Menaggio, bellaggio, Tremezzo, Varenna…
You’re about to get to know all the beautiful towns and villages on Lombardy’s Lake Como. In this article, we’ll tell you exactly what to do and where to do it, whether on the western or eastern shores of the lake.
Visit elegant mansions and lakeside gardens, sample delicious Italian cuisine and enjoy water sports: get ready to discover the best things to do on Lake Como.
Lake Como represents the epitome of Italian luxury, which is why it’s known as the playground of the jet set and has been attracting visitors for ages.
Lake Como offers a multitude of activities for visitors, whether it’s a boat trip on the lake, a hike in the nearby hills and mountains, the discovery of legendary palazzi and their parks, or simply a cocktail on a terrace admiring the view.
To help you plan the ultimate adventure, follow our guide to the best things to do on Lake Como.
1Admire the Lake Como sunset in style: but which side of the lake to choose?
One of the most popular things to do on Lake Como is also the easiest: watch the sunset! The best way to do this is with a delicious cocktail in hand! For the best views, head to the eastern shore of the lake, where you can admire the most vibrant shades reflected on the surface of the water.
For the best sunset cocktails on Lake Como, try :
- the lakeside terrace at the T Bar of the Grand Hotel Tremezzo
- or at the Bar Il Molo in Varenna.
And for an unforgettable panorama, take the Brunate funicular and watch the sun set over the lake!
2.feast at one of Lake Como’s trendiest restaurants
Lake Como showcases the best of northern Italian cuisine, and there’s no shortage of extraordinary places to eat around the lake. For fresh fish from the lake, don’t miss Trattoria al Porto, in the sleepy village of Careno, where the menu changes daily depending on the catch.
For quality local produce, head to Agriturismo Sorsasso, a family-run restaurant at the northern end of the lake, where every ingredient comes from the region and the family farm. Meals are simple and lovingly prepared, as is often the case with Italian dishes!
If you’d like to organize a gourmet dinner on Lake Como, book a table at the Michelin-starred I Tigli restaurant in Theoria, where you’ll take a sensory journey through exceptional gourmet Italian cuisine.
3 To visit the lake, take to the skies and discover Lake Como by helicopter, the most beautiful villages at a glance!
Looking for something unique to do on Lake Como? How about an incredible helicopter flight over the lake! There’s nothing more exciting than changing your perspective and admiring the lake from the air, and a helicopter flight gives you exactly that opportunity.
You’ll see the lake like you’ve never seen it before, and get chills as the helicopter descends and skims the surface of the water! These are moments you’ll never forget.
A little tip from a local: you should know that the shores of the lake are very steep, so it’s sometimes necessary to carry out removals with the help of a helicopter! So don’t be surprised if you see a piano flying by while you’re having breakfast on your terrace!
4What better place to treat yourself to a fabulous gastronomic tour of Como?
A trip to Italy would be nothing without feasting on the incredible local cuisine! This tasting experience is one of the best things to do on Lake Como, as it allows you to discover magnificent local products while discovering the architectural beauties of the city of Como.
You’ll visit the local farmers’ market and sample many specialties showcasing Lombardy’s rich terroir. Not only will you soak up the authentic atmosphere like a true local, but you’ll also learn a lot about Italian cuisine. What a fantastic way to spend your day!
Let’s not forget that Northern Italy is a paradise for wine lovers, and if you’re staying in Bellaggio, we recommend a visit to Enoteca Principessa, one of the best wine shops around the lake.
5.stretch your legs on the Sentiero Del Viandante, near Lake Como
The Sentiero del Viandante is an ancient Roman road that runs along the eastern shore of Lake Como and has been transformed into a popular hiking trail. If you’re looking for peace, quiet and the most incredible views of the lake, head here to stretch your legs or enjoy a pretty sunset.
You’ll pass ancient mule trails, chestnut forests, olive groves and black marble quarries. Towards the end of the day, the vivid colors of sunset illuminate the lake and surrounding hills, offering a dazzling spectacle of natural light.
