In Lombardy, there is no sea, but there are plenty of picturesque Lake Como Beaches. Lake Como has 170 kilometers of coastline where lidos, free beaches, and equipped beaches alternate. Here is a comprehensive guide to all of the best Lake Como beaches as well as where to eat, where to stay, and what to see in these iconic beach towns.
Here you can choose whether to relax on the shore sit on comfortable sunbeds, swim in the lake and in the swimming pool, or seek out those wilder beaches where you can enjoy the lush vegetation.
All that’s left is to get to the heart of Lake Como’s best beaches.
Where is Lake Como?
Lake Como is a popular stop on Italia travel itineraries. The third largest lake in Italy, it is “Y” shaped and you’ll find it in the Lombardy region, it is part of the Northern Lakes district with 10 major lakes. Lake Como, however, is the most popular of them all.
It is 84 km from Milan, 306 km from the Cinque Terre, 344 km from Venice, 401 km from Florence, 656 km from Rome, and 906 km from the Amalfi Coast.
High-speed trains are the most common way of getting around Italy and between these most popular destinations.
Pianello Beach
This small beach of the lido can be reached by taking a walk along the shoreline of Lake Como. You can stop at one of the many bars and restaurants along the way, before reaching the secret beach of Pianello.
This is one of the most hidden and secluded beaches, ideal for enjoying a relaxing day away from sources of distraction.
The sandy area of the lido is ideal for diving into the clear waters of the lake and regenerating after your walk. The backdrop also helps to enjoy the day, with mountains framing the landscape.
Attractions of the Pianello del Lario
Pianello del Lario is a town located in the province of the same name. It is home to some of the best beaches in the region and historical villages that make it one of the most popular destinations in the area.
Medieval churches and frescoed houses enliven the streets of the town, which, every year in November, celebrates its patron saint.
There are also lakeside venues here where you can indulge in happy hour with unparalleled views during the summer months.
Where to eat in front of the beach
Veranda Beach
Italian restaurant offering lacustrine cuisine with a modern twist directly in the center of the lido among the best beaches in Lake Como.
Treterre
A farmhouse that uses its own products to offer traditional cuisine without sacrificing the unique flavor of raw materials. Also ideal as a hotel to spend the night and have a rest in one of the most beautiful places on the northernmost coast.
Accommodation close to the beach
Treterre
Overlooking Lake Como, Treterre is an ideal base in the lido for trekking and sports activities and also for relaxing on the beaches of Lake Como. It has an excellent restaurant and a heated pool. Lots of wood, stone, beautiful furnishings, and a sense of being in nature – the real essence of Lake Como!
A 3-star property 50 meters from Lake Como with a private terrace looking over the Lake.
Bellagio San Giovanni Beach
The place of San Giovanni Beach is definitely one of the most popular due to its location. This beach has on its side a unique natural environment situating itself right where the two shores of Lake Como join.
The Lido is a wild area where you can enjoy a sunny day in total relaxation on the beach. It is a free beach where there are no establishments and it is not possible to rent umbrellas and equipment. It is one of the best Lake Como beaches.
In front of San Giovanni beach, it is possible to embark to visit the Teresio Olivelli Park on the other shore.
Attractions in Bellagio
This town on Lake Como is regarded as ‘the pearl of the Lario’ because of its location at the base of the promontory separating the Lake Como branch from the Lecco branch.
It is a village renowned for its impressive historic villas and unique year-round climate.
The village attracts many tourists in the lido and even in the past has brought musicians, writers, and poets to the shores of Lake Como.
Luxury hotels, gourmet restaurants, and local craft stores can be found here.
The beautiful gardens of Villa Melzi d’Eril are also worth a visit.
Where to eat in front of the beach
Premiata Gnoccheria e Risotteria
A new restaurant in the lido that brings the principles of local culinary tradition closer to those of innovation directly in front of the beach.
Alle Darsene
A historic venue, where you can taste the dishes that have made the history of Lake Como.
Accommodation close to the beach
Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni
A luxury 5-star hotel size 1873, with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, its restaurant was awarded a Micheli star in 2005.
Charming Bellagio
A refined boutique hotel with unmissable views of the landscapes of Lake Como in the Bellagio’s lido.
Lido di Ossuccio
Ossuccio’s free beach is a grassy beach with a large garden to enjoy the lake breeze and swim in its crystal clear waters.
It is possible here to rent gear such as sun beds and umbrellas where you can enjoy an excellent happy hour prepared in the kiosk in the center of the beautiful grassy beach that is fully equipped.
