Lake Como is a beautiful lake surrounded by cutesy cities towards a backdrop of the Lombardy Alps. Because the deepest lake in Italy, Lake Como is common for watersports and is stuffed with marine life. Its substantial measurement because the third largest lake in Italy additionally signifies that there are many issues to do in Lake Como alongside its shores. There are luxurious villas transformed into museums and unbelievable hikes should you enterprise away from the waterfront promenade. If visiting northern Italy, go to Lake Como for an unique lakeside ambiance. Lake Como has gorgeous views of the encircling mountains and delightful old-town surroundings.
High Issues to Do in Lake Como, Italy
We’ll check out the 16 greatest Lake Como sights. From botanical gardens at Villa Carlotta to wine tasting and water sports activities, these are the most effective issues to do in Lake Como. Let’s dive straight in.
1. Villa Carlotta’s Botanical Gardens
Villa Carlotta is a shocking villa-turned-museum devoted to the humanities. The luxurious villa sits on the shores of Lake Como on 14 acres of lush gardens and strikes probably the most iconic landmark views within the area. The flowery stairways to the entrance of the villa spill out right into a well-known botanical backyard with uncommon bushes and bursts of flowers.
Guests are welcome to stroll the gardens and chill out exterior. Whereas those who need to go inside can head to exhibition rooms unfold throughout two flooring. You may seize your ticket right here upfront together with the ferry or you’ll be able to go for a personal speedboat tour of the lakeside Villas right here.
The primary ground accommodates a marble and plaster room with gorgeous sculptures of historic figures. There’s additionally a portray room, a Napoleonic room, and the Magdalene room. Plus a tapestry room and parlors on the second ground. Lake Como is legendary for lovely gardens and delightful villas, and Villa Carlotta ticks each bins.
Villa Carlotta’s intimate art work show additionally makes it price visiting Lake Como. Artwork fanatic or not, you’ll be able to readily respect the gorgeous setting and cautious collections.
2. Take A Boat Tour
Boat excursions are probably the most common issues to do in Lake Como. And understandably so, contemplating the entire space is located round a scenic lake. Most excursions final round 2 hours, though some final 4 hours or perhaps a complete day if you would like. Moderately than the native ferry choices, these chartered boat excursions are devoted to tourism. You’ll find dinner cruises, luxurious Venetian boat excursions, and particular itineraries like villa sightseeing boat journeys. Set up your supreme time-frame and what you’d prefer to see on Lake Como, then take a look at completely different boat tour itineraries to see what piques your curiosity.
This sightseeing tour is a basic possibility – together with slightly little bit of every part with villas, lake historical past, and gorgeous views. Or a sundown dinner cruise if you would like a night exercise. You may e-book boat excursions on arrival in most ports alongside Lake Como. However it’s greatest to e-book upfront to ensure a spot, particularly within the hectic excessive season.
3. Villa Del Balbianello
Villa Del Balbianello is Hollywood heaven and simply among the best issues to do in Lake Como, Italy. It’s simple to be raptured by the elegant great thing about the villa. Nonetheless, film followers also needs to pay this Lake Como attraction a go to. Villa Balbianello has been utilized in a number of Hollywood motion pictures, together with Star Wars Assault of the Clones. Italy isn’t any stranger to getting used as a Hollywood filming location, however Villa Balbianello is one thing else. It’s simple to see why it caught Hollywood’s eye.
Friends can wander the 18th-century villa inside and outside – admiring the surroundings and structure and reveling as they tread in the identical footsteps as film stars.
4. Sentiero Del Viandante
Sentiero Del Viandante was as soon as an outdated mule monitor within the Roman period. Sentiero Del Viandante is hailed as one of many best mountain climbing trails in Lake Como – if not Italy as an entire. The 45km path runs alongside the jap shores of Lake Como and will be accomplished in little sections should you don’t have time for a multi-day hike. The shorter sections are largely 5 hours lengthy, so they’re excellent to finish as a half-day hike earlier than stopping for a meal in a scenic village. You may simply hike between cities and catch the prepare on the east facet.
Sentiero Del Viandante passes castles, lovely views of Lake Como and its mountains, and lots of little villages with scrumptious locations to eat. You may plan not less than 2-3 stops at historic sights no matter which part you hike.
5. Villa Melzi
Villa Melzi is one other considered one of Lake Como’s luxurious villas with botanical gardens. The villa is owned by Prince Fulco Gallarati Scotti, however its gardens are open to the general public. If you’re simply interested by botanical gardens, it’s a superb various to Villa Carlotta, which tends to be busier and extra touristy than this privately-owned attraction. Villa Melzi was constructed between 1808 and 1810 in a neo-classical model impressed by Napoleonic France. Nonetheless, the backyard is way more of a treasure trove.
