Best Things To Do In Lake Como This Summer

Lago di Como is a perfect destination for your summer vacation in northern Italy, surrounded by nature, mountains and breathtaking views.

Camilla Graciano

Camilla Graciano

10 min read

Best Things To Do In Lake Como This Summer

Lake Como | ©Pedro

Lago di Como is a unique place to visit in summer. With its beautiful views, warm weather and a wide variety of things to see and do outdoors, it's the perfect destination for a summer vacation!

Here are 10 plans for things to see and do in Lago di Como during the summer.

1. Take a boat ride

Day trip| ©Elliott Brown
Day trip| ©Elliott Brown

Lago di Como is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy, known for its breathtaking views and natural beauty. One of the best ways to enjoy these views is to take a boat ride on the lake during the summer. There are several options of boat tours on Lake Como for you to choose from and I assure you that it will be a unique and unforgettable experience.

Summer is a perfect time to enjoy this activity, as the weather is warm and pleasant, and the views are spectacular. From the water, you will be able to see the impressive villas and gardens that border the lake, as well as the imposing Alps reflected in the crystal clear waters.

Also, being such a popular activity, you can choose the tour you prefer. You have a panoramic tour of the lake, which will take you through the main towns of the lake such as Bellagio, Varenna and Tremezzo. You can also choose a more themed excursion, such as a boat tour through the floating gardens of Villa Balbianello, a historic villa with breathtaking views of the lake.

Take a boat ride on Lago di Como

2. Take a tour of Bellagio

Streets of Bellagio| ©. Ray in Manila
Streets of Bellagio| ©. Ray in Manila

Bellagio is a beautiful town located at the tip of a peninsula on Lake Como, Italy. It is known as "The Pearl of the Lake" due to its natural beauty and architecture. Strolling around Bellagio in summer is a unique and unforgettable experience.

One of the best ways to explore Bellagio is on foot. You can walk through its narrow cobblestone streets and admire its stunning villas and gardens. Bellagio's historic center is especially impressive, with its colorful buildings and lively squares. You can also visit the church of San Giacomo, which dates back to the 13th century and offers panoramic views of the town and the lake.

Another popular activity in Bellagio is enjoying the beaches and swimming in the lake. There are several small beaches in the town, where you can relax and sunbathe. You can also rent a boat or kayak to explore the lake from another perspective.

In addition to its natural beauty and architecture, Bellagio is a perfect place to spend a day or night, enjoying all that Lago di Como has to offer in summer.

Take a tour of Lago Di Como

3. Visit Villa del Balbianello

Villa del Balbianello| ©Roberto Rolla
Villa del Balbianello| ©Roberto Rolla

Villa del Balbianello is a historic villa located on the Lenno peninsula on Lake Como. It is known for its breathtaking views of the lake and its floating gardens. If you visit the Villa del Balbianello in summer, you can enjoy its natural beauty and architecture in all its splendor.

The villa is a must-see during a trip to Lake Como, especially in summer. Once inside, you can enjoy views of the lake from the terrace and gardens, as well as explore the villa's rooms, which house a wealth of historical objects and furnishings.

Villa del Balbianello 's gardens are particularly impressive. They are laid out in terraces and extend over several levels with paths winding through the flowers and shrubs. One of the highlights is the floating garden, a small island connected to the villa by a bridge, where you can enjoy spectacular views of the lake.

One fact about Villa del Balbianello is that it is famous for its history and its role in Italian culture. The villa has been used as a set for several movies and TV shows, including "Star Wars" and "James Bond".

Take an excursion from Lago Di Como

4. Visit Villa Carlotta

Villa Carlotta| ©. Ray in Manila
Villa Carlotta| ©. Ray in Manila

Villa Carlotta is a stunning historic villa located on Lake Como. Known for its impressive botanical garden and Renaissance architecture, it is a popular place to visit in the summer.

