10 Things to Do in Lake Como in Summer

Lago di Como is a perfect destination for your summer holiday in northern Italy, surrounded by nature, mountains and breathtaking views.

Camilla Graciano

Camilla Graciano

10 min read

10 Things to Do in Lake Como in Summer

Lake Como | ©Pedro

Lago di Como is a unique place to visit in summer. With its beautiful views, warm weather and a wide variety of things to see and do outdoors, it's the perfect destination for a summer holiday!

Here are 10 things to see and do in Lago di Como during the summer.

1. Take a boat trip

Day trip| ©Elliott Brown
Day trip| ©Elliott Brown

Lake Como is one of **Italy'**s most popular tourist destinations, known for its breathtaking views and natural beauty. One of the best ways to enjoy these views is to take a boat trip on the lake during the summer. There are several options of boat tours on Lake Como for you to choose from and I assure you it will be a unique and unforgettable experience.

Summer is a perfect time to enjoy this activity, as the weather is warm and pleasant, and the views are spectacular. From the water, you will be able to see the impressive villas and gardens that border the lake, as well as the imposing Alps reflected in the crystal clear waters.

Also, as it is such a popular activity, you can opt for the tour of your choice. You have a panoramic tour of the lake, which will take you through the main towns on the lake such as Bellagio, Varenna and Tremezzo. You can also choose a more themed excursion, such as a boat tour through the floating gardens of Villa Balbianello, a historic villa with breathtaking views of the lake.

Take a boat trip on Lago di Como

2. Take a tour of Bellagio

Streets of Bellagio| ©. Ray in Manila
Streets of Bellagio| ©. Ray in Manila

Bellagio is a beautiful town situated at the tip of a peninsula on Lake Como, Italy. It is known as "The Pearl of the Lake" due to its natural beauty and architecture. Strolling around Bellagio in summer is a unique and unforgettable experience.

One of the best ways to explore Bellagio is on foot. You can walk along its narrow cobblestone streets and admire its stunning villas and gardens. Bellagio's historic centre is particularly impressive, with its colourful buildings and lively squares. You can also visit the church of San Giacomo, which dates back to the 13th century and offers panoramic views of the town and lake.

Another popular activity in Bellagio is enjoying the beaches and swimming in the lake. There are several small beaches in the town where you can relax and sunbathe. You can also rent a boat or kayak to explore the lake from another perspective.

In addition to its natural beauty and architecture, Bellagio is a perfect place to spend a day or night, enjoying all that Lago di Como has to offer in summer.

Take a tour of Lago di Como

3. Visit Villa del Balbianello

Villa del Balbianello| ©Roberto Rolla
Villa del Balbianello| ©Roberto Rolla

Villa del Balbianello is a historic villa located on the Lenno peninsula on Lake Como. It is known for its breathtaking views of the lake and its floating gardens. If you visit the Villa del Balbianello in summer, you can enjoy its natural beauty and architecture in all its splendour.

The villa is a must-see during a trip to Lake Como, especially in summer. Once inside, you can enjoy views of the lake from the terrace and gardens, as well as explore the villa's rooms, which house a wealth of historical artefacts and furnishings.

The gardens of Villa del Balbianello are particularly impressive. They are laid out in terraces and extend over several levels with paths winding through the flowers and shrubs. One of the highlights is the floating garden, a small island connected to the villa by a bridge, where you can enjoy spectacular views of the lake.

One fact about Villa del Balbianello is that it is famous for its history and its role in Italian culture. The villa has been used as a set for several films and TV shows, including "Star Wars" and "James Bond".

Take an excursion from Lago Di Como

4. Visit Villa Carlotta

Villa Carlotta| ©. Ray in Manila
Villa Carlotta| ©. Ray in Manila

Villa Carlotta is a stunning historic villa located on Lake Como. Known for its impressive botanical garden and renaissance architecture, it is a popular place to visit in summer.

