Lake Como: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
Discover the picturesque beauty of Lake Como in Italy. Surrounded by majestic mountains and charming villages, Lake Como offers an idyllic setting for your next vacation. Enjoy boat trips on the sparkling water and explore the rich history and culture of the region.
Table of contents
Lake Como - 5 most beautiful natural sights
Greenway of Lake Como
At the southern end of Colonno begins the Greenway del Lago di Como. After crossing the Pessetta stream, you reach the old Roman road Strada Regina. It leads through olive groves to Sala Comacina. Steps take you to the medieval town center. The view of Comacina Island in the lake is unique. Ossuccio is also on the popular hiking trail. Here, a break at the romantic hamlet of Surano is worthwhile. Towards the end of the hike, you reach Villa Carlotta, known for its charming botanical garden. The Greenway del Lago di Como is well signposted. There are many refreshment options along the route.
Grigne Mountains
The Grigna mountain group looks particularly beautiful when the rising sun shines on it. The mountains are made of dolomitic limestone, which shimmers pink under specific sunlight. Several paths lead to the Grigna group. Along the way, the Rosalba mountain hut and the Elisa mountain hut invite you to recharge your energy. The Grigna mountain range is very popular among climbers. The Grigna Meridionale, for example, offers climbing routes of various difficulty levels. At the Cresta Segantini, climbing walls alternate with gorges. In clear weather, you can see the Milan Cathedral to the southeast and the Alpine range to the north from the peaks of the mountain range.
Wayfarer's Path
The Sentiero del Viandante, also known as "The Way of the Wanderer," is a picturesque hiking trail along Lake Como. This historic path stretches over about 45 kilometers and leads through breathtaking landscapes, charming villages, and offers spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The trail begins in Abbadia Lariana and passes through towns like Varenna, Bellano, and Colico before ending in Piantedo. Along the way, hikers pass olive groves, vineyards, Mediterranean forests, and historic buildings. The Sentiero del Viandante offers the opportunity to experience the culture, history, and natural beauty of Lake Como.
Bobbio Plans
The family-friendly ski area Piani di Bobbio can be reached by a gondola. Modern lifts transport you to well-groomed slopes of all difficulty levels. Beginners reach easy descents with magic carpets. Experienced skiers race down the mountain on three black slopes. In the local ski school, everyone improves their technique. In summer, family fun is the order of the day alongside hiking. In the Super Tubing Area, the Bobbiotube 2 pumps adrenaline into your veins. Little guests enjoy the wooden marble run, guiding a marble through tunnels, traps, and sound paths. On the Dwarf Path, the youngest discover hidden secrets in the forest.
Tal Valsassina
The Valsassina Valley, flanked by the Grigne Mountains to the east and the Bergamasque Prealps to the west, opens to the north at Lake Como and spreads southward on the slopes of Grignetta and Monte due Mani. In winter, families race down well-prepared slopes or glide on cross-country skis through the winter wonderland. Ice skating, skiing, and snowshoe tours are also popular in the Valsassina Valley. Children play with bobsleds and sleds. In summer, you can embark on challenging via ferratas or varied hiking trails along green pastures, deep blue mountain lakes, and impressive limestone walls. Detours are worthwhile to the idyllic Bellano, the Troggia waterfall in Vimogno, or to Lecco.
Lake Como - Top 6 Events
LacMus Festival
The LacMus Festival takes place annually in July in Tremezzina on Lake Como. It combines music, art, and nature at unique locations such as Villa Balbianello and Villa Carlotta. Renowned musicians and artists from all over the world perform here. The festival offers classical concerts, masterclasses, and workshops that captivate visitors in the inspiring surroundings of the lake. The connection of music, art, and nature is at the heart of the LacMus Festival and attracts numerous visitors every year. It is an unforgettable experience for lovers of classical music and Italian culture.
Elegance Competition Villa d'Este
The Elegance Competition Villa d'Este is one of the most exclusive events for vintage and classic cars worldwide. Every year in May, this prestigious event takes place in the luxurious setting of the Villa d'Este in Cernobbio, on the shores of Lake Como. The event attracts collectors, enthusiasts, and automotive connoisseurs from all over the world who seize the opportunity to admire some of the rarest and most beautiful vehicles. In addition to the classic cars, the program often includes concept cars, exhibitions, and glamorous award ceremonies. The historical backdrop of the Villa d'Este, combined with the breathtaking landscape of Lake Como, gives the event a unique atmosphere. The Elegance Competition is a highlight in the international calendar for car and design lovers.
