Surrounded by vast mountains, the crystal clear lake is framed by cypresses and colorful Italian towns. Dolce Vita is calling for you. Fancy a Spritz by the lake or rather exciting activities in the water or the mountains? And why not both? Lake Como has it all! You’ll fall in love with it for sure.
Table of contents
Lake Como travel guide | Things to do in Lake Como
Want to spend a holiday where Milanesi go for a weekend escape?
Things to do in Lake Como | Small villages and precious towns
Lecco – for an authentic experience
Eat at the locals’ favorite spots
Some of the best locations to enjoy Italian food are family-run restaurants. This Lake Como travel guide wouldn’t be complete without my top picks for restaurants in Lake Como. So here are my favorite restaurants around Lecco:
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Soqquadro – For extraordinary Pizza variations on Piazza Era, a pretty Plaza right next to the river Adda. My favorite is their own Pizza Soqquadro while enjoying the view of the river. In my opinion, the best Pizza in Lecco.
(Update 2023: They’ve just opened a second Soqquadro restaurant in Malgrate, but with much higher prices for the lake view location). -
Corte Fiorina – A small selection of lovely pasta, fish, and meat dishes. Try the homemade lake fish Ravioli or the Risotto with asparagus and local taleggio cheese.
- Crotto del Capraio (Civate) – As authentic as you can get. A charming, family-owned cottage located on a perfect spot on the foot of a beautiful hiking path in Civate, serving traditional local dishes. Treat yourself to a hearty meal after a beautiful hike.
- Herba Monstrum – For Burgers and Beer (with amazing Vegan Burger variations) in a hip backyard.
- Filet Bistrot –For Lunch, Aperitivo or simply a glass of wine any time of the day in a tiny alley
- La Capri – The second-oldest Pizzeria in Lecco with a nice location close to the lake. Always a good choice.
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Baba Du Lac (Abbadia Lariana) – A somewhat hidden, but beautiful sea view terrace in Abbadia Lariana.
Best take away Pizza in Lecco:
- Pizzeria Napule – Yummy, Neapolitan-style pizza with thin dough but a fluffy crust. Loved by locals for their untouristy prices.
- Al Borgo Antico City – Tucked in a backyard that you may miss if you don’t know it, this is a real hidden gem in Lake Como. The smell of the fresh pizza makes your mouth water already when walking into the courtyard.
The best ice cream in Lecco
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Gelateria Toldo – Creamy homemade ice cream variations with lots of vegan options. Your waffle is held under the chocolate fountain before you can start feasting. My favorite is Gianduia Lampone (nougat raspberry).
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Capo Horn – Real Sicilian ice cream and refreshing Granitas (ice cream slush). Try the chocolate granita, the original almond granita, or a fruity one right next to the lake.
Where to stay in Lecco?
- Agriturismo Deviscio – A beautiful Agriturismo outside Lecco where you can enjoy nature & your surroundings
- La Nostra Casa in Centro – A simple but clean room close to Lecco’s center, so you can walk to all the yummy Pizza and Gelato places
And if you want to treat yourself, have a look at those two gems:
- Rocopom Luxury Suites – for a more special experience in the beautiful village Malgrate right next to the lake
- Casa sul Albero – a minimalist wooden house in the middle of nature overlooking the lake
Centro Lago | on top of the major things to do in Lake Como
Varenna – a picturesque fairytale
Walk the Passeggiata Degli Innamorati
Hike up to Castello di Vezio
Recommended places to stay in Varenna
- Agriturismo Castello di Vezio – For a stunning view across the roofs of Varenna and, of course, the Lake
- Casa San Georgio – In a dreamy location in Varenna with a spectacular view from the terrace
- Hotel Du Lac – If you want to experience the hustle and bustle of Varenna’s center, this is the place to go
Bellagio – Between romantic charm and selfie sticks
Hotels around Bellagio
If you can’t resist staying close to Bellagio, take a look at these beautiful accommodations:
- Acqua & Co Bellagio – An eco-conscious stay with modern rooms and beautiful surroundings outside Bellagio
- Domus – A bit further outside of Bellagio, but a view that’s hard to resist
- Residence Limonera – For an authentic experience even though it’s so close to Bellagio’s center
Como – a stroll through the town
From Como, take the funicular up to Brunate
Where to stay in Como?
