If you’re wondering what to do in Lake Como, you’ve come to the right place. Nestled in the foothills of the Alps in northern Italy, Lake Como is one of the most breathtaking destinations in Europe. With its crystal-clear waters, elegant historic villas, and charming lakeside villages, it offers something for every type of traveller – whether you’re seeking relaxation, outdoor adventure, cultural discoveries, or simply the pleasure of drifting across one of the world’s most beautiful lakes on a private boat.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the very best activities, hidden gems, and insider tips to make the most of your Lake Como visit in 2026.
The Best Things to Do in Lake Como
1. Explore the Village of Bellagio
No visit to Lake Como is complete without time in Bellagio, often called the Pearl of the Lake. Perched at the tip of the Larian Triangle – where the lake’s two southern arms meet – Bellagio enchants visitors with its narrow cobblestone streets, colourful facades, and panoramic terraces overlooking the water.
Stroll along the promenade, browse the local boutiques, and stop for a gelato while watching the ferries glide across the lake. Bellagio is also the ideal base for exploring the surrounding area.
2. Visit Villa del Balbianello
Located on a dramatic promontory near Lenno, Villa del Balbianello is arguably the most photographed spot on Lake Como – and one of the most romantic. The 18th-century villa, surrounded by manicured terraced gardens, has served as the backdrop for blockbuster films including Star Wars: Episode II and Casino Royale.
You can reach it by boat (the most scenic option) or on foot from Lenno. Opening times vary by season, so check the FAI – Fondo Ambiente Italiano website before visiting.
3. Take a Private Boat Tour on the Lake
One of the most memorable experiences on Lake Como is exploring its waters from the deck of a private boat. A private boat tour allows you to discover hidden coves, admire lakeside villas from the water, and visit multiple villages without being tied to the public ferry schedule.
From Bellagio, you can reach Varenna, Menaggio, Tremezzo, and Lenno in a matter of minutes – giving you maximum flexibility and a perspective of the landscape that simply cannot be replicated from the shore. Whether you opt for a 1-hour sunset cruise or a full-day tour, a boat trip is the highlight of most visitors’ stay.
Discover our private boat tours from Bellagio
4. Explore Villa Carlotta and Its Botanical Gardens
On the western shore in Tremezzo, Villa Carlotta is one of the finest examples of neoclassical architecture on Lake Como. Built in the 17th century and expanded in the 18th, the villa houses an impressive collection of sculptures and paintings – but its true star is the garden.
Spread over seven hectares, the botanical garden is home to over 150 varieties of rhododendrons and azaleas – at their spectacular best in April and May – alongside camellias, ferns, and bamboo groves. It pairs perfectly with a stop in nearby Bellagio, just a short ferry ride away.
5. Wander Around Varenna
If Bellagio is the queen of the eastern shore, Varenna is its quieter, equally beautiful counterpart. Known for its pastel-coloured houses tumbling to the waterfront and the famous Passeggiata degli Innamorati (Lovers Walk) – a narrow lakeside path suspended above the water – Varenna is a favourite among visitors seeking a more peaceful atmosphere.
Do not miss Villa Monastero and its elegant lakeside gardens, or the medieval Vezio Castle perched on the hillside above the village, offering sweeping views of the entire lake.
6. Hike the Greenway del Lago
For those who love the outdoors, the Greenway del Lago is a scenic walking trail along the western shore, running approximately 10 kilometres from Colonno to Cadenabbia. The route passes through charming villages, olive groves, and centuries-old stone walls, with stunning lake views at every turn – and reaches parts of the shoreline that most tourists never see.
7. Visit Como City and Its Cathedral
The city of Como, at the southern tip of the lake, is often overlooked by visitors rushing straight to the northern villages – but it is well worth a stop. The Gothic-Renaissance Duomo di Como, begun in 1396, is one of the most impressive religious buildings in Lombardy and took nearly four centuries to complete.
After exploring the cathedral, take the Brunate funicular up the hillside for panoramic views over the lake, or walk along the lakefront promenade to enjoy the lively atmosphere of this vibrant Italian city.
