On the eastern shore of Lake Como in Italy lies the stunning Orrido di Bellano, a natural gorge carved by the Pioverna River over thousands of years. This impressive geological formation showcases the power of nature and offers a fascinating blend of natural beauty and history. Though less known than other attractions of Lake Como, Orrido di Bellano is definitely worth a visit.
Table of Contents
1. How to get to Orrido di Bellano
Getting to Orrido di Bellano was quite easy. The town of Bellano is well-connected by train, with regular services from Milan and other major cities. I took the train, which offered beautiful views of Lake Como along the way. You can also drive there, enjoying the scenic drive along the lake.
Once you arrive in Bellano, follow the signs in town, which make it easy to find the entrance to Orrido di Bellano.
2. Exploring Orrido di Bellano
When I first arrived at Orrido di Bellano, I was struck by its beauty. The gorge is deep and narrow, with steep walls that rise dramatically from the riverbed. The Pioverna River has created stunning rock formations, smooth stones, and cascading waterfalls. I walked along the series of walkways and bridges that wind through the gorge. These paths offer incredible views from different angles. What added to the charm of Orrido di Bellano was its rich history. I learned that this place has been known and revered since ancient times. It was surrounded by local legends and folklore, and it’s said that bandits and smugglers once used the gorge as a hiding place. In the 18th century, bridges and walkways were built to make the gorge more accessible, turning it into a popular tourist spot.
3. The Legend of Orrido di Bellano
According to local lore, Orrido di Bellano is believed to be inhabited by evil spirits that dwell in the deep, dark crevices of the canyon. It is said that on quiet nights, eerie moans and cries can be heard echoing through the gorge. These haunting tales add an air of mystery and intrigue to the already breathtaking natural beauty of the canyon, making it an even more compelling destination for visitors.
By the way, don’t forget to check out my guide to Alpine Region of Northern Italy. Creating this map has been a labor of love – it includes top destinations various activities, hidden gems, mesmerizing waterfalls, and panoramic viewpoints, among many other treasures.
While most visitors stick to the well-trodden paths, there’s a secret part of this ancient forest that 99% of tourists miss.
Mist-covered trees, untouched trails, and a silence that feels otherworldly.
Step off the beaten path and discover a world where nature reigns supreme.
📍Ancient Fanal Forest, Madeira, Portugal 🇵🇹
💡👉🏼Detailed directions to this part of Fanal Forest can be found in my INTERACTIVE GUIDE WITH MAP OF MADEIRA 🗺️
🔗Link in bio☝️
#FanalForest #HiddenGem #Madeira #VisitMadeira #Fanal
While most visitors stick to the well-trodden paths, there’s a secret part of this ancient forest that 99% of tourists miss.
Mist-covered trees, untouched trails, and a silence that feels otherworldly.
Step off the beaten path and discover a world where nature reigns supreme.
📍Ancient Fanal Forest, Madeira, Portugal 🇵🇹
💡👉🏼Detailed directions to this part of Fanal Forest can be found in my INTERACTIVE GUIDE WITH MAP OF MADEIRA 🗺️
🔗Link in bio☝️
#FanalForest #HiddenGem #Madeira #VisitMadeira #Fanal
🌅✨ This road curve might just be the most photogenic spot in Madeira, and it has captured the hearts of many photographers thanks to the dramatic cliffs in the background. During the summer, you can catch the sunset here, adding even more colors and stunning light to the scene. 😍
This hidden gem is located near 📍 Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto — make sure not to miss it on your Madeira adventure! 🌿👆
For those looking to get the most out of their trip, be sure to check out my INTERACTIVE GUIDE + MAP OF MADEIRA 🗺️🌍 – your perfect travel companion for the journey ahead 💫
🔗 Link in bio 👌🏼
#madeiraisland #visitmadeira #pontadorosto #sunsetvibes #madeiratravel #epicviews #discovermadeira #madeira #islandparadise #TravelMap #visitportugal #madeiralovers #naturephotography #travelinspirations #landscapevideo #adventureawaits #portugaltravel #madeiraislands #mountainvibes #oceanviews #offthebeatenpath
🌅✨ This road curve might just be the most photogenic spot in Madeira, and it has captured the hearts of many photographers thanks to the dramatic cliffs in the background. During the summer, you can catch the sunset here, adding even more colors and stunning light to the scene. 😍
This hidden gem is located near 📍 Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto — make sure not to miss it on your Madeira adventure! 🌿👆
For those looking to get the most out of their trip, be sure to check out my INTERACTIVE GUIDE + MAP OF MADEIRA 🗺️🌍 – your perfect travel companion for the journey ahead 💫
🔗 Link in bio 👌🏼
#madeiraisland #visitmadeira #pontadorosto #sunsetvibes #madeiratravel #epicviews #discovermadeira #madeira #islandparadise #TravelMap #visitportugal #madeiralovers #naturephotography #travelinspirations #landscapevideo #adventureawaits #portugaltravel #madeiraislands #mountainvibes #oceanviews #offthebeatenpath
I never get tired of hiking the PR1 trail. Every time feels like a brand-new experience. The weather, the time of day, the season, the way the light falls — it’s always different. Even the clouds add to the magic. They’re never the same, constantly shifting in shape and hanging at different levels, making the landscape even more dynamic.
