Top Things to Do in Lake Como
There are so many ways of discovering this wonderful place that is Lake Como, but here are some top activities you can try to make your stay in the Lake a lifetime experience!
1. Visit Balbianello
Villa Balbianello is one of the most spectacular spots of the lake, it’s even more emblematic since its garden and architecture appeared in the movies Star Wars and James Bond. It was originally a monastery but over time the villa was enlarged to welcome Italie’s most wealthy families. You can simply go to the villa with a nice 20-minute walk from Lenno, take the shuttle or, if you are in a more romantic mood, get there directly from the lake with a nice Riva.
The villa’s website:
https://fondoambiente.it/luoghi/villa-del-balbianello
2. Visit Villa Carlotta
Villa Carlotta is situated in Tremezzo, a village that is also well known for the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, where you can go and enjoy an Aperitivo after your visit. First, let yourself have a walk in the fascinating botanic garden of the villa; if you come during the spring period, you will have the chance to see azalea and rhododendron blooms that makes Villa Carlotta’s gardens famous all around the world. Once you’ve explored the gardens, please come inside the villa, and admire its amazing art collection.
The villa’s website:
3. Visit Bellagio and Villa Melzi
Bellagio is another emblematic place of Lake Como. Its name comes from the Latin bi-lactus which is translated to “between the lakes”. Indeed, the city has a very special location because you can see both the right and the left sides of the lake. Once you’ve arrived by boat, you can simply walk around the typical narrow streets of Bellagio and enjoy one of the many restaurants you can find in Bellagio. You can also take a 10 minute’s walk to Villa Melzi and enjoy the green gardens of the sumptuous villa.
The villa’s website:
https://giardinidivillamelzi.it/en/home-eng/
4. Visit Varenna
What would Lake Como be without Varenna? Such a small place but still has so much to offer. If you go there by boat, you will already be in the mood when you take the little pathway to the port. Once you get there, enjoy a good Spritz at one of the café’s terraces by the water and live the Italian “Dolce Vita”. Once all your batteries are recharged, you can go to the popular Villa Monastero and its amazing long gardens. Once you have visited those. You might want to take a nice 20-minute hike to Castello de Vezio, an incredible middle age castle with a breathtaking view of the lake.
Villa Monastero’s website:
https://www.villamonastero.eu/en/home_en/
Castello de Vezio’s website:
https://www.castellodivezio.it/EN/home-en.html
5. Rent a kayak
Different places offer kayak renting over Lake Como. Kayak can be a fun and original way to discover Lake Como from the inside. It is cheaper and less noisy than a boat, but you get to see the same views. Kayak rent is usually around 10 euros for a single kayak and 20 euros for a double kayak.
Here are some different companies that offer kayak renting:
https://waterexperiencecenter.it/en/kayak-rental-on-lake-como/
https://www.acboatrentals.com/en/kayaks-rental/
https://www.manawa.com/en-GB/activity/italy/lake-como/kayaking/kayak-rental-on-lake-como/10764
https://www.boat2go.it/en/kayak-singolo/
6. Helicopter above Lake Como
For wider budgets, couples of companies offer helicopter tours above Lake Como. Seeing Lake Como from above allows you to realize how unique the place is. You will be able to see all the villas and their beautiful gardens. Many tours also allow you to take lunch at amazing spots during your tour.
Here are different companies that offer helicopter tours:
https://www.helifly.it/helicopter-tours/from-lake-como-helicopter-tour/
7. Seaplane above Lake Como
If you are more old school, seaplane is one of the most fun and characteristic activities to do in Lake Como. The aircrafts are built with floats or skis that allow you to directly take off and land from the lake’s water.
The 30-minute ride allows us to see the lake from a different point of view. If you are feeling even more adventurous, you can also become a plane pilot for the day. After a theory lesson, please take a seat in the pilot’s chair and take off, baby!
Here are different companies that offer seaplane tours:
https://www.eccolecco.it/en/lake-como-experience-tours/lake-como-seaplane-flight/
https://www.lakecomodmc.it/en/tours/seaplane-lake-como/
8. Cooking classes
When you think about Italy, I bet one of the first things that comes to your mind must be food. Pizza, pasta, bruschetta, gelato, tiramisu… The list is endless as the recipes are. Therefore, you should learn with a local during a cooking class! Find a better way to enjoy your day other than making a delicious plate a Carbonara or a nice risotto in Italy with a real Italian. After all your efforts will be rewarded once you will get to sit down and enjoy the dish you just created from scratch with your friends or family.
Here are all the best-rated cooking classes in Lake Como:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g187833-Activities-c36-t203-Lake_Como_Lombardy.html
