Lake Como has long been a popular destination for the rich and famous. Its beauty and dramatic landscapes are now just as popular as ever with tourists who flock to the area. Villages such as Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio are bustling with tourists in peak season. In addition, many come to admire the plethora of palaces and villas that line the shores of Lake Como.
However, Lake Como’s attractions are not confined to its wonderful sights and scenery. There is also plenty to keep the keen sports enthusiast entertained. Not only that, but there are also a host of good shopping opportunities for the shopaholics. And there are plenty of superb eating places for food lovers. In addition, there are a whole host of museums and activities for the younger generation to enjoy. Lake Como really is a holiday destination to suit everyone.
Bookings For You have put together a Lake Como travel guide with information on all the things to see and do on Lake Como. We recommend you take the time to read our Lake Como travel guide ahead of your stay. It will ensure that you make the most out of every single second of your holiday to this beautiful part of Italy.
Our Lake Como travel guide will tell you everything you need to know. Whether you’re curious to find out what things there are to do on Lake Como for children, or whether it’s a museum guide you’re after, look no further! Our Lake Como travel guide is packed with all this and more!
There are plenty of opportunities for mountain biking around Lake Como. We think it's certainly more popular than road cycling here. Perhaps the latter is less popular as the roads do tend to be very narrow in places. Plus they can get extremely busy in the peak months.
Bike hire on Lake Como
If you're looking to hire bikes during your stay, then there are plenty of rental options. Some of these include the Tabo Surf Centres at Gera Laria and Sorico, the Windsurfing Centre in Domaso, Bici Sport 2000 in Lenno, Como Bike in Como and Son of a Beach in Colico. Rental shops will also be able to advise...
For those who enjoy an adrenalin rush during their holidays, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy some extreme sports on Lake Como.
Seaplane flight
Visitors to the area shouldn't miss the opportunity to take a seaplane flight. The Como Aero club offers full training courses to teach you how to fly a seaplane. You can even enjoy the opportunity to experience a test flight before enrolling. The club is the oldest seaplane operation in the world. As a result, you can rest assured that you'll be in safe hands.
Paragliding
Como Lake Paragliding in the north of Lake Como is a great place...
Lake Como doesn't have the number of beaches that neighbouring Lake Maggiore has around its shoreline. For those with young children, it can therefore sometimes feel a bit frustrating being so near to the lake without being able to actually access it. That said, beach access isn't impossible! You just need to know where to go!
Beaches on Lake Como
The best swimming spots are certainly in the north of the lake. Here the water is much cleaner and there are some good sized beaches. The lake waters are wonderful for swimming in reaching a pleasant 20 to 22 degrees across July and August. Head to...
In order to make the best of any holiday with children, it's best to plan as much as you can ahead of your stay. The same is true whether they're babies, toddlers or teenagers. Hopefully, this guide to holidays for families in Lake Como , will make that planning process that little bit easier! Please just be aware that some of these activities may involve a lengthy drive to reach dependent on where you're staying on Lake Como.
Lake Como family holidays are arguably not as good as those on neighbouring Lake Maggiore when it comes to catering for children's tastes. Whilst there are activities...
There are a number of good golf courses to be enjoyed around Lake Como. All the courses are normally open all year round but it is worth ringing ahead to check opening times to avoid any disappointment on arrival.
Golf Club Menaggio
The first of the golf courses on Lake Como is the famous Menaggio and Cadenabbia golf course . This was originally founded by an English aristocrat in 1907, This very tight 18 hole course was completely redesigned in 1965 but still maintains a traditional British feel. It offers breathtaking views over Lake Como from its elevated position above the lakes western...
There are a number of museums around Lake Como. There should certainly be something to meet everyone's tastes and interests whether it's art, nature, sport, science, history or even transport.
San Siro Museum, Milan
Perfect for fans of football, the San Siro museum is dedicated to both Inter Milan and AC Milan. It tells the story of the two clubs through various memorabilia from football strips to the cups and trophies and footballs. The entrance to the museum is from gate 14 of the San Siro stadium. It's possible to visit the museum as well as enjoy a tour of the stadium itself. It's open...
There are a wealth of restaurants in Lake Como to choose from. You will find Lake Como restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets. It's worth heading to some of the back streets and old lakeside towns to find some of the less well known but excellent Italian cuisine on offer.
Fish lovers can sample the variety of lake fish on offer in the restaurants in Lake Como. Not surprisingly, lake fish is the speciality of the area. Others can enjoy the local cheeses and wines whilst, of course, there is always plenty of pizza and pasta on offer too. And don't forget to sample the delicious gelato on offer...
Lake Como Markets
There are several markets in the many villages along the lake. Almost every village will have a market at some point. Some of the larger ones are listed below.
Market Days:
Monday
8 - 1
Argegno
Tuesday
9 - 12.30
Como
9 - 12
Domaso
1st and 3rd Tuesdays only
Wednesday
8 - 1
Varenna
9 - 12
Gravedona
1st and 3rd Wednesdays only
8 - 12
Lecco
Thursday
9 - 12
Dongo
1st and 3rd Thursdays only
8 - 12
Bellano
8 - 12
Como
Friday
8.30 - 12...
Whilst Lake Como might not be the first place that comes to mind when you're planning a skiing holiday, it offers several options for both the serious skiier and novice. It also offers a low cost way of trying skiing for the first time or a way to experience a less intense ski holiday, combining days on the slopes with days spent visiting the towns and villages round the lakeside.
The largest resort near the lake is at Mandesimo. This offers skiiers 60 km of fantastic downhill slopes and 20 km of cross country ski tracks. Skiiers can enjoy stunning views as they descend. With slopes to...
Lake Como is served by three main airports - Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate and Milan Bergamo.
Milan
Malpensa
Milan
Linate
Milan Bergamo
London
Gatwick
Easyjet
Easyjet
Monarch
London
Heathrow
British...
For those considering hiring a boat during their stay, it's definitely worth doing. Cruising around the lake on your own allows you to explore the many elegant villas dotted along Lake Como's shoreline that aren't open to the public and wouldn't be visible from the road. There are boat rental companies hiring boats by the hour in Cernobbio, Dongo, Domaso, Gera Laria and Sorico.
For those looking for something a bit more active, there are opportunities to enjoy several different watersports including windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing and canoeing. Companies offer equipment rental for the...
Order euros for your trip to Lake Como
Looking to order euros for your trip to Lake Como?
We would always advise ordering currency online before heading away on your Lake Como holiday. First and foremost, you will secure a far better rate of exchange by reserving your holiday money online. Not only that. In addition to giving you excellent rates, it's also extremely convenient. After all, TravelFX will even deliver your currency direct to your door. And they offer a next day delivery service, ideal for a last minute getaway. Order euros in advance through our recommended partners...
There are some wonderful gardens around Lake Como which shouldn't be missed during a visit to the area. Those open to the public include the botanic gardens at Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo. With over 8 hectares of gardens to stroll through, it's worth spending at least a couple of hours here to appreciate the endless number of rare plants and species within the grounds as well as the monumental azaleas and rhododendrons. www.villacarlotta.it.
Other gardens worth visiting include those on the other side of the lake in Bellagio at Villa Melzi. With entry cost just between 4 and 6 euros, it's...
Bookings For You are working hard to provide information on walking and hiking around Lake Como. If you are looking for information now, please contact us directly and we will be happy to answer any questions you have.