Como lake holidays : guide, tips & more

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Como lake holidays : guide, tips & more

The most interesting villages to visit in the area

Villas, gardens, sports, shopping and much more to do in Como Lake ... Thanks to its position, its temperate climate and its shape, this area can be chosen and remembered with pleasure for holidays of a very different kind, from the quiet ones on the lakeside to the sports ones around the peninsula. Despite being close to the mountains, this area has the fortune of a Mediterranean climate that has encouraged the growth of olive trees and gives life to the great spring blooms of azaleas that attract fans of flowers from all over the world. The area is also ideal for sports holidays. On the lake you can practice sailing, water skiing, kayaking and rowing, while trekking and cycling routes wind through the promontory, with breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. For those who prefer shopping to sports activities, in Bellagio, there are numerous boutiques, small shops and craft shops where tradition blends with the culture of the place.
This small historic town occupies an incredibly privileged position: the tip of the promontory that divides the lake into three branches. The boats that shuttle across the lake can take you to other interesting places in just a few minutes. The streets of the historic centre are terraced with the original houses; there are narrow alleyways and cobblestoned stairways lined by shops, craft shops, famous restaurants and generations old family trattorias.
647 recommandé par les habitants
Bellagio
647 recommandé par les habitants
This small historic town occupies an incredibly privileged position: the tip of the promontory that divides the lake into three branches. The boats that shuttle across the lake can take you to other interesting places in just a few minutes. The streets of the historic centre are terraced with the original houses; there are narrow alleyways and cobblestoned stairways lined by shops, craft shops, famous restaurants and generations old family trattorias.
Varenna is a picturesque and traditional village, located on the eastern shore of Lake Como. Varenna is an essential stop for anyone wishing to visit one of the most typical and quite towns of the lake.
395 recommandé par les habitants
Varenna
395 recommandé par les habitants
Varenna is a picturesque and traditional village, located on the eastern shore of Lake Como. Varenna is an essential stop for anyone wishing to visit one of the most typical and quite towns of the lake.
Lake Como’s only island, in bygone times a fortress and the wealthiest area on the lake before being completely destroyed in 1169. Now no longer inhabited. There are some ruins and remains of an old basilica from ancient times.
115 recommandé par les habitants
Isola Comacina
115 recommandé par les habitants
Lake Como’s only island, in bygone times a fortress and the wealthiest area on the lake before being completely destroyed in 1169. Now no longer inhabited. There are some ruins and remains of an old basilica from ancient times.
Menaggio is a picturesque town of ancient origins overlooking Lake Como. There is an elegant lake promenade perfect for a relaxing walk and a lot of nice shops.
200 recommandé par les habitants
Menaggio
200 recommandé par les habitants
Menaggio is a picturesque town of ancient origins overlooking Lake Como. There is an elegant lake promenade perfect for a relaxing walk and a lot of nice shops.
The town is situated at the lower end of the eastern branch of the lake and stretches along the eastern bank of the river Adda. In its historical centre, one can still see the ruins of the city walls, the moat which closed off the Medieval town and also the imposing bridge built between 1336 and 1338 by Azzone Visconti. The ancient via Cavour leads to square named after Garibaldi where there is the theatre Sociale and eventually reaches the narrow square Piazza XX Settembre where the Visconti tower stands now museum and exhibition centre.
