Lake Como Colico Kitesurf Spot in Lecco

The Breva is the primary wind for kitesurfing, classified as a thermal south-southwesterly wind. It arises from temperature disparities between the sun-warmed Alpine valleys and the cooler lake surface. As warm air ascends the valley slopes, it draws in replacement air from the south, generating consistent winds averaging 15–18 knots (7–9 m/s) between 12:00 and 18:001611. The wind accelerates through the lake’s northern narrowing, creating a Venturi effect that boosts speeds to 20–22 knots (10–11 m/s) in the afternoons. Kites between 10 m² and 21 m² are optimal, with lighter winds in early spring (March–April) favoring larger kites and stronger summer gusts (June–July) requiring smaller sizes.

The Breva’s reliability peaks from March to mid-July, with usable wind on 70–80% of days. From mid-July to August, high-pressure systems often reduce thermal activity, resulting in lighter or intermittent winds. A secondary resurgence occurs in September as temperatures drop, reactivating thermal gradients.

The Tivano, a northeasterly morning wind, blows year-round at 5–8 m/s (10–15 knots). It typically starts around 06:00 and diminishes by 10:00, overlapping briefly with the Breva’s onset. While weaker than the Breva, it offers flat-water conditions suitable for freestyle.

Hazardous winds include:

• Ventone: A northerly gale descending from Valchiavenna, exceeding 40 knots (74 km/h). It arises abruptly, often during spring pressure shifts, and persists for 3–7 days.

• Menaggino: A southerly storm wind from Val Menaggio, associated with summer thunderstorms. Gusts surpass 60 km/h, creating choppy, unpredictable waves.

Water conditions vary with wind direction. The Breva generates flat to mildly choppy surfaces near shore, transitioning to 1–2 m waves offshore. Depths range from 0.5 m at the launch zone to 4 m in the central basin. Water temperatures reach 24°C in summer, permitting shorty wetsuits, while spring and autumn require 4/3 mm suits

"Breva", the thermal south wind

In classic high-pressure weather, meaning Windfinder should show about 4-8 kts S-SW in the afternoon, Lake Como works very reliably. Kites between 10-21 m² are flown. The wind starts between 12-14:00 and usually blows until the evening.

Due to geography, the wind reaches Cremia, Gera Lario first, and only then Colico.

Best months are March to mid-July. From mid-July to the end of August the wind weakens somewhat, and from September the thermal resumes.

Colico’s non-wind attractions blend cultural heritage and natural landscapes. The Forte Montecchio Nord, a WWI fortress, offers panoramic views of the Alps and lake. The 12th-century Abbazia di Piona, a Cistercian monastery on the eastern shore, produces herbal liqueurs and cheeses. The Pian di Spagna Nature Reserve, a wetland south of Colico, features hiking trails and birdwatching platforms.

Dining options emphasize Lombard cuisine, with lakeside trattorias like Lido di Colico serving risotto al pesce persico (perch risotto) and pizzoccheri (buckwheat pasta). Accommodations range from campsites (e.g., Camping Colico) to boutique hotels, with lower rates outside July–August.

Colico is 90 km north of Milan, accessible via:

• Train: Trenord’s S11 line from Milano Centrale (1h25, €7–10). The station is 1.2 km from Pratone; local schools provide shuttle services.

• Car: SS36 highway (1h18 drive). Free parking is available at Pratone, though spaces fill quickly on summer weekends.

• Boat: Rental services and schools (e.g., Boarderline Surf School) offer transport to mid-lake launch points, bypassing shore crowds914.

Public buses (C10, A10) connect Colico to Menaggio (20 km west) and Lecco (35 km south). Bicycles are available for rent at most accommodations.