Sail by lovely mansions, stroll lakeside gardens, wander via historic cities, and paddleboard beneath mountains – these are simply a number of the greatest issues to do in Lake Como.
Lake Como is among the hottest locations to go to in Italy – and for good purpose! It’s beautiful, elegant, world famend, and is only a fast day journey from Milan. Lake Como is the third largest lake in Italy, and probably the most well-known in Europe. You possibly can spend weeks right here visiting new cities and eating on a number of the greatest Italian meals within the nation.
It took us a whopping 9 journeys to Italy earlier than we lastly checked Lake Como off the bucket checklist, and we will’t wait to return once more. From Bellagio to Laglio, listed below are one of the best issues to do in Lake Como (apart from attempt to spot George Clooney, one thing we failed miserably at).
In style Excursions
Inns
Finest Issues To Do In Lake Como
1. Go to Como
Como is the principle and most vital metropolis on Lake Como, and there’s a lot to be explored! One of many high issues to see is the towering 14th-century cathedral located within the Piazza Duomo and you’ll climb to the highest the place you’ll take pleasure in sweeping views of the town.
Different must-see points of interest in Como embrace Villa Olmo and its lovely gardens, the ruins of Castello Baradello and the Tempio Voltiano Museum which reveals the work of Alessandro Volta.
2. Go to the Pearl of the Lake
The village of Bellagio is extremely lovely like a pearl and that is the place its nickname comes from. With its slender alleys, cobbled streets, steep staircases, historic properties and quaint retailers and eateries, it’s laborious to not fall in love with this little gem! We take into account Bellagio probably the most lovely locations in Europe.
Located about an hour away from Como, Bellagio is house to a scenic lakeside promenade, fairly gardens and loads of locations to cease and benefit from the unbelievable views.
3. Basilica di Sant’Abbondio
The Basilica di Sant’Abbondio is an Eleventh-century Romanesque church with a stately exterior and inside that includes Thirteenth-century frescoes of spiritual figures, lovely ceilings, big stone columns and an opulent altar.
4. Catch Some Thrills on the Water
In terms of the water sports activities of Lake Como, there’s a variety of thrilling choices to get you out on the water.
Whether or not you need to strive kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing, crusing, kite-surfing, wake-boarding, water snowboarding, or stand-up paddleboarding, there are classes, excursions and leases accessible from a number of corporations, similar to Boat2Go.
One in all our greatest days on Lake Como was the day we rented with the Boat2Go Staff. We had been capable of discover Como from the water and soak up all the attractive cities from a distinct perspective.
Once you verify in on your boat rental the staff will advise you of one of the best areas to go and make one of the best tour. You possibly can select from from two hour leases and up and a boating license just isn’t required!
Boat2Go has improbable critiques and is household run. Due to this their boats are often booked effectively upfront so we extremely advocate making a reservation if visiting Lake Como in the summertime season.
(Boat2Go additionally has Sup leases – which is a enjoyable exercise to mix with a ship rental!)
5. Lecco
So far as the alpine villages that encompass Lake Como go, Lecco simply may be probably the most fascinating and the prettiest. Steeped in historical past, tradition and surroundings, Lecco is a spot the place you’ll be able to spend a complete day! Be certain that to take a look at the Palace of Fears Museum and its many reveals together with some that includes lovely artworks.
Basilica of San Nicolo is one other high attraction and lots of guests wish to take pleasure in an evening out with a stay present on the Lecco Theater. On good days, there’s a sandy seaside with chairs and umbrellas.
6. Go to Castello di Vezio
Tackle: By way of Del Castellano, 23828 Perledo LC, Italy (GPS)
Hours: Monday – Friday: 10:00 am -5:00 pm, Saturday- Sunday – 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Located in an olive grove on a hill above the village of Varenna, Castella di Vezio is a medieval citadel that has towered over the realm for over 1,000 years. As soon as used to defend towards invaders, at present it’s a high attraction for guests wishing to get a greater have a look at its beautiful structure and soak up one of many falconry demonstrations that happen each afternoon.
