12 Best Things To Do In Lake Como (Como, Italy)

Are you questioning what are the most effective issues to do in Lake Como? I visited numerous cities surrounding Lake Como on our option to Bellagio throughout our 2-week Interrail trip around Europe. Lake Como is a really picturesque area of Italy. Therefore, it was one of many journey highlights of our journey, my husband and I in addition to our mates did get pleasure from our go to to Lake Como.

About 84,000 folks name the commune of Como, positioned in northern Italy, residence. Como is taken into account by many to be one in every of Lombardy’s most picturesque and delightful areas. The magnificent Lake Como, which begins on town’s northern edge, ceaselessly casts a shadow over the neighborhood.

For the reason that Bronze Age, Celtic tribes have made their residence in and round Como. The Romans conquered the realm within the first century BC and included it into their empire. It served as a serious hub for business exercise and commerce through the Center Ages. Throughout this growth interval, a defensive community was constructed, together with a variety of watch towers; one in every of these towers continues to be standing at this time (The Baradello). Following its conquest by the French and the Austrians, Como was lastly included into the Kingdom of Italy in 1859.

In the present day, Como is a widely known vacationer vacation spot the place tens of hundreds of holiday makers take within the breathtaking Lake Como and the encircling pure magnificence. Town is residence to quite a few historic buildings, upscale eateries, and vital museums. Quite a few beautiful cities and villages encompass the lake, together with Cernobbio, Menaggio, and Bellagio.

I want to share with you my high picks for the most effective issues to do in Lake Como. I strongly suggest these if you’re planning your journey to this stunning a part of Northern Italy.

Learn extra: 7 Beautiful Places To Visit In Italy For The First Time

Listed here are the most effective issues to do in Lake Como, Italy:

1. Bellagio

Bellagio, which is a few 50-minute drive from Como, is one other location it’s essential to see when travelling across the lake.

Spend few hours after you’ve parked exploring the cobblestone streets, quaint eating places, and waterfront promenade. It’s stunning, and you might simply loosen up right here for all the day (if not longer, if you wish to take it sluggish).

Bellagio is considered some of the picturesque and beautiful cities on Lake Como. This city is located the place the three Lake Como arms converge, so the views are unmatched and you’ll see each a part of the big lake. The promenade at La Punta additionally gives among the greatest picture alternatives within the area.

There are quite a few high-end shops, beautiful gardens, and excellent eating places positioned inside the city itself. Take into account visiting Bellagio by boat, strolling the promenades, and taking on this picture-perfect location.

The Grand Lodge Villa Serbelloni is one in every of Bellagio, Italy’s high motels. It’s one in every of Bellagio’s solely five-star luxurious motels, one in every of Lake Como’s oldest, and most opulent motels. Even if you’re not staying at this resort, you possibly can go to the stunning gardens and implausible location by the lake. Wealthy and well-known folks adore this location. There are rumours that Robert De Niro frequents this location.

If you wish to know extra about Grand Lodge Villa Serbelloni, I made a separate resort assessment article about our keep. You’ll be able to learn it right here — Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni: A Luxury Hotel Review in Lake Como (Italy).

2. Water Taxi Boat Experience

Como gives boat excursions. On one hand, you may be on and off the lake in a number of hours with a spotlight reel. Full-day excursions allow you to discover at a leisurely tempo with loads of stops. Regardless of the tour or boat, Lake Como is a must-see.

Nevertheless, in order for you flexibility, Lake Como boat rental is the important thing, particularly if you wish to keep away from vacationers, or love being on the water.

With a ship rental, you possibly can discover secluded coves and hidden seashores, drop anchor and swim within the lake, or cruise round at your leisure. Some boat leases include a captain who will present you across the lake and make suggestions.

When you’re assured sufficient to drive (and have the mandatory boating license when related), you possibly can discover Lake Como to your coronary heart’s content material. It’s the proper option to see the area from a distinct perspective!

Whether or not you’re searching for a calming day on a yacht, motorboat, or water taxi limousine or an adventurous afternoon exploring hidden caves and coves on a motorized dinghy, a ship rental on Lake Como will go away you with recollections to final a lifetime.

3. Punta Spartivento

At La Punta Spartivento, guests can absorb picturesque vistas of Lake Como.

La Punta Spartivento, which gives a shocking panorama of Lake Como, is simply one of many many breathtaking vantage factors that may be discovered within the Bellagio space, as you might be already conscious.

It’s a few ten-minute stroll from the dock the place the ferries arrive and is located on the very finish of the Bellagio village. It ought to come as no shock that many vacationers take into account this to be their favorite location in Bellagio given the presence of mountains within the background which can be a part of the Alps.

Nevertheless, even for those who do nothing greater than stroll by way of Bellagio, you’ll have greater than sufficient alternatives to view the lake, notably for those who stroll towards the higher a part of the city. And since there are such a lot of stunning vistas, there isn’t a scarcity of eating places the place you possibly can sit again, loosen up, and take within the view.

