10 Best Activities in Lake Como

Nestled in the Lombardy region of Italy, Lago di Como offers many activities to enjoy the scenery. From sunset boat rides, walks along the trails of the region, bike tours and even guided tours of medieval castles, it is a place that you can discover in many ways.

That's why I'll tell you a selection of some of the best things to do in Lago di Como, including also interesting activities such as cooking classes and wine tastings, to get to know the local gastronomy.

On this boat tour you will get to know some of the most beautiful places of one of the lake basins, including Villa d'Este, Villa Le Rose, Villa Pizzo, Villa Erba, Villa Oleandra and Villa Fontanelle, the latter being very famous because it is the historic residence of Versace. All this tour starts from the city of Como.

In addition, you will have the opportunity to appreciate very closely the scenery of the lake before returning to the Pliniana, and later in the tour you can visit other famous residences that stand in this area until you get back to the city.

This tour is one of the best boat trips to do on Lake Como because it allows you to know from another perspective, the most luxurious places around the Lake. It is also a private experience for you and your group to enjoy, while taking lots of pictures of the ride.

Details of interest

• Price: This tour can be priced at approximately €330 per group.
• Duration: The tour lasts about one hour.
• Means of transportation: The whole tour is completed by private boat, and part of the tour is done by car with all the comforts.
• Advantages of this option: Transportation service is included, as well as bottled water and alcoholic beverages.
• Disadvantages of this option: It is not a tour that is adapted for wheelchair users.

This experience takes you to see the most beautiful spots of the entire Lago di Como area by bike. You will ride on the bike path along the entire length of the Adda River, to travel on two wheels from the Colico region to the Adda Bridge. Along the way you will have the opportunity to look at incredible landscapes and take pictures of Valtellina and Valchiavenna.

Once you reach the Pian di Spagna Nature Reserve, your guide will tell you the details about this crossroads which is an ideal place for birds that usually live in wet areas.

During the bike ride you will have the opportunity to get to know the small village of Sorico, and right after that you will continue to admire the beauties along the bike path by the lake. This is how the ride will be until you reach Domaso, the final destination of the Bike Tour.

Once there, you will go with your group of companions to have a cup of coffee in a typical bar of the Lombardy region that is located right next to the lake. At this stop you will have the opportunity to take a couple of pictures of Monte Legnoncino, Colico and Piona Bay, all right in front of your eyes.

Details of interest

• Price: This experience can cost around €130 per person.
• Duration: The tour has an approximate duration of about 4 and a half hours.
• Means of transportation: The entire tour is completed by bicycle.
• Advantages of this option: You are guaranteed the company of an expert and qualified guide, you will also have hiking guides.
• Disadvantages of this option: The price does not include the rental of the bicycles, the price of which can amount to approximately 20 euros, depending on the model.

If there is one thing about Lake Como, it is that it is not a place where you will get bored because besides having beautiful scenery, it is also a place full of stories about smugglers and soldiers who built trenches, fortresses and hideouts.

During the activity, the local guide will take you on a rural and interesting tour through the Spina Verde park, not only to enjoy the greenery of the park and the beautiful views of the city, but also to learn interesting facts about the local history, that's why this experience is one of the best excursions from Lake Como.

Part of what your guide will tell you is how through time, the forests of this border area between Italy and Switzerland have been crossed by countless characters who, at the time, showed their loyalty to both countries, and how their stories have been kept forever in the forest.

Interesting details

• Price: You can live this experience by paying an approximate price of 160 euros per person.
• Duration: It is a full day activity, which can last around 6 hours.
• Means of transportation: This tour is done one way in a private car, and another way on foot.
• Advantages of this option: The basket with local snacks such as cheese and cold cuts is included.
• Disadvantages of this option: Drinks and tips are not included. It is not suitable for people with back problems or mobility problems.

This is one of the most interesting gastronomic experiences, and certainly one of the best cooking classes in Lago di Como. It is a class in which your teacher will teach you how to prepare classic and traditional dishes from Lombardy. The best thing about this activity is that it is private, meaning that only you and your group participate.

It is quite a family activity because it will not take place in a cooking school, but a chef Cesarino will welcome you at his home to give you a cooking lesson in the Milanese style. During the class you will learn how to prepare a complete menu consisting of several traditional Italian dishes: polenta, risotto, meatballs, osso bucco and tiramisu.

After cooking you will be able to enjoy the food you have created, along with wine pairings. All the recipes of Italian cuisine you will be able to take home afterwards.

Interesting details

• Price: You can sign up for this cooking class by paying about 130 euros per person.
• Duration: This experience lasts about 3 hours.
• Means of transportation: It takes place in one place, but to get there you will have to travel on your own.
• Advantages of this option: The recipe booklet is included to take home after the class. All the materials you will use for cooking are included. Tasting of the food you cook is also included. The chef will accompany and instruct you at all times.
• Disadvantages of this option: There is no transportation from your place of lodging, but you must make your own way to the cooking site.

One of the highlights of this tour is that you will be able to enjoy aerial views of the coastline and the most beautiful villages around Lago di Como.

You will also be able to see from the air, some of the properties belonging to well-known stars such as George Clooney, Madonna and Richard Branson, which are not only beautiful villas, but also have picturesque gardens.

I love to recommend this tour because during the 18-minute experience, you will also have the opportunity to admire incredible views of the lake from above and take lots of photos to remember the trip. In the helicopter you'll fly around the old lighthouse, pass between the mountains and take in the turquoise blue of the lake.

