If you want to get fit at Lake Como, you’ll be spoilt for choice!
Sports & Activities at Lake Como
The Italian Mediterranean and Adriatic Rivieras are not the only places you will find sun and surf. Here in the heart of Lombardy at Lake Como the crisp cool waters and dramatic rockface surroundings are the perfect setting for both water sports and land sports. Whether you are looking for easy going activities like walking, a gentle swim, or prefer something more challenging like kayaking, windsurfing or cycling, we are here to help you find the perfect activity!
Water Sports
Sailing & Motorboating
The shores of Lake Como are abundant with little harbors and boat clubs. To rent a sailboat, you will need an international nautical license, or you can go out with a skipper. Motorboat rentals are available in some locations and no license is required for low-powered motors. To best experience the lake, a half-day or full-day boating excursion touring the lake and visiting some of the most beautiful villas in Italy can be arranged.
Kayaking
The rocky, jagged mountains surrounding the lake create an enchanting contrast with the calm, cool waters. There is no better way to immerse yourself in this natural beauty than by kayaking along the shores of Bellagio and the eastern branch of Lake Como. Paddling along the shore past the charming villages, picturesque coves and 18th century villas is the perfect activity for the sporty traveler visiting Lake Como.
Windsurfing & Kitesurfing
The upper part of Lake Como, the northern area between Dervio and Colico is the most popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Here, the winds play in your favor and will whisk you up-lake at exhilarating speeds. Lessons are available for beginners, both children and adults. Even if you are not interested in jumping on a windsurf, it is an exciting sport to watch from the shore Land Sports
Hiking
Lake Como is the perfect holiday destination for nature lovers. The surrounding hills and mountains are full of trails and paths that have been used by the locals for centuries. The forests of this Pre-Alp region hide waterfalls, caves and even ancient burial tombs of Celtic origins. The view from atop the mountains of Lake Como offers breathtaking panoramic views of the entire lakeshore.
Walking
As the adage goes: “Just put one foot in front of the other.”
Walking is easy, you can go at your own pace and it’s free! If you are not up to the challenge of hiking the trails, walking is the best way to visit the towns and villages of Lake Como. The larger towns like Bellagio, Lecco, Como, and Varenna all have beautiful lakeside promenades. The Varenna promenade is known as La passeggiata degli innamorati (Lovers Lane.) With a map in hand, follow the cobble stoned lanes of upper Varenna, or with an expert guide do a food tour in Como exploring the historical city center.
Cycling
Looking at the hilly landscape around Lake Como, you may find it difficult to believe that this is a very popular area for both competitive and leisure cycling. The infamous Giro d’Italia race usually runs through our towns and villages. In 1946, Pope Pius XII proclaimed Madonna del Ghisallo, patron of Cyclists. The church dedicated to her in the town of Magreglio is a pilgrimage for cyclist from all over the world. For the leisure cyclist, e-bikes make exploring the area easy and carefree. Imagine exploring Bellagio on an e-bike, zipping down the hill through the lakeside hamlets is an unforgettable experience!
Sunbathing (& Swimming)
Ok, sunbathing hasn’t been entered as an Olympic sport, but anyone who has tried, knows that it takes time and dedication to get that perfect honey glow tone! With clear skies above, it is sure you will quickly get a tan here at Lake Como. Always wear sunblock even when it’s cloudy; the reflection of the sun’s rays off the water intensifies the UV rays and can cause burning! There are several Lidos (beach clubs) and public beaches at Lake Como for sunbathing and swimming. The Lido di Bellagio, Lido di Varenna and Orsa Maggiore in Abbadia Lariana are nice beach clubs to spend the day at. Most of the beach clubs turn into night clubs after sundown. Lidos usually have a pool or private beach access, but there are also public beaches such as Riva Bianca Beach in Lierna, Onno in Oliveto Lario and Ulisse Guzzi Beach Park in Abbadia Lariana where you can bring a picnic lunch and spend the day. If you plan on spending the day at a public beach, try to go early to find parking or use public transportation to avoid traffic.
If you thought Lake Como only offered quaint little towns and beautiful lake views, we’d like to invite you to think again, and consider joining us for some of the fun, sun and sport too!
Feel free to contact us about any of these activities.