- Agriturismo Cascina Mirandola – A beautiful farm stay in an Northern Italian house for the most authentic time
- Il Vicolo – Beautifully furnished studios right in the heart of Como, if you want to treat yourself
Lake Como travel guide | Getting around Lake Como
Rent a scooter
Cruise around Centro Lago on the Batelli – Lake Como’s boats
Take a boat to visit one of the pompous villas
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Villa Monastero in Varenna is said to be the most significant villa on Lake Como’s east coast.
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Right next to the touristy town of Tremezzo you can find Villa Carlotta – with its blooming azaleas and rhododendrons a paradise for amateur gardeners.
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Villa Balbianello is located in Lenno and familiar to many James Bond fans, as some scenes of Casino Royal were filmed here.
By boat to Villa Carlotta
Things to do in Lake Como | Activities
By bike around the lake
Water sports for water rats (and those who like to watch)
Activities in Lake Como | Stand Up Paddling & hiking
Enjoying the lake from above
Up into the mountains | Hiking in Lake Como
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Monte Barro – A beautiful and not too difficult hike starting from a parking lot in Malgrate. From the top, you have a stunning view across several lakes.
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Sentiero del Viandante – Half up the hills, there is a beautiful path all the way along the east coast from Abbadia Lariana up until Colico. You can pick a part, e.g. 12 km from Abbadia to Lierna. Here you can experience the beauty of the pristine Lake Como while walking through mountain villages, and catch scenic views. Perfect lunch spots are Osteria Sali e Tabacchi and La Zia Berta Agriturismo (at the latter you have to reserve ahead of time).
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Piani d’Erna – Up here you’re rewarded with a beautiful view on Lecco and the lake. If you feel lazy, you can also reach the plateau under the summit of the mountain Resegone by cable car. Or you can hike up and get down by cable car.
- Sasso di Preguda – In only 1.5 hours you can hike up from Malgrate to Chiesetta di Sant’Isidoro, where you’re rewarded with a fantastic view of Lago di Lecco. If you’re in the mood for more, you can continue up to Mount Moregallo. Park here and follow the signs to “Preguda”. Afterwards, stop at the eco farm Agriturismo Cascina Don Guanella for lunch or visit their organic shop.
- Rifugio Ristorante Martina – It’s rather a 30-minute walk instead of a hike, but you can get a beautiful view on both sides of the lake without much effort. You can drive quite far up and park your car here.
- Mount Resegone with beer tasting – Hiking fans looking for more unusual things to do in Lake Como may like the idea of combining a craft beer tasting with a guided hike to Resegone from where you can watch the spectacular sunset.
Lake Como travel guide | Best beaches in Lake Como
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Punta Grumo in Lierna – Definitely my favorite beach on Lake Como. A clean beach with some gravel or grass to lay down on. During the summer months, the highlight on this beach is a local guy selling homemade ice cream and refreshing Granita from his carriage.
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Abbadia Lariana – A nice pebbly beach with a lawn for sunbathing where the sun stays until late in the evening.
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Onno – A pretty beach between Lecco and Bellagio. Be aware, that here the sun leaves around 4 p.m. during spring and fall.
- Pradello – Right next to Lido di Orse you can find this small free beach – a real hidden gem in Lake Como mostly visited by locals. You can ride a bike or rollerblade along the lakeside path from Lecco do reach it, or even walk (it’s around 2km).
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Lido di Orso – A catered beach on Lake Como if you prefer renting sunbeds on which you can sip some drinks. But you have to pay to enter.
Spiagga Punto di Grumo, Lierna
Food in Lake Como
Try some local dishes
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Risotto del Pesce Persico – a risotto with local perch
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Pizzoccheri alla Valtellina – A rich, tasty dish with buckwheat Tagliatelle with lots of cheese (of course), potatoes, and cabbage
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Polenta Taragna – A blend of Polenta (yellow corn) made with buckwheat and cheese, traditionally prepared in a copper pan
- Gnocchi Chiavennaschi – A creamy, cheesy Gnocchi dish made with local cheese (of course!)