Villa Melzi Backyard is stuffed with Egyptian and Roman statuesEnvision a complete image of romance and also you would possibly come near a picture of Villa Melzi. The backyard is one thing David Attenborough or probably the most avid botanist would adore. But it’s lovely sufficient to ensnare the untrained eye as effectively. It’s filled with cedar bushes, azaleas, rhododendrons, and water lilies. The backyard opens between March and October from 10 am till 7 pm. Throughout this time, you’ll be able to stroll the complicated community of paths and luxuriate in all the eye to nice particulars. One of the best ways to discover all the Villas on Lake Como is with this tour which incorporates all of the entries to the preferred stops.
6. Sagra Di San Giovanni
Sagra Di San Giovanni is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Lake Como when visiting in June. Celebrating an area pageant offers you a a lot stronger perception into a spot and its individuals and historical past. In the event you’ve but to finalize your dates to go to Lake Como, contemplate touring to the lake for its famed pageant Sagra Di San Giovanni. The pageant is widely known by tons of of fireworks in a dramatic reenactment of the battles between Isola Comacina and Barbarossa in 1169. Whereas the story itself is fairly darkish, the festivities are flamboyant and completely infectious.
Fireworks over Lake Como should not a sight you’ll overlook shortly. The show begins at round 10:30 pm within the night and lasts just below an hour. You may watch from one of many promenades (and even your lodge window should you select lodging correctly). Or alternatively, splash out on reserving a ship so you’ll be able to watch the fireworks from the water.
7. Villa Monastero
You’ve guessed it – one other of Lake Como’s lovely luxurious villas with a spectacular botanical backyard. Nonetheless, Villa Monastero’s gardens have a distinct vibe from the opposite two featured. As an alternative of a backyard filled with paths and towering flowers, Villa Monastero has beautiful terraced gardens neatly organized in stone overlooking Lake Como. Villa Monastero has a way more formal backyard association. Courting again to the 1800s, you’ll be able to see the interval’s opulence in its present aesthetic.
Other than the terrace facet, Villa Monastero focuses extra on the view than the opposite villas. There are gorgeous viewpoints all through and ornate seating areas to sit down and relish your environment. In contrast to Villa Melzi, you may as well enterprise inside to see the rooms and examples of interval structure, which is a pleasant contact. It’s excellent for anybody interested by inner structure and an exquisite backyard.
8. Take pleasure in Water Sports activities
You don’t keep subsequent to the deepest lake in Italy and never get pleasure from some watersports. Lake Como isn’t the type of place you go on social gathering cruises or scream throughout the bay clinging to a banana boat. It gives extra sedate watersports centered round tranquility and sightseeing. For example, this kayak tour is a relaxed method to expertise Lake Como from the water. Water sports activities are sensible for getting a distinct perception into Lake Como and a extra energetic various to boat journeys. Health lovers be aware this down as probably the most energetic issues to do in Lake Como.
Rowing, crusing, diving, and fishing can be found on Lake Como. Whereas if you wish to push the boat out slightly with extra exhilarating actions, wakeboarding and kitesurfing will be discovered with sure tour operators.
9. Castello Di Vezio
Castello Di Vezio is a beautiful walled fort overlooking Varenna, considered one of Lake Como’s hottest cities. Located on a hill that takes round half-hour to achieve on foot from the city middle in a reasonably tough climb. Castello Di Vezio is a shocking vantage level and a captivating piece of native historical past.
The Twelfth-century fort is filled with reveals, uniting the historical past obsessed and the extra severe vacationers in a quest to fill a thirst for information. The views of Lake Como and its mountains are much more lovely from its tower. And for the courageous amongst guests, excursions of Castello Di Vezio dungeons are probably the most spooky issues to do in Lake Como.
10. Go Wine Tasting in Lake Como
When in Rome, proper? Italy is hailed worldwide as an absolute goddess in terms of wine manufacturing. The nation has been producing wine for over 4,000 years, and its local weather is right for viticulture. Italy has 20 areas with over 545 completely different vine varieties, so there are many decisions for the fussy (or enthusiastic) palette. Wine lovers will notably love Lake Como. Lake Como is a part of the Lombardy wine area. It has grape varieties, together with white Verdes, Rosseia, merlot, and Sangiovese.
Go to Lake Como in autumn to get probably the most out of wine tasting, as you’ll arrive simply in time for the grape harvest. Wine tasting is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Lake Como. You get to expertise scrumptious produce and get an perception into the tradition and historical past of the area. Wine-tasting excursions will be booked on boat journeys or land excursions to wineries and scenic vineyards.
11. Day Journey To Menaggio
Assuming you keep in Como, you’ll need to plan a day journey or two to different cities round Lake Como. Menaggio is a basic selection for Lake Como city hopping, excellent for a day of swimming. Menaggio has a 25-meter-long lido and quite a few public seashores. July, August, and September are the highest swimming months in Menaggio – purpose for a summer time journey if you would like an pleasant swim. Spiaggia Lerai is the preferred swimming seashore in Menaggio.
Menaggio is definitely reached by bus or ferry. Touring from Como takes round an hour on public transport. Additionally it is a scenic route, hugging the complete western shores of Lake Como and slicing by numerous awe-inspiring villages and cities. Leaping on a e-bike is a good way to get there.
12. Hike The Greenway Del Lago Di Como
Must you like mountain climbing, the Greenway Del Lago Di Como is likely one of the high issues to do in Lake Como. It’s extra of a sightseeing path than a typical mountain climbing path – there’s simply a lot to see alongside the best way. Little hamlets cling to the waterfront alongside the lake, and the path sometimes veers off up some dramatic hills to a lookout or detour by shaded woodland. The Greenway Del Lago Di Como is a rewarding hike, and it takes round 4 hours to finish the ten km stretch.
Whereas there are some inclines right here and there, the Greenway Del Lago Di Como is a straightforward hike total. With sufficient relaxation stops, close to sufficient, anybody can hike this path. It has a straightforward path with stone flags in most sections and is right for a leisurely stroll with loads of views.
13. Orrido Di Bellano
Orrido Di Bellano is a 15 million-year-old pure gorge. Guests step into the gorge itself, strolling alongside a slim walkway hooked up to the facet of the rock face. It’s considered one of Lake Como’s most unbelievable hikes and a beautiful day journey. Orrido Di Bellano was lower by the glacial retreat of an outdated river Adda, and now an aqua-blue river runs by the bottom of the gorge. It’s a captivating little bit of geography, and the thunder of the river under is admittedly atmospheric. The walkway railings are adorned with fairy lights in darker sections, shaded from daylight by the rocks above.
Orrido Di Bellano is definitely one of many high issues to do in Lake Como. It takes round 1.5 hours to finish the mountain climbing route – a splendid use of your time in Lake Como. This ticket even consists of entry and an aperitif afterward.
14. Punta Spartivento
Punta Spartivento is an exquisite commentary deck above Lake Como, Italy. So far as scenic issues to do in Lake Como go, Punta Spartivento charges very extremely. The deck really stretches out over a small grassy space with railings spaced out and seating areas and picnic tables. If you’re planning a romantic picnic, Punta Spartivento is a very good shout. With the Swiss Alps on the horizon and the shimmer of the water instantly in entrance of you, Punta Spartivento has an nearly magical serenity.
Punta Spartivento is situated a 10-minute stroll away from Bellagio’s ferry terminal. It’s simple to entry and among the best viewpoints round Lake Como.
15. Tempio Voltiano
Tempio Voltiano is a vital museum on the planet of science. The attraction is devoted to the reminiscence and lifework of Alessandro Volta, who invented {the electrical} battery. Como born and bred, Alessandro did wonders for technological development within the 18th century. And it’s solely becoming that Lake Como has a museum for him, contemplating that he retired and died in Como in 1827. The museum opened in 1928 and has been a thriving attraction in Lake Como ever since.
Inside, guests can admire the gathering of Volta’s scientific devices. Fascinatingly, there’s additionally a number of his innovations (Volta was a prolific inventor exterior of his creation of {the electrical} battery). Tempio Voltiano is an exquisite exhibit that captures the essence of the scientist behind closed doorways. It’s a slice of science historical past and a preserved archive of an unbelievable human life. The blur of science and human historical past makes it excellent for anyone wanting an indoor exercise.
16. Take pleasure in The Previous City In Como City
You need to go to Como’s Previous City. It ticks off every part you’d hope to see in a historic Italian city middle – from cobbled streets to al fresco eating places. One of the best factor about each outdated city is its wonderful eating places, and grabbing one thing to eat within the Como’s Previous City is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Lake Como. You may dine whereas taking within the ambiance and historic environment. The combination of bright-colored buildings and timeless stonework is a shocking culinary backdrop.
After you’ve eaten, wander alongside to Como’s cathedral, Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, and the Basilica di San Fedele. Porta Torre is one other placing conventional landmark price seeing and a metropolis gate courting again to 1192. Nothing beats a little bit of sightseeing on a happy abdomen. This guided tour consists of all of it and is superb.