As you discover the property, you’ll see gardens, statues and maybe even one of many artwork exhibitions which are hosted on the citadel all year long. The climb to the highest of the hill is a troublesome one however the views make all of it worthwhile!
7. Go Purchasing
The historic downtown space of Como is one of the best place to buy groceries within the area for each the expertise and the vary of retailers accessible. The realm with its slender streets and bustling squares is bordered by medieval partitions so you’ll be able to take pleasure in a novel setting surrounded by some fascinating structure.
Contained in the quaint retailers, you’ll discover every part from the famend silk merchandise that the town is understood for to native crafts and clothes. That is the place you’ll discover luxurious gadgets at outlet costs. A standard coated market and an Armani outlet retailer are simply a number of the procuring experiences you’ll take pleasure in in Como.
8. Take a Hike Throughout the Tremezzina
Though it’s fairly lengthy at simply over six miles, the hike throughout the Tremezzina and thru the close by villages is a straightforward one crammed with unbelievable magnificence. Stroll via historical villages and see lovely gardens, villas and beautiful areas that had been used as scenes in lots of films together with On line casino Royale and Star Wars.
9. Head to Brunate
Brunate is a small city located above the town of Como. It’s largely recognized for its terrace which is legendary for providing guests spectacular views of the realm. The actual enjoyable half about visiting Brunate is in getting there; you’ll must take a funicular from the east aspect of Lake Como.
On the high, you’ll discover just a few nice eating places and points of interest similar to VoltaLighthouse and The Church of Brunate.
10. Admire Gardens and Villas
Italy is understood for its lovely gardens and villas and also you’ll discover an abundance of each across the shores of Lake Como, particularly within the space referred to as Centro Lago. Villa Melzi and Villa Balbianello, which have been used as movie units for a number of films, are two of probably the most notable villas to take a look at.
As you discover the realm, you’ll additionally see sculptures and statues, lake terraces and delightful woodland areas that make Centro Lago a well-liked place to do some climbing.
11. Villa Carlotta Museum
Tackle: By way of Regina, 2, 22016 Tremezzina (GPS)
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Value of Admission: For ticket data, click on right here.
Gorgeous views, celebrated artworks by well-known artists, unbelievable sculptures and the chance to loosen up in lush botanical gardens are simply a number of the belongings you’ll take pleasure in throughout a go to to Villa Carlotta.
This pretty property has been combining nature and artwork for greater than 300 years. The villa as soon as belonged to Princess Charlotte and you’ll go to the second-floor residences which nonetheless home a few of her private possessions. Admission is €12.
12. View Priceless Artifacts at The Archaeological Museum of Como
Tackle: Piazza Medaglie d’Oro Comasche, 1, 22100 Como (GPS)
Hours: Briefly closed for upkeep
Situated within the Palazzo Giovio, The Archaeological Museum of Como reveals a set of artifacts that had been discovered across the space, some courting again to the traditional Greek and Roman intervals. Pottery, farming tools, jewellery and stone gadgets are a number of the belongings you’ll see on show. Admission is €5.
13. Verify Out Piona Abbey
Tackle: By way of Abbazia di Piona, 55, 23823 Colico (GPS)
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:30 am -12:00 pm, 2:30- 6:00 pm
On the japanese aspect of Lake Como, you’ll discover Piona Abbey, a peaceable property the place it feels such as you’ve stepped into the previous. This sacred place with its church and cloister is surrounded by lovely surroundings on the foot of a mountain.
Contained in the church, you’ll see frescoes from varied intervals and a cross vault with depictions of Christ’s ascent into heaven. On-site, there’s additionally a store the place you’ll discover a collection of herbs, beauty merchandise and liquors produced by the monks who stay there.
