Lake Como is one of Italy’s most beautiful lakes, and a wonderful place to swim, especially in summer when the weather is hot. And yet it’s hard to find beautiful, tranquil beaches on the lakefront.
During our visit to Lake Como, we drove around and selected our favorite beaches.
We’ve also put together a map to help you find them, because let’s face it, they’re sometimes quite small and hidden.
Where to swim in Lake Como?
Before getting started, it’s important to know that there’s a lot of river traffic on the lake. The boat is not only a way to visit the lake, but also a means of transporting people and goods.
The area near Como is not recommended for swimming, as the lake water is not very clean.
However, many Italians swim on Como’s beach, just behind the Volta temple. We’d still advise you to head further north for clearer waters and quieter beaches.
Important information: the Italian word for beach is spaggia, which sounds great! And Lido is a beach attached to an establishment. Now you’re almost bilingual in French and Italian!
Our map of Lake Como beaches
Here’s our selection of beaches on our interactive map.
All you have to do is indulge yourself, and if you find any other beautiful beaches, don’t hesitate to share them with us in the comments.
This guide is completely independent, based on our own experience. We visited Lake Como by creating our own itinerary (after extensive research) and selecting our own activities.
➡️ To discover Lake Como’s most beautiful beaches from the water and take some great photos, we definitely recommend a boat cruise. Information and booking for a cruise on Lake Como.
1. Spiaggia di Piona
This is our favorite of the Lake Como beaches. Located on the north side of the lake, in the heart of a small cove, it offers a magnificent panorama of the surrounding mountains. The water is clear and clean. Ducks and a few swans may keep you company during your swim. It is a grassy beach, you will swim with the feeling of being in the middle of nature.
Turf Beach
2. Onno beach
This charming beach, set in a green setting to the south of Bellagio, will delight nature lovers.
The water is clear and clean, with the mountains of Lake Como in the background. Appreciated for its peaceful atmosphere and magnificent sunsets, this beach is an ideal haven for swimming and relaxing in the heart of nature.
Pebble beach
3. Spiaggia Pubblica di Bellagio
Located in Bellagio, often referred to as the “Pearl of Lake Como”, this beach is within easy reach of the town center. Bellagio lies at the tip of a land promenade that divides the lake into two branches, giving it a unique geographical position and panoramic views.
The Spiaggia Pubblica di Bellagio is surrounded by a spectacular natural landscape, characterized by the clear, calm waters of the lake and the majestic mountains in the background. The beach offers breathtaking views of the other parts of the lake and its shores lined with villas and lush gardens.
It’s an ideal beach for families, couples and groups of friends. During the summer months, it attracts a mixed crowd of locals and tourists, all coming to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the area.
Pebble and grass beach
4. Spiaggia di Lierna
After your visit to the village of Varenna, we recommend a stop at Di Lierna beach, located in the northern part of the village, for a refreshing swim in clear water with a magnificent view of the lake. It’s an ideal spot for swimming in a peaceful setting.
Pebble or grass beach
5. Bellano beach north of Varenna
Bellano lies on the eastern shore of Lake Como, a little north of Varenna, ideal after your visit to the village.
It’s a lovely little bay for swimming, with a diving platform for young and old alike. The beach itself is a mixture of pebbles and small sandy areas, typical of Lake Como beaches. The waters here are clear and suitable for swimming, offering pleasant coolness on hot summer days.
4. Lido (pool) Menaggio
This private beach features a swimming pool with direct access to the lake. So you can alternate between a dip in the lake and a swim in the pool. It also offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
Entrance fee about 6€, sunshade and deckchair rental
5. Lido of Mandello del Lario
This beach, located between Verenna and Lecco, is easily accessible by car. It is one of the largest beaches on Lake Como , so you will easily find space even in the summer season. It has a restaurant and a playground to keep the little ones busy.
Pebble beach, paid parking
8. Spiaggia di Dervio, north of the lake
This pretty beach with adjoining lawn, locatedto the north of Verenna, is easily accessible by car. The water is crystal-clear, and as always, it’s great to swim at Lake Como, with bars and restaurants close by!
Lawn area, paid parking
9. Lido di Lenno, next to Villa Balbianello
Located to the south of Lenno and close to Villa Balbianello, this beach bar offers an area with a diving board for swimming, as well as a small sandy beach. It’s an excellent place for a day out with family or friends after your visit to the Villa. So, are you ready to dive into the crystal-clear waters of the lake?
We recommend a visit to Villa Balbianello, where admission costs €23 per person for the villa and gardens, or €12 for the gardens alone. In high season, we advise you to arrive early so as to easily find a place in the small parking lot, and to book your tickets in advance on La Villa’s official website.
Sandy beach owned by beach bar/restaurant, fee payable
A few quick facts: Villa Balbianello is a must-see during your stay on Lake Como, and will certainly ring a bell, as it was the filming location for “Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones” and “James Bond: Casino Royale”. The visit to Villa Balbianello is offered only with a guide, who taught us a lot about the house and Lake Como.
If you still have some energy left, you can also visit Villa Carlotta, a few kilometers to the north.
10. Lido di Bellagio
It’s a restaurant and beach bar that in the evening transforms into an open-air disco with a private beach, 500 meters from the center of Bellagio and close to Villa Melzi.
This small, sandy beach with crystal-clear waters is ideal for relaxing after your visit to Bellagio, with deckchairs and parasols for a day of pure relaxation in the sun.
Sandy beach owned by beach bar/restaurant, fee payable
11. