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Lake Como is one of the most beautiful places in the world. If you’re looking for a vacation destination that will take your breath away, look no further than this stunning Italian lake. There are plenty of things to do in Lake Como, and in this travel guide, we will share our 9 favorites! Whether you’re interested in hiking, boating, or simply taking in the incredible views, you’ll find something to enjoy here. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Italy!
Lake Como is located in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. It is one of the lakes in the Italian Lakes district, and it is also the third-largest lake in Italy. Some of its most popular towns include Como, Bellagio, and Varenna. Lake Maggiore and Lake Garda are also located in the Lombardy region and are popular tourist destinations.
The lake is shaped like an inverted Y, with the two arms of the Y reaching up into the Swiss Alps. The western arm of the lake is much narrower than the eastern arm, and it ends in a small village called Lecco. The eastern arm is wider and deeper, and it ends in the town of Como.
There are several islands located in Lake Como, the largest of which is Comacina Island. This island is home to a church and a few homes, and it is a popular tourist destination.
Go up in the mountains with Como Brunate Funicular
Close to the Old town of Como City, there is a funicular leading to Brunate. Going up lets you have a bird’s eye view of Lake Como. The ride is short but sweet, and it will give you some of the best views of the lake. One-way ticket at the time of writing this costs € 2.80.
When you are up in Brunate you can soak in the views from one of the cafes or have a short hike to Faro Voltiano. It is a lighthouse built in 1927 with an adjacent museum. Faro Voltiano is a memorial of the electrical pioneer Alessandro Volta who used to live in Como. The lighthouse has a viewing platform where you can see as far as the Swiss Alps on a clear day!
Visit Como city
Como is the capital of the province with the same name. It is located at the southern tip of Lake Como. The city has a long history, and it was an important center of trade in the Middle Ages. Como is still an important economic center today, and it is a popular tourist destination.
There are many things to see and do in Como city. Some of the most popular tourist attractions include the Duomo, the Basilica of Sant Abbondio, and the Tempio Voltiano.
See Como Cathedral
Como Cathedral is one of the most important buildings in the city. It is located in the Piazza del Duomo, and it was built in the 13th century. The cathedral is home to a number of important artworks, including a painting by Bernardino Luini.
Check out Basilica of Sant Abbondio
The Basilica of Sant Abbondio is a church located in the city of Como. It was built in the 11th century, and it is one of the oldest churches in the city. This Basilica has two notable bell towers.
Explore Tempio Voltiano
The Tempio Voltiano is a museum located in Como. It is dedicated to the Italian physicist and electrical engineer Alessandro Volta. The museum has a collection of scientific instruments, and it also has a library with over 20,000 volumes.
Buy local silk products
Como is famous for its silk industry, and it is one of the most important centers of production in Italy. There are a number of shops and boutiques selling local silk products. You can also visit one of the many museums dedicated to the history of the Como silk industry.
Go on a food tour
Como is home to a number of excellent restaurants, and it is a great place to try local dishes. There are many food tours available, and they are a great way to sample a variety of dishes.
Piazza Cavour
Piazza Cavour is one of the most important squares in Como. It is named after the Italian statesman Camillo Benso, and it is home to a number of important buildings. These include the Palazzo Broletto, the Palazzo delle Poste, and the Palazzo Giureconsulti.
Take a ferry to another town on the lake
A boat trip is the best way to see Lake Como, and there are a number of ferry services available. You can take a ferry to one of the other towns on the lake, such as Bellagio or Varenna.
Check out Navigazione Laghi (Public Boat Transportation) for the public ferry rides. There are also many options for a bit more pricy private boat tour.
Explore the Lake Como shoreline by bike
There are many bike trails along the shores of Lake Como, and it is a great way to explore the area. You can rent a bike from one of the many shops in Como, or you can bring your own.
Explore Lugano, Switzerland
Lugano is a city in Switzerland, and it is located on the shores of Lake Lugano. It is a popular tourist destination, and it is known for its mild climate and beautiful scenery. There are a number of things to see and do in Lugano, including the Swiss National Museum, the Lugano Botanical Garden, and the Piazza della Riforma.
Lugano is reachable from Lake Como by car or public transportation. It takes less than an hour to drive there by car from Como city.
Stroll around Bellagio
Bellagio is a town located on the shore of Lake Como, and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area. The town is known for its beautiful buildings and stunning views. You can stroll around the streets of Bellagio, or you can take the Bellagio Express Train that will drive you to the most notable points in Bellagio. And it costs only €5!
Visit Varenna
Varenna is a town located on the east shore of Lake Como, and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area. The town is known for its beautiful buildings and stunning views. You can stroll around the streets of Varenna, go on a hike in the nearby mountains or just enjoy one of the many restaurants in the town.
Varenna can be added to your visit to Bellagio, as it only takes 15 minutes b ferry to reach Varenna from Bellagio.
Go on a hike in the mountains
The mountains surrounding Lake Como are a great place to go for a hike. There are many trails to choose from, and you can find a trail that is suitable for your fitness level. You can also go for a hike in the Swiss National Park, which is located just to the north of Lake Como.
Check out some of these popular hikes for inspiration. There are many locations around Lake Como for a hiking starting point and many levels of difficulty available.
Take photos in some of the most famous villas
There are a number of villas located around Lake Como, and they are among the most famous in Italy. These include Villa Carlotta, Villa Balbianello, and Villa d’Este. You can take a tour of these villas, or you can just take photos from the outside.
