If you find yourself visiting Como then you absolutely need to spend a few days on the water, enjoying the incredible views and swimming in the famous Lake Como. Most people have heard about the ‘luxurious Lake Como’ but are unaware that the natural beauty surrounding this lake is both breathtaking and accessible.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect beach to relax after exploring the city of Como, or are interested in seeing more of Northern Italy and want to sample some of the best beaches in Lake Como, you are in the right place.
We’ve put together a list of our top 10 favorite beaches in Lake Como. Read until the end and you’ll see we have included a bonus beach for those of you who are willing to travel a little further outside of Como for an incredible beach day.
The Beach Closest To The City Of Como
Lido di Villa Olmo
If you happen to visit the city of Como on an especially hot day, make your way to Lido di Villa Olmo. Located directly in the city right on the water, Lido di Villa Olmo is actually a bar that has two large swimming pools, making it one of the more unique beaches on Lake Como. Hop in the water, enjoy a cocktail, and relax in one of their many deckchairs. It even turns into a nightclub after dark.
If you would like to stay within the city of Como then you definitely should book a room at Ostello Bello Lake Como. This hotel is located on the waterfront of Lake Como and has incredible views and some of the best accommodations in the city while still providing a classic Italian experience. Ostello Bello even has a barbeque, a playground for children, and a bar and restaurant on the property.
> Check accommodation price here.
The Best Beach In Lake Como For Families
Lido di Argegno
Further south lies Lido di Argegno; one of the most family-friendly beaches in Lake Como. This beach has it all. From private pools that always have a lifeguard on duty, to their own sectioned-off portion of the beachfront, your family will be able to enjoy all forms of water-filled fun. Then, you all can relax in the provided sun beds or enjoy a meal at one of the nearby restaurants. There is even live music on the summer weekends!
If you and your family would like to spend more time on Lake Como, then you should consider staying at Hotel Argegno. Just a three-minute walk from the beach, this hotel is in the perfect location, offers packages and deals for local water sports, and has one of the best pizzerias in town.
> Check accommodation price here.
The Sandiest Beaches In Lake Como
Lido di Bellagio
One of the sandiest beach clubs along Lake Como, Lido di Bellagio is the perfect beach for a day in the sand, soaking in the sun, and swimming in the lake. Here you can rent beach loungers or enjoy lunch at the lido’s restaurant and bar.
Lido di Bellagio is by far, one of the best beaches in Lake Como and would be a great location for a family holiday or couples retreat. It is also located near the Villa Melzi Gardens which has incredible winding paths, beautiful flowers, and historic buildings, making it one of the best beaches in Lake Como to visit.
You should absolutely consider spending at least one night in Bellagio on your Italian vacation. There are several accommodations to choose from, including the impressive bed and breakfast Villa La Rosa B&B. Enjoy the lake views from your private patio, the outdoor swimming pool as well as a beautiful garden.
>Check accommodation price here.
Lido di Lenno
One of the most popular sandy beaches in Lake Como is Lido di Lenno. The beach club is just off of the sandy shores, has a wide variety of incredible food and drinks, and offers all the elegant, Italian comforts you could desire.
The taxi boat to the famous Villa del Balbianello, which is a beautiful attraction tucked into the hills along the Como waterfront, picks up and drops off right next to Lido di Lenno, making it the perfect stop while you visit Lenno. The town itself is best described as picturesque, it will feel like you’re walking through a movie as you explore its winding streets.
If you’re looking for luxury, there is one, very clear option for accommodation while you visit this part of Como: Hotel Lenno is the epitome of an extravagant, Italian holiday. Located directly on the water of Lake Como, Hotel Lenno has everything you need, from garden terraces and outdoor pools to a sauna and incredible restaurant.
>Check accommodation price here.
MORE BEACHES IN ITALY |
The Best Beaches In Lake Como For Their History
Sala Comacina Beach
Just off of the Teresio Olivelli Park, Sala Comacina Beach is a small, sandy beach but is also surrounded by wide lawns, a playground, and many other spaces for outdoor activities. The small town of Sala Comacina feels like a classic Italian coastal village and is full of historical castles and ruins to explore.
So whether you’re ready to walk through the town, dip in the lake, play a game of volleyball, or relax in the sun, Sala Comacina is one of your best choices of beaches in Lake Como. You can also go to the nearby Lido di Sala Comacina where a small entrance fee will give you beach loungers as well as access to lakeside restaurants.
While you are visiting some of the best beaches in Como, you should consider staying at Sala Comacina. There are several apartments available to rent right on the water such as this two-bedroom. Compete with incredible lake views, garden barbeque, and a beautiful terrace, this apartment is perfect for families, couples, and friends plus it is only a minute’s walk away from the beach.
However, if you would rather stay in a bed and breakfast, consider staying at B&B Garzola which is a twelve-minute walk from the beach and is an absolutely beautiful place to stay while in Como.
>Check accommodation price here.
Riva Bianca Lierna Beach
Known for its white pebble shores, Riva Bianca Lierna Beach is one of the most scenic of Lake Como’s beaches. This particular beach is even better if you’re looking to go swimming in Lake Como.
Riva Bianca Lierna Beach has an incredible view of both the lake and the castle of Lierna. This beach does not have an entrance fee, but there are beach loungers available for rent as well as a local pizzeria right on the water. It is suggested that you bring water shoes as the pebbles can get slippery underwater.
