10 Best Activities in Lake Como

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

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

On this boat tour you will see some of the most beautiful places in one of the lake's 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. The whole tour starts from the city of Como.

You will also have the opportunity to get a close-up view of the lake scenery 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 on Lake Como because it allows you to see the most luxurious places around the lake from a different perspective. It is also a private experience for you and your group to enjoy, while taking lots of pictures of the ride.

Interesting details

• Price: This tour can be priced at approximately 330 euros per group.
• Duration: The tour lasts around one hour.
• Means of transport: The whole tour is completed by private boat, and part of the tour is done by car with all facilities.
• Advantages of this option: Transport service is included, as well as bottled water and alcoholic drinks.
• Disadvantages of this option: The tour is not wheelchair friendly.

This experience takes you around 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. On the way you will have the opportunity to look at amazing landscapes and take pictures of Valtellina and Valchiavenna.

Once you reach the Natural Reserve of Pian di Spagna, your guide will tell you the details about this crossroads which is an ideal place for birds that usually live in humid 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 go 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 euros per person.
• Duration: The tour lasts approximately 4 and a half hours.
• Means of transport: The entire tour is completed by bicycle.
• Advantages of this option: You are guaranteed to be accompanied by an expert and qualified guide, you will also have hiking guides.
• Disadvantages of this option: The price does not include bike hire, which can cost approximately 20 euros, depending on the model.

If there's one thing about Lake Como, it's that it's not a place where you'll get bored because as well as having beautiful scenery, it' s also a place riddled with stories of 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, which is why this experience is one of the best excursions from Lake Como.

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

Interesting details

• Price: This experience is available at a cost of approximately 160 euros per person.
• Duration: It is a full day activity, which can last around 6 hours.
• Means of transport: 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 meats is included.
• Disadvantages of this option: Drinks and tips are not included. 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. This 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 take part.

It's quite a family activity because it won't take place in a cooking school, but a chef Cesarino will welcome you at his home to give you the Milanese style cooking lesson. During the lesson 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. You can take all the Italian recipes home with you afterwards.

Interesting details

• Price: You can sign up for this cooking class by paying around 130 euros per person.
• Duration: This experience lasts around 3 hours.
• Means of transport: It takes place in one location, 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 transport from your accommodation, but you must make your own way to the cooking site.

One of the highlights of this tour is the aerial views of the coastline and the most beautiful villages around Lago di Como.

You will also get 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 by. In the helicopter you'll fly around the old lighthouse, pass between the mountains and take in the turquoise blue of the lake.

Interesting details

• Price: The overflight costs approximately 1,000 euros per group of up to six people.
• Duration: The ride lasts around 18 minutes.
• Means of transport: The whole tour is completed by helicopter, but you will have to get to 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. Included in the price is the heliport security and installation fee. Parking is available on site. You will have your digital photograph taken 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 stand on the shores of Lake Como.

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

On board you will have the opportunity to sample some of the most delicious local specialities. Of course, one of the things you'll love most about the ride is the views 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 the itinerary is quite flexible.

Interesting details

• Price: The tour costs approximately 500 euros per group of up to six people.
• Duration: You can spend around 2 hours sailing.
• Means of transport: The tour is completed by boat, but you must make your own way to the departure point.
• Advantages of this option: The ride with an expert guide is included, as well as snacks and wine tasting.
• Disadvantages of this option: The tour is not adapted for wheelchair users. Transport to and from your accommodation is also 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 of the interior in the morning, or you prefer a spooky visit at midnight, this activity is flexible enough to suit 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 you should not miss, even if you travel to Lago di Como for a day.

Interesting details

• Price: This activity is available from 184 euros per group of up to six people.
• Duration: This experience can take 2-3 hours to complete.
• Means of transport: The journey is completed on foot, but to get to the meeting point you will need to get around on your own.
• Advantages of this option: The company of a local guide is included, as well as 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 around Lago di Como, you will be able to admire the most beautiful views of the lake in 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 Pescallo bay, straight to the Rockefeller cliffs. You'll be delighted to see the villas that stand on the hills around Bellagio, all photo-worthy.

Before leaving the departure 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 experience this experience by paying approximately 80 euros per person.
• Duration: The tour takes at least an hour and a half to complete.
• Means of transport: The whole trip is done by kayak, but you will have to get to the starting point on your own.
• Advantages of this option: The use of the kayak, life jacket and a small dry bag are included. You are also accompanied by a local guide. You are offered bottled water and a map.
• Disadvantages of this option: Transfer to and from the hotel or accommodation is not included, nor is food and drinks.

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 treated to panoramic views of Lake Como, but after leaving the city, you will travel in the comfort of a coach to the Swiss town of Lugano. Once there, you'll be able to visit the city centre and taste the delicious Swiss chocolate.

You'll be delighted to see Cadenabbia and board a scenic cruise to Bellagio, a town 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 doesn't end there, because afterwards you'll board a ferry from where you'll 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 costs approximately 115 euros per person.
• Duration: It is a full day experience in which you will spend around 8 hours.
• Means of transport: You will take a boat trip, a coach trip and you will also have the opportunity to do some walking.
• Advantages of this option: Air-conditioned bus transport 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 wheelchair friendly.

On this wine tasting tour you will start by visiting a winery in Domaso, at Lago di Como. You will 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 the local flavours and specialities 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 stages of wine production. As for the wine tasting, you should know that you will taste around three varieties of wine.

Interesting details

• Price: This wine experience costs approximately 47 euros per person.
• Duration: You will complete this tour in approximately one and a half hours.
• Means of transport: This activity is completed on foot through the winery, but you can also request private transport.
• Advantages of this option: Wine tasting is included, as well as the tasting of local and traditional products that you won't find in supermarkets in Italy.
• Disadvantages of this option: Transport to and from your accommodation is not provided.