- Sciatt – Crispy cheeseballs (buckwheat fritters with a cheese filling) which are a popular starter
- Piadine – Originally from the Emiglia Romana region, you can find these delicious, filled flatbread all around Lake Como as well.
Food at Lake Como (Gnocchi | Paccheri alla Norma | Piadine)
Join a local cooking class
A great way to better get to know Northern Italian cuisine, its ingredients, and its traditions, is to join a cooking class. For a genuine experience with a local family, a cooking class in a family home is perfect – an unusual thing to do in Lake Como that will make your mouth water.
Lake Como has several options, such as a local cooking class in Como. That’s a fun way to learn local family recipes and enjoy authentic homemade meals. There’s also the option to make it a vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free cooking class. Just let the hosts know. Buon appetito!
Things to do in Lake Como – Enjoy Aperitivo
Things to do in Lake Como | A day trip to Milan
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Visit the area around Piazza del Duomo: The Duomo di Milano (the city’s famous landmark), La Scala (the famous theater), and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (a spectacular high-class shopping arcade that looks like the entrance to an opera). These are the must-sees in the center of Milan and are all right next to each other.
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Walk through the old castle Castello Sforzesco and its extensive park (Parco Sempione) – the city’s lung right in the center.
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Join a Free Walking Tour to learn more about the history of the city, its locals, and some hot insider tips.
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Spend your lunch break in a small trattoria in the beautiful Brera district and soak up the Italian flair around you.
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Sip your Spritz, a glass of wine or beer for Aperitivo in Navigli, next to one of the beautiful canals (e.g. Naviglio Grande).
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Do some window shopping in Via Torino, or stroll through the districts Ticinese or Brera for some alternative and vintage shopping.
Impressions of Milan
Lake Como travel guide | Good to know before you go
How to get to Lake Como?
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By car: Heading to Lake Como from the North will usually lead through Switzerland and an Alpine pass. Don’t forget the vignette! On the way, you pass by impressive mountains, lakes, waterfalls and can get in the mood listening to Jovanotti
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By train: Taking an international train to Lake Como, you need to get to Milan first. After a stopover in beautiful Milan, you can catch a direct train to either Lecco, Como, or Varenna.
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By plane: Bergamo and Milan are the closest airports to Lake Como. From there, take a train to either Lecco, Como, or Varenna
How many days do you need in Lake Como?
Where to stay in Lake Como?
Lecco area:
- For a more authentic experience:
- Agriturismo Deviscio – A beautiful Agriturismo outside Lecco where you can enjoy nature & your surroundings
- La Nostra Casa in Centro – A simple but clean room close to Lecco’s center, so you can walk to all the yummy Pizza and Gelato places
- For a treat:
- Rocopom Luxury Suites – for a more special experience in the beautiful village Malgrate right next to the lake
- Casa sul Albero – a minimalist wooden house in the middle of nature overlooking the lake
Northern Lake Como area:
- 2 Cuori E un B&B – What a beautiful name (“2 hearts and a B&B”) and even more beautiful surroundings towards the northern tip of Lake Como
Como:
- Agriturismo Cascina Mirandola – A beautiful farm stay in an authentic, Italian style for the most authentic time
- Il Vicolo – Beautifully furnished studios right in the heart of Como, if you want to treat yourself
- Agriturismo Castello di Vezio – For a stunning view across the roofs of Varenna and, of course, the Lake
- Casa San Georgio – In a dreamy location in Varenna with a spectacular view from the terrace
- Hotel Du Lac – If you can’t withstand staying in the hustle and bustle in Varenna, this should be the place to go
- Acqua & Co Bellagio – An eco-conscious stay with modern rooms and beautiful surroundings outside Bellagio
- Hotel Perlo Panorama – A bit further outside Bellagio, but a view that’s hard to resist
- Residence Limonera – For an authentic experience even though it’s so close to Bellagio’s center
What is the best time of the year to visit Lake Como?
