With its postcard-perfect scenery, lakefront villas, and towering mountains, it hardly comes as a surprise that Lake Como is one of Italy’s most popular holiday destinations. In fact, it attracts around 1.4 million visitors a year, making it more difficult to savour the beauty of the place during peak season. But away from Como’s busy streets and Bellagio’s elegant promenades lie fascinating hidden gems and tranquil sites slightly off the beaten path. Wondering how to avoid Lake Como’s jam-packed areas? Have a read of our top tips put together by our travel experts here at Plum Guide – including areas to avoid in Como, the best times to travel, and hidden gems.
Visit during the quieter season
A view of Bellagio and Lake Como framed by pink flowers at sunrise, Como, Italy
If you really want to know what tourist areas to avoid in Como, the first step is to choose the right time to visit. Summer is peak season here, with mid-June, July and August seeing the largest crowds. It may be the hottest time of year, but you may find it difficult to fully enjoy the lake’s beauty without the throngs of visitors.
Instead, springtime is a lovely season to experience Lake Como. Between April and the start of June, the weather gets warmer, with temperatures averaging 17°C in May with highs of 21°C. Trees and flowers begin to bloom, and it’s a fantastic time to wander around the many landscaped gardens and trek into the mountains. Bear in mind there may be a few rainy days, but plenty of indoor activities keep you occupied when it’s wet out.
Tower of Power, Plum Guide home in Lake Como
We also recommend visiting in the autumn, when most summer holidaymakers have left. Between September and November, the trees start to turn red, yellow and brown, transforming the landscape into a stunning riot of colour. You’ll even see the first dusting of snow on the surrounding mountains. Temperatures drop to around 19°C in September, which is mild enough to explore without it being too warm.
If you really want to avoid Lake Como's overcrowded areas, why not visit in winter? January is the coldest month, with temperatures ranging between 3°C and 8°C. If you don’t mind layering up, this can be a great time to make the most of offseason deals. You can even ski in Piani di Bobbio, Monte Sighignola and Valchiavenna.
Explore off the tourist trail
Old town and port of Mandello del Lario, Lake Como, Italy
The good news is, it’s easy enough to go off the beaten track in Lake Como. Its towns and villages are full of hidden gems, offering a more authentic experience for visitors. If you’ve seen how overcrowded the cathedral in Como can get, plenty of other churches are equally as beautiful but with less than half the visitors. One of our favourite places is Piona Abbey. Located on a peninsula at the foot of Mount Legnone, the abbey boasts breathtaking panoramas of the lake and mountains. It’s worth coming here to slow down and relax, where the only noise you hear is the rustle of the wind through the mature trees around you. Another religious place worth seeing is Sacro Monte di Ossuccio, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Facing the Isola Comacina, this pilgrimage spot has chapels and terraces adorned with stuccoes, frescoes and sculptures, providing a wonderful blend of culture, history and natural beauty.
Serenade by the Lake, Plum Guide home in Lake Como
Speaking of natural beauty, there are plenty of spots to immerse yourself in nature. Cascata della Troggia is a majestic waterfall in Introbio. Although visible from the roadside, we recommend following the footpath to the falls, where you can swim in the refreshingly cool waters of the pool. Keen on a less touristy beach? Head to the tiny town of Mandello del Lario. The lido near the lakeside promenade isn't nearly as busy as others in the region – plus, there are options to rent sun beds and some shady spots to sprawl out away from the sun's rays.
If you’re looking for a taste of local life, one of the best ways to go about this is to visit the many markets. There are plenty to choose from, whether that’s the antiques market in Como’s Piazza San Fedele or the local produce market in Cernobbio. As well as markets, there are also various events and fairs throughout the year. The Easter Fair and the Book Fair are worth a visit, as well as the Fair of Sant’Abbondio in early autumn.
Stay in less-touristy towns and villages
Colourful village of Argegno on Lake Como, surrounded by tall mountains, Como, Italy
When it comes to booking accommodation, there are plenty of spots to escape the hustle and bustle of busy towns like Como, Menaggio and Bellagio. These are all high-traffic areas to avoid in Lake Como if you want to stay clear of tourists.