And the sunsets? They change with the season, casting their light differently on the cliffs and valleys, transforming the scenery in unexpected ways. No matter how many times I return, PR1 always feels like something new. It’s no wonder this trail is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. 🌅☁️✨
📍Location: PR1 Hike, Madeira, Portugal 🇵🇹
💡👉🏼 For even more incredible locations, check out my INTERACTIVE GUIDE+MAP OF MADEIRA 🗺️
🔗You can find the link in my bio🌍☝️
#MadeiraIsland #PR1Trail #HikingAdventure #Madeira #Cloudscapes #VisitMadeira #ScenicViews #SunsetMagic #MountainHike #AdventureHike #ExploreMadeira #HikingAddict #GoOutdoors #TravelMap
I never get tired of hiking the PR1 trail. Every time feels like a brand-new experience. The weather, the time of day, the season, the way the light falls — it’s always different. Even the clouds add to the magic. They’re never the same, constantly shifting in shape and hanging at different levels, making the landscape even more dynamic.
And the sunsets? They change with the season, casting their light differently on the cliffs and valleys, transforming the scenery in unexpected ways. No matter how many times I return, PR1 always feels like something new. It’s no wonder this trail is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. 🌅☁️✨
📍Location: PR1 Hike, Madeira, Portugal 🇵🇹
💡👉🏼 For even more incredible locations, check out my INTERACTIVE GUIDE+MAP OF MADEIRA 🗺️
🔗You can find the link in my bio🌍☝️
#MadeiraIsland #PR1Trail #HikingAdventure #Madeira #Cloudscapes #VisitMadeira #ScenicViews #SunsetMagic #MountainHike #AdventureHike #ExploreMadeira #HikingAddict #GoOutdoors #TravelMap
I’ve found it — a real-life Jurassic Park! 🌿🦕
📍Cascata da Ribeira do Ferreiro on Flores Island, Azores, feels like stepping into another world. Hidden deep within a lush, emerald jungle, these breathtaking waterfalls look straight out of a movie scene.
It’s the kind of place where nature reigns supreme, and you can’t help but feel small in the best possible way.
If there’s one destination you should add to your bucket list, it’s this one. Trust me, you’ll be blown away. 🌍💧
💡Thinking of visiting Flores Island and need some tips?
👉🏼 Great news: My Interactive Guide + Map of Flores Island is officially live! 💫
🔗 Find the link in my bio to start your adventure! 😉
#JurassicPark #Azores #FloresIsland #IslandParadise #HiddenGems #waterfallsofinstagram #ExploreAzores #ScenicViews #NatureAtItsBest #WaterfallHike #DiscoverAzores #TravelGoals2024 #TravelPortugal #BucketListTravel #Açores #Acores #Acoresislands
I’ve found it — a real-life Jurassic Park! 🌿🦕
📍Cascata da Ribeira do Ferreiro on Flores Island, Azores, feels like stepping into another world. Hidden deep within a lush, emerald jungle, these breathtaking waterfalls look straight out of a movie scene.
It’s the kind of place where nature reigns supreme, and you can’t help but feel small in the best possible way.
If there’s one destination you should add to your bucket list, it’s this one. Trust me, you’ll be blown away. 🌍💧
💡Thinking of visiting Flores Island and need some tips?
👉🏼 Great news: My Interactive Guide + Map of Flores Island is officially live! 💫
🔗 Find the link in my bio to start your adventure! 😉
#JurassicPark #Azores #FloresIsland #IslandParadise #HiddenGems #waterfallsofinstagram #ExploreAzores #ScenicViews #NatureAtItsBest #WaterfallHike #DiscoverAzores #TravelGoals2024 #TravelPortugal #BucketListTravel #Açores #Acores #Acoresislands
