Your Lake Como Adventure

Uncover the best hikes, views, and local flavors.

Lake Como Through Our Eyes

Having spent over 120 summers here, our family has had the joy of exploring every hidden trail, breathtaking skyline, and delightful culinary gem this iconic destination offers. We invite you to discover the region's truly unforgettable experiences, just as we have.

Cultural

Villas & Towns

Kayaking

Lakeside Relaxation

Food

Restaurants

Excursions

Nature & Hikes

Sports

Sports

Villa del Balbianello: Lakeside Icon

Perched dramatically on a wooded peninsula, Villa del Balbianello is a true Lake Como icon, celebrated for its exquisite terraced gardens and breathtaking 360-degree views. This historic villa, once a Franciscan monastery, boasts a famous loggia offering dual panoramas of the lake.

Its cinematic beauty has graced films like Casino Royale and Star Wars: Episode II. Explore its unique interiors, filled with artifacts from Count Monzino's expeditions, and immerse yourself in a blend of history, art, and unparalleled natural splendor.

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Villa Carlotta: Art, Gardens & Lake Views

Discover Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo, a magnificent 18th-century villa and botanical garden renowned for its exquisite art collection and stunning lakeside setting. Explore its grand interiors, featuring masterpieces by sculptors like Canova and Thorvaldsen, and painters such as Francesco Hayez. Wander through the famous terraced gardens, home to vibrant rhododendrons, 150 varieties of azaleas, and a diverse array of exotic plants, including a unique bamboo garden. All this beauty unfolds while you enjoy picturesque views of Lake Como, making it a truly immersive experience of art, nature, and history.

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Villa Olmo: Art, Architecture & Gardens

Discover Villa Olmo, a magnificent neoclassical villa and extensive public gardens now owned by the Como Municipality. Renowned for hosting prestigious exhibitions, its grand interiors are adorned with valuable stucco decorations and stunning frescoes by Andrea Appiani and Domenico Pozzi, depicting mythological figures. Wander through the symmetrical Italian garden with its grand fountain and statues, or explore the more natural English park featuring a neoclassical temple. Villa Olmo also marks the start of the 'Chilometro della Conoscenza,' a scenic green pathway connecting to other historic villas.

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Como City: Historic Charm & Style

Step into the vibrant heart of Lake Como by exploring Como City itself. Wander through its charming historic center, where ancient streets lead to the magnificent Duomo, a true architectural marvel. Discover the serene beauty of the Tempio Voltiano, a museum dedicated to Alessandro Volta, or stroll along the picturesque Lakeside Promenade for stunning views and elegant cafes. Como offers a captivating blend of local life, cultural heritage, and elegant Italian style, perfect for a day of leisurely exploration.

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Lido Villa Olmo

Located within the historic park of Villa Olmo, this well-organized lido offers a relaxing and serene environment perfect for unwinding on Lake Como.

Enjoy a refreshing dip in one of two swimming pools, or swim directly in the lake, which is officially recognized for its clean waters. You can also rent sunbeds and umbrellas for a perfect day of relaxation. Lido Villa Olmo is an ideal spot for an aperitivo by the water or for hosting special events, all within an elegant and historic setting.

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Lido di Argegno

Experience the perfect blend of nature and elegance at Lido di Argegno, a captivating spot on Lake Como's western shore.

Relax on the beautiful lawn with a stunning panoramic pool or take a refreshing swim directly in the lake. The Lido offers an ideal mix of relaxation and fun, with sun loungers and umbrellas available for a peaceful day. With a breathtaking view of the lake and surrounding mountains, it's the perfect location for an unforgettable day or a special event, complete with a lounge bar and pizzeria for a casual bite or a sunset aperitivo.

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Discover Acquadolce

Framed by one of the most beautiful views of Lake Como and its ancient garden, Acquadolce is an elegant dining experience recognized by Gambero Rosso with one fork in both 2023 and 2024.

With a pier for easy access from the lake, it’s the perfect spot for a romantic lunch or an unforgettable dinner. Chef Carmelo Sciarrabba and his team craft a refined, contemporary Italian menu, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients from the lake and surrounding valleys. Indulge in exquisite dishes like fresh seafood, white truffles, and porcini mushrooms, all complemented by homemade pasta and bread, and a stunning lakefront veranda.

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Experience Una Finestra sul Lago

Enjoy a magical fine dining experience at Una Finestra sul Lago, a restaurant where the magnificent view is just the beginning.

Chef Svet Ilie crafts an elegant and creative menu that blends Italian tradition with a modern touch, while pizzaiolo Simone Ciraolo offers gourmet pizzas with a light and flavorful contemporary Neapolitan dough. The dynamic wine cellar, a paradise for curious wine lovers, perfectly complements your meal, making every moment an authentic, urban, and unforgettable experience.

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Da Luciano

Da Luciano is a modern butcher shop with a retro feel, offering a unique "buy, eat, and drink" experience right on the shores of Lake Como.