Villa Carlotta
Villa Carlotta is located in Tremezzo and was built in the 17th century. It is known for its beautiful botanical gardens, and it is open to the public for tours. It can also be a stunning location for private events.
Villa Balbianello
Villa Balbianello is located in Lenno and was built in the 18th century. It is known for hosting some of the elite weddings and being a backdrop in James Bond and Star Wars movies.
Villa Monastero
Villa Monastero is located in Varenna and was built in the 13th century as a monastery. It is now a museum and botanical garden, and it is open to the public for tours. It is also a popular venue for weddings and other events.
Villa Melzi
Villa Melzi is located in Bellagio and was built in the 19th century. It is known for its beautiful gardens, and it is open to the public for tours. It is also a popular venue for weddings and other events.
Villa Olmo
Villa Olmo is located in Como and was built in the 18th century. It is known for hosting a number of important events, and it is open to the public for tours. It is also a popular venue for weddings and other events.
Villa d’Eeste
Villa d’Eeste is located in Cernobbio and was built in the 16th century. It is known for its beautiful gardens and fountains, and it is open to the public for tours.
Go on a day trip to Milan
Milan is only an hour away from Lake Como by car or train, so it makes for a great day trip. There is a lot to see and do in Milan, including visiting the Duomo, going to the top of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and visiting the Leonardo da Vinci Museum.
Have an adventure at the Jungle Raider Park
The Jungle Raider Park is an adventure park located near Lake Como. It is a great place for kids and adults, and it has a number of different activities to choose from.
There are several paths created in the trees with different obstacles. you can start by trying out the easier ones and then leveling up to the more difficult paths.
Taste the local food at Lake Como restaurants
There are a number of great restaurants to choose from when you are in Lake Como. You can find everything from traditional Italian cuisine to more modern dishes.
Here are a few of the best restaurants in Lake Como:
Ristorante Miralago
Ristorante Miralago is located in Cernobbio and offers stunning views of the lake. The restaurant serves traditional Italian cuisine, and it has a number of vegan and vegetarian options.
Il Gatto Nero
Il Gatto Nero is located near Cernobbio and is a great option for pizza. The restaurant also has a number of different salads and starters to choose from. In good weather, it’s possible to sit on a terrace with lake views.
Stay at Lake Como hotels
There are a number of great hotels to choose from when you are in Lake Como. You can find everything from luxury hotels to more affordable options.
Here are a few of the best hotels in Lake Como:
Hotel du Lac
The Hotel du Lac is located in Bellagio and offers stunning views of the lake. It’s overlooking the main square so you are right in the middle of the town. The hotel has a number of different room options, as well as a restaurant serving Italian and international dishes.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo
The Grand Hotel Tremezzo is located in Tremezzo and offers a luxury experience. The hotel has a number of different room options, 3 pools, a SPA area, and a lake view bubble bath. If you want to receive celebrity treatment then this is a place for you.
Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni
The Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni is located in Bellagio and offers stunning views of the lake. The hotel has a number of different room options, 2 pools, a SPA area, and even a Michelin-starred restaurant.
ANd some more budget-friendly options:
B&B Hotel Como City Center
12 minutes from the beach, 5 minutes from the train station, this is a perfectly located hotel for a budget-conscious traveler who still wants great service.
Hotel Paradiso Como
With a pool and a welcome drink, this hotel can feel like a luxury experience. Rooms have a lake view and there is a bubble bath in the wellness zone. To get to the Como, you can use the funicular.
Frequently asked questions
Lake Como is a special place because of its beauty. The lake is surrounded by mountains, and there are a number of different towns and villages that you can visit.
Yes, you can swim in Lake Como. The water is clean and it is a great place to cool off on a hot day.
There is no right answer to this question as it depends on what you are looking for. Both lakes are beautiful and have a lot to offer. If you are looking for a more active vacation, then Lake Garda might be a better option. If you are looking for a more relaxing vacation, then Lake Como might be a better option.
The best time to visit Lake Como is from May to September. This is when the weather is the most pleasant and there are a number of different events and activities taking place.
George Clooney is one of the most famous actors who live in Lake Como, Italy. He has a villa on the lake, and he is often seen out and about in the towns and villages. Clooney is just one of the many celebrities who have chosen to make Lake Como their home. Other celebrities who live in Lake Como include Madonna, Sting, and Gianni Versace.
No, Lake Como is not polluted. The water is clean and it is safe to swim in. There are a number of different environmental initiatives that are taking place in order to keep the lake clean.
The currency in Lake Como is the Euro. You can use Euros to pay for everything from restaurants and hotels to souvenirs.
The temperature in Lake Como varies depending on the time of year. In the summer, the temperatures can reach up to 30 degrees Celsius.
There are a few beaches on Lake Como, but they are not as common as the beaches you would find on the Mediterranean Sea. The most popular beach on Lake Como is located in the town of Bellagio.
Lake Como is a beautiful place to visit and there are a number of different things to do in the area. You can find everything from luxury hotels to more affordable options. There are a number of different restaurants to choose from, as well as a variety of activities and events. Whether you are looking for a relaxing vacation or a more active one, Lake Como is the perfect destination.
What are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Lake Como for an unforgettable vacation.
Do you have any tips for visiting Lake Como? Share them with us in the comments below!
And if you want something a little bit different, consider going on a longer day trip from Lake Como to the neighboring lakes and cities.