Visiting Lake Como: FAQs
Now that we’ve coated the most effective issues to do in Lake Como, let’s take a look at some important FAQs. These essential snippets of data will provide help to finalize your journey to Lake Como.
Find out how to Get to Lake Como
The simplest method to get to Lake Como is by flying into Milan. Milan has a large worldwide airport, with direct flights from departure locations worldwide. In the event you journey from exterior Europe, that is possible the route you’ll use. You fly instantly into Milan’s Malpensa Airport after which catch a few trains for two hours to Lake Como. Giovanni and Como Nord Largo are the 2 principal stations in Lake Como, and it solely prices a number of {dollars} per ticket. Alternatively, you’ll be able to hire a automobile at Malpensa Airport after which drive to Lake Como in about an hour.
In the event you solely have a short while we recommend hopping on today journey from Milan, which features a cruise, the village of Bellagio, and visiting Varenna, Menaggio, or different areas. An important deal for the cash.
An alternative choice is to journey overland – particularly in case you are already in Europe. Europe is extremely well-connected, and it’s common apply to interrail across the area, with offers and reductions on worldwide rail cross to hop between international locations. You may journey by prepare from Switzerland to Lake Como in lower than 3 hours. And even Amsterdam in 12 hours should you needed. We advise stopping in Germany and Switzerland alongside the best way. Touring to Lake Como by prepare is likely one of the most adventurous but simply organized methods of transport.
You could possibly additionally drive to Lake Como. This methodology permits extra freedom however is way more tiring, with many slim roads. The mushy borders in Europe make for straightforward border crossings, although. If in case you have loads of time, driving to Lake Como is likely one of the greatest methods to slowly expertise the area at your individual tempo.
Getting Round Lake Como
Palms down, one of the best ways to get round Lake Como is by boat or ferry. Overlook boat journeys; being shuttled round by water on probably the most lovely lakes in Italy is definitely the most effective type of public transport you’ll ever expertise. The western facet of Lake Como is exceptionally effectively linked by boat, and you’ll hop between the cities on ferries and little shuttle boats.
After all, disregard our recommendation completely on the jap facet of Lake Como – you’ll have to scrap the boat thought and run for the prepare. There are barely any ferry providers within the east, providing many prepare providers as a substitute. One of the best ways to get round on the east shores is by catching the prepare, with a station in most cities and villages.
A rental automobile is simply a good suggestion in case you are venturing out on many day journeys. Even then, a lot of Lake Como’s surrounding areas are linked by prepare. For example, by rail, you’ll be able to attain Switzerland, many mountain villages, and close by main Italian cities. Lease a automobile solely if you would like extra freedom and street trip-style day journeys. Or when you’ve got members of your journey social gathering with mobility points since catching the prepare can contain numerous strolling and steps.
An alternative choice with vehicles is to rent taxis and shuttle providers. Purpose to e-book taxis upfront if that is the mode of transport you go for, as they’re very fashionable, particularly within the excessive season.
After all, you might simply spend your complete keep strolling alongside lakeside promenades – the superb views assist. In the event you keep in a city middle, obtain Google Maps and discover on foot. Getting round on foot means stumbling throughout tiny backstreet eating places with wonderful conventional meals and unmapped viewpoints.
Greatest Time to Go to Lake Como
One of the best time to go to Lake Como is Might. Might has common temperatures of 70 levels Fahrenheit but additionally avoids the inevitable crowds from June to September. Might is a shoulder season, simply on the cusp of the excessive season. The off-season runs from November to mid-March. Whereas the less crowds might sound interesting, it has chilly climate and fewer sights and lodges open. By selecting Might, you get a little bit of a compromise – fewer vacationers however sensible climate.
In spring, Lake Como’s cities and charming villages are filled with wildflowers, and the botanical gardens are in full explosion. It’s a charming time of yr to discover Lake Como. It’s way more ethereal than visiting within the chaotic summer time months in stifling warmth and crowds.
Why Ought to You Go to Lake Como?
Visiting Lake Como is fabulous. The truth is, it could possibly be one of many greatest issues to do in Italy. The whole area is stuffed with pure magnificence – from beautiful gardens to mountain trails and personal seashores alongside the lakeside. Regardless of its unique vibe and white-collar crowd, the world gives vacationer sights for all funds ranges. There are lots of free issues to do in Lake Como. Profit from the pure sights, museums, and arranged experiences.
In search of extra inspiration about visiting northern Italy? Try our guides on the greatest cities in Tuscany, high luxurious lodges in Milan, and issues to do in Lugano should you cross the Swiss border. In any other case, have a beautiful time exploring Lake Como, Italy.