4. Varenna

One of many many magnificent villas that may be discovered round Lake Como is the Villa Monastero, which may be discovered within the city of Varenna. Due to its breathtaking look, it ought to come as no shock that that is seemingly some of the photographed areas in Varenna.

A museum may be discovered on the premises, and guests can make the most of the gorgeous botanical backyard that surrounds the primary constructing. Between the months of March and November, the villa and its gardens are open for excursions.

As well as, the city of Varenna is residence to its very personal fortified stronghold. If you wish to see among the most breathtaking views of Venice, a go to to Castello di Vezio is properly definitely worth the effort, despite the fact that it requires you to climb a hill.

In a fashion analogous to that of Villa Monastero, the citadel is open to the general public from March by way of November.

5. Como Cathedral (Cattedrale Di Santa Maria Assunta)

The big Como Cathedral (Duomo di Como), an eclectic construction fusing Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque types, is positioned in Piazza Duomo, town’s central sq..

The first place of worship within the metropolis of Como is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, additionally referred to as the Como Cathedral. One of the vital buildings within the space. It’s ceaselessly known as the ultimate Italian Gothic cathedral.

Just a few vital tapestries may be discovered inside, together with others from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries that had been produced in Ferrara, Florence, and Antwerp. Moreover, there are a number of artistic endeavors by Bernardino Luini and Gaudenzio Ferrari from the sixteenth century.

You gained’t absolutely perceive why this church is hailed as Italy’s greatest illustration of the 14th-century transition from Gothic to Renaissance types till you step inside. The primary altar’s deeply carved rose window and aspect altars’ polychrome portray and gilding “replace” their extra dated look, however the distinction is pleasant. Climb to the 18th-century dome for those who’re match.

6. Villa Olmo

Stroll alongside the picturesque Passeggiata Lino Gelpi (which begins just some steps from the Conflict Memorial) to achieve the spectacular Villa Olmo, a neoclassical constructing that dates again to 1780. That is the proper tour for anybody who enjoys visiting historic villas.

The Villa Olmo property actually has all of it, together with an Italian-style backyard with a view of Lake Como, an English-style again backyard for lounging, and inside rooms which can be adorned with work, statues, and precious stucco decorations. And do you want to be taught probably the most great factor? That there isn’t a cost for coming into both the villa or the gardens that encompass it.

Throughout the summer season season (early April to late September), the park is open each day at 7 am and stays open till 11 pm. Throughout the winter season, the park closes earlier at 7 pm (early October to late March). The inside is open for excursions from Tuesday by way of Sunday, between the hours of 10 am and 6 pm.

7. Villa Del Balbianello

If there may be one factor you shouldn’t miss in Lake Como, it’s the breathtaking Villa Balbianello. Lake Como is thought for its opulent villas. This villa exudes traditional class and appeal due to its beautiful gardens and gorgeous views of the lake’s western shore.

This promontory is accessible through a stunning path that winds from Lenno Bay by way of some beautiful woodland; this stroll is a spotlight and is right for hikers.

The Baroque villa complicated often known as Villa Balbianello, which is located on the Punta, was constructed over the positioning of a monastery within the 18th century. Even James Bond 007 On line casino Royal and Star Wars: The Clone Assault selected to movie a few of their episodes right here as a result of it’s so unimaginable.

Though staying right here is sadly not an possibility, you possibly can tour the gardens, take a look at the structure, and uncover extra about its intriguing former proprietor, Guido Monzini, who led the primary Italian expedition to Mount Everest. His reminiscence is being honored in a museum on the villa’s higher ground, which even homes the sleigh he rode to the North Pole in!

8. Cisterian Abbey of St. Mary of Piona

The placement of the Abbey of Piona, which is panoramic and distant, has a protracted historical past. A small peninsula with the Como Lake encircling it and the Alps within the distance. An oratory for Santa Giustina was constructed on this mysterious location in 610 A.D.

A primary church, constructed within the Romanesque fashion and devoted to the Virgin Mary, was devoted in 1138. It was later expanded and embellished. The present priceless cloister, the center of the abbey, was constructed in 1252.

Presently, the abbey is residence to Cistercian monks. They reside by the adage “Ora et Labora,” which suggests to work and pray. To assist themselves, the monks run the abbey, tending to the crops and producing and promoting their very own items.

Within the morning and afternoon, visits are free. A guided tour can be requested prematurely. Every day holy lots are held within the church.

9. Go Mountaineering

The area is famend for its quite a few mountaineering trails, despite the fact that that isn’t why nearly all of vacationers go to Lake Como.

One of many easy routes with beautiful views for a leisurely Sunday stroll is the mountaineering path on Monte Bisbino. There isn’t a specialised tools wanted. The Monte Bisbino mountain is located at a peak of 1325 meters. The route begins in Cernobbio (By way of Della Liberta) and travels by way of the Rovenna neighborhood. The highway will get a little bit narrower after Rovenna. Round it’s a birch-spruce forest.

