29ª Traversata del Lario 2026

Lake Como is a deep glacial trough, reaching depths of over 400 meters, which grants its waters a distinctive, intense dark blue hue. The basin’s topography is defined by the alluvial fan of the Meria stream, upon which Mandello del Lario sits. This underwater shelf dictates the drop-off, shifting quickly from shallow shorelines to the abyss. Swimmers crossing from Onno to Mandello traverse this geological transition, feeling the temperature change as they move from the open lake currents toward the protected bay where the Meria once deposited its sediment. The lake’s behavior is predictable to locals: the Breva, a southern wind, typically rises in the afternoon, making the morning hours the window for stable, calm conditions.

Historical currents and landmarks

As you navigate the 1,500-meter course, the shoreline reveals a defensive history built into the rock. The 13th-century Torre dei Lanfranconi once stood as part of a strategic line monitoring lake traffic, a silent observer of your path. Further along the slopes, the Torre del Barbarossa in Maggiana serves as a reminder of 12th-century military engineering designed to signal across the water to neighboring forts. These structures are not merely distant ruins; they provide essential navigation markers for athletes sighting toward the Mandello side. Closer to the finish, the 17th-century Sanctuary of Beata Vergine del Fiume marks the site where a former shrine was claimed by the Meria’s historical floods, now offering a distinct visual landmark as you approach the beach area.

A legacy of speed

This stretch of water carries a specific athletic weight. Mandello del Lario is the home of the Canottieri Moto Guzzi rowing team, whose crews utilized these exact conditions to forge the strength that led to gold at the 1948 London Olympics. The presence of these historical training grounds adds a layer of intensity to the race. Those seeking to compare their endurance will find that the local calendar offers early-season benchmarks, such as the Cano Open Water 2026 in June or the Traversata del Lago di Pusiano 2026 in late June, which serve as common lead-ups for swimmers training for this mid-July event. The 29th edition of the Traversata del Lario, organized by the local Proloco, continues this tradition on July 12, 2026, with swimmers navigating these historic waters before finishing in the Piazza Garibaldi area.