Province of Lecco
The town is situated at the lower end of the eastern branch of the lake and stretches along the eastern bank of the river Adda. In its historical centre, one can still see the ruins of the city walls, the moat which closed off the Medieval town and also the imposing bridge built between 1336 and 1338 by Azzone Visconti. The ancient via Cavour leads to square named after Garibaldi where there is the theatre Sociale and eventually reaches the narrow square Piazza XX Settembre where the Visconti tower stands now museum and exhibition centre.
Located on the Italian-Swiss border, the city of Como in Italy overlooks the southwest end of its lake and is surrounded by green ridge hills, resulting in unparalleled, natural scenery. Como’s centre, located inside the antique medieval walls, is rich in monuments and artworks. In the piazza del Duomo (cathedral) you find the Broletto, the antique town hall built in 1200 and the town’s bell tower. The Duomo was built between the end of 1300 and the mid 1700’s and is a fusion of different architectural styles. The façade statues are astonishing. Behind the Duomo is the ex Casa del Fascio masterpiece of the rationalist architect Giuseppe Terragni considered the symbol of modern architecture. Como also hosts real gems of the Romanesque period like the church of S. Fedele, S. Abbondio, S. Carpoforo. Near the lake stands the neoclassic Voltiano temple erected in 1927 for the centennial of the death of Alessandro Volta, the inventor of the battery, born in Como. Next to the temple is the War Memorial constructed in 1933 based on the designs of futuristic architect Antonio Sant’Elia. We recommend the walk from Piazza Cavour to the gardens of Villa Olmo in order to admire the beautiful neoclassical villas on the lake shore.
40 recommandé par les habitants
Province of Como
40 recommandé par les habitants
Located on the Italian-Swiss border, the city of Como in Italy overlooks the southwest end of its lake and is surrounded by green ridge hills, resulting in unparalleled, natural scenery. Como’s centre, located inside the antique medieval walls, is rich in monuments and artworks. In the piazza del Duomo (cathedral) you find the Broletto, the antique town hall built in 1200 and the town’s bell tower. The Duomo was built between the end of 1300 and the mid 1700’s and is a fusion of different architectural styles. The façade statues are astonishing. Behind the Duomo is the ex Casa del Fascio masterpiece of the rationalist architect Giuseppe Terragni considered the symbol of modern architecture. Como also hosts real gems of the Romanesque period like the church of S. Fedele, S. Abbondio, S. Carpoforo. Near the lake stands the neoclassic Voltiano temple erected in 1927 for the centennial of the death of Alessandro Volta, the inventor of the battery, born in Como. Next to the temple is the War Memorial constructed in 1933 based on the designs of futuristic architect Antonio Sant’Elia. We recommend the walk from Piazza Cavour to the gardens of Villa Olmo in order to admire the beautiful neoclassical villas on the lake shore.
A small and characteristic village close Lecco city.
8 recommandé par les habitants
Pescarenico Luogo Manzoniano
Piazza Era
8 recommandé par les habitants
A small and characteristic village close Lecco city.
Visiting Tremezzina means having the chance to enjoy a place that is rich in atmosphere, history, and attractions
21 recommandé par les habitants
Tremezzo
21 recommandé par les habitants
Visiting Tremezzina means having the chance to enjoy a place that is rich in atmosphere, history, and attractions

