Traversata del Lago di Como

Gliding through the water halfway between Torno and the Moltrasio shore, the perspective of the lake shifts completely. The shoreline here is defined by the steep, verdant slopes that drop sharply into the depths, a contrast to the flatter, more accessible banks found elsewhere. Looking toward the hillside, one can spot the faint, rugged openings of the Madrona and Zocca caves, ancient cavities dating back to the Lower Jurassic period that loom high above the water line. This 1000m stretch is the heart of the Traversata del Lago di Como, a swimming event that connects the eastern and western shores with a departure from Torno and a finish at the Canottieri Moltrasio pier.

During the swim, the water environment is influenced by the cold, deep inflow of the Breggia river, which emerges from the Swiss Alps to meet the lake, creating localized temperature shifts that swimmers often notice as they navigate toward the finish. The route itself is steeped in local lore and history; passing along the coast, one might recall the legend of Ghita, a young woman who, according to local tradition, escaped a pursuer by leaping toward these very waters, finding safety on the cliffside vegetation. As you approach the final stages of the course, the landscape becomes dominated by grand 19th-century estates. The most notable is Villa Erba, the historic residence once frequented by the director Luchino Visconti, whose cinematic legacy is forever tied to these gardens. Further along, the yellow-painted facade of Villa Fontanelle stands out against the green, once the home of Gianni Versace, who restored its extensive water frontage.

Race day logistics

The event, organized by the local rowing club, is designed to accommodate a variety of swimmers, and participants are transported to the start in Torno via a dedicated boat to ensure a clean entry into the water. As the evening progresses, a lighthouse at the finish acts as a guiding beacon for those navigating the final meters to the pier. While the area holds echoes of the post-war era, when the nearby valleys were vital routes for 'spalloni' smuggling goods across the Swiss border, today the water is a place for athletic endeavor. Those who enjoy this specific crossing often look to the neighboring Traversata Torno-Blevio-Como, which takes place in late June and offers a different perspective on these same basin waters. The swim concludes at the historic Canottieri pier, a site that has been at the center of the local community since 1902.