Contents
This post will share the top ten things to do in Lake Como.
While I’m still reeling in my trip to Lake Como, I’ve decided to share my top ten things you need to do.
This will also serve as a guide for when I eventually return.
It’s not news that most people visit Lake Como for the beautiful quaint towns.
The lake is so lovely that just riding on the ferry and eating gelatos and pizza whilst walking around the towns is enough to keep you busy for an entire day.
But what if you have more than a day to explore Lake Como and want to do much more?
Are there activities to do?
I also thought visiting the lake would start and end with the towns, but after more research, I learned that there are a few enjoyable things to do.
One thing to remember is that exploring Lake Como is more or less slow travel.
The towns are not as busy as cities because of their size, and the ferry route is undoubtedly not busy.
Yes, you might see a few ferries here and there.
But it is not as busy as Venice.
So, if you need somewhere to relax with just enough to see to keep you busy, Lake Como is your destination.
You can do one activity for the day and relax for the rest of the evening.
There’s no pressure whatsoever to tick anything off your bucket list.
Explore the different towns at your own pace and take a well-rested break while at it.
Let’s get down into details.
Here Are The Top 10 Things To Do In Lake Como As A Solo Traveller
In no particular order;
Ride the Funicolar from Como to Brunate
I was in Como for about 48 hours, and it didn’t occur to me to ride the funicular to Brunate until one of my Irish acquaintances pointed it out.
Then I learnt about it; it was too late because I had to catch my flight the next day.
But the next time I visit Como, it will be the first thing on my to-do list.
A funicular is a type of cable railway on a steep slope.
This 7-minute journey connects Como to Brunate, a nearby village.
A return trip costs about 6 euros, and I hear the view from the top is simply spectacular.
Hop on a Ferry To Popular Middle Lake Towns
While there are other things to do on the lake, you honestly don’t want to miss hopping on a ferry and visiting the most popular tows in the middle of the lake: Bellagio, Mellagio and Varenna.
Make sure you buy the day pass for 25 euros, giving you free circulation around these towns.
It’s so much cheaper as the individual tickets add up quickly.
Believe me when I say the views are incredible.
If you have more time, you can spend one day in each town, but if you don’t, you can also easily see all three cities in one day if you set out early enough.
Take a Private Boat Tour
When you land at Como, you’ll first notice the parked private boats by the lake’s shore. If you can afford it, don’t hesitate to get a private boat tour of the entire lake.
Aside from having the most breathtaking views by having the whole boat to yourself or a couple of people, you don’t have to struggle to get the best seat on the ferry.
Explore at your own pace and have fun while at it.
Ride the bus to a nearby town.
While visiting the famous towns in the middle of the lake is nice, don’t sleep in not-so-popular nearby cities.
Ride the bus instead around towns like Cernobbio, Torno, Nesso, Ossuccio, Bellano, Mandello Del Lario and Lecco to switch things up.
These are some of the cities worth visiting on Lake Como.
Aside from the buses being cheaper, you also experience a different side of the lake that most people overlook.
So, could you take advantage of it?
I shared the bus routes in my Lake Como Travel Guide post.
Visit the Como Landmarks
If you want a chill day in Como, you’ll be pleased to know there are a few landmarks worth exploring.
Look out for the following landmarks:
- Duomo of Como Cathedral
- Stadium of Como
- Porta Torre
- San Fedele Church
- Tempio Voltiano and
- Basilicia Di San Abbondio.
As always, the best way I prefer to explore is to wander around the city and note any landmarks I encounter.
Visit the Villas
Aside from the towns, another exciting part of Lake Como is the villas and historic mansions the wealthy own along the lake.
While most of them are privately held, it is nice to admire the beauty and architecture of these remarkable buildings.
Some must-see villas along Lake Como include;
- Villa Olmo in Como
- Villa Melzi in Bellagio
- Villa Monastero in Varenna
- Villa Balbianello in Tremezzinna
- Villa Carlotta in Tremezzina
- Villa Geno in Como
Take a Swim at the Beach.
You’ll be happy to know that there are several places where you can swim.
While there are technically just two beaches in Carate Urio and Domaso, some other towns like Moltrasio, Faggeto Lario, Carate Urio, Brienno, Ossuccio, Lenno, Tremezzo and Menaggio have areas for swimming.
So, if you want to spend your Summer in Italy during the scorching heat waves, I suggest you go to Lake Como, where you can swim instead of Rome or Milan.
Hike along the Lake Como Greenway
If you want to take your trip to Lake Como up a notch, you can hike along the Green Way, a 6-mile/10km long hike with exciting sites.
You’ll see the breathtaking landscape of the lake as the walk passes through ancient villages, stunning villas and churches.
If you have time and the weather is nice, it is worth trying the hike.
Explore the Nesso Waterfall
Another reason to visit Nesso via bus from Como is to explore the gorgeous waterfall.
Again, there’s nothing like going out of your way to explore places people wouldn’t ordinarily visit.
When you do this, these areas are usually less crowded, so you enjoy it.
Popular attractions are excellent for a reason, but nothing beats hidden gems.
Ride another Funicolar from Argegno to Pigra
Another funicular trip you can take is one from Argegno to Pigra. Instead of a railway, this route uses a cable car.
The journey takes six minutes and is 4.50 euros for a return trip.
This is an excellent day trip from Como to explore Argegno and Pigra.
In Summary
I bet you didn’t know about other things to do in Lake Como other than visiting Bellagio.
I’m happy to have discovered this new information that will be useful when I return to Lake Como.
I hope you have found it helpful, too.