Getting around

best ways to move around and rental points
Enjoy the lake from the lake
Boat2go
Piazza Conciliazione
Enjoy the lake from the lake
Rent Onno
10 Via G. Garibaldi
13 recommandé par les habitants
Bike It! Bellagio
103 Via Valassina
13 recommandé par les habitants
16 recommandé par les habitants
Bellagio Water Sports
1 Via Ercole Sfondrati
16 recommandé par les habitants

Food and drinks

The best way is to join the local people to taste the typical cuisine. Knowing a place means knowing its aromas and flavors because food is deeply linked to tradition and culture and it is only through the taste that you can deeply enter the spirit of the place ... Are you ready to immerse yourself in the local cuisine and get to know Como Lake through dishes related to its territory or modern reinterpretations of ancient traditions? Numerous bars and restaurants await you and we are sure you will find your favorite dish!
By the lake, beach and restaurant
13 recommandé par les habitants
Camping La Fornace Alex Bonzi
52 Via G. Garibaldi
13 recommandé par les habitants
By the lake, beach and restaurant
Onnolulu beach
10 Via G. Garibaldi
15 recommandé par les habitants
Onnolulu Oliveto Lario
15 recommandé par les habitants
Mayos Beach
SP583
Fresh fish of the day ! In a characteristic suburb by the lake.
40 recommandé par les habitants
Ittiturismo Ristorante Mella
6 Piazza San Giovanni Battista
40 recommandé par les habitants
Fresh fish of the day ! In a characteristic suburb by the lake.
Best pizza in Bellagio
22 recommandé par les habitants
Babayaga
8 Via Eugenio Vitali
22 recommandé par les habitants
Best pizza in Bellagio
A romantic corner close Villa Melzi garden
48 recommandé par les habitants
Ristorante Alle Darsene di Loppia
Via Melzi d'Eril
48 recommandé par les habitants
A romantic corner close Villa Melzi garden
A nice corner along Salita Serbolli in Bellagio historic centre
21 recommandé par les habitants
San Giacomo
45 Salita Serbelloni
21 recommandé par les habitants
A nice corner along Salita Serbolli in Bellagio historic centre
14 recommandé par les habitants
Aperitivo Et Al Bar
34 Salita Serbelloni
14 recommandé par les habitants
Gelateria del Borgo
46 Via Giuseppe Garibaldi
Perfect for an aperitif in the centre
35 recommandé par les habitants
Enoteca Cava Turacciolo
35 recommandé par les habitants
Perfect for an aperitif in the centre
Excellent kitchen in a romantic corner by the lake.
Al Molo 5 Restaurant
1 Via Milano
Excellent kitchen in a romantic corner by the lake.
Excellent restaurant in a romantic courtyard
12 recommandé par les habitants
Antico Pozzo Ristorante - Pizzaria
26 Salita Antonio Mella
12 recommandé par les habitants
Excellent restaurant in a romantic courtyard

