Some of the best things to do in Lake Como
The Lake
Shaped like an inverted "Y," Lake Como stretches over 50 kilometers (31 miles) in length, offering a mix of serene waters and dramatic mountain backdrops. Its glacial origin is evident in the crystal-clear waters, which reflect the Alps. This makes it a perfect spot for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
The lake’s climate, influenced by the mountains around it, ensures mild summers and cool winters. This makes it a year-round destination. The lake’s waters also serve as a hub for activities. The calm surface is ideal for boating, sailing, and water sports, attracting both locals and tourists looking for a way to explore the region.
Lake Como's waters has several species of fish. These include pike, perch, and trout. The clear water and peaceful surroundings provide a quiet place for cruising or simply enjoying its beauty from one of the viewpoints along its shores.
Como
Como is a destination known for its mix of history and beautiful architecture. The town's center is full of narrow, cobbled streets with cafes and restaurants.
The squares and markets offer a taste of Italian culture, and the lakeside promenade invites you to take in the views of the lake. Como is also known for its silk production, and the Museo della Seta (Silk Museum) provides an insight into the town's link with the silk industry.
In addition, Como serves as a perfect base for exploring Lake Como and the towns around it. Visitors can hop on a ferry or boat tour from the town's waterfront to visit some of the lake's most beautiful villages.
Brunate
Brunate is a settlement up the steep hillside close to the lake. You can visit Brunate from Como via the funicular that takes passengers up the steep climb.
The town has great views of Lake Como’s southern side with mountains in the background. At the top of the funicular is a cafe allowing visitors to stop for a traditional Italian espresso.
You can get to the top of Mount Boletto after arriving at Brunate, but you have to go on foot. The Volta Lighthouse, dedicated to Alessandro Volta, is another place to enjoy the views.
Cernobbio
Cernobbio is known for its beautiful lakeside views, elegant villas, and peaceful atmosphere. Located just a short drive from Como, Cernobbio is a popular spot for visitors who want to enjoy the beauty of Lake Como in a quiet setting.
Like other towns in the region, its waterfront promenade offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. One of the most famous landmarks in Cernobbio is Villa d'Este, a luxury hotel with beautiful gardens and a long history of hosting events and famous guests.
Cernobbio also offers a variety of outdoor activities and cultural experiences. Visitors can hike up Monte Bisbino, a nearby mountain with trails that offer views of Lake Como and the surrounding area. In town, you can explore the charming streets filled with cafes and restaurants offering authentic Italian food.
Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d'Este
The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este is a motor show for vintage and classic cars. It has been held during the last weekend of May in the town of Cernobbio since 1929. Many car manufacturers also attend Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d’Este to show off their latest models.
Usually, only 50 cars are displayed, and the vehicles' manufacture dates range from the 1920s to the 1970s. Since Villa d'Este is a hotel that isn't open for public tours like other popular Lake Como Villas, the show is an good opportunity to explore the grounds of the famed villa.
Visitors can also book a room at the hotel during their visit as it is a highly-rated place to stay.
Lake and Villa Tours
The shores of Lake Como have many gorgeous villas. These include Villa Carlotta, Villa Monastero, Villa Melzi d'Eril, and Villa del Balbianello. Villa del Balbianello, which is in Tremezzina along the lake's western coast, is the best-known one.
Once a monastery, this site has become a popular wedding venue in real life and on the silver screen. Star Wars fans should note that the wedding of Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala on Planet Naboo in Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones was filmed at Villa del Balbianello.
The pristine grounds and well-kept gardens feature on planet Earth, too, in the 2006 James Bond film Casino Royale.
Most of the villas are open to the public, so visit at least a couple during your trip. If you want to explore more villas, the easiest way is via a boat cruise. Many of these cruises offer a packaged deal where you can visit up to 5 villas during a tour of the lake. You'll find various kinds of boats, from classic wooden Riva boats to sailboats and mid-sized yachts to choose from.
Bellagio
Perhaps the most popular town in the region, Bellagio stands as the "Pearl of Lake Como." The city has been atttracting visitors for centuries with its timeless charm, elegant villas, lush gardens, and a beautiful lakeside street.
Bellagio began to stand out under the Roman Empire for its unique beauty. Many wealthy Romans had summer villas in or around Bellagio. Take the time to visit Villa Melzi d'Eril, surrounded by lush gardens and overlooking the lake. The 17th century neoclassical villa showcases beautiful sculptures and artworks.
For an opulent stay in Bellagio, indulge in the luxurious Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni. It started out in 1850 as a holiday villa for a noble Italian family. It is now under the management of the Butcher family and has been running for over 150 years as a luxury hotel hosting the likes of Al Pacino, the Rothschilds, and J.F. Kennedy.
At the top of the hill in Bellagio, you'll find Villa Serbelloni, a villa with grounds filled with shrubs and trees. Not to be mistaken for the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, this hilltop villa is one of many villas worth visiting in the region
Isola Comacina
Isola Comacina is the only island on Lake Como. It is a hidden gem filled with history and a touch of mystery. Located near Ossuccio on the western side of the lake, the island spans just 600 meters in length but boasts a rich past that dates back to Roman times.
Once a powerful stronghold, Isola Comacina was destroyed in the 12th century during a war between Como and Milan. Today, it serves as a peaceful escape where visitors can explore its ruins, and the charming Sant'Eufemia church, which is surrounded by olive groves.