Details of interest

• Price: The overflight costs approximately 1,000 euros per group of up to six people.
• Duration: The ride lasts about 18 minutes.
• Means of transportation: The entire tour is completed by helicopter, but you will have to arrive at the meeting point on your own.
• Advantages of this option: The pilot and crew of professionals who will accompany you during the trip are included. The price includes the security and heliport installation fee. Parking is available on site. You will have your digital photograph in front of the helicopter.
• Disadvantages of this option: Transportation to and from the heliport is not included. Gratuities are not included in the price but are optional.

During this boat tour you will not only see the beautiful sunset on the lake, but you will also delight in the architecture of the spectacular villas and the most picturesque villages that rise on the shores of Lake Como.

This tour begins in Bellagio, from where you will start the tour aboard a boat that will take you to other nearby places on Lake Como, including the Villa del Balbianello, Villa Melzi and Villa Carlotta.

On board you will have the opportunity to taste some of the most delicious local specialties. Of course, one of the things you will love most about the ride are the views you can appreciate from the water.

During the trip, the local guide will tell you about the history and culture of the lake, while you sip a glass of Prosecco to enjoy the sunset. What I like most about this tour is that it is an intimate experience and has a very flexible itinerary.

Details of interest

• Price: The tour costs approximately 500 euros per group of up to six people.
• Duration: You can spend around 2 hours sailing.
• Means of transportation: The tour is completed by boat, but to get to the starting point, you must do it on your own.
• Advantages of this option: The ride with an expert guide is included, as well as snacks and wine tasting.
• Disadvantages of this option: It is not an adapted tour for wheelchair users. Transportation to and from your accommodation is not included.

During this experience the Castello Baradello, which is one of the most important historical monuments of Lago di Como, is opened especially for you and your group. Whether you want to take a guided tour inside during the morning, or you prefer a spooky visit at midnight, this activity is quite flexible and can be tailored to your interests.

To get to the castle you will have to hike through the vegetation of a natural park. At the same time you can learn more about the history and culture of the Lombardy region.

Both the walls and the Museum of the Tower of Time have a lot of history to tell, but also during the visit to the castle you can admire a panoramic view of the city and its lake, thanks to the private access to its terrace. This is one of those visits that you should not miss, even if you travel to Lago di Como for a day.

Interesting details

• Price: This activity is available from €184 per group of up to six people.
• Duration: You can take 2 to 3 hours to complete this experience.
• Means of transport: The journey is completed on foot, but to reach the meeting point you will have to mobilize on your own.
• Advantages of this option: The company of a local guide is included, as well as the entrance to the castle and the Time Tower.
• Disadvantages of this option: Tips are not included. This tour is not suitable for people with back problems, nor for those with a fear of heights. Not suitable for people with pre-existing medical conditions.

During this experience of kayaking across Lago di Como, you will be able to admire the most beautiful views of the lake with the company of a guide who will tell you everything you want to know about the area.

The activity starts in Bellagio, from where you will paddle along the bay of Pescallo, straight to the Rockefeller cliffs. You will be delighted to see the villas that stand on the hills around Bellagio, all photo worthy.

Before leaving the starting point, your tour guide will give you some basic instructions on how to kayak the lake and provide you with a safety briefing so you'll be protected throughout the experience.

Details of interest

• Price: You can live this experience by paying approximately 80 euros per person.
• Duration: The tour is completed in at least an hour and a half.
• Means of transportation: The whole tour is done by kayak, but you will have to get to the starting point of the tour on your own.
• Advantages of this option: The use of the kayak, life jacket and a small dry bag are included. You also have the company of a local guide. You are offered bottled water and a map.
• Disadvantages of this option: Transportation to and from the hotel or lodging site is not included, nor is food and beverages.

A guide will take you to explore the lakes and villages of Switzerland and Italy from the city of Como. Among the most incredible places you will visit are the small village of Cadenabbia. But you will also have the opportunity to board a cruise ship that will take you to Bellagio.

At the beginning of the tour you will be delighted with panoramic views of Lake Como, but after leaving the city, you will travel comfortably in a coach to the Swiss city of Lugano. Once there, you will be able to visit the city center and taste the delicious Swiss chocolate.

You will be delighted to see Cadenabbia and board a scenic cruise to Bellagio, a town that is also known as the "Pearl of Lake Como". Once you arrive in Bellagio, you can enjoy some free time in the relaxed atmosphere that this area offers.

But the activity does not end there, because afterwards you will board a ferry from where you will see Lake Como from another angle. As you board the cruise you can enjoy the communion of nature and the architecture of the villas and their gardens that are located in the region.

Details of interest

• Price: This activity has an approximate cost of 115 euros per person.
• Duration: It is a full day experience in which you will use about 8 hours.
• Means of transportation: You will take a boat tour, another one by bus and you will also have the chance to walk a little bit.
• Advantages of this option: Air-conditioned bus transportation is provided, including the tour guide and audio headphones. Bottled water is also provided.
• Disadvantages of this option: Lunch is not included and it is not suitable for wheelchair users.

On this wine tasting tour you will start by visiting a winery in Domaso, on Lago di Como. You will be able to enjoy a tour through an authentic wine estate that is steeped in history and has been cultivated generation after generation.

Not only will you taste wines, but you will also enjoy local flavors and specialties selected to complete the wine pairing. All this happens while learning about the viticulture of northern Italy.

In addition, you will learn in detail about the evolution of the family winery you will be visiting, as well as the different stages of wine production. About the tasting, you should know that you will taste about three varieties of wine.

Details of interest

• Price: This wine experience has an approximate cost of 47 euros per person.
• Duration: You will complete this tour in about an hour and a half.
• Means of transportation: This activity is completed on foot through the winery, but you can also request private transportation.
• Advantages of this option: Wine tasting is included, as well as the tasting of local and traditional products that you will not find in supermarkets in Italy.
• Disadvantages of this option: Transportation to and from your accommodation is not provided.