During summer, people look for outdoor activities, and Lake Como is one of the areas in Lombardy that has enough to offer.
The city of Como, famous for Alessandro Manzoni's literary classic "I Promessi Sposi," is located on the lake's southern shore. It is only 50 kilometres from Milan and is easily accessible by car and train, making it an ideal starting place for exploring the region's many attractions.
In fact, there are many things to see in Como city and activities to be organized in the other characteristic locations of the area, in addition to the natural beauty of the scenery between the lake and the mountains. Places so fascinating that they've been used as the backdrop for iconic Hollywood movies and as the vacation home of movie stars and celebrities.
A place where you can enjoy natural environment, literature, history, villas and palaces, art and culture with friends, family, or your partner.
It's time to discover Como's tourist attractions, the best places to visit along the lake's shores, and the activities available across the region.
Are you ready to go on this adventure?
Let's go!
Things to do on Lake Como
Lake Como has been a renowned tourist destination for ages.
Since the nineteenth century it has enchanted painters and writers, who have set their works among these wild landscapes and luxurious palaces. Even famous modern film directors and actors have been fascinated by it, to the point where the lake and its surroundings have been used as a film set.
You can go to those locations as well and, retrace the stories of those characters, such as James Bond, to have your own unique adventure.
Lake Como offers a wide range of entertainment options, from quiet and soothing activities to more athletic and daring pursuits. In short, it caters to all demands, making it one of Lombardy's most famous tourist attractions.
1. Visit Bellagio
Bellagio, also known as the "Pearl of the Lario," is undoubtedly one of the most famous and fascinating towns on Lake Como. It's exactly at the bottom of the promontory that separates the lake's two branches, Como and Lecco.
It has a lively and elegant historical center with shops, narrow alleys, and historic buildings, as well as naturalistic and environmental features of great charm. Walking through its streets, you will come across unique beauties and breathtaking views. All these characteristics attract numerous tourists each year and encourage them to return.
Even if you just have a short time or you are simply passing through, this is a must-see destination. After all, soaking in the mood and enjoying the main attractions could take up to two or three hours.
If you have more time, however, you can tour the botanical gardens, inside the most magnificent houses, such as the Park of Villa Serbelloni and Villa Melzi d'Eril.
We guarantee that it will be time well spent and that you will be left with lasting memories.
2. Explore Varenna
Varenna is another village on Lake Como that can be accessed by ferry immediately from Bellagio in 15 minutes, or by train or car from Como.
The colourful buildings that overlook the lake and the lush nature are the village's prominent features. The town's centre, however, is its central plaza, which is surrounded by medieval monuments, including the San Giorgio church.
The entire country is a maze of streets in which to get lost and discover museums and breath-taking views of the lake and mountains. Villa Monastero, which dates from the 16th century and was once a Cistercian nuns' convent, is amazing. It is now a popular tourist destination because of its botanical gardens, which feature plant varieties from all over the world.
The "Passeggiata degli Innamorati" is a must-see destination if you're here with your sweetheart. It's a short walkway with an arch and climbing plants that's highly appealing, especially during hot weather when aromatic flowers bloom.
3. Visit Villa Carlotta
We move to Tremezzo to visit Villa Carlotta, where natural wonders coexist with artistic treasures.
The building, which dates from the 1500s, is designed in the Baroque style and is surrounded by a beautiful Italian garden with geometric space divisions. Statues, water features, and, most importantly, plants and flowers, especially tropical ones, have been added to the area over time, transforming it into a true botanical garden.
The ideal time to visit it is during spring, when the majority of the flora are in bloom. However, if you visit during another season than the winter months, when it is closed to visitors, you can enjoy different attractions.
However, various owners have enriched this villa with works of art, which are presently kept inside. Antonio Canova's sculptures and Francesco Hayez's paintings, for example, are worth seeing.
4. Retrace the sets of Hollywood movies.
As anticipated, Hollywood directors have praised and selected Lake Como and some of its most iconic locations.
We're specifically referring to Villa Balbianello, near Tremezzina, which served as one of the sets for "Casino Royale" in 2006. It's the lovely home where Daniel Craig's James Bond, together with Eva Green's Vesper, is recovering after being tortured.