If you would like to spend more time in Riva Biance, B&B Le Ortensie is just a one-minute walk from the beach. The bed and breakfast has a beautiful garden, outdoor dining areas, a tennis court, and bicycle rentals. Located in the ancient village of Lierna, you’ll feel tucked into the traditional Italian gardens during your stay.
>Check accommodation price here.
Careno Beach
At the southern tip of the town of Nesso is Careno Beach. One of the best beaches in Lake Como for both its natural sand and its history, Careno Beach is a perfect destination to add to your Italian Vacation itinerary.
The beach itself is made up of both sand and lawn, creating a beautiful location for you to relax in the sun or take a dip in the lake. You cannot access this beach by car. Rather, you must walk through the ancient village to reach the waterfront. Make sure you explore the incredible town of Nesso while you’re there!
While there aren’t any hotels or bed and breakfasts near Careno beach, there are several beautiful, lakefront apartments and houses that are available to rent for the night. One of the most loved homes near Careno beach is Pinky House. Just a two-minute walk from the beach, this home has a private garden with a barbeque and a terrace overlooking Lake Como.
>Check accommodation price here.
The Best Beaches In Lake Como For Couples
Ossuccio Beaches
Tucked behind Comacina Island are several beaches along the waterline of Ossuccio. The town of Ossuccio is definitely worth your visit and is filled with gardens, incredible views of Lake Como as well as access to Comacina Island where you can explore the traditional basilica and several other medieval buildings.
The beach itself, which is called Lago Ospedaletto Beach, is surrounded by lawns and a small park. The rocky beach also has multiple locations where you can easily access the water for a swim. If you make your way to the end of the park, you will find Lido di Ossuccio, which is complete with a bar and restaurant. There’s even a DJ during happy hour, making it one of the best Lake Como beaches.
There are several beautiful apartments that you can rent for a night or two in the town of Ossuccio, but if you’re looking for a nearby hotel to stay in you should consider Residence Letizia. Just a thirteen-minute walk from the beach, this hotel comes fully equipped with a pool, sun terrace, and plenty of gardens.
>Check accommodation price here.
The Best Beaches In Lake Como For Watersports
Blevio Beach
By far, Blevio Beach is the best beach in Lake Como to both rent gear for water sports and take lessons. Located in the southern region of Lake Como, Blevio Beach is both beautiful and very exciting.
Here you can rent a wide variety of gear for all types of watersports including kayaks, wakeboards, and inflatable banana boats for kids. You can also take lessons from local experts. Blevio itself is also a beautiful town, full of winding cobblestone roads, historic buildings, and impeccable views.
While there aren’t any large hotels for you to stay in within the town of Blevio, there are several small, family-owned, and managed hotels that offer a wonderful, relaxing experience. Albergo Milano is a family-run hotel and was built in 1920 by the current owner’s grandparents. Here you can stay in your own, traditional room with a view of Lake Como and enjoy the family’s restaurant as well.
>Check accommodation price here.
The Local’s Favorite Beach In Lake Como
Riva di Quarzano
Sitting at the base of a short, but steep hike is Riva di Quarzano. This beach on Lake Como is loved by locals for its privacy and solitude, in addition to some incredible views. At the beginning of your hike down to the water, make sure you stop at the bar that is located at the top of the trail!
The beginning of the trail is easy to find if you’re starting in the nearby town of Pognana Lario, but make sure you are ready for a bit of a hike back up before going to this beach. Riva di Quarzano is a grassy beach but has many access points to the water and is a perfect spot for swimming in Lake Como.
While you may think that a remote beach wouldn’t have a wide variety of hotels in the area, some of the best accommodations on Lake Como are actually in Pognana Lario. Villa Lario Lake Como is an absolutely beautiful hotel that sits right on the water. Each room has either a lake or a garden view from your private terrace. You can even walk straight out from the hotel’s restaurant onto the lake’s shores.
>Check accommodation price here.
The Best Beach Outside Of Lake Como
Lido di Lugano
If you are traveling through northern Italy and are wondering what it’s like across the border in Switzerland, then you absolutely need to visit Lugano. Just an hour train ride north from Como, Lago di Lugano is one of the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland and has some incredible beaches as well.
The favorite of both the locals and tourists is Lido di Lugano. Just outside of the city is Parco Ciani, a beautiful park where the winding paths will lead you to Lido di Lugano. This Lido is surprisingly affordable and gives you access to a sandy beach as well as two pools. There is a restaurant in the lido, but while you’re in Lugano you must try some of the local restaurants, such as the local favorite Ana Capri Ristorante just outside of the train station.
If you want to spend some more time in the Italian section of Switzerland, consider staying at Hotel Pestalozzi Lugano. Just a five-minute walk from the beach and still close enough to the city center, Hotel Pestalozzi is fully equipped with all modern accommodations as well as their own restaurant where they serve local cuisine.
>Check accommodation price here.
Discovering The Best Beaches In Lake Como
Whether you’re looking for a quiet and relaxing getaway or an action-packed adventure, Lake Como is a great place to be. With stunning views of the Alps in the backdrop and plenty of activities to keep you busy, there are also many things to do at Lake Como. However, be sure to check out some of these best beaches in Lake Como if you’re looking for a beautiful and exciting beach vacation.