During the summer, the warm and pleasant climate of Lake Como is perfect for enjoying a day out in the gardens of Villa Carlotta. Visitors can enjoy the panoramic views of the lake as they walk along the paths, admiring the flowers and exotic vegetation.

In addition to the gardens, Villa Carlotta also boasts an impressive art collection, including works by Italian Renaissance and Baroque artists. Visitors can walk through the galleries and view the works of art in the exhibition rooms. In addition, the building itself is a work of art, with its Renaissance architecture and impressive decoration.

Please note that Villa Carlotta is a popular place to visit in summer, so plan your visit in advance and book tickets to avoid long queues.

5. Take a bike ride

Cycling in Como| ©Federica Bianchi
Cycling in Como| ©Federica Bianchi

Cycling around Lake Como is an activity you can also do if you visit the lake in winter, but in summer it is an exciting way to explore the lake's beautiful scenery and towns.

The lake has several cycling routes that offer breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding area. In addition, the warm summer weather makes it a great way to enjoy the views and exercise at the same time.

One of the most popular cycling routes on Lake Como is the Lago di Como route, which circles the entire lake and offers breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding area. The route is about 170 kilometres long and is accessible to cyclists of all skill levels. In addition, there are several points of interest along the route, such as the gardens of Villa Carlotta and Palazzo Olginati.

Another popular cycling route is the Lago di Lecco route, which offers breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding area. It is a route of about 50 kilometres that is also accessible to cyclists of all skill levels. This route offers breathtaking views of the Alps and the city of Lecco.

Take a bike tour of Lago di Como

6. Spend a day at the beach

A day at the beach| ©Giorgio Bertapelle
A day at the beach| ©Giorgio Bertapelle

Although the lake is not known for its beaches, there are several sandy beaches where you can enjoy a day of sunbathing and swimming. So, if you're planning to spend a day at the beach at Lake Como in summer, you're in the right place!

Lake Como is known for its crystal clear waters and breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains. Spending a day at the beach at Lake Como is a unique and relaxing experience. One of the best things about spending a day at the beach is enjoying the warm and pleasant weather. The sun is shining and the water is warm, making it the perfect place to take a swim, read a book or just relax.

In addition, the beaches of Lago di Como are ideal for water sports such as windsurfing and paddle surfing, one of the typical activities to do in Lago di Como.

7. Hiking and trekking

Hiking in Lago di Como| ©Forest Service Northern
Hiking in Lago di Como| ©Forest Service Northern

Hiking in summer is one of the best things to do in Lago di Como and a wonderful way to enjoy nature and the stunning panoramic views of the lake. With its mountains and well-marked trails, Lago di Como is a popular destination for hiking enthusiasts. During the summer, temperatures are warm and pleasant, making it the perfect time for a hike.

There are many trails to choose from on Lake Como. From easy trails, which offer beautiful views of the lake, to more difficult trails that lead to the peaks of the nearby mountains. One of the most popular routes is the trail from Bellagio to the top of Monte San Primo, which offers breathtaking views of the hills and the lake.

It is important that you wear suitable clothing and footwear for this activity. Also, don't forget to bring your camera, as the views are breathtaking.

8. Water sports

Kayaking Lake di Como| ©Leslie Veen
Kayaking Lake di Como| ©Leslie Veen

Water sports in summer is an exciting way to enjoy the beautiful waters of the lake and the best things to do in Lago di Como. Lake Como has a warm and pleasant climate in summer, making it the perfect place for water sports such as water skiing, windsurfing and paddle surfing.

One of the most popular activities on Lake Como is water skiing. The lake has several schools offering lessons and equipment rental. Beginners and experts can enjoy this exciting activity with the best panoramic views of the lake.

Windsurfing and paddle surfing are other popular activities on Lake Como. The lake has several equipment rental outlets and schools offering lessons for beginners and experts. In addition, the warm weather and wind conditions in summer are ideal for these activities.

