Located in the Lombardy region of Northern Italy, Lake Como is a serene lake and an upscale region. It is known for its beautiful landscapes created by the mesmerizing lake and the foothills of Alps. If you ever visit Italy on a holiday, make sure that you explore Lake Como too. There are several cultural and historic cities lining the banks of the lake. Check out these amazing things to do in Lake Como to make the most of your Italian vacation.
Top 10 Things To Do In Lake Como
Here are the 10 most interesting things to do in Lake Como on your Italian holiday:
1. Cruise Tour – Sail On Lake Como
One of the best things to do in Lake Como is to take a splendid cruise tour or a private boat tour. A tour through the lake will let you witness the breathtaking beauty of the lake and the landscape surrounding it from a different perspective. This vast and serene water body is surrounded by lush green mountains on both sides and is lined by historic villas and vibrant gardens. You can take a romantic and luxurious cruise tour with your partner or a group tour with your friends or family. And on a private boat tour, you also stop at certain spots to swim or dive. Get a chance to spot the locations that are visited by VIP from all over the world.
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2. Walking Tour – Along The Eastern Coast
Image Credit: Alexander Glebov for wikipedia
Discover the history and charm of Lake Como by taking this exciting walking-tour along the Eastern Coast of the lake. Observe how the artistic and architectural works of human settlement on the coast of the lake perfectly complements the natural beauty. Explore on foot, the small cities that line the coast from Lecco and walk along the Sentiero del Viandante passageway that runs along the lake. This route also takes you to Abbadia Lariana, Colico and Valtellina. Pass through various cultural villages and historical sites on this highly enriching excursion around the lake.
3. Music Festivals – Attend Shows Around Lake Como
Image Credit: Alex-V for pixabay
Here’s a chance for the music lovers to attend some wonderful music shows organised around Lake Como and Bellagio. One such popular festival is the Festival di Bellagio e del Lago di Como or the Festival Of Bellagio And Lake Como. This year, the 9th edition of the festival is being celebrated. The festival brings to you a lot of music performed by 2 orchestra by the charming lake. The event takes place at several different locations and venues around the lake, on different dates throughout the year.
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4. Lake Como Nightlife – Go Club Hopping
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To be completely spell-bound by the charm culture and lifestyle around Lake Como, one needs to experience the nightlife of Lake Como. There are several restaurants, clubs and bars that offering electrifying nightlife opportunities. Along with several party and entertainment options, many local hotspots offer special nights and happy hours too. Some of the top nightlife places around Lake Como include, Block Club, Made Club, and Theoria.
5. Exhibitions – See Interesting Displays
There are several art, literature and cultural exhibitions held around Lake Como, that you can attend on your vacation. Exhibitions are one of the best ways to know about the history, art and culture of a place, under one roof. Some of the popular exhibitions held at Como near Como Lake include Mario Radice Exhibition; Splendori Del Settecento Sul Lago Di Como; and Fiera Del Libro In Como. You can also visit the Como Museums including Paolo Giovio Archaeological Museum; Giuseppe Garibaldi Historical Museum; Civic Art Gallery; and Volta Temple.
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6. Villa del Balbianello
This estate is situated on the western bank of the lake and offers an enchanting view of the area. It can be reached either by boat or through a short hike and it features a wonderful garden with beautiful flowers and plants. These embrace a building dating back to the late 16th century and create a combination of art and nature that is hard to find elsewhere. It is a must both for nature lovers and for those who do not want to miss out on the historical buildings of the area.
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7. Taxi-Boat Ride
This is a service which offers the possibility of going out on short or long trips from Varenna to various attractions on the lake. The shortest tour is that of Varenna, lasting half an hour, and the longest is the so-called ‘George’s tour’, which will take visitors from Varenna, past the villas dotting the shoreline and through to George Clooney’s villa in Laglio (2.5 hours). The boatman will also give suggestions as to where to have lunch or dinner on the lake and other must do attraction
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8. Jungle Raider Park
Image Credit: PublicDomainPictures for Pixabay
If adventure is what you seek, Jungle Raider Park is the place to be. With seven different paths based on different levels of difficulty, this park has everything you might wish to do, from ziplines to bungee jumping in nature. There are also paths which are specifically designed for children or beginners – or those feeling a little less daring! Jungle Raider Park has two different locations, one in Civenna and one in Margno, which means it’s easy to reach wherever you may be based.
9. Basilica Of Sant’Abbondio
This is one of the oldest churches in the area. In fact, the Basilica of Sant’Abbondio dates back to the 5th century AD. The apparent lack of décor is balanced by an apse which is highly ornamented with wonderful frescoes dating back to the mid-14th century. This building is curious also because it was constructed over different periods and visitors can still see how it was shaped by the trends of each epoch. There is nothing better if you want to experience some real history and art on Como.
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10. Forte di Fuentes
This fortress has a local historical significance in that it represents one of the very few remains of the Spanish dominion of the area. It dates back to the 17th century and is located in the northern part of the lake, near Colico. If you are interested in local history this really is a must, as walking through what used to be a stronghold, inclusive of a square and a church, will unravel tales of war and culture to boot.
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Plan a trip to Italy and witness the beauty of Lake Como. Also make sure you experience all of the above-listed things to do.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Lake Como
What should you not miss at Lake Como?
The breath-taking scenery & the tranquillity has made Lake Como of one the most attractive destinations in Italy. Here are few activities you must indulge in when at Lake Como. Visit lakeside towns and villages Menaggio, Bellagio, Tremezzo and Varenna. Enjoy a cruise on lake or visit a Villa on Lake Como like Villa Melzi (Bellagio), Villa Balbianello (Lenno) and Villa Carlotta (Tremezzo).
Can you swim in Lake Como?
The answer is Yes for 99% of the public beaches on Lake Como. The water quality is checked every month from April to the end of the swimming season, which is October.
What is the best month to visit Lake Como?
The best time to visit Lake Como is between March and November. During this period, the the Sun shines the most & the temperature is warm.
What is the best town to visit on Lake Como?
Lake Como is surrounded by appealing & attractive towns & villages. The stunning views & serene locations make your visit a memorable on. Here are a few towns you must visit on Lake Como:
· Como
· Bellagio
· Varenna
· Tremezzina
· Nesso
· Cernobbio
Is Lake Como expensive?
Yes, Lake Como is expensive. Other popular towns like Varenna, Menaggio and Bellagio are also expensive and it can be difficult to get there.
How do you get around Lake Como?
You can travel around Lake Como in several ways, be it private or public transportation. If you wish to take a tour of the Western side of Lake Como for example, places like Bellagio, Como, Menaggio and Tremezzina, you can opt for a bus or boat service. For travelling to places like Colico, Lecco and Verenna, which lie in the Eastern side, train service is the best option.
How far is Venice from Lake Como?
Venice is at a distance of about 345 kms. from Lake Como and it would take 4:26 hrs via A4/E70
Is Lake Como safe for tourists?
Lake Como is a very safe for tourists. However, one should not become callous and avoid traveling alone at night.
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A writer at TravelTriangle, Elin, enjoys putting her travel experiences into words. She is a lover of cats and coffee and believes in the idea of ‘Live and let live’.