An autumn day at Lake Como
Can you drink tap water at Lake Como?
Lake Como – a wrap-up
Also, if you’ve tried some of the recommendations in this Lake Como travel blog, let me know how you enjoyed them.
Great post! So much great information. Any restaurant recommendations in Varenna or Gravedona?
Thanks Lauren!
A very authentic restaurant with an amazing view near Varenna is Crotto die Biosio. But you need a car to get there.
I haven’t been to Gravedona yet, so I’m afraid I can’t give any recommendations for this area.
Would love any tips about dining with kids in the area (6 & 4) and anything specific you’d recommend (or recommend to avoid!). We’re staying in Nesso with a car and really appreciate your guide!!!
Hi Ben,
I’m glad to hear that you like my Lake Como guide.
While I’m not super familiar with the area around Nesso, I can recommend Trattoria Baita Belvedere (near Bellagio) – the views from up there are incredible!
In Como, which is also not far from Nesso, you should check out Il Pomodorino for awesome Pizza in a cute backyard :)
Enjoy your time in Nesso!
Amazing post thanks! We’ll be going next month but are bringing our little dog with us, anything you can recommend to do that’s a fun activity but allows dogs?
We’re staying close to Dervio by the way, very happy we chose the non-touristy side of Lake Como :-)
Hey Margot,
sounds like a great plan. I’m sure you’ll have an amazing time with your little dog around Lake Como!
There are many outdoor activities that you can do with your dog. I often see dogs over there, e.g. bring it on hikes (even lighter ones such as the Sentiero del Viandante, or up to Monte Croce di Muggio which is not far from Dervio). Orrido di Bellano is also not far and can easily be visited with a dog. And you can also bring your dog to the beach (I’ve seen dogs at Punta Grumo in Lierna, but there are also some around Dervio). By the way: On boats (traghettos) only small dogs are allowed. I don’t know the exact requirements, but you could check if your dog is ok to come in Varenna at the dock.
Enjoy your trip!
Hi Jill
I loved your guide…I have been to Lake Como once before. I am sure it was Lecco where we stopped on a whirlwind trip to elsewhere. I think all up I had about twenty minutes to wade out into the water and fall under her spell. So here I am 12 years later planning an extended return visit with a friend and was thrilled to find your guide. Thank you…
Hi Sharron,
Awww, that sounds like an awesome plan! Thanks for sharing. I’m in Lecco right now and your comment honestly brought a huge smile to my face.
Hope you enjoy Lake Como as much as you did 12 years ago! In my opinion, it’s one of the most beautiful places in Europe.
Have an amazing trip!
Thanks for your guide and tips, Jill. We went to Varenna in the early 2000’s on the advice of a well known American travel writer, Rick Steves, and stayed at the hotel at the ferry there called Hotel Olivedo for a few days. Laura was the owner and host. It is an institution! She’s since retired, but we ate there about 2 years ago and it’s still lovely. As is the beautiful Pescallo one gets to by walking over the small hill down a cobblestone road from Bellagio. Just gorgeous. I’ve always wanted to stay there. My sister now has her own house in Lezzeno but my wife and I are visiting in September and we might spend a few days on our own at tge end of the trip in the area, possibly Pescallo, or maybe even Lecco as you suggest? Grazie mille.
Sounds like you already fell in love with Lake Como 20 years ago. How lovely! I’m sure you will have a wonderful time again in September, no matter if you stay in Pescallo or in Lecco. From either place you can easily get around Lake Como and visit lots of wonderful areas by car or by boat. Buon viaggio!
This insightful guide on things to do in Lake Como offers a diverse array of activities, from exploring historic villas and gardens to indulging in local cuisine. It’s evident the author has a deep appreciation for the region’s cultural richness. I’m curious, did you have a chance to visit all the recommended spots, and which one left the most lasting impression on you?
Yes, all the recommendations I make in my blog are places, I’ve personally been to.