Lake Como Design Festival
The Lake Como Design Festival is an annual event that takes place in September in the city of Como and its surroundings. It serves as a meeting point for lovers of art, design, and architecture who wish to celebrate the unique connection between history and contemporary creation. The festival showcases exhibitions, lectures, and installations at historical and extraordinary locations around Lake Como. Each year, the event is centered around a special theme that inspires artists, designers, and architects to present their works in innovative contexts. With its blend of traditional elegance and modern design, the Lake Como Design Festival has evolved into a significant cultural event that attracts visitors from all over the world.
Feast of Saint John
The Feast of Saint John is a traditional festival that takes place every year on the last weekend of June on Isola Comacina, a small island in Lake Como. It is one of the most well-known historical and cultural events in the region. The celebrations include an impressive historical procession that commemorates the destruction of the island in the 12th century, as well as traditional music and dances. The highlight of the festival is the spectacular fireworks display that illuminates the night sky over Lake Como, admired by numerous boats and spectators from the shore. The Feast of Saint John is a unique experience that brings history and tradition to life in a captivating setting.
Orticolario
Orticolario is a prestigious event that takes place every autumn in the historic park of Villa Erba in Cernobbio, on Lake Como. The event is dedicated to the world of plants and gardens, attracting garden enthusiasts, designers, and art lovers alike. In addition to presenting rare and extraordinary plants, Orticolario also includes art installations, design projects, and cultural activities that explore the connection between humans and nature. Each year, the event is centered around a specific theme that provides inspiration for the showcased projects. With its unique blend of nature, art, and innovation, Orticolario is a special experience and a popular gathering spot for those who appreciate beauty and creativity.
Festival Como City of Music
The Festival Como City of Music is an annual music festival in the city of Como, organized by the Teatro Sociale di Como. It offers a variety of operas, concerts, and dance performances, with the main events taking place in the historic arena of the Teatro Sociale. In addition, free concerts are held at unusual locations throughout the city, making music accessible to a wider audience. The festival combines cultural tradition with modern creativity and attracts numerous visitors each year. It is a tribute to the rich musical history of the region and creates unforgettable experiences for music lovers. The blend of art and the unique atmosphere of Lake Como makes this event particularly special.
Lake Como - 6 Souvenirs
Mantero Silk Products
Mantero Silk Products are the perfect souvenir from a trip to Lake Como. For over 100 years, Mantero has been producing high-quality silk products in this picturesque region. The history of Mantero is closely linked to the silk production at Lake Como, which dates back to the 15th century. Every piece of silk that Mantero produces is a testament to this rich history and the artisanal skill of the region. Whether scarves, ties, or handkerchiefs, Mantero Silk Products are more than just beautiful accessories. They are a piece of Lake Como that you can take home with you. Allow yourself to be enchanted by the elegance and quality of these products and take a piece of this fascinating history with you.
Olive oil from Lenno
The Olive Oil from Lenno is a unique souvenir from your trip to Lake Como. This exquisite product has a long history that dates back to the 14th century. The olive trees in Lenno thrive in the mild climate, producing an oil of exceptional quality. The production of this olive oil is an art passed down from generation to generation. With its rich, fruity taste and its distinctive aroma, the Olive Oil from Lenno is a true symbol of Lake Como's culinary tradition. It's not just a delicious treat, but also a piece of history that you can take home with you.
Cremona Mustard
Cremona Mustard is a unique Italian delicacy, highly valued in the region surrounding Lake Como. It's a sweet and spicy fruit jam, made from various fruits such as pears, apples, or cherries, and flavored with mustard spice. This combination makes Cremona Mustard a fascinating taste experience, served both as a side dish to meat dishes and as a spread on bread or cheese. Cremona Mustard is a typical product of Lombardy and provides an ideal opportunity to experience the culinary tradition of the region. It's an extraordinary souvenir that reflects the authentic taste of Italy and is perfect for food connoisseurs.
Nebbiolo Wine
Nebbiolo is one of the most renowned and noble grape varieties in Italy, particularly famous in the wine regions of Piedmont, such as Barolo and Barbaresco. This exceptional grape variety is also cultivated around Lake Como, known for its complex aromas and long-term storage capability. Nebbiolo wines are typically deep red and characterized by aromas of cherries, red berries, violets, and complex earthy notes. They are rich in tannins and have high acidity, making them ideal for bottle aging. Nebbiolo wines from the region around Lake Como provide an excellent opportunity to take home the fine wines of Lombardy and experience the typical Italian wine culture. The souvenir is: Nebbiolo Wine.
