experience or a private tour, passing by Orrido di Nesso adds a completely different dimension to your Lake Como day.

👉 Discover our [Shared Boat Tour on Lake Como] 👉 Explore our [Private Boat Tour on Lake Como] 👉 See our [Lake Como Sunset Boat Tour]

Best Time to Visit

Orrido di Nesso is impressive year-round, but the waterfall is at its most powerful in spring, when snowmelt from the mountains increases the water flow dramatically.

• Spring: Maximum water flow, dramatic and powerful
• Summer: Beautiful light, perfect for photography
• Autumn: Quieter atmosphere, warm colors on the rocks
• Winter: Intimate and raw — rarely visited

Any season offers a unique experience.

The village of Nesso and its famous gorge, halfway between Como and Bellagio.

A Hidden Gem Worth Discovering

In a destination as visited as Lake Como, finding something that still feels undiscovered is rare.

Orrido di Nesso is that place.

It doesn’t appear on every postcard. It isn’t crowded with tour groups. It doesn’t have a gift shop.

It’s just nature — powerful, ancient and completely authentic.

And the best way to experience it is exactly the way travelers have always explored Lake Como.

From the water.