9. Visit the city of Como

Getting to know Como| ©. Ray in Manila
Getting to know Como| ©. Ray in Manila

Visiting the city of Como on Lake Como in summer is an exciting experience that offers a mix of history, culture and natural beauty. The city of Como is known for its impressive historic buildings, cobbled streets and beautiful lake. In summer, the city comes alive with a variety of outdoor events and activities.

One of the main attractions of the city of Como is the Duomo, an impressive Gothic cathedral built in the 14th century. The Duomo is famous for its façade and its panoramic view of the city and the lake. Another place of interest is the Palazzo Olginati, a beautiful Renaissance palace with an Italian garden.

The city of Como is also known for its luxury shops and boutiques, as well as its restaurants and bars. In summer, you can enjoy a meal or a drink on one of the outdoor terraces overlooking the lake. In the evening, the city comes alive with a variety of events such as concerts and beach parties.

Take a tour of Como

10. Attend an open-air concert

Teatro Sociale.| ©Londrina92
Teatro Sociale.| ©Londrina92

Attending an open-air concert on Lake Como in summer is a unique experience that combines music, breathtaking scenery and warm weather. Lake Como has a variety of venues for outdoor concerts, from historic gardens to private beaches. In summer, the lake comes alive with a variety of events and concerts.

One of the main attractions for music lovers on Lake Como is the Como Music Festival, which takes place in June and July. This festival features a wide variety of renowned artists, from symphony orchestras to jazz and classical soloists. Concerts are held in iconic venues, such as the Teatro Sociale.

Another popular choice for outdoor concerts on Lake Como are the historic gardens, such as the Villa Carlotta Garden. Concerts at these venues are usually classical music concerts held on summer evenings.

Temperatures in Lago di Como in summer

Evening in Lago di Como| ©Leonardo Rizzi
Evening in Lago di Como| ©Leonardo Rizzi

Temperatures in Lago di Como in summer are generally warm and pleasant, averaging between 25°C and 30°C.

The days are generally sunny for all kinds of outdoor activities ranging from water sports to walking, and the evenings are cool and pleasant, ideal for taking advantage of Lago di Como's great nightlife with a variety of restaurants, bars and terraces.

Lago di Como's summertime tourist influx

Sunset by boat| ©www.twin-loc.fr
Sunset by boat| ©www.twin-loc.fr

In summer, the number of tourists in Lago di Como increases significantly due to the warm and pleasant weather. Many people visit the lake to enjoy outdoor activities such as swimming, water sports and taking boats to explore the shores of the lake. It also becomes a popular place for bicycle touring and walking on the trails around the lake.

For this reason, you may find prices a little higher than at other times of the year and less accommodation available. So, if you plan to spend your summer at Lago di Como, organise your stay well in advance.

Prices in Lago di Como in summer

Money in Euro| ©Ibrahim Boran
Money in Euro| ©Ibrahim Boran

Prices in Lago di Como in summer can vary depending on the type of accommodation, services and activities you wish to enjoy. In general, prices are expected to be higher in summer due to high tourist demand.

In particular, hotel and flat prices can be significantly higher in summer compared to off-season prices. You can also expect to pay more for activities such as boat trips, bike rentals and entrance fees to tourist attractions. However, there are affordable options available, it's just a case of doing your research.

Also, it is important to note that prices can vary significantly between different towns and cities around the lake, so it is advisable to do your research and compare prices before planning your trip.

In general, I recommend that you keep your budget flexible so that you can enjoy all the activities in Lago di Como without missing out.

As you will appreciate, Lago di Como is the perfect place to spend a summer holiday with family or friends. It offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, from boating to hiking, as well as a number of impressive tourist attractions such as Villa del Balbianello and Villa Carlotta.

In addition, the towns around the lake, such as Bellagio and Como, with a variety of shops, restaurants and bars, are ideal for enjoying. In Lago di Como in summer you will find activities for all tastes, you will love it!