All the necessary information
How do you get to the museum?
The museum is located in Pianello del Lario, on the western shore of Lake Como, just 11 km north of Menaggio.
Starting from Como, take State Road 340 north for 45 km. Once you arrive in Cremia, look for the turnoff on the right toward Pianello del Lario. After about 1 km, the museum will be on your right.
Coming from Lecco, take the new State Road 36 toward Colico-Sondrio. Near Colico, after the Villatico Tunnel, take the exit on your right toward Chiavenna–Colico. Continue on State Route 36 toward Morbegno – Chiavenna – Menaggio. Follow the signs for Menaggio – Sorico. You’ll find yourself on State Road 340, heading south. Pass through the towns of Sorico, Gera Lario, Domaso, Gravedona, and Dongo. Just outside the lakeside promenade in Dongo’s historic center, look for a small tunnel on your right with a sign for Musso-Pianello.
The museum is about 2.5 km away on your left.
Do I need to make a reservation?
No reservation is required during business hours. Just go to the front desk.
On weekdays when the museum is closed, it opens by reservation for groups of at least 15 people.
Can you visit the museum on your own, or do you need a guide?
Visitors can explore the museum on their own; audio guides and multimedia resources are available free of charge along the tour route. Upon request, a guide is available for individuals, groups, or events at a flat rate of €160.00.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, the Barca Lariana Museum is child-friendly: the boats spark curiosity, captivate visitors, and make the tour easy to follow even for the youngest children.
For school classes, youth groups, youth centers, summer camps, and organizations, the Museum organizes educational guided tours that are tailored to the age and type of group. Workshops and training activities are also available.
For more information, see the section Experience the Museum > For schools.
Is the museum accessible?
The museum is almost entirely accessible to people with limited mobility and is equipped with an elevator and accessible restrooms.
Is it okay to take pictures?
Yes, and we’re very happy that they’re being shared on social media.
Is the Museum Archive available for consultation?
Yes, subject to prior arrangements with management, it is possible to view the files related to the collected vessels under the supervision of one of our representatives.
Can I rent your private event spaces?
Yes, the museum’s spaces are available for private and corporate events such as conferences, conventions, team-building activities, product presentations, photo shoots, cocktail parties, birthday parties, concerts, and weddings.
To learn more and request a quote, visit this page.
Are pets allowed?
Yes. We trust in the common sense and good manners of our visitors, though management reserves the right to intervene in the event of complaints from other guests or disruptive behavior by your four-legged friends.
My question isn't listed above. What should I do?
Please contact us by email at info@museobarcalariana.it.
One of our representatives will respond as soon as possible.
Average length of visit
The average duration of the visit is about 1½ to 2 hours. The tour takes visitors through 13 exhibition halls, 19 thematic areas, and a collection of hundreds of historic boats, as well as engines, artifacts, and exhibits related to the nautical culture of Lake Como.
card payments
Yes, card payments are accepted.
air conditioning
The museum is air-conditioned
nearest food stand
Places in Pianello del Lario (just a few minutes’ walk away).
Veranda Beach — Via Regina 890E, Pianello del Lario
A lakeside restaurant and lounge bar with an on-site gelateria, a great view, and a stylish atmosphere (modern interior). Highlight: the desserts, especially the pistachio tiramisu. Open every day except Wednesday.
Porto18 — Via al Porto Nuovo 201, Pianello del Lario
A lakeside lounge bar with a minimalist yet stylish aesthetic—perfect for aperitifs, drinks, light snacks, *piadinas*, and sandwiches. Freshly prepared dishes are offered daily.
A relaxed atmosphere right by the lake; open daily from morning until midnight.
LagunaBeach — Via Statale Regina 890D, Pianello del Lario
A restaurant-pizzeria right on the water—popular with locals—featuring two outdoor seating areas (one on an upper level and one on the quayside). Serving lake cuisine and pizza.
Spinnaker — Via Regina 1158, Pianello del Lario
A simple, informal, family-friendly restaurant and pizzeria offering reasonable prices and excellent pizza. Less “Instagrammable” than others but popular with locals, featuring fast service.
Bar Sport — Via Regina 1063, Pianello del Lario
A classic village bar—great for breakfast (croissant and espresso) and evening aperitifs—with very friendly staff. Also convenient for buying bus tickets. Open daily from 6:30 AM.
Agriturismo Tre Terre — Via Tre Terre 911, Pianello del Lario
A hillside farmhouse with a panoramic view, featuring a restaurant, swimming pool, and guest rooms. It offers authentic “farm-to-table” cuisine and a peaceful setting away from the lakeside bustle, yet boasts priceless views of the lake and mountains. Reservations are recommended for the restaurant (often cited as the best in the area).
The venue is accessible by car.
Venues in Cremia
Accessible via a beautiful 20-minute lakeside walk.
La Baia — Frazione San Vito 8, Cremia
A high-end Italian restaurant, highly renowned in the area, specializing in fish and carefully crafted dishes; features an excellent wine list and a stunning lake view. Reservations recommended.
Lumin (Hotel Ristorante Pizzeria Lumin) — Frazione San Vito 158, Cremia
A family-run hotel, restaurant, and pizzeria located right on the lake, highly acclaimed for its views of the water and mountains at sunset. It offers traditional Italian cuisine and excellent pizzas, features free underground parking, and is pet-friendly.
Lo Scalo (Lo Scalo Craft Drinks By The Lake) — Frazione San Vito 9, Cremia
A lakeside craft cocktail bar—a hangout for locals “in the know,” away from the main tourist circuit. Signature cocktails, a good selection of wines, craft beers, and snacks. Excellent for aperitivo.
