Located in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, Lake Como is one of those fairytale destinations you can’t quite believe is real. Elegant mansions look out over deep blue waters, while lush green Alpine mountains loom in the background. With outdoor activities and various towns and villages offering a rich cultural experience, Lake Como is one of those bucket list destinations. Our travel experts at Plum Guide know the area inside and out – they're here to help you plan the perfect trip with our guide to the best things to do in Lake Como.

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It may be obvious, but the top of our list of things to do in Lake Como is to explore the lake itself. There are plenty of ways to go about this, whether you choose a private guide, group tour or hop-on-hop-off jaunt. One of the best ways to get around is by public ferry, where you can visit the different villages along the lake as many times as you like over the course of the day – it’s perfect for going at your own pace.

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For something a little more special, how about hiring a sailing boat for the day? This offers a much more intimate experience away from the crowds, with access to secluded coves, hidden beaches and cliffs that the public ferries don’t call at. You can even hire a classy Riva Aquarama boat, the kind that Daniel Craig’s James Bond would coast around in (which he actually has done on this very lake).

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It wouldn’t be a trip to Lake Como without exploring Como itself. As the largest town in the region, this is a natural hub for visitors with excellent transport links with Milan and a ferry port for exploring the lake. The town has a rich history, reflected in its architecture and attractions. The Duomo dates back to the 14th century and is a stunning example of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. It’s equally attractive on the inside, with a rose window and intricately carved altar – you can even climb the dome for breathtaking views of the city.

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Just a short walk away is Piazza San Fedele, home to the Basilica San Fedele dating back to 1120. If you happen to be there on a Saturday, you can even pop by the various stalls selling antiques and handicrafts.

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If you’ve had a lazy day on the lake and want to stretch your legs, the surrounding mountains offer plenty of scenic hikes. For an easy option, the Greenway del Lago di Como trail stretches for over 11 kilometres along the shores of the lake. Connecting the towns of Colonno and Griante, the route takes you through villages and pretty gardens.

For something a little more challenging, take on the summit of Monte Grona for panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Don’t feel like hiking but don’t want to miss out on the views? Make the drive up to Sighignola, also known as the Balcony of Italy. At 1,314 metres high, this spot is especially magical at sunset when the golden light fills the lake and valley below.

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Around a fifty-minute drive from Como (or a short ferry ride) is the lovely town of Bellagio. Centred right in the middle of Lake Como, Bellagio is where the two ‘branches’ meet. It’s known as ‘the Pearl of Lake Como’ for its iconic views of the lake and mountains, as well as the enamouring cobbled streets and elegant villas and gardens.

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You can easily spend a whole day here strolling along the waterside promenade, wandering down the cobbled streets and relaxing at the little eateries. In the centre of town is the Basilica of San Giacomo, a Romanesque church from the 11th century with captivating frescoes and sculptures. One of the unmissable attractions in Bellagio is Giardini di Villa Melzi, a picturesque botanical garden boasting some of the most romantic views in all of Lake Como.

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Lake Como is chock-full of stunning historic villas, many of which date back to the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Originally built by wealthy families to use as summer residences, many of the villas today are open to the public as museums and galleries. One of the must-visits is Villa Monastero, originally built in the 12th century. The museum gives a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich history and culture, while the gardens feature a variety of rare plants and trees, as well as fountains, sculptures and terraced walkways that offer breathtaking vistas of the lake and mountains.

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Another villa worth a special mention is the 18th-century Villa del Balbianello, a magnificent mansion with beautiful gardens and terraces. You may even recognise it from appearances in Star Wars: Attack of the Clones and Casino Royale.

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Situated on Lake Como’s eastern shores, the village of Varenna is another spot worthy of a day trip. It has a peaceful, laid-back atmosphere where you can enjoy leisurely strolls down the picture-perfect streets or along the lakeside promenade. Filled with elegant villas home to pristine botanical gardens (such as Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi), the whole village is made for slowing down and relaxing.

But if you’ve had too much gelato and need to burn the sugar off, take a forty-five-minute hike up to Castello Di Vezio, a medieval castle located in the hills above the town with (you guessed it) some rather special views. Not feeling an uphill climb? You’ll be pleased to know that during the high season, a shuttle bus runs from the town to the castle.

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On a hot summer’s day, one of the best things to do in Lake Como (aside from eating your weight in gelato) is to lounge about on the lake’s handful of beaches. One of our favourites is Spiaggia Pubblica di Bellagio, or Bellagio’s public beach. With restaurants and cafes nearby, this is the perfect spot to spend a lazy day. Another great spot is Parco Ulisse Guzzi with its white pebble beach, lawns, food trucks and picnic tables – it’s a fantastic spot for families as there’s plenty of space for kids to run around. For a more natural feel, Spiagga di Piona on the north side of the lake is surrounded by grass and trees, with a small port where you can moor your boat.

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We’ve mentioned some pretty special viewpoints so far, but one that you simply can’t miss is the funicular cable car ride up to the small town of Brunate, nicknamed ‘the Balcony of the Alps’. Departing from Como, the short but sweet ride whisks you 700 metres above sea level for some incredible panoramas over the town, the lake and the Alps. Take the time to wander through Brunate’s charming streets, once a popular destination for noble families who built numerous Art Nouveau villas in the town. Don’t miss the Baroque Chiesa di San Andrea, a photogenic church with its faded pink facade and giant bell peeking out of the bell tower.

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With such wonderful nature on your doorstep, you may be less inclined to spend time indoors. But Lake Como’s selection of museums are some of the most interesting places to visit and will help you understand the culture and history of the area a little bit more. One of our top picks is Museo della Seta in Como, dedicated to the history of silk production in the region. Through fascinating exhibits of antique weaving looms, fabrics and garments, you can learn about the industry that made Como famous around the world.

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For art lovers, another exciting thing to do in Lake Como is the museum within the 17th-century Villa Carlotta. Browse the collection of art and furnishings, from paintings by 19th-century artists like Francesco Hayez and Giovanni Segantini to works by Italian sculptors Antonio Canova and Luigi Acquisti

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You can't visit Italy without partaking in some wining and dining. Larian cuisine is food typical of Lake Como, which is known as Lario in Italian. It features fresh and seasonal ingredients, such as fish from the lake, local cheeses like bitto and gorgonzola, or fruit and vegetables from the surrounding hills. One of the most popular dishes you’ll find on menus is missoltino, which are sun-dried fish grilled and seasoned with oil and vinegar. You’ll also find a variety of meat dishes like brasato di cinghiale selvatico – braised wild boar, often served with fresh vegetables and polenta (another local favourite).

It’s hard to pick, but our favourite place to eat in Lake Como to celebrate a special occasion would be Feel Como. Serving up seasonal menus featuring local produce, the setting is elegant and cosy, with an enchanting summer garden for those balmy evenings.

Check out our collection of villas in Lake Como.

Explore our handpicked collection of homes in Lake Como.