The Grigna is a portion of a mountainous massif that stretches from the cities of Lecco to Bellano and rises up from the japanese arm of Lake Como. The Grigna Settentrionale (North Grigna) and the Grigna Meridionale are two distinct peaks on the massif that divides Lake Como from the Valsassina (South Grigna). The Grigna Settentrionale rises 2,410 meters (7,907 ft) above sea degree and can be known as merely Grigna or Grignone. At 2,177 meters/7,142 ft, the Grigna Meridionale (additionally spelled Grignetta) is a little bit decrease.

With a peak of 1436 meters, Monte Palanzone is the second-highest mountain within the area after Monte San Primo. A chapel within the form of a pyramid was constructed on the summit in 1900 by the Como-based Circle Alessandro Volta and restored in 1981 and 2002 with assist from the alpine group Palanzo.

You’ll be able to see Lake Como and the Po Valley from the summit. The restaurant on the Mount Palanzone Refuge, also referred to as the Riella Refuge, which is located on the base of the height, gives a conventional Alpine menu.

Only a few kilometres away from Bellagio is Mt. San Primo (1682 m), whose summit gives an unmatched view. 5 kilometers of ski slopes are served by 2 ski lifts, and there may be additionally a slope for bobsledding and sledging. The very best mountain within the Larian Triangle, San Primo, gives a wide ranging view of Como’s Prealps due to its strategic location.

Sentiero del Viandante, which runs from Abbadia Latriana to Piantedo on the japanese shore of Lake Como, is one other well-known hike. This multi-day path has a size of about 45 km and is from the Roman period. You’ll be able to hike a part of the path, however all the path would require a separate journey to Lake Como.

10. Funicular Como Brunate

Need to take within the magnificent view of Como? Go to Brunate, a city that has a hilltop location 715 meters (about 2,345 ft) excessive and gives a view of Como.

A small city referred to as Brunate is located within the mountains above Lake Como. You’ll be able to take a implausible funicular practice that climbs the mountain and stops at Brunate for those who journey to the japanese fringe of the lake near town of Como.

You may get to Brunate shortly by taking the Como-Brunate cable automotive, which departs from Piazza Alcide de Gasperi, which is a brief distance from the Como Lago practice station.

The views from this city, that are merely magnificent when you get to the highest, can help you absorb each the splendour of the Lake and town of Como. You’ll be able to loosen up and breathe within the crisp mountain air on one of many many terraces and eating places that supply breathtaking views.

For individuals who are feeling notably daring, a two-hour hike will take them to Mount Boletto’s summit, the place they’ll have much more breathtaking views of this enchanted locale.

Moreover, from Brunate, you possibly can stroll for about 20 minutes to get to the Faro Voltiano (Volta Lighthouse), which is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to six:30 p.m., apart from non-holiday Wednesdays (closed in case of dangerous climate).

11. Villa Carlotta

If you wish to get pleasure from a leisurely day of sightseeing, among the finest issues to do in Lake Como is to go to Villa Carlotta.

Villa Carlotta is superb for its lush gardens and well-known work and sculptures. It’s positioned within the Tremezzina Riviera, a preferred Lake Como vacation spot for vacationers.

The most effective time to go to the gardens is presently in Might, when all the panorama is ablaze with the gorgeous camellia and rhododendron blooms.

Rhododendrons in numerous colours and historical cedars are among the many many uncommon bushes and vegetation that make up the famend botanical backyard. There is sufficient to preserve you occupied for hours, whatever the climate, in addition to a implausible museum with a formidable artwork assortment.

As well as, there’s a implausible museum close by with a formidable artwork assortment, so irrespective of the climate, there shall be lots to maintain you occupied for hours. A bookstore, a welcoming café, and a serene picnic space with breathtaking views are additionally out there on the museum.

12. Lecco

Lecco, which is positioned roughly a half-hour drive from Bellagio, is most probably going to be both your first or final cease on Lake Como (relying on which method you drive).

As we made our option to Lecco from Milan, through Como, and additional up the coast through Bellagio, it was our remaining cease earlier than arriving there.

Once you get to this location, make it some extent to take a look at the Palace of Fears, which is a museum that options hundreds of shows and a extremely cool assortment of latest artwork. You possibly can simply kill a number of hours inside.

As well as, remember to pay a go to to the revered Basilica of San Nicola, which dominates the panorama of Lecco. It’s believed that the situation has hosted a spiritual construction of some form for the higher a part of the previous thousand years.

Getting hungry? Go to Trattoria Corte Fiorina, which is conveniently positioned in the midst of town. Their freshly made ravioli that includes fish from Lake Como is a tasty dish.

Make plans to spend the night on the completely magnificent Lecco Theatre by buying tickets prematurely. Although it’s an incredible place to go to, it’s best to most likely brush up in your Italian earlier than going there.

I hope that helped you in planning on your go to to Lake Como. You’ll not remorse visiting this stunning a part of Northern Italy! You by no means know, you would possibly stumble upon George Clooney in your go to right here.

Have you ever been to Lake Como? Which half is your favorite? Let me know within the remark field under!