During the summer, the warm and pleasant climate of Lake Como is perfect for enjoying a day strolling through the gardens of Villa Carlotta. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the lake as they walk along the paths, admiring the flowers and exotic vegetation.

In addition to the gardens, Villa Carlotta also boasts an impressive art collection, including works by Italian Renaissance and Baroque artists. Visitors can tour the galleries and view the works of art in the exhibition rooms. In addition, the building itself is a work of art, with its Renaissance architecture and stunning decor.

Note that Villa Carlotta is a popular place to visit in the summer, so I recommend planning your visit in advance and reserving tickets to avoid long lines.

5. Take a bike ride

Cycling in Como| ©Federica Bianchi
Cycling in Como| ©Federica Bianchi

Taking a bike ride around Lake Como is an activity you can also do if you visit the lake in winter, but in summer it's an exciting way to explore the beautiful scenery and towns around the lake.

The lake has several cycling routes that offer breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding area. Plus, the warm summer weather makes it a great way to enjoy the views and get some exercise at the same time.

One of the most popular cycling routes on Lake Como is the Lago di Como route, which circles the entire lake and offers breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding area. The route is about 170 kilometers long and is accessible to cyclists of all skill levels. In addition, there are several points of interest along the route, such as the gardens of Villa Carlotta and Palazzo Olginati.

Another popular cycling route is the Lago di Lecco route, which offers breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding area. It is a route of about 50 kilometers that is also accessible to cyclists of all skill levels. This route offers breathtaking views of the Alps and the city of Lecco.

Take a bike tour of Lago di Como

6. Spend a day at the beach

A day at the beach| ©Giorgio Bertapelle
A day at the beach| ©Giorgio Bertapelle

Although the lake is not known for its beaches, there are several sandy beaches where you can enjoy a day of sunbathing and swimming. So, if you are planning to spend a day at the beach at Lago di Como in summer, you are in the right place!

Lago di Como is known for its crystal clear waters and breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains. Spending a day at the beach at Lago di Como is a unique and relaxing experience. One of the best things about spending a day at the beach is enjoying the warm and pleasant weather. The sun is shining and the water is warm, making it the perfect place to take a swim, read a book or just relax.

In addition, the beaches of Lago di Como are ideal for water sports such as windsurfing and paddle surfing, one of the typical activities to do in Lago di Como.

7. Hiking

Hiking in Lago di Como| ©Forest Service Northern
Hiking in Lago di Como| ©Forest Service Northern

Hiking in summer is one of the best things to do in Lago di Como and a wonderful way to enjoy nature and the breathtaking panoramic views of the lake. With its mountains and well-marked trails, Lago di Como is a popular destination for hiking enthusiasts. During the summer, temperatures are warm and pleasant, making it the perfect time for a hike.

There are many trails to choose from on Lake Como. From easy trails, which offer beautiful views of the lake, to more difficult trails that lead to the peaks of the nearby mountains. One of the most popular routes is the trail from Bellagio to the top of Monte San Primo, which offers breathtaking views of the hills and the lake.

It is important that you wear appropriate clothing and footwear for this activity. Also, don't forget to bring your camera, as the views are breathtaking.

8. Water sports

Kayaking Lake di Como| ©Leslie Veen
Kayaking Lake di Como| ©Leslie Veen

Practicing water sports in summer is an exciting way to enjoy the beautiful waters of the lake and the best activities to do in Lago di Como. Lake Como has a warm and pleasant climate in the summer, making it the perfect place for water sports such as water skiing, windsurfing and paddle surfing.

One of the most popular activities on Lake Como is water skiing. The lake has several schools offering lessons and equipment rental. Beginners and experts can enjoy this exciting activity with the best panoramic views of the lake.

Windsurfing and paddle surfing are other popular activities on Lake Como. The lake has several equipment rental outlets and schools offering lessons for beginners and experts. In addition, the warm weather and wind conditions in summer are ideal for these activities.

