Discover the Most Beautiful Sides of the Picturesque Lake
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Antonella Deuster
Travel Expert for Italy
Updated on 05/14/2025
Surrounded by majestic mountains and the natural beauty of northern Italy, Lake Como offers an incredible over 105 miles of shoreline. That means countless opportunities to discover scenic beaches, hidden coves, and inviting lidos all around the lake. One of the most charming spots? The beach at Bellagio—often called the “pearl of the lake.”
But there’s more to explore. Spend a day in postcard-perfect Varenna, or relax at Lido di Cernobbio, where you can swim with views of the iconic Villa d’Este. Don’t miss the peaceful charm of the fishing village of Domaso or the elegant sailboats gliding across the calm waters of Laghetto di Piona. From tranquil hideaways to classic dolce vita moments, Lake Como’s shores offer something for everyone.
Discover the pearl of Lake Como for yourself when you relax in historic Bellagio. Follow the steep hiking trail to the picturesque lakeshore and take in the spectacular scenery, natural surroundings and breathtaking flora.
Relax here away from the hustle and bustle in peace and quiet and recharge your batteries in the midst of fantastic nature. If you don't want to linger on the impressive lakeside promenade until sunset, don't miss the chance to explore the historic old town of Bellagio. Marvel at the magnificent villas, the beautiful alleyways and the unique flair. And round off the day with a visit to one of the town's beautiful restaurants.
The Lido di Argegno is located on a small headland between the town, the river and the charming harbor of the village. Instead of a sandy beach, you will find a well-kept lawn with sun loungers and parasols as well as a small bar that caters for the physical well-being of visitors.
So you will want for nothing at Lido di Argegno to enjoy the view of Lake Como and the beautiful old town to the full. Add to this the incomparable flair of the town and the enchanting lakeside promenade, which invites you to take long walks as well as visit the many excellent restaurants and cafés on the shores of Lake Como.
Lido di Lenno is a standout spot on Lake Como, offering a soft sandy beach and everything you need for a relaxing day by the water. Comfortable sun loungers, a welcoming restaurant serving local specialties, and the peaceful bay just south of the harbor all come together to create a true vacation vibe.
Take a refreshing dip in the lake’s crystal-clear water and soak in the lush, green mountain views. When you're ready to explore more, head into Lenno’s charming old town, visit the historic olive oil mill, or stroll through the nearby vineyards and olive groves that give this area its timeless appeal.
The beach in Lecco awaits its visitors with a diverse range of offers. In addition to the spectacular surrounding mountain landscape and the crystal-clear water, water sports enthusiasts and active vacationers in particular get their money's worth here. Hire the equipment you need to put your skills to the test on the water directly at the Lido, for example.
Explore the impressive surroundings from the water on a pedalo or canoe. Enjoy a bite to eat in the Lido's fantastic restaurant. Or party until the early hours in the large disco with a view of the lake. Alternatively, you will find quieter entertainment options along the beautiful pedestrian zone.
Just a stone's throw from Lecco, the Lido di Abbadia Lariana is waiting to be discovered by you. Take plenty of time to explore the enchanting headland with its spectacular lido. On site, you can not only relax on the fine pebble beach, but also experience the emerald green waters of Lake Como while swimming and canoeing.
Take in the magnificent mountain scenery. Soak up the sun and recharge your batteries. And round off your visit to Lido di Abbadia Lariana with a relaxing stroll through the beautiful old town of the village. Follow the winding alleyways back to the promenade and then relax in one of the local restaurants or cafés.
If you want to experience the natural beauty of Lake Como in peace and quiet, you should explore the Lido di Moltrasio on the western shore of the lake. The unspoiled nature, lush vegetation and impressive wildlife create a very special ambience here. Follow the narrow footpath to the beach promenade or take one of the local excursion boats directly to the idyllic Lido di Moltrasio.
Once you arrive, you can either make yourself comfortable on the sandy beach interspersed with fine pebbles or on the Lido's expansive platforms. Then it's time to soak up the sun, swim or feast. Because you can indulge in culinary delights at various local restaurants on site.
Pure nature awaits you on the northern shores of Lake Como. Far away from the hustle and bustle, the popular lake in Sorico shows itself from one of its most beautiful sides. An extensive, wide beach, deep, emerald-green water and fantastic flora and fauna do the rest.
So if you want to unwind in peace and quiet and experience the unique nature around Lake Como up close, Sorico is the place to be. Not only can you swim here , you can also go diving or fishing. The offer is rounded off with the ancient Roman road, which can still be admired in Sorico to this day and makes the hearts of history-loving visitors beat faster.
