Breathtaking lake views in San Siro
San Siro is a comune just north of Menaggio on the favoured western shore of Lake Como. Just 85km and 90 minutes’ drive from Milan Malpensa. Formed in 1999 by combining several smaller districts, including the castle of Rezzonico, the comune of San Siro extends along 5km of lake shore and stretches up into the hills behind.
Over recent years San Siro has grown in international popularity as a wonderful location for a second home. As development in Menaggio stretched further back into the hills and the drive to the lakefront was becoming longer, logic said that it made sense to look at San Siro – a place to find a home which is both closer to the shores of Lake Como and closer to the centre of Menaggio. San Siro offers a tranquil shoreline with a number of lovely beaches and interest was piqued when it featured on a TV show of celebrity Italian chef Gino d’Acampo.
With little gems in each of the ‘fractions’ of the comune, one of our favourites is Acquaseria. This is the southernmost part of San Siro, the first you approach coming from Menaggio. It has an attractive main street which offers all the amenities you require for daily living – an enoteca where you can buy lovely Italian wines and stock up on essential olive oil, a mini market with groceries, a butchers which also has great cheese, greengrocers, ice cream and pastry shop, plus two further cafes and two restaurants – with lakefront Crème Caramel offering some of the best pizza on Lake Como in a lovely setting.
Along the lake’s edge and below the main road there are opportunities to buy a home close to the lake at a far lower price than, for example, the stretch between Moltrasio and Laglio. You are still within reasonably easy reach of the main airports and have Menaggio as your nearby large town.
Being this little further north offers sports enthusiasts some attractive options. The steady ‘la breva’ wind will be found here and northwards in the afternoons, with windsurfing and sailing schools a short drive away. For winter sports enthusiasts, skiing at Madesimo is a 90-minute drive to the north.
For relaxation without leaving San Siro, pebbled beaches are scattered along the lake shore, open to the public and all the public parking is free! Moorings can be found for boat owners, with an entire lake to explore. In the busy summertime it is definitely worth considering taking your boat to Menaggio and avoiding the challenge of finding parking.
Property in San Siro has become increasingly attractive to international buyers over the last few years, as the area offers tranquil views and easy access to amenities. There is a wide selection of property to buy here, from modern apartments and villas to charming homes needing updating. The pricing is attractive and there is a good range of property options away from the bustle of much busier Menaggio. San Siro is undoubtedly worth exploring for those looking for authentic Italian charm and good value in the mid-lake area.
Pebbled beach in San Siro