Enjoy simple, delicious meals from their deli counter with a focus on high-quality, fresh ingredients. The menu changes daily based on what's available, but you can always find excellent cured meats, local cheeses, roast beef, and their famous homemade meatballs. The veranda, which is open all year round, provides a perfect setting for a glass of wine with an unforgettable view, and for those arriving by boat, the "Da Luciano on the boat" WhatsApp service allows you to order ahead and avoid waiting.

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Via Verde: Lake Como's Scenic Walk

Embark on the Via Verde, a breathtaking panoramic walk along Lake Como's western shore. This easy 7 km (one-way) path begins in the charming village of Moltrasio and leads you to Laglio, taking approximately 2 hours to complete.

The initial stretch from Moltrasio presents a charming challenge, ascending a mule track past the 'scala santa' and a small valley that dips under the Regina state road. You'll then follow the mountain wall, admiring the ancient Moltrasio stone quarries—a testament to the masterful Comacini builders—and the beautiful Pizzallo waterfall. From the hamlet of Tosnacco onwards, the Via Verde is clearly marked with green circles on the path, gently winding along the hillside, offering continuous stunning lake views, including a pass by the cemetery of Carate Urio. It’s a perfect way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and history of Lake Como.

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Explore Lake Como by Water

Experience the magic of Lake Como from its shimmering waters. For a truly personal adventure, we highly recommend renting a boat for yourself. Multiple options are available, from charming traditional vessels to sleek modern speedboats, allowing you to discover secluded coves, enjoy a private swim in the clear waters, or simply glide at your own pace. It's an unparalleled way to create truly unforgettable moments and immerse yourself in the lake's serene beauty.

Alternatively, the official Lake Como Navigation service offers an affordable and incredibly scenic way to explore, connecting iconic towns like Bellagio, Varenna, and Como year-round. Their diverse fleet includes motorships, hydrofoils, and car ferries, with options for eco-friendly tours and even sightseeing cruises featuring lunch onboard.

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Brunate: The Balcony Over the Alps

Ascend to Brunate, famously known as 'The Balcony Over the Alps,' for unparalleled panoramic views of Lake Como, Como city, and on clear days, even Milan and the distant Alps. Reach this charming village effortlessly via the historic Como-Brunate funicular, a scenic 7-minute ride. Once there, explore its narrow, sloping streets, admire eclectic Art Nouveau villas, and visit the iconic Volta Lighthouse for even higher vistas. Brunate also serves as a starting point for invigorating hikes, including routes to Monte Boletto and the Larian Triangle ridge, offering a perfect blend of history, nature, and breathtaking scenery.

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Monte Generoso: Alpine Peaks & Panaromic Views

Embark on an unforgettable excursion to Monte Generoso, a majestic peak offering unparalleled 360-degree panoramas of the Alps, Lake Lugano, Lake Como, and the Po Valley. You can reach the summit via a moderate 2 to 2.5-hour hike from the Italian side (starting at Orimento), or effortlessly by a 40-minute cog railway ride from the Swiss side. At the summit, discover the futuristic 'Fiore di Pietra' building with its panoramic terraces. Along the trails, you'll encounter serene alpine meadows, wild Haflinger horses, and ancient smuggling routes, offering a unique blend of natural grandeur, history, and breathtaking vistas. Best visited from spring to autumn.

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Lake Sports: Wind & Water Thrills

For those who love the thrill of wind and water, Lake Como offers exceptional conditions for sailing, windsurfing, and catamaran adventures. The Alto Lago (Upper Lake) is renowned as the prime spot, where consistent winds create ideal conditions.

You'll encounter two main winds: the Tivano, a gentle morning breeze from the north, perfect for beginners and calm cruising, and the more robust Breva, a thermal wind that picks up reliably from the south in the afternoons, especially from late morning until sunset. The best times to catch these winds are typically from April to October. Whether you're gliding across the water on a sailboat, mastering the waves on a windsurf board, or enjoying the speed of a catamaran, the stunning mountain backdrop and clear waters make for an exhilarating and unforgettable experience.

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Cycling: Road Biking

Experience Lake Como on two wheels with a mix of challenging climbs and breathtaking scenic rides. The Ultimate Lake Como Loop, a demanding 170km ride with over 1,200m of elevation gain, is a rewarding challenge for advanced cyclists.

For a classic experience, follow the 35km lakeside route from Como to Bellagio, passing charming villages and stunning views, with the option to take a ferry back. You can also test your strength on the iconic Madonna del Ghisallo climb, a pilgrimage for cyclists with steep gradients leading to the famous cycling museum at the top.

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Cycling: Mountain biking

Beyond the pavement, the mountains surrounding Lake Como offer thrilling off-road adventures for all levels. Discover a vast network of old mule tracks and scenic forest trails in the Triangolo Lariano area, providing rewarding climbs and exhilarating descents.

These paths offer a peaceful escape into nature with incredible vantage points and a new perspective on the lake's rugged beauty. Whether you prefer a challenging single-track descent or a leisurely e-bike tour, the possibilities for adventure are endless.

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