Not far from Sorico, Colico also invites you to an active vacation of a special kind. Here, the Breva, the prevailing southerly wind, provides fantastic conditions for kitesurfing on the shimmering lake or enjoying the fresh breeze while windsurfing and paragliding .
It is therefore not surprising that the Lido di Colico is becoming increasingly popular, especially among water sports enthusiasts. However, recreational and active vacationers also get their money's worth in Colico. After all, the clean water is perfect for swimming. On the shore, grass and sandy areas offer plenty of space to relax. And the surrounding area is great for exploring on foot.
Within walking distance of Colico is the Laghetto di Piona, a natural bathing bay with extensive lawns and breathtaking vegetation. The countless plane trees here provide plenty of shade even on hot summer days. Spend a relaxing day on the northern shore of Lake Como. Swim in the shimmering green-blue water or explore the surroundings by canoe and stand-up paddle.
Alternatively, you can go kitesurfing or sailing in Piona. Or you can follow the enchanting hiking trails from the lakeshore to the beautiful Cistercian abbey, which juts out into Lake Como on a small headland. If you want to enjoy the magic of the region even longer afterwards, there are various campsites and vacation accommodation around the small lake of Piona.
The charming fishing village of Domaso, located in the northern part of Lake Como, combines authentic local flair with the longest beach on the lake. With over 1.2 miles of pebble shoreline, shaded by leafy trees and surrounded by wide grassy areas, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and soak up the sun.
But Domaso is more than just a place to relax—it’s a favorite among sailors thanks to its consistent wind and excellent weather conditions, making it a year-round destination for water sports. Prefer something quieter? The lake is also ideal for fishing. And if the fish aren’t biting, no worries—you can still enjoy fresh, local catches at one of the cozy restaurants in Domaso’s picturesque old town.
Visit the historic old town of Gravedona in the north of Lake Como and travel back in time to ancient times on an unforgettable walk through the town. Admire the town's many monuments and fantastic buildings on your way to the lakeside. And then find a suitable spot on the extensive pebble beach.
Thanks to the shallow water , even small children can swim here safely. A visit to Gravedona is also ideal for fishing, diving or snorkeling. Last but not least, a unique panoramic path leads along the lakeshore, making it a fantastic place for hiking, running or cycling.
Varenna is considered one of the most beautiful places on Lake Como. Even at first glance, the colorful fishermen's houses that line up harmoniously between the green mountains and the turquoise-blue lake are captivating. And even on closer inspection, the idyllic village manages to enchant its visitors. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the small town. And unwind on the picturesque sandy beach of Varenna-Perledo.
Whether you make yourself comfortable on one of the cozy sun loungers or directly on the sandy beach, you can enjoy a touch of La Dolce Vita in Varenna. In the town center, you will find a variety of worthwhile restaurants that will spoil you with some of the best northern Italian specialties.
Menaggio is also one of the highlights on Lake Como. Explore the beautiful old town. Enjoy an Italian caffè in one of the bars around Piazza Centrale and then stroll along the picturesque lakeside promenade to Menaggio's small harbor and lido.
Against the breathtaking backdrop of the surrounding mountain landscape and with an incomparable view over the mirror-smooth Lake Como, you can relax on the large sunbathing lawn or by one of the two pools. Refresh yourself in the wonderful water and let your children play in the first-class playground at the lido.
Cernobbio is one of the most famous vacation resorts on Lake Como. However, instead of splashing around in the lake, here you have the opportunity to take a refreshing dip in the pool at the beautiful Lido di Cernobbio.
Be inspired by the enchanting surroundings, the many historic aristocratic villas such as Villa d'Este or the beautiful Villa Erba. Soak up the sun and culture here. And don't miss out on a visit to the impressive Giardino della Valle nature reserve, which is just waiting to be discovered with its spectacular flora and fauna.
Enjoy the sophisticated ambience of Cadenabbia and let yourself be pampered by every trick in the book at the Lido of the same name. Swim in the spacious pool, which offers a breathtaking view over the deep blue lake and the town of Bellagio.
Enjoy the varied offerings of the restaurant and the charming bar. Party after sunset in the disco of the famous Lido. Or combine your visit to the Lido di Cadenabbia with an unforgettable boat trip on Lake Como. However you spend your time in Cadenabbia, you'll never be bored!
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Lake Como is ideal for all kinds of activities or simply relaxing on the beach, our travel experts will advise you on planning your individual trip to Italy.
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