Two piers stand on the beach and lead directly to Isola Comacina. This one at the Lido di Ossuccio is one of the most popular lawns in the Lake Como area because of the many facilities it offers.
Attractions of Ossuccio
Ossuccio is an ancient village located in the northern part of Lake Como and was one of the main places where Alessandro Manzoni’s The Betrothed was set.
The village is in the municipality of Tremezzina and is known for its access to Comacina Island and for its boat dock.
This island represents one of the most visited places on Lake Como thanks to the historical churches, museums, and villas it still preserves.
Make sure to visit the Romanesque and Gothic churches. Also not to be missed is Sacro Monte, where you can admire the enchanting beach of Ossuccio from above at no extra cost.
Where to eat in front of the beach
Lido di Ossuccio
A traditional restaurant located in a quiet place where you can enjoy lake specialties such as tasty trout.
Al Vecchio Bacucco
A veranda overlooking Ossuccio Beach. Enjoying a local pasta dish in such a natural setting has never been so beautiful.
Accommodation close to the beach
Garzola Bed & Breakfast
A historic inn, with décor that respects the traditions of Lake Como and overlooks the best beach in lido di Ossuccio.
Residence Letizia
A popular apartment hotel with self-catering apartments, outdoor pool and terrace areas, views of Lake Como, and free wifi.
Lido di Cernobbio
Impossible not to mention Cernobbio when talking about the most beautiful Lake Como beaches.
The lakefront municipal swimming pool equipped with sunbeds and restaurant service also attracts many tourists despite its entrance fee.
The equipped beach club is a terrific spot for outdoor activities. You can join the windsurf school, use the volleyball court or the tennis court, rent a pedal boat to admire Lake Como from a different perspective, or just swim in its calm waters.
Cernobbio attractions
Cernobbio is one of the most beautiful villages on Lake Como. Strolling around Piazza Risorgimento is one of those must-do experiences.
Take to take a dip back in time and admire the old heritage of the village. There are many historic villas here, such as the famous Villa d’Este.
Tip: Don’t forget to bring water shoes for the pebble beachy in this area. Water shoes will also be useful if you want to visit the nearby rocky beach of Colonno.
Where to eat in front of the beach
Osteria Cantina Frasca
The flavor of the dishes is so authentic that it takes you right back to the beach with every taste. The added touch is provided by the well-stocked wine cellar.
Lido di Cernobbio
Here you can taste the local cuisine as well as sleep and enjoy a relaxing vacation. Two large swimming pools and sunbathing areas are available to guests of Lido di Cernobbio.
Accommodation close to the beach
Hotel Asnigo – a 4-star Art Nouveau property 800 meters from Lake Como with a wonderful outdoor pool and terrace area. All rooms have free satelite TV.
Hotel Miralgo – a four-star Travel Susutainable property. Lovely lake-view rooms (Lake Como is 50meters away) with air-conditioning and satellite TV.
La Cassinella
A historic home that among its services also offers the possibility of organizing excursions, water sports, and renting of pedal boats. This ideal location is among the best beaches in Lake Como.
Other beaches not to be missed
Lido di Lenno
A beautiful pebbly beach. The lido di Lenno is a place to enjoy a day of wellness thanks to the many services the beach club offers, from fine dining to transportation on the lake.
Lido di Villa Geno
Recently reopened, this beach club offers the chance to enjoy the sandy beach on the comfortable sunbeds that the lido gives the opportunity to rent. This lido is one of the best lake Como beaches.
Lido di Argegno
A public beach flanked by an establishment equipped with a pool and grassy beach makes the lido di Argegno a unique beach.
Menaggio beach
It is possible here to rent sun beds and enjoy a relaxing day on the sand or turf. There is also an area inside the beach club with two swimming pools and the possibility of scuba diving accompanied by experienced guides.
Riva di Quarzano
A hamlet of Pognana Lario, home to a beach with fine sand which is a lovely spot to provide refreshment and respite during the worst of the summer heat. Well connected to the Como train station.
Lido di Villa Olmo
Como’s favorite beach is Lido di Villa Olmo. A sandy and well-equipped beach where you can enjoy relaxing under an umbrella with natural sand.
Blevio beach
A natural sandy beach where history blends with the beauty of the landscape. Formed by seven groups of houses, it has attracted many artists throughout history.
So there you have my roundup of the very best of Lake Como’s beaches. Which one will you be dipping your toes in next?
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