Lake Como is an elegant destination in Northern Italy, known for its stunning alpine backdrop, picturesque villages, and luxurious villas, offering a blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and refined relaxation.
Social interaction primarily occurs in the charming lakeside towns such as Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio, where visitors can enjoy dining at local restaurants, relaxing at cafes, and taking leisurely strolls. The atmosphere is generally tranquil, with less emphasis on a bustling nightlife or traditional backpacker gathering spots.
Top 5 Things to do in Lake Como
Activities around Lake Como primarily involve exploring historical villas and their gardens, experiencing the lake from the water, wandering through picturesque lakeside towns, and enjoying scenic walks.
1. Visit Historic Villas and Gardens
Lake Como is renowned for its opulent villas, each offering a unique glimpse into the region's aristocratic past and featuring breathtaking gardens. Villa del Balbianello, famous for its terraced gardens and appearances in Hollywood films, provides sweeping views of the lake. Villa Melzi d'Eril in Bellagio and Villa Monastero in Varenna also boast stunning botanical gardens, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Exploring these estates allows one to appreciate architectural grandeur and landscape design while enjoying tranquil lake vistas.
Cost: Entrance fees typically range from €10 to €25 per person. For example, Villa del Balbianello garden-only tickets are around €14, while a garden and house tour costs approximately €25. Villa Melzi d'Eril and Villa Monastero garden entries are usually in the €8-€12 range.
Transport: Villas are often accessible via a short ferry ride to their nearest town. For Villa del Balbianello, take a ferry to Lenno. From Lenno, a pleasant 20-minute uphill walk (approximately 1 km) leads to the villa, or a taxi boat service is available for about €6 one-way or €9 return. Public bus services also connect Como to Lenno for approximately €4-€5.
2. Take a Lake Cruise or Boat Tour
Experiencing Lake Como from the water provides unparalleled panoramic views of the lakeside villages, dramatic Alpine backdrop, and hidden villas. Options range from public ferries, which are excellent for town hopping, to shared or private boat tours that offer a more intimate look at specific landmarks and allow for stops in secluded coves. Self-drive boat rentals provide the freedom to navigate the waters at one's own pace.
Cost: Public ferries offer a central lake day pass (covering Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio) for approximately €15. Shared boat tours typically start from €66-€140 per person for shorter excursions. Private boat tours vary significantly by duration and boat type, starting from around €200-€220 for one hour and increasing for longer durations or larger vessels. Self-drive boat rentals start from approximately €200 for two hours.
Transport: Public ferries operate from various towns around the lake, including Como, Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio. Many private and shared boat tours depart from major hubs like Como or Bellagio.
3. Explore Charming Lakeside Towns
Wandering through the vibrant streets of Bellagio, known as the 'Pearl of Lake Como,' the romantic pastel-colored village of Varenna, and the elegant town of Menaggio is a quintessential Lake Como experience. Each town boasts unique character, historic architecture, local boutiques, inviting cafes, and diverse restaurants. Taking leisurely strolls along the promenades allows for appreciating the local ambiance and stopping for an authentic Italian coffee or gelato.
Cost: Exploring the towns is free, with costs mainly related to dining, shopping, and inter-town ferry travel. A central lake day pass for ferries is approximately €15.
Transport: Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio are well-connected by frequent public ferry services, making town-hopping convenient. A one-way ferry ticket between Bellagio and Varenna costs approximately €3-€5 and takes about 15 minutes.
4. Hike the Greenway del Lago di Como
The Greenway del Lago di Como is an 11.5 km (7 mile) walking route along the western shore, offering an accessible way to experience Lake Como's scenic beauty and quieter villages. The trail passes through Colonno, Sala Comacina, Ossuccio, Lenno, Mezzegra, Tremezzo, and Griante, following sections of the ancient 'Antica Strada Regina.' It provides picturesque views, olive groves, and opportunities to discover historical churches and small hamlets.
Cost: The hike itself is free. Public bus (C10 line) tickets to access the starting point or hop between sections cost approximately €4-€5 for a single journey.
Transport: The Greenway officially starts in Colonno, which is reachable by the C10 bus from Como (approximately 45 minutes). The bus service also runs along the route, allowing visitors to complete shorter sections or return to their starting point.
5. Kayak on the Lake
For those seeking a more active and intimate connection with Lake Como, renting a kayak offers the chance to paddle along the shores, discovering hidden coves, private villas, and serene spots. This self-guided activity provides a unique, water-level perspective of the lake's beauty, particularly around areas like Bellagio, allowing for exploration at a personal pace.
Cost: Kayak rentals typically start from approximately $30 for a single kayak for one hour, and around $45 for a double kayak for one hour, with prices increasing for longer durations.
Transport: Kayak rental services are readily available in popular towns such as Bellagio, often from lakeside beaches or dedicated rental shops.
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