Sights & things to do

Visit the pearls of Lake Como : Many destinations to discover
If you don’t mind walking, you can follow the path along the Esino River and get to Castello di Vezio, an ancient medieval fortress overlooking Varenna. The castle houses a permanent exhibition dedicated to the Lariosaurus – an extinct sea reptile from the Middle Triassic period, which gave birth to a legend similar to that of the Loch Ness monster – as well as a center for the training of birds of prey.
201 recommandé par les habitants
Château de Vezio
Via del Castellano
201 recommandé par les habitants
If you don’t mind walking, you can follow the path along the Esino River and get to Castello di Vezio, an ancient medieval fortress overlooking Varenna. The castle houses a permanent exhibition dedicated to the Lariosaurus – an extinct sea reptile from the Middle Triassic period, which gave birth to a legend similar to that of the Loch Ness monster – as well as a center for the training of birds of prey.
It is a natural gorge created by the Pioverna river , over the centuries, have shaped gigantic potholes and suggestive caverns.
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Orrido di Bellano
Piazza San Giorgio
136 recommandé par les habitants
It is a natural gorge created by the Pioverna river , over the centuries, have shaped gigantic potholes and suggestive caverns.
It’s the famous Nesso Gorge, locally known as Orrido di Nesso, probably one of the best natural wonders that you can find around the lake. Enjoy a stunning view of the waterfall from Ponte della Civera, a Romanesque bridge made of stone that you can reach from Piazza Castello; this is a nice place to take pictures of the amazing waterfall.
9 recommandé par les habitants
Ponte della Civera
38 Via del Castello
9 recommandé par les habitants
It’s the famous Nesso Gorge, locally known as Orrido di Nesso, probably one of the best natural wonders that you can find around the lake. Enjoy a stunning view of the waterfall from Ponte della Civera, a Romanesque bridge made of stone that you can reach from Piazza Castello; this is a nice place to take pictures of the amazing waterfall.
Madonna del Ghisallo has a long and fascinating history linking it to the sport of cycling. This famous hill, with its spectacular views, is in fact an iconic location for cyclists of all ages and categories, both competitive and non-competitive. Its climb has been the decisive or conclusive stage of some of the most renowned races in the history of cycling: from the Giro d'Italia to the Giro di Lombardia, to the Coppa Agostini and the Giornata della Bicicletta. For this reason, thousands of cycling enthusiasts come up to Ghisallo each year -- also to visit its 17th century shrine containing a painting of the Blessed Virgin Mary, known as the Madonna del Ghisallo, declared the patroness of cyclists.
39 recommandé par les habitants
Madonna del Ghisallo
Prov.detta Valassina
39 recommandé par les habitants
Madonna del Ghisallo has a long and fascinating history linking it to the sport of cycling. This famous hill, with its spectacular views, is in fact an iconic location for cyclists of all ages and categories, both competitive and non-competitive. Its climb has been the decisive or conclusive stage of some of the most renowned races in the history of cycling: from the Giro d'Italia to the Giro di Lombardia, to the Coppa Agostini and the Giornata della Bicicletta. For this reason, thousands of cycling enthusiasts come up to Ghisallo each year -- also to visit its 17th century shrine containing a painting of the Blessed Virgin Mary, known as the Madonna del Ghisallo, declared the patroness of cyclists.
The boat ride to the Piona Abbey gives you the possibility of admiring the beautiful mountain scenery around the northern part of the lake The Abbey stands in a wonderful position on the eastern shore of the lake at the end of the Olgiasca peninsula, overlooking the small inner lake of Piona. The Abbey is of great historical and artistic interest. Its history begins in 610, when an oratory was founded on the peninsula, dedicated to Santa Giustina. In 1138 it was consecrated and in 1169 it became a Cluniac monastery.
87 recommandé par les habitants
Abbaye de Cluny de Sainte-Marie de Piona
55 Via Abbazia di Piona
87 recommandé par les habitants
The boat ride to the Piona Abbey gives you the possibility of admiring the beautiful mountain scenery around the northern part of the lake The Abbey stands in a wonderful position on the eastern shore of the lake at the end of the Olgiasca peninsula, overlooking the small inner lake of Piona. The Abbey is of great historical and artistic interest. Its history begins in 610, when an oratory was founded on the peninsula, dedicated to Santa Giustina. In 1138 it was consecrated and in 1169 it became a Cluniac monastery.
The Moto Guzzi Museum, located in Mandello del Lario (LC) is an historical, technical and cultural heritage of the area. It is located in the heart of the historic Fabbrica where, from 1921 to the present, all the motorcycles bearing its trademark have always been manufactured.
Moto Guzzi World Club
57 Via Emanuele V. Parodi
The Moto Guzzi Museum, located in Mandello del Lario (LC) is an historical, technical and cultural heritage of the area. It is located in the heart of the historic Fabbrica where, from 1921 to the present, all the motorcycles bearing its trademark have always been manufactured.
It is the only island on Lake Como. Naturally, you can only get to Isola Comacina by boat. The public boat service allow you to reach the island from anywhere on Lake Como.
115 recommandé par les habitants
Isola Comacina
115 recommandé par les habitants
It is the only island on Lake Como. Naturally, you can only get to Isola Comacina by boat. The public boat service allow you to reach the island from anywhere on Lake Como.
A walk among towns, churches and villas
79 recommandé par les habitants
Sentier Vert du Lac de Côme
Via Luigi Civetta
79 recommandé par les habitants
A walk among towns, churches and villas
Sit back, relax and enjoy the view! The shores of Lake Como are studded with beaches and resorts, where both locals and tourists find some relaxation on the hottest days.
Oliveto Lario
Sit back, relax and enjoy the view! The shores of Lake Como are studded with beaches and resorts, where both locals and tourists find some relaxation on the hottest days.
Panoramic views on a big benchy, Loc. Civenna di Bellagio
Civenna Big Bench
Via San Rocco
Panoramic views on a big benchy, Loc. Civenna di Bellagio
A curious house in the hamlet of San Giovanni in Bellagio.
Casa delle Biciclette Volanti
1 Vicolo Pretorio
A curious house in the hamlet of San Giovanni in Bellagio.