Amaretti of Saronno
Amaretti of Saronno are delicious, traditional Italian almond cookies, originally from the town of Saronno in Lombardy, not far from Lake Como. These delicate, crispy cookies date back to the 18th century and are known for their sweet, slightly bitter taste, which is created by the intense almond flavor and a subtle sweetness. The dough for Amaretti is made from ground almonds, sugar, and egg whites. They are often packaged in decorative tin cans and make an excellent gift or souvenir. The cookies are not only a delight to the palate, but also a piece of the region's history, which visitors to Lake Como love to take home as a reminder of their stay.
Local Wines
Lake Como, a picturesque region in Italy, is renowned for its local wines. These wines are not just delicious, but also make for a perfect souvenir from your trip. The wine production in this region has a long history, dating back to the Roman Empire. The unique combination of climate and soil at Lake Como allows winemakers to produce wines of exceptional quality and character. Each bottle is a reflection of the rich culture and tradition of the region. With a souvenir like these Local Wines, you can bring home the taste and experience of your trip and share it with your loved ones.
Lake Como - 6 typical dishes
Risotto con Pesce Persico
Risotto with Perch is an exquisite delicacy that captures the essence of Italian cuisine. This dish consists of creamy risotto prepared with fresh perch, also known as European Bass. The combination of tender fish and velvety risotto creates a harmonious balance of textures and flavors. The addition of white wine gives the dish subtle depth, while fresh herbs and spices add a touch of freshness. Every bite is a feast for the senses, perfectly balancing savory, sweet, and sour notes. Risotto with Perch is more than just a dish - it's a culinary experience that immerses you in authentic Italian cuisine.
Pizzoccheri
Pizzoccheri is a dish that both satisfies and excites. It consists of wide noodles made from buckwheat flour, combined with potatoes, savoy cabbage, and cheese. These ingredients are cooked together and then refined with an aromatic mixture of melted butter, sage, and garlic. The result is a hearty, warming meal that combines rustic charm with sophisticated finesse. The taste is distinctive: the nutty flavor of the buckwheat perfectly complements the delicate cheese and the spice of the garlic. Pizzoccheri is not just a dish but a unique culinary experience.
Misultin e Polenta
Misultin and Polenta is a traditional delicacy that enchants the palate with its unique combination of flavors. Misultin, small, dried and grilled fish, are the centerpiece of this dish. They are carefully prepared and offer an intense taste that harmonizes perfectly with the mild polenta. The polenta, a mush made from cornmeal, is creamy and rich, providing a wonderful complement to the strong flavors of misultin. This dish is a true homage to simplicity and richness of local cuisine. It's more than just a meal - it's culinary experience that combines tradition, culture and attention to detail. Try Misultin e Polenta and let yourself be enchanted by this authentic taste experience.
Ossobuco alla Milanese
Ossobuco alla Milanese is a classic dish that delights gourmets. The main ingredient is tender veal shank, which is slowly stewed with vegetables, white wine and broth, creating a wonderfully aromatic sauce. The tender meat harmonizes perfectly with the traditional Gremolata, a mix of lemon peel, garlic and parsley, which provides freshness and balance. Ossobuco alla Milanese is often served with Risotto alla Milanese whose creamy saffron flavor ideally complements the flavors of the main course. This dish combines rustic simplicity with fine refinement and is a highlight of Italian cuisine.
Bresaola
Bresaola is a delicious delicacy made from lean beef. The meat is carefully selected, salted and seasoned with a mixture of spices and herbs. After seasoning, the meat is packed in natural casings and hung up to dry and mature. This process takes several months, giving the Bresaola its distinctive taste and dark red color. The final product is an incredibly tender and aromatic meat that is cut into thin slices often served with olive oil, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Bresaola is a true delight for meat lovers and a must-have for any gourmet.
Torta Miascia
The Torta Miascia is a traditional dish that reflects the simplicity and richness of local cuisine. It is a delicious cake made from old bread, raisins, apples, and pears. The ingredients are arranged in layers and refined with sugar, cinnamon, and butter before being baked in the oven. The result is a sweet and savory delicacy that is both crispy and juicy. The Torta Miascia is a perfect example of the ability of local chefs to transform simple ingredients into an extraordinary dish. It's a treat that conquers the hearts of both locals and visitors.
Lake Como - Climate
The following graph shows the average weather conditions for the country. Historical weather conditions may vary by region.