Water Activities on Lake Como
Beyond private boat tours, Lake Como offers a wealth of water-based experiences for all tastes:
- Kayaking and canoeing: Several operators offer guided kayak tours along quieter stretches of the lake, ideal for getting close to the shoreline at a leisurely pace.
- Swimming: The lake is clean and swimmable throughout summer. Popular spots include the lidos at Bellagio, Menaggio, and Dongo – water temperature is most comfortable between June and September.
- Sailing: Lake Como has a long sailing tradition. You can charter a sailboat with or without a skipper for a half or full day on the water.
- Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP): Rental stations are available in most major villages during the warmer months. Calm morning waters are perfect for beginners.
Day Trips from Lake Como
Lake Como’s central location in Northern Italy makes it an excellent base for day excursions. Here are four destinations well worth adding to your itinerary:
- Milan (45 min by train from Como): Fashion capital, world-class art galleries, and the magnificent Duomo. A perfect day trip for culture and shopping.
- Lugano, Switzerland (1 hr by car): A cosmopolitan lakeside city with Swiss-Italian character, an elegant waterfront, and excellent cuisine.
- Bergamo (1.5 hrs by car): A stunning medieval hilltop city – the Citta Alta – with winding alleys, Venetian walls, and breathtaking views.
- Cinque Terre (3 hrs by train): The iconic cluster of five colourful cliffside villages on the Ligurian coast, best visited in spring or autumn.
Practical Tips for Visiting Lake Como in 2026
A few essential tips to help you plan the perfect trip:
- Best time to visit: Late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) offer ideal weather with fewer crowds than peak summer.
- Getting around: The public ferry network connects all major villages. For maximum flexibility, consider a private boat hire or a rental car.
- Where to stay: Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio are the most convenient bases for exploring the lake in any direction.
- Book in advance: Popular villas, lakeside restaurants, and boat tours fill up weeks ahead in summer – always secure reservations early.
- Currency and language: Italy uses the euro. Most tourist-facing businesses in Lake Como speak English, especially in Bellagio and Varenna.
For a comprehensive overview of the lake’s geography and history, the official tourism portal of Lombardy (in-lombardia.it/en) is an excellent reference.
FAQ: What to Do in Lake Como
What is Lake Como best known for?
Lake Como is best known for its spectacular natural scenery, elegant 18th and 19th-century villas, and glamorous atmosphere. It has long been a retreat for European aristocracy and is today associated with luxury tourism, celebrity holidays, and cinematic landscapes. Landmarks such as Villa del Balbianello, Villa Carlotta, and the villages of Bellagio and Varenna are among its most celebrated attractions.
How many days do you need in Lake Como?
Most visitors find that 2 to 3 days is sufficient to see the main highlights – Bellagio, Varenna, and one or two villas. However, if you want to explore at a relaxed pace, take day trips to Milan or Lugano, and discover lesser-known villages, 4 to 5 days is ideal.
What is the prettiest village on Lake Como?
While beauty is subjective, Bellagio and Varenna are consistently ranked among the prettiest villages on Lake Como. Bellagio impresses with its vibrant promenade and central position on the lake, while Varenna charms with its narrow lanes, pastel houses, and romantic waterfront walk.
Can you swim in Lake Como?
Yes – Lake Como is clean and swimmable, particularly in the central and northern sections. Many villages have dedicated swimming areas and lidos open throughout summer. Water temperature is most pleasant between June and September.
Is a private boat tour worth it in Lake Como?
Absolutely. A private boat tour is one of the best ways to experience what to do in Lake Como, letting you visit multiple villages, admire lakeside villas from the water, and explore hidden coves inaccessible by road. A tour departing from Bellagio, in particular, offers an unmatched perspective of the lake’s most iconic scenery.
Plan Your Perfect Lake Como Experience
From the elegant gardens of Villa Carlotta to the winding lanes of Varenna, from exhilarating hikes along the Greenway del Lago to unforgettable sunsets on the water – there is truly no shortage of remarkable things to do in Lake Como. Whether you are planning a romantic weekend getaway or an extended family holiday, this extraordinary corner of Northern Italy promises memories that will last a lifetime.
Start planning your visit today – and make sure to book your private boat tour from Bellagio for the ultimate Lake Como experience on the water.