14. Immerse in Historical past on the Historic Museum of Giuseppe Garibaldi
Tackle: Piazza Medaglie d’Oro Comasche, 1, 22100 Como (GPS)
Value of Admission: For ticket data, click on right here.
Even the historic Fifteenth-century palace that homes the Historic Museum of Giuseppe Garibaldi is fascinating in itself however it’s what’s inside that’s most intriguing! The museum is split into beautifully-decorated rooms which were renovated to showcase conventional residing quarters from varied Italian eras.
As you discover the museum, you’ll discover reveals showcasing a wide range of artifacts. These embrace vintage furnishings, private gadgets that had been owned by Mr Garibaldi and gadgets associated to the Battle of San Fermo, The Italian Wars of Independence and the World Wars. Admission is €5.
15. Take an E-Bike Tour of Lake Como
When you’ve executed sufficient strolling round Lake Como and really feel {that a} conventional bike experience is simply too strenuous however wish to see extra of the area in a shorter period of time, an E-Bike tour could be the right outing for you!
You possibly can rent one and embark on a self-guided tour or you’ll be able to be a part of a guided E-bike tour just like the three-hour tour that not solely explores the Lake Como space but in addition explores Lake Piano and Lake Lugano. On this journey, you’ll take pleasure in surroundings consisting of mountains and fairly little villages. You’ll additionally get to experience alongside a historic railway and go to a nature protect.
16. Take a Boat Tour
What higher means is there to take pleasure in a trip on a lake than to really get out on it? Taking a ship tour on Lake Como is one of the best ways to essentially expertise it and see the true fantastic thing about the realm. How else would you have the ability to see the beautiful landscapes and scenic villages all on the identical time?
Whether or not you need to hop on a ship and journey to a selected location on its shores otherwise you need to embark on a full tour with knowledgeable information who’ll level out all the foremost sights, there’s no scarcity of corporations providing these providers. Il Medeghino is among the corporations that provide Lake Como Boat excursions.
From the guts of Como, depart on an journey to discover hidden gems that you simply’d in any other case not see from land. Costs are between 190€ and €1600 and Dinner excursions and Karaoke Evening excursions are additionally accessible.
17. Discover Menaggio
Scenic Menaggio will be discovered on the west aspect of Lake Como and is the place you’ll discover virtually fairytale-like vistas with mountains, colourful properties and lakeside promenades.
Whereas there aren’t many points of interest to go to on this little village, it’s an incredible place to loosen up and soak up a serene setting. There are just a few nice eating places the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in dinner alongside the lake.
18. Hit the Seashores
When the temperatures warmth up, one of the best place to be is at one of many wonderful seashores round Lake Como. Most of those seashores are free to make use of and a few even have tools accessible similar to chairs and umbrellas.
With temperatures hovering within the mid-80s in summer season, you’ll seemingly need to take a refreshing dip within the clear waters but when swimming isn’t your factor, you’ll be able to at all times sunbathe. A number of the high seashores are Menaggio Seaside, Sorico Seaside, Moltrasio Seaside, Bellagio Seaside and Lenno Seaside.
19. Get an Aerial View of Lake Como
Throughout your travels round Lake Como, you’ll see the realm on foot and maybe even by automobile, bike and boat, however there may be one different technique to benefit from the lovely panorama of the area and that is by helicopter.
The Scenic Views Luxurious Helicopter Tour provided by The Vertical Tour takes you over the lake and villages so you will get an aerial view of the villas, terraces, gardens and high points of interest.
20. Catch a Spectacular Sundown
It’s stated that one of the best locations to observe the sundown are on the japanese aspect of Lake Como however there are numerous locations to take pleasure in one of many space’s magical sunsets in all places across the lake.
Brunate, Torno, Piona, Dervio, Lezzeno and Blevio are only a few of one of the best locations however some folks desire to observe the solar go down from one of many many restaurant terraces that grace the area with a cocktail or glass of wine in hand.
