Colico is a holiday resort and junction situated at the north end of the east side of Lake Como, at the mouth of the Valtellina Valley. Dating back to Roman times, the town was an important communications centre and was sacked and destroyed several times. It is an excellent departure point for to:

Bellano (15 km), a health resort on the east side of Lake Como on the River Pioverna delta, at the mouth of the Valsassina valley. The ravine formed by the Pioverna cascading through rocky cliffs is famous. In the town you can visit the fourteenth century Church of Saints Nazaro and Celso, with its Gothic façade and beautiful multicoloured rose window.

Chiavenna (25 km), a tourist centre on the banks of the River Mera, between the valleys of San Giacomo and Bregaglia.

The area is dominated by the Paradiso cliff, now a garden, and part of its charm is its crotti, which are natural caves used as wine cellars.

Gravedona (15 km), a health resort on the upper lake, looking out over the little peninsula of Piona and the imposing Mount Legnone. The Church of Santa Maria del Tiglio, built in the twelfth century in the Romanesque-Lombard style with Burgundian influences, is particularly interesting.

Madesimo (45 km), one of the best known summer and winter resorts in the Alps. It is situated in the upper Spluga Valley and has been known since the eighteenth century for its therapeuatic sulphate-earth and saline-magnesium waters.