Things to do at Lake Como? Oh, you’ve come to the RIGHT monster. I’m Larry the Comosaurus, and I’ve been living in these waters for… well, let’s just say a very, very long time. Long enough to know every cove, every village, every gelato shop worth a flipper-stop. So grab your swimming costume (or don’t — the water is cold, trust me, I live in it) and let me be your guide!
Whether you’re here for the jaw-dropping views, the charming little towns, or — let’s be honest — the slim chance of spotting the Lake Como monster lurking beneath the surface, I’ve got you covered. This is my ultimate, personally curated, 100% monster-approved guide to Lake Como.
Get On (and In!) the Water
Look, I may be slightly biased here, but Lake Como is at its absolute best when you’re actually on the water. It’s one of the deepest lakes in Europe (I know all the best hiding spots), and it is stunningly, ridiculously beautiful from the surface. Here’s what I recommend:
- Ferry hopping: Jump on one of the classic ferries that connect the lakeside villages. Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio — each one is a little gem. Plus, standing on the ferry deck is basically the best chance you have of seeing me wave from the water.
- Kayaking and canoeing: Paddle around the quieter northern shores at your own pace. Early morning is magical — misty mountains, glassy water, total silence. (Well, almost total. I do snore a bit.)
- Swimming at the lidos: Several towns have proper lidos — public swimming areas with sun loungers. Lido di Lenno and the Lido di Gera Lario are family favourites. Don’t worry, I only ever photobomb, never bite.
- Boat tours: Private boat tours let you reach spots no road can take you. Villa del Balbianello from the water? Chef’s kiss. Or flipper’s kiss, in my case.
Explore the Villages (I Know Them All)
One of the absolute best things to do at Lake Como is simply wandering through its villages. Each one has its own personality — like me, but smaller and with fewer scales. Here are my personal favourites after centuries of observation:
- Bellagio: The so-called “Pearl of the Lake.” Steep cobbled streets, gorgeous gardens, excellent ice cream. Packed in summer, but worth every tourist-dodging moment.
- Varenna: If Bellagio is the pearl, Varenna is the secret treasure. Quieter, romantic, with a lovely lakeside walkway called the Passeggiata degli Innamorati. Even I find it charming.
- Nesso: A tiny, ancient village with a dramatic gorge. Most visitors zoom past on the main road without even noticing it. Their loss. My gain — more peace and quiet.
- Gravedona ed Uniti: Up in the northern end of the lake — my neighbourhood! Fewer crowds, real local life, and stunning mountain scenery.
Villas, Gardens & Wow-Worthy Views
Lake Como has been making humans drop their jaws for centuries. Honestly, I’ve watched it happen from the water, and it never gets old. The grand lakeside villas and their gardens are a huge part of what makes this place so special:
- Villa del Balbianello (Lenno): Possibly the most photographed spot on the entire lake. Those terraced gardens! That loggia! It’s been in James Bond films AND Star Wars. Even I asked for an autograph.
- Villa Carlotta (Tremezzo): Absolutely bursting with azaleas in spring. The botanical garden here is world-class, and the art collections inside are genuinely impressive.
- Villa Melzi (Bellagio): A more peaceful, less crowded garden stroll along the water’s edge. Perfect for a slow morning with a coffee in hand.
- Brunate funicular: Take the funicular up from Como city to the village of Brunate for a panoramic view over the whole lake. On a clear day you can see the Alps. On a very clear day, you might even spot a green fin down below.
Family Adventures (My Specialty!)
Travelling with little humans? Excellent choice. Lake Como is a fantastic destination for families, and I take this very seriously — mostly because kids are the most likely to actually believe in me, which I appreciate enormously. For a full rundown of family-friendly fun, check out my dedicated guide to Lake Como with kids. But here’s a quick taste:
- Ferry rides are basically free entertainment for children of all ages (and most adults, let’s be honest).
- The Larian Prehistoric Park in Grandola is a massive hit — dinosaurs AND a lake monster in the same holiday? Incredible value.
- Hiking trails range from flat lakeside walks to proper mountain adventures — pick your level of ambition carefully.
- Every village has a gelato shop. This is not optional. It is mandatory. I have spoken.
Plan Your Visit Like a Pro (or Like a Monster)
The great thing about Lake Como is that there is genuinely no wrong way to explore it — as long as you don’t try to do everything in one day. The lake is bigger than it looks on the map, the ferries run on their own relaxed schedule, and the villages reward slow exploration. My advice? Pick two or three spots per day, leave room for unexpected discoveries, and always — ALWAYS — keep one eye on the water.
Want to know the full story of how a friendly monster ended up becoming the unofficial tourism ambassador of one of Italy’s most beautiful lakes? Pop over and read my legend — it’s quite the tale, if I do say so myself.
And if you’re ready to start plotting your adventures, my interactive map has all my favourite spots, hidden gems, and top recommendations pinned and ready for you. Zero scales required to use it.