Visiting Isola Comacina offers a peaceful experience away from the bustling towns on Lake Como's shores. Accessible by boat from Ossuccio or Sala Comacina, the island provides excellent views of the lake and mountains in the distance.
Visitors can walk its trails, discover historical remnants, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. After exploring the island, you should dine at Locanda dell'Isola Comacina before leaving. The restaurant has been serving traditional Italian meals for over 60 years.
Duomo di Como (Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta)
The towns around Lake Como have some beautiful churches and cathedrals. The best of the bunch is the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta (Duomo di Como) in Como. Completed in 1770, it is believed to be the last Gothic cathedral built in Italy.
The church has paintings by Leonardo di Vinci associate Bernardino Luini and Renaissance painter Gaudenzio Ferrari. It also has an elaborate dome close to the eastern end of the building.
Duomo di Como has an interesting twist compared to other churches around it. Visitors will find intricate statues of Pliny the Elder (Gaius Plinius Secundus) and Pliny the Younger (Gaius Plinius Caecilius Secundus) on either side of the cathedral’s front door. The two were Romans who were born in Como.
An interesting part of the church is the large bell tower on the southwest side of the building. It is very similar to the one at Basilica of San Fedele which is just a four minute walk away.
Menaggio
Menaggio is on the western shore of the lake. This beautiful town combines natural beauty with recreational activities to offer an exhilarating time away from city life.
Boasting of beautiful trails along the shore and botanical gardens hidden in higher hamlets, Menaggio easily wins the hearts of nature lovers.
Golf lovers should visit the Menaggio & Cadenabbia Golf Club, the second-oldest golf club in the country. Founded in the early 20th century, the 18-hole gold course offers charming views of the city and the lake.
Menaggio becomes the scene of a musical event every August with its international Guitar Festival. This event attracts musicians and music lovers from all over the world.
Lugano
Lugano is a city on the shores of Lake Lugano in southern Switzerland. Known for its Mediterranean flair, the city is a popular destination for travelers seeking natural beauty and cultural charm.
Just 28km from Lake Como, the palm-lined streets and piazzas give the town a distinct feel. It blends Swiss precision with Italian warmth.
Visitors can enjoy views of the lake and mountains from various vantage points, including the peaks of Monte Brè and Monte San Salvatore.
In addition, Lugano is a hub for culture, shopping, and fine dining. The city is home to the LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura. This renowned arts center hosts performances and cultural events all year.
Parco Ciani, one of the best parks in Switzerland, offers a peaceful space for walking along the lakefront. Lugano's city center is filled with upscale boutiques, charming cafes, and restaurants serving Swiss and Italian cuisine. This reflects the city's unique position near the Italian border.
Ghisallo Cycling Museum (Museo del Ghisallo)
Cycling is one of Italy’s most popular sports. It competes with Formula One and MotoGP as a major racing event followed by Italian fans. The Ghisallo Cycling Museum is located in Magreglio just south of Bellagio. The museum allows visitors to explore the sport's rich history in the region.
The museum contains exhibits featuring some of the most famous cyclists in the world. It also has information on some of the sport’s lesser-known individuals, such as journalists, and designers who have impacted cycling. The Ghisallo Cycling Museum is only open from March to November. Thousands of cycling fans visit the museum each year, and many take to the hills around Lake Como to ride.
Varenna
Varenna is a traditional village on the eastern shore. It offers a peaceful escape with its narrow streets and stunning lake views. Visitors will love wandering through this yesteryear village.
You'll find breathtaking beauty all around Varenna, such as gorgeous walks that blend history and nature around the lake and elegant historic villas.
Among these are Villa Monastero, known for its botanical garden and impressive architecture. The villa, which used to be a monastery, now hosts cultural events, conferences, and exhibitions. Bear in mind that the villa is open to the public only between March and November.
Villa Cipressi, just next to Villa Monastero, is a 4-star hotel surrounded by historic terraced gardens. The vibrant flora and captivating scenery make it the perfect spot for holiday photographs and dream-worthy destination weddings.
Castello di Vezio
If you’re willing and able to go on a 30-minute hike up the hill from Varenna, you’ll be rewarded with something special. The amazing views of the lake, surrounding hills, and mountains from Castello di Vezio.
The medieval castle was built in the 12th century and has served different purposes. These include a military outpost and a dungeon.
Beyond the views, Castello di Vezio offers exhibits of medieval weapons, banners, and other artifacts. It also has displays of reproduced fossils of the Lariosaurus, an extinct reptile. Other things on display include creepy ‘ghost sculptures’ scattered around the castle (count how many you can find).
You can also enjoy the daily Birds of Prey show offered by a falconer. Because of the presence of these birds, pets are not allowed at the castle. The castle is closed whenever it rains, so keep this in mind to avoid walking up only to be denied access.
Lake Como continues to grow as a travel destination as local and international travelers seek an escape to Italy’s glorious natural areas in the north, rather than the bustling cities of Florence, Rome, and Milan. Thanks to its natural beauty, quaint towns, slow pace, and outdoor activities, Lake Como shouldn’t be overlooked.
Weather
Local Favorite: Polenta
Polenta is a popular dish eaten in the northern region of Italy. It is a common item found on menus around Lake Como and one you will find served as a side dish to a meat or fish meal. Polenta comes from cornmeal and is served in multiple ways from hot to cold, sliced, creamy, or even baked. That versatility of polenta is part of its brilliance. Polenta originated in northern Italy and was mostly eaten by poor families from the peasant and working classes. It was very simple, which made it cheap to acquire, yet it was fulfilling.