However, this was not the only film made at this property; a scene from "Star Wars - Attack of the Clones" was shot in this villa, which featured Anakin and Padmé's wedding.
Finally, how can we forget George Clooney's Italian house, Villa Oleandra in the little village of Laglio, where even the actor couldn't resist the beauty of the place.
5. Relax with a boat tour
A boat journey on Lake Como is a must-do for moments of relaxation and feeling the breeze on your face. There are various options for itineraries, ranging from basic ferry rides to full-fledged lake cruises, and you may even create your own custom plan.
There's also the option of joining a traditional steamboat from the 1920s and enjoying the lake's shoreline while having a drink sitting on the original wooden benches.
It can hold up to 500 guests and, because it has a kitchen on board, it is occasionally rented out for private occasions.
Menaggio, Moltrasio, Torno, Cernobbio, and Como are just a few of the ports of call during these small cruises.
6. Enjoy the panorama as a sportsman
For the more athletic, renting a bicycle or e-bike and trekking or hiking along the numerous routes is also an option.
You have the option of doing your journey on your own or booking a guided tour with specific itineraries. For example, among the bike tours, there is one that takes you along dirt roads to see numerous mediaeval villages up to the more difficult ones in the mountains. Alternatively, you could take the Manzoni route, which would be a significant jump into history.
Furthermore, for devotees of two wheels, the Lake Como tour is a great classic. You'll need to do some training because it's roughly 140 kilometres long and has a height difference of up to 900 metres. This route takes you around the complete circumference of the lake, however some sections could be cut short.
In any case, you can visit the area's most iconic locations, have fun, and discover landscapes you've never seen before.
What to see in Como city
Not to be overlooked among Lake Como's attractions is the city of Como, a place where to live as well to see, which has a vibrant atmosphere thanks to the number of tourists, particularly in the spring and summer.
The following is a list of the most important sights to see in the city:
- Volta Square, with the statue of Alessandro Volta, is the heart of the city. Here you will find clubs, bars with outside tables and stores for shopping;
- Basilica of Sant’Abbondio, a Romanesque church with frescoes from the 1300s, located on a side street away from the lakefront crowds;
- Basilica and San Fedele square;
- Como Cathedral, outstanding due to its size;
- Como Civic Museums: including the Silk Museum, the Paolo Giovio Civic Archaeological Museum, the Giuseppe Garibaldi Historical Museum and the Pinacoteca;
- Lungo Lario Trento, for the unavoidable lakeside promenade;
- The Life Electric, a silver-coloured structure near the lake dedicated to Alessandro Volta;
- The Volta Temple, also known as the Volta Museum, is devoted to Volta and exhibits several actual artefacts that once belonged to the pile's inventor;
- Villa Olmo, a majestic and elegant architectural achievement that has entertained prominent historical people such as Napoleon, Garibaldi, and Foscolo. It is one of the must-see sights in the area.
In short, it is a city to be discovered, rich in history and historical peculiarities that continue to define it today.
Where to eat in Como
After all this walking, let's see some places to eat and drink in Como.
Pasticceria Vago is one of the most well-known and well-liked establishments, operating from the early hours of the morning to serve breakfast or a sweet snack.
Pasticceria Arte Dolce Lyceum is a famous corner of the city that is also ideal for a coffee break or a snack with ice cream or tea and biscuits, depending on the season.
The Osteria del Gallo, which is also part of the history of the city, as well as Tira mola e meseda, a reference point for characteristic dishes and home cooking, are two options for lunch or dinner. The Osteria Figli dei Fiori, on the other hand, is a newcomer that offers innovative interpretations of tradition.
Enoteca 84 is an informal spot to enjoy lake specialties while also drinking wonderful wine.
There are also vegan options, such as Vegami, which has a large menu of healthy, flavorful, and sustainable food, or Golose Imperfezioni, which serves natural foods made with plant-based ingredients.
If the weather is nice and you want to enjoy the view, visit Terrazza 241, Hilton Lake Como's rooftop bar, where unique cocktails are served. A magical and high-quality spot for an apéritif or an after-dinner drink, often with live music.
The Lake Como region offers several chances for relaxation, sporting trips and adventures, and outstanding cuisine tastes.