Villas and gardens on the lake

The Gardens of Villa Melzi strech out along the lake shore and are armoniously inserted into the hilly scenery of the Bellagio peninsula that divides the two branches of Lario lake.
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Les Jardins de Villa Melzi
Via Lungo Lario Manzoni
179 recommandé par les habitants
The Gardens of Villa Melzi strech out along the lake shore and are armoniously inserted into the hilly scenery of the Bellagio peninsula that divides the two branches of Lario lake.
Here, in a natural basin, embraced by the lake and mountains, Nature and human ingenuity live together in perfect harmony. In the 1600s, the Marquis Giorgio Clerici had a splendid residence built in this area: the massive but understated Villa Carlotta is surrounded by an Italianate garden and looks out over the breath-taking Bellagio setting.
421 recommandé par les habitants
Villa Carlotta
2 Via Regina
421 recommandé par les habitants
Here, in a natural basin, embraced by the lake and mountains, Nature and human ingenuity live together in perfect harmony. In the 1600s, the Marquis Giorgio Clerici had a splendid residence built in this area: the massive but understated Villa Carlotta is surrounded by an Italianate garden and looks out over the breath-taking Bellagio setting.
On a peninsula from which one can enjoy the spells of the Lario, this elegant and romantic eighteenth century mansion and its astonishing garden have hosted letters and travels to its last owner, Guido Monzino.
337 recommandé par les habitants
Villa Balbianello
Via Guido Delmati
337 recommandé par les habitants
On a peninsula from which one can enjoy the spells of the Lario, this elegant and romantic eighteenth century mansion and its astonishing garden have hosted letters and travels to its last owner, Guido Monzino.
The villa was built in the 15th century for Marchesino Stanga. These stretch over the high part of the promontory of Bellagio, with over 18 km of avenues and paths that allow the visitor to admire the large quantity of plants, including rare and exotic plants, which grow on the terraces sloping down towards the lake. Splendid views of the Como and Lecco branches of the Lake from the XVIII century garden as well as views of the lake's northern branch and the Pre-Alps from the remains of the fortification on the top of the promontory
6 recommandé par les habitants
Parco di Villa Serbelloni
14 Piazza della Chiesa
6 recommandé par les habitants
The villa was built in the 15th century for Marchesino Stanga. These stretch over the high part of the promontory of Bellagio, with over 18 km of avenues and paths that allow the visitor to admire the large quantity of plants, including rare and exotic plants, which grow on the terraces sloping down towards the lake. Splendid views of the Como and Lecco branches of the Lake from the XVIII century garden as well as views of the lake's northern branch and the Pre-Alps from the remains of the fortification on the top of the promontory
The perfect place for weddings and ceremonies.
Aura Villa del Lago
22 Via A. Diaz
The perfect place for weddings and ceremonies.
Villa Monastero rests in Varenna. It is an amazing complex that includes a wide botanical garden, which is arranged in terraces and collects many rare plant species. Additionally, visitors will have the chance to see Casa Museo, a museum that collects four centuries of history within the elegant setting of the villa.
151 recommandé par les habitants
Villa Monastero
4 Viale Giovanni Polvani
151 recommandé par les habitants
Villa Monastero rests in Varenna. It is an amazing complex that includes a wide botanical garden, which is arranged in terraces and collects many rare plant species. Additionally, visitors will have the chance to see Casa Museo, a museum that collects four centuries of history within the elegant setting of the villa.
The magnificent complex of buildings and gardens, created and built between 1400 and 1800, today represents a perfect and harmonious combination of ancient and modern functionality
30 recommandé par les habitants
Hotel Villa Cipressi
22 Via 4 Novembre
30 recommandé par les habitants
The magnificent complex of buildings and gardens, created and built between 1400 and 1800, today represents a perfect and harmonious combination of ancient and modern functionality

Supermarket

Supermarket open 7:00-12:30 15:30-19:30 from monday to saturday 7:00-12:30 sunday closed on wednesday
35 recommandé par les habitants
Sigma Supermarket
15 Via Alessandro Volta
35 recommandé par les habitants
Supermarket open 7:00-12:30 15:30-19:30 from monday to saturday 7:00-12:30 sunday closed on wednesday
Fresh milk, a wide cheeses selection, honey, local oil Open from tuesday to saturday 8:30-12:15 15:30-19:00 Sunday and monday 8:30-12:15
15 recommandé par les habitants
Latteria Bellagio
36 Via Alessandro Volta
15 recommandé par les habitants
Fresh milk, a wide cheeses selection, honey, local oil Open from tuesday to saturday 8:30-12:15 15:30-19:00 Sunday and monday 8:30-12:15
Migross Market Open from tuesday to saturday 8:30-12:30 15:30-19:30 Sunday 8:30-12:30 Monday closed
41 recommandé par les habitants
Consorzio Agrario Lombardo Soc.Coop.-Supermarket MIGROSS
40 Via Alessandro Volta
41 recommandé par les habitants
Migross Market Open from tuesday to saturday 8:30-12:30 15:30-19:30 Sunday 8:30-12:30 Monday closed
"da Pino Non solo Pane" di Gregolin Gabriella
66 Via Luigi Cadorna
Mini market open daily

Conseils aux voyageurs

Se déplacer dans les environs

Best way to explore the lake is by public boats

Boat trips and tours on Lake Como are something that I’d definitely recommend to anyone who wants to experience their holidays at its best. The local public navigation service (Navigazione Laghi) provides several routes that connect all of the most popular towns along Lake Como’s shores, at a convenient price. The ferry terminal point is in Bellagio. Close our apartment there is a ferry point to reach Bellagio and other villages.