9. Visiting the city of Como

Getting to know Como| ©. Ray in Manila
Getting to know Como| ©. Ray in Manila

Visiting the city of Como on Lake Como in summer is an exciting experience that offers a mix of history, culture and natural beauty. The city of Como is known for its impressive historic buildings, cobblestone streets and beautiful lake. In summer, the city comes alive with a variety of outdoor events and activities.

One of the main attractions in the city of Como is the Duomo, an impressive Gothic cathedral built in the 14th century. The Duomo is famous for its facade and its panoramic view of the city and the lake. Another place of interest is the Palazzo Olginati, a beautiful Renaissance palace with an Italian garden.

The city of Como is also known for its luxury stores and boutiques, as well as its restaurants and bars. In summer, you can enjoy a meal or a drink on one of the outdoor terraces overlooking the lake. In the evening, the city comes alive with a variety of events such as concerts and beach parties.

Take a tour of Como

10. Attend an open-air concert

Teatro Sociale.| ©Londrina92
Teatro Sociale.| ©Londrina92

Attending an open-air concert on Lake Como in summer is a unique experience that combines music, breathtaking scenery and warm weather. Lake Como has a variety of venues for outdoor concerts, from historic gardens to private beaches. In summer, the lake comes alive with a variety of events and concerts.

One of the main attractions for music lovers on Lake Como is the Como Music Festival, held in June and July. This festival features a wide variety of renowned artists, from symphony orchestras to jazz and classical soloists. Concerts are held in iconic venues, such as the Teatro Sociale.

Another popular choice for outdoor concerts on Lake Como are the historic gardens, such as the Villa Carlotta Garden. Concerts at these venues are usually classical music and are held on summer evenings.

Temperatures in Lago di Como in summer

Evening in Lago di Como| ©Leonardo Rizzi
Evening in Lago di Como| ©Leonardo Rizzi

Temperatures in Lago di Como in summer are usually warm and pleasant, averaging between 25 °C and 30 °C.

The days are generally sunny for all kinds of outdoor activities ranging from water sports to walking, and the evenings are cool and pleasant, ideal for taking advantage of Lago di Como's great nightlife with a variety of restaurants, bars and terraces.

The influx of tourists in Lago di Como in the summertime

Sunset by boat| ©www.twin-loc.fr
Sunset by boat| ©www.twin-loc.fr

In summer, the influx of tourists in Lago di Como increases significantly due to the warm and pleasant weather. Many people visit the lake to enjoy outdoor activities such as swimming, water sports and taking boats to explore the shores of the lake. It also becomes a popular place for bicycle touring and hiking the trails around the lake.

For this reason, you may find prices a little higher than other times of the year and less availability of accommodations. So now you know, if you plan to spend your summer in Lago di Como, get organized in advance.

Prices in Lago di Como in summer

Money in Euros| ©Ibrahim Boran
Money in Euros| ©Ibrahim Boran

Prices in Lago di Como in summer can vary depending on the type of accommodation, services and activities you wish to enjoy. In general, expect prices to be higher in summer due to high tourist demand.

In particular, hotel and apartment prices can be significantly higher in summer compared to off-season prices. You can also expect to pay more for activities such as boat rides, bicycle rentals and entrance fees to tourist attractions. However, there are affordable options available, it's just a matter of doing your research.

Also, it is important to keep in mind that prices can vary significantly between different towns and cities around the lake, so it is advisable to do your research and compare prices before planning your trip.

In general, I recommend you to bring a flexible budget so that you can enjoy all the activities in Lago di Como without missing out on anything.

As you will appreciate, Lago di Como is the perfect place to spend a summer vacation with family or friends. It offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, from boating to hiking, as well as a number of impressive tourist spots such as Villa del Balbianello and Villa Carlotta.

In addition, the towns around the lake, such as Bellagio and Como, with a variety of stores, restaurants and bars, are ideal to enjoy. In Lago di Como in summer you will find activities for all tastes, you will love it!