Argegno is a village on the western shores of the lake. It's a quiet place with only a few amenities, making it a great choice for those seeking a different side to Lake Como. Here, you can amble down the cobbled alleyways without bumping into big people left and right. One of the best things to do in Argegno is to take a cable car ride up to Pigra, a peaceful village sitting 881 metres above the lake. It’s one of our favourite viewpoints, especially at sunset.
Lakeside Bliss, Plum Guide home in Lake Como
Another quiet spot where you can avoid Lake Como’s crowded areas is Lierna. Perched on the eastern shores of the lake, this tranquil village is perfect if you’re looking to unwind in a quiet lakeside setting. Your days will be spent strolling along the promenade and enjoying picnics as you watch the boats glide by. Lierna’s historic centre is home to a few shops and cafes. Although there aren’t as many dining options as in busier spots like Como, you can enjoy more authentic Italian cooking than the tourist-geared restaurants in larger towns.
Meanwhile, in the northern part of Lake Como is the town of Colico. Wedged between the watchful eye of Mount Legnone and the blue waters of the lake, it’s an ideal base for nature lovers who plan to do outdoor activities like hiking and watersports. You’ll find a handful of recreation centres where you can hire equipment and take lessons. When you don’t feel like being active, simply relax on the beaches and make the most of the serene setting.
Go hiking in the mountains
Trail sign on a path in the Alps, with Lake Como and mountains in the distance, near Como, Italy
It's no surprise that the lake is usually swarmed with holiday-goers, making it one of our areas to avoid in Como during the height of summer. Instead, swap the shores for tree-studded peaks. The nearby mountains offer plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs, from easy hikes you can do in a couple of hours to more challenging climbs.
Located just outside Lecco on the lake’s southeastern shores is the incredible Regional Park of Monte Barro. Known for its diverse landscapes, you can expect to find verdant forests, rocky crags, limestone cliffs and peaceful meadows. There are plenty of well-marked trails and climbing routes for rock climbing and bouldering. Be sure to pack a picnic, as the park’s designated picnic areas are a lovely spot to admire the stunning vistas.
Above The Piazza, Plum Guide home in Lake Como
If you want to stay closer to the lake, the Sentiero del Viandante (The Way of the Wanderer) is an ancient trail running 45 kilometres along the eastern shore. It’s one of the most scenic walking routes in the area, winding its way through towns and villages, forests, olive groves and vineyards. It's divided into three sections, so you can choose how far you want to go. The views are amazing the whole way, but the section between Varenna and Bellano is particularly picturesque.
Sometimes, you might not feel like hiking at all, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the views. Rent a car and drive into the mountains to Sighignola, a 1,314-metre mountain in the Lugano Prealps. Thanks to its panoramic terrace, it’s been nicknamed the Balcony of Italy, and you can catch epic views of the mountains, Lake Como and Lake Lugano in neighbouring Switzerland.
Consider a private tour when exploring the lake
Pier with private boats in Lake Como, breathtaking view of Alps and historic tower in background, Como, Italy
Getting around Lake Como is easy and convenient thanks to a ferry service network connecting the lakeside towns and villages. The only real downside to this is that you’ll have to share with other passengers, and in peak season, the ferries can be overcrowded.
For those who prefer a quieter journey, we recommend opting for a private boat. You can enjoy privacy and comfort that you wouldn’t get on a group tour – not to mention you can make lifelong memories with your friends and family. A private tour is also one of the best ways to avoid Lake Como’s busy areas, as you can customise your itinerary. Want to skip the popular destinations and visit secluded beaches and coves instead? No problem, as you'll have the flexibility to do exactly what you want. Furthermore, boat captains are usually locals who can provide you with insights and recommendations to explore far-flung places away from the crowds.
Romance on the Lake, Plum Guide home in Lake Como
When it comes to searching for private tours, you have many options. A water taxi is a great way to get around, and you’ll often find them at ferry docks. Another way to do it is to hire a private boat with a captain (or without, if you plan on sailing yourself). You could even splash out and charter a luxury yacht. These often come with catering and entertainment and make a good choice if you’re here for a special occasion.
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