21. Go to the Forte Di Fuentes
Tackle: By way of Forte Fuentes, 23823 Colico (GPS)
Hours: For the month-to-month operation hours, verify right here.
Value of Admission: For ticket informations, click on right here.
Located about 40 minutes away from Lake Como, The Forte Di Fuentes makes for the right day journey in Northern Italy. The Seventeenth-century former army fort sits atop the Hill of Montecchio and gives guests the chance to be taught extra in regards to the nation’s fascinating previous. Admission is €5 per particular person.
22. Go to The Sacred Mount of Ossuccio
Tackle: By way of Santuario, 22010 Ossuccio CO (GPS)
Hours: Monday -Sunday: 7:00 am -6:30 pm
You understand a spot is particular when it has a UNESCO World Heritage Website designation and such is the case with the beautiful sanctuary at The Sacred Mount of Ossuccio.
Stroll alongside a cobbled street from a close-by village to this peaceable place. Right here you’ll discover greater than a dozen Seventeenth and 18th-century baroque chapels with tons of of statues depicting the lifetime of Christ. Get pleasure from beautiful surroundings consisting of meadows and olive timber.
23. Hike Alongside The Sentiero Del Viandante
Among the best climbing trails at Lake Como is The Sentiero Del Viandante. Though this path is sort of lengthy, it may be executed in sections and the part that you simply’ll seemingly need to do is the one which travels alongside the east aspect of the lake.
The path is an historical Roman route and outdated mule observe and as you hike alongside it, you’ll see beautiful views of the lake, chestnut timber, olive groves and marble quarries. When you’re there on the proper time, you might even catch a sundown.
24. Dine at La Vita e Bella Ristorante
Worth: $$
Delicacies: Italian
Tackle: Viale Lecco, 23, 22100 Como CO (GPS)
Web site: See menu
Stated to be top-of-the-line eating places within the Lake Como space, La Vita e Bella Ristorante is generally recognized for its big selection of scrumptious salads and collection of wholesome meals together with vegan choices.
Chill out in a comfy setting or benefit from the views from the terrace whilst you dine on conventional Italian dishes and mouth-watering desserts made with solely the best elements accessible.
25. Pattern Native Wine
Worth: $$
Delicacies: Wine bar
Tackle: Enoteca Cava Turacciolo- Salita Genazzini, 3, 22021 Bellagio CO (GPS)
Web site: See menu
As Lake Como is located within the famed Lombardy Wine Nation area of Italy, it appears becoming that a minimum of one wine tasting must be part of your go to.
A number of the hottest locations to pattern native wine within the space embrace Capitan Drake, Enoteca Cava Turacciolo, La Cantina del Laghee and the famend Enoteca Principessa. Cellar Excursions gives guided luxurious wine tastings.
26. Laglio
Among the best issues to do in Lake Como is spend the day wandering Laglio. Laglio is a captivating city to stroll round and is split into the 2 centres of Laglio and Torriggia.
From right here you’ll be able to stroll the city, have a scrumptious fish meal lakeside, or take a cruise across the shores.
When is the Finest Time to Go to Lake Como?
One of the best time to go to Lake Como, and the lake district usually is in the summertime months. June-September is whenever you’ll have one of the best climate. Sunny days await you throughout the Italian summer season, although it will probably attain as much as 30° on some days, so that you’ll need to be within the shade or by water on these scorchers.
That being stated the summer season can be the busiest time and July and August will yield extraordinarily excessive costs on lodging, with the biggest variety of crowds. You’ll must e-book your journey to Lake Como effectively upfront you’ll threat getting squeezed out of fine lodging.
Loads of Italians take their holidays round this time. If you wish to expertise Lake Como with fewer folks and barely decrease costs head there in June, September, or October.
EXPLORE MORE OF ITALY
I hope you loved this information on what to do in Lake Como. Listed here are just a few related articles for extra journey round Italy.
