Baia di Parè

If you love spending time in nature without sacrificing the comforts of a well-equipped lakeside resort, you can’t miss a visit to this small hamlet of Valmadrera, a real gem overlooking the lake: Parè.

Situated to the north of the town, the bay lies at the foot of Mount Moregallo and is traversed by the final stretch of the Rio Torto before it flows into Lake Como. The abundance of water, combined with the surrounding mountains that act as a natural shield, ensures a pleasant, temperate climate. In this extraordinary setting rich in biodiversity, you can enjoy pleasant walks, savour local specialities with a view of the lake, take part in outdoor sports, and listen to live music at the many events that bring the area to life all year round.

Perfect for a romantic getaway, the hamlet of Parè is also a true paradise for families, with amenities, restaurants, and hotels, as well as open spaces where children can play and enjoy being close to nature in total relaxation and safety.

Parè Bay: history and traditions 

Parè Bay is not only one of the most picturesque spots on Lake Como, thanks to the natural beauty that surrounds it; it is also a symbol of the region’s most authentic local traditions.

Since the 18th century, the history of the area has revolved around work, with all the main Lombard trades playing a central role. From ironworking to the silk industry, from furnaces to pastures, the area has been inhabited over the centuries by a hard-working and close-knit community, bound by ancient traditions and knowledge, traces of which are still preserved today.

Along the banks of the Rio Torto, activities related to ironworking flourished, with the production of agricultural tools such as spades, shovels, and anvils. The Carrera brothers played a central role, followed by the Fatebenefratelli, who had an iron hammer mill built, giving impetus to an industry destined to leave a lasting mark on local history. This tradition has continued to the present day with the Catenificio Fratelli Carrera, which is still in operation and now also supplies major shipyards.

Alongside ironworking, Parè has been closely linked to the exploitation of the area’s natural resources. The mountains provided firewood, hay, pastureland, and limestone, whilst the lake and its surroundings supported an economy based on a balance between people and the environment. It was from this limestone that the lime kilns of Sassello were established, already in operation in the early decades of the 18th century. By 1806, there were twelve of them, situated along the lakeshore at the foot of the mountain, where over a hundred day labourers worked. Some remained in operation until the 1940s and 1950s, leaving traces that are still visible in the landscape.

Today, strolling along the old harbour, visitors can take in all these layers: the lake reflecting the light, the traces of a busy industrial past, and the places of faith and daily life. A heritage made up of simple, authentic stories, which makes Parè an ideal destination for those wishing to connect with the deepest soul of the area and the community that lives there.

What to see in Parè 

As you stroll between the lake and the mountains in the hamlet of Parè, you can admire the historic Bovara family mansion, dating back to the late 17th century: a simple yet elegant example of the typical historic residences found in the Milanese countryside.

You can spot traces of the old wash houses by the jetty and next to the little chapel of the Madonna; according to local belief, the water from this spring is said to have healing powers. The chapel dates back to 1836 and was restored according to a new design by the painter Rosalba Citera and blessed by Monsignor Bernardo Citterio, a native of Parè and resident of Valmadrera, in 1998. Not far away stands the church of Parè, inaugurated in 1971 and dedicated to the Madonna: a true gem of Lecco’s sacred architecture, with its simple structure and white-brick façade. Inside are four paintings by the artist Edoardo Krumm (1910–1993) depicting the life of Jesus, a Way of the Cross, and two further paintings by the Valmadrera-born artist Marica Antonetti, depicting Jesus and the Virgin Mary.

In addition to the marina, with its restaurants and taverns that continue to operate in the traditional manner, a children’s playground dedicated to the priest Emilio Bassani was opened in 2005: a must-see for those travelling with young children.

A visit to the natural bay of Parè 

Despite the rich biodiversity that surrounds the hamlet of Parè, the village is just 3 km from Lecco, the provincial capital, and around 50 km from Milan, the regional capital. It is therefore easily accessible from the major neighbouring urban centres, whether by public transport or by car.  

Conveniently located and easily accessible, Parè Bay is the perfect destination for a summer day trip, to enjoy a rejuvenating day by the lake, or in winter, to immerse yourself in local folk traditions and soak up the festive atmosphere in one of the most picturesque spots in the province of Lecco.