Here’s a great chance to enjoy the romance of the lake from a completely new perspective and to discover some of its more hidden secrets and charm. Lake Mezzola by canoe, no less.

Archive material confirms that until the Middle Ages, Lakes Como and that of Mezzola were in fact united. The most northern section was to become today’s Mezzola, but was originally called Lake Chiavenna. The habitation of Samolaco, as suggested in the name’s etymology, was situated close to the lake, whose borders extended a deal further than currently. Today the lake forms the border between the province of Sondrio (municipalities of Verceia, Novate Mezzola) and Como (Dascio and Sorico). Once past the area of the outlet, it pushes towards the mass of mt Berlinghra, until reaching a small beach surrounded by lush vegetation. Ignore the Alps and it could be a little suntrap in the Caribbean!

Bring the canoe to the bank and in just a few minutes on foot you reach the Temple of San Fedelino. It represents the most ancient testimony to the Romanesque period in Lombardy. It was here that the remains of Roman soldier Fedele were discovered; fleeing from Milan in 284AD, he was apprehended and killed by order of Massimiano. His crime, that of having protected Christians from cruel imperial suppression. The local populace built a small chapel here which was extended into its current structure in 964.

Back in the canoe and feeling bold enough, you can paddle away down to the south skirting the rocky outcrops which plunge steeply into the lake itself. Apart from the stylish villas along the way, you’ll enjoy rare and magnificent glimpses of nature in its pomp, including little waterfalls and beaches quite inaccessible by land.

And canoeing itself? It’s simple and decidedly good for you. But it does require a certain caution and above all – the right equipment. First, a life jacket, a vital element for safety. Take a hat along, preferably with a wide brim and a pair of sun glasses for protection from a strong sun. A bottle of water naturally on hot days, your swimsuit and a waterproof bag for storing clothes and the odd snack. At Novate Mezzola, in the locality of Campo Mezzola, a reliable hire facility is available at Gianni’s Kiosk (mobile: 333 780 7686 or 346 2246391) where rigid keel boats with either one or two seats are at your disposal.