Top Things to do in Lake Como
Top 10 Free Things to do in Lake Como, Lombardy
A gorgeous spot that’s a convenient day trip from Milan, Lake Como recently earned fame as home to Hollywood star George Clooney. But celeb-spotting aside, it’s known for jaw-dropping natural beauty, elegant old villas—and the scenic towns surrounding the lake. Check out Varenna, Bellagio, and Menaggio, which offer great views, historic churches, and water-based activities such as ferries and passenger-only boats.
Restaurants in Lake Como
1. Monte Grona
2. Valchiavenna
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
3. La Ca Di Radio Vecc
4. Menaggio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 277 reviews
This attractive resort, located on the western shore of Lake Como, is a joy for outdoor enthusiasts who may be tempted by wind surfing and water-skiing on the lake, as well as golf and horseback riding in the countryside.
Reviewed By lakecomolakeview - Acquaseria, Italy
From our apartment in Acquaseria we took the beautiful walk along the lake to Menaggio (3.5 km). In the charming town of Menaggio we visited some nice shops, went to the tourist office and sat on a terrace overlooking the lake where we saw the Ferry arrive and depart. We really like that Menaggio is so close to Acquaseria.
5. La Punta Spartivento
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 553 reviews
This is what Italy is all about when you visit this scenic park on Lake Como, as you gaze upon the magnificent views of the distant Swiss Alps that seem to touch the waters of the lake.
Reviewed By Brun066 - Florence, Italy
After many decades, I went back to Punta Spartivento (= "cape of split wind") on a cold but clear winter day. The walk on foot from the pier is short, but it is closed between the fences of the villas, so that the unsuspecting traveler is suddenly displaced in the exciting view on this extreme northern end of Bellagio, overlooking the center of the lake, at the widest point - almost "on maritime way" wide - of the lake itself. Here is the peculiarity of Bellagio, which founded its fame, as it makes it so different from other, albeit beautiful, coastal locations: looking out over the three "horns" that make up the lake itself. Certainly going up on the hills behind the town you will discover other even more fascinating views; but this can be reached with an almost flat path, therefore within everyone's reach. Reading the geological history of the lake, I found that the straight ideal line that connects Bellagio to Varenna (on Eastern shore) was in the remote period occupied by a mountainous relief, and that the once huge glacier giving rise to Lake Como had to carry out excavation work and destruction of this relief, to continue its furrow towards the Lecco branch. This phenomenon - now readable only by an expert eye - helps to explain what the viewer may seem to be an "indecision" of the glacier: digging west towards Como, or south towards Lecco? In reality - as far as I understand - it isn't indecision, but erosive actions that have unfolded in consecutive periods. And this founds the exceptional shape of Lake Como among the Italian lakes (and not only them).
6. Moltrasio
7. Cathedral of Como (Duomo)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,125 reviews
Diocesi's chief Church, Bishop Cathedral, was erected since 1396 and works ended in 1740. Many famous artist, during 300 years operated in it harmonizing their own typical age's styles.
Reviewed By ClaudeB516 - Atlanta, United States
The Como Cathedral's facade is a shining example of smooth marble and decorative elements that harmoniously fit together. One unique feature is Porta della Rana, a door depicting a frog carved on the left jamb of the door. According to popular legend, water is believed to have reached precisely this point during the flooding of the lake. The interior of the Como Cathedral is adorned with 16th-century tapestries, frescoes and paintings, works of art that confirm the church's magnificence and beauty.
8. Basilica di San Fedele
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 374 reviews
Reviewed By tinaNtravel - San Jose, United States
This is a very beautiful church with paintings on the walls and high ceiling. The altar area is impressive with the overhead paintings and dome. The church contains a very pretty statue of Mary against a long blue drape. It is definitely worth stopping in for a look.
9. Basilica di Sant'Abbondio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 396 reviews
Reviewed By jadinaeats - Como, Italy
Access real close to Insubria University, which worth a visit too; very big and impressive. Contains historic items very peculiar to passionates.
10. Villa Olmo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 673 reviews
Reviewed By MGhazalah - Kuwait, null
it was a really nice walk around the Villa, admiring the landscape and the view . I recommend for all visitors
