Welcome to Sala Comacina, that lies on the western shore of Lake Como between Como and Menaggio, in front of Isola Comacina, in a lovely inlet called “Zoca de l’Oli” for the calm waters that separate the shore of the Island and Sala Comacina and for the such mild weather that allows olive trees to grow here. Sala is also possible to find ancient patrician villas, the most famous is ‘Villa Rachele’, built between the 700 and 800, which also housed Alessandro Manzoni.
Mountain lovers can enjoy a beautiful walk along the old mule track up to Alpe Sala where you can taste locally-made goats’ cheese. Sala Comacina has also a nice park, “Walter Mai”with picnic area where anyone can go and spend some moments of pure relaxation.
There are some annual events that are not to be missed starting from San Giovanni festival that takes place during the last weekend of June, featuring a spectacular firework display that lights up the whole lake; In August there are also the Alpe di Sala festival where you can eat traditional local dishes, and the Fish festival that takes place on the 14th and 15th August.
Comacina Island Image
Sala Comacina – What to see
Villa Rachele stands in an eighteenth century park in front of Comacina Island. It belonged to Giulio Beccaria, son of the Cesare Beccaria and was once frequented by many men of culture. One part of the building was built in the first half of the 18th centuru but was remodelled at the beginning of the 19th century assuming the aspect that it still has today.
Also worth to be mentioned is the parish church of S. Bartolomeo where you can admire frescos by Luini school, a baroque altar made of wood and fresco by the Carloni (cent.17th-18th) and saints by Fiamminghino (18th cent.).
In front of Sala there is the only island of Lake Como, Comacina island: you can easily reach it by boat (boat services in Sala Comacina). Nowadays the island has only one of its 8 originary churches, the one dedicated to S. Giovanni, rebuilt on the ruins of the first one in XVI century. Anyhow the tour of the island (2 km) is beautiful: you will admire the beauties of the calm nature of this place.
Sala Comacina, Lake Como – Image
Sala Comacina – Cuisine and Restaurants
Here listed are some good restaurants in Sala Comacina and nearby:
Locanda La Tirlindana
Piazza Giacomo Matteotti 5 – Sala Comacina
Tel. +39 0344 56637
www.latirlindana.it
Set in a lovely location in front of Comacina Island.
Ristorante La Comacina
Via Statale,14 – Sala Comacina
Tel. 0344.55035
www.ristorantelacomacina.it
Offering typical plates of fish of the Lario binding together innovations and small creations.
Closed on Mondays.
Taverna Bleu
Via V. Puricelli, 4 – Sala Comacina
Tel.+39 0344 55107
Offering an indoor restaurant as well as a romantic garden dining area, enjoying one of the most picturesque views in a quiet and peaceful location.
Sala Comacina – How to get there
By air
From the Milanese air Terminals of Linate, Malpensa and Orio al Serio, you should make your way to the centre of Milan and then take the train to Como. With the Malpensa Express it is preferable to get off in Saronno and then get the train of the Ferrovie Nord to Como. From Malpensa, it is also possible to get to Como by bus (line n250) in only an hour.
By train
To get to Sala Comacina you have to make your way to Como and then take the bus in piazza Sant’Agostino in direction Menaggio (line C-10). Bus timetable (www.asfautolinee.it) . Otherwise you can go to Varenna by train (direction Sondrio-Tirano) and then take the boat.
By car
From Milan take the motorway A9 Como-Chiasso, then take the exit Como nord and drive along the Statale Regina, in direction Menaggio for about 25 km.