Enchanting villages, luxurious villas, relaxing beaches and paths immersed in nature… discover with us what to see and do on Lake Como and enjoy a holiday full of the most authentic Italian Vibes!
1 – Visiting Como
If you have decided to explore the lake, you absolutely cannot miss the opportunity to visit the city of Como. Nestled between the high mountains and the shores of the placid lake, it is not only the ideal starting point for exploring the area, but also a pleasant destination where history, culture and nature come together in a perfect mix.
Among the must-see stops on an itinerary in the city centre, we would like to point out:
- The Duomo: one of the most important cathedrals in Lombardy and northern Italy.
- The Palazzo del Broletto: located right next to the Duomo, this building has been the seat of the Municipality of Como since the 13th century.
- The Tempio Voltiano: an interesting scientific museum dedicated to Alessandro Volta.
- Villa Olmo: a majestic neoclassical villa surrounded by beautiful gardens overlooking the lake.
- The Basilica di Sant’Abbondio: a beautiful Romanesque church outside the city walls and home to wonderful 14th-century frescoes.
- The Como – Brunate Funicular: an unmissable experience to reach the hills behind the city and enjoy a spectacular view of the lake.
2 – Discovering the most beautiful villages and towns in the surroundings
After having explored the city of Como, you just have to go and discover the most beautiful places in its surroundings.
Here are the villages and towns you should not miss:
- Cernobbio: one of the most famous tourist resorts in the area, famous above all for its marvellous villas, among which Villa Erba and Villa d’Este undoubtedly stand out.
- Ossuccio: tiny village overlooking the peaceful Isola Comacina.
- Tremezzo: quiet village where you are invited to visit Villa Carlotta with its magnificent botanical gardens and enviable art collection.
- Menaggio: an excellent starting point for excursions into the countryside or pleasant walks along the lakeside promenade.
- Bellagio: known as ‘the pearl of Lake Como’, this is one of the most picturesque locations in the area. The gardens of Villa Melzi are not to be missed.
- Varenna: romantic village famous for its Lovers’ Promenade.
- Lecco: the town of Alessandro Manzoni’s Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed).
3 – Visit the villas along the lakeshore
If you love cultural visits or if you are looking for a couple of really romantic places with splendid views of the lake, know that the shores of the Lario are dotted with splendid historic villas, some of which can be visited.
Here are the ones that, in our opinion, are among the most beautiful:
- Villa Olmo: an elegant neoclassical villa located in Como.
- Villa Carlotta: famous for its gardens and the works of art housed inside, the villa is located in Tremezzo.
- Villa del Balbianello: characterised by its scenic location on a promontory in Lenno.
- Villa Melzi d’Eril: villa located in Bellagio, best known for its English-style gardens.
- Villa Monastero: an interesting house-museum in Varenna whose park is home to a wonderful botanical garden.
4 – Take a boat tour
Exploring Lake Como by boat is a truly unique opportunity to admire the villages and villas we have just told you about from a unique perspective. Only in this way will you discover views and hidden corners that are otherwise impossible to reach!
We propose two exclusive experiences:
- Sailing Lake: a tour departing from Como on a private boat that will take you to discover the beauty of the lake. During the sailing you will enjoy refreshments on board and explanations from the captain. If you want to experience real Italian vibes during your holiday, this is ideal!
- Romantic Lake: a dream experience not to be missed for couples. Imagine you and your sweetheart, a sunset aperitif on a private boat and the magical atmosphere of the lake… it looks like a scene from a film, but it can become reality!
Experience an unforgettable emotion, contact us for a quote and get ready to set sail for a unique adventure.
5 – Relaxing on the beach
If you visit Lake Como during the summer, you will be happy to know that there are enchanting beaches in the area where you can relax, enjoy the sun and take a refreshing swim.
Here are our favourites:
- Lido di Faggeto: the ideal destination for a whole day of relaxation. Here you will find a beautiful green lawn and a private establishment. Thanks to our Lido experience you can be picked up directly at the hotel, book a private pitch with sunbeds and parasol and enjoy an aperitif or dinner directly on the beach.
- Lido di Argegno: a small beach of light-coloured pebbles where, taking advantage of our Luxury Lido proposal, you will have the possibility of reserving an entire private lido for yourself, accessible only by water!
- Lierna beach: set within a sort of natural amphitheatre, this quiet and charming beach is perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
- Bellagio beach: accessible only by a steep path, it is one of the wildest and most authentic beaches in the area.
- Abbadia Lariana beach: very close to Lecco and very convenient for enjoying a swim while visiting the surrounding area.
- Beaches on Comacina Island: small, isolated beaches perfect for those seeking tranquillity. They can be reached by taxi boat.
- Spiaggetta di Urio: a hidden, romantic corner where you can relax away from the crowds.
6 – Enjoying nature with a trek
We have talked about villages, cultural visits, boat tours and beaches, but know that Lake Como is also an ideal destination for nature lovers and hikers.
There is an extensive network of trails in the area, but if we really have to point out a couple of them, here are the ones that are, in our opinion, not to be missed for a trek around the lake:
- Greenway of Lake Como: an easy and scenic route of about 10 km that passes through some of the most beautiful villages overlooking the lake.
- Anello di Montepiatto: a moderate hike of about 9 km during which you will be able to observe some gigantic and fascinating erratic boulders.
- Sentiero del Viandante (Wayfarer’s Path): a historical itinerary that runs over 70 km divided into several stages that vary in length and difficulty. You can walk it all in several days or enjoy just a piece of this magnificent route.
For an unforgettable adventure, try our Freedom on the Lake: a full-day hike with a certified guide in the mountains around the lake. It will be an unforgettable experience thanks to which you will admire Lake Como from an alternative perspective!
7 – Taste the typical specialities of the area
We have told you what to do and what to see on Lake Como, but a holiday in the area is not complete without tasting at least a couple of typical dishes of traditional Lake Como cuisine.
Among the things not to be missed:
- Lake fish: perch, char and trout are offered in a variety of preparations, but among the unique specialities, we recommend you try the missultìn, the dried agon.
- Cheeses: among the most renowned are Formaggio d’Alpe, Nostrano, Zincarlin and Ricotta del Lario. To savour them in a truly mouth-watering way, don’t miss the polenta uncia!
- Meat and cured meats: try the casoeula, the traditional dish made with pork and cabbage, but don’t forget to also try the Luganega sausage and Bresaola IGP.
- Oil: Olio dei Laghi Lombardi and Lario DOP are true Italian excellences.
Sweets: for the sweet tooth, the Miascia (bread cake), Braschin (sweet focaccia) and Nocciolini di Canzo (hazelnut biscuits) are a must.
For a complete culinary experience, participate in our Cooking Classes or enjoy a unique evening with our Evening Lake, a complete aperitif and dinner experience in the fascinating setting of central Como.
We hope our tips on what to do and see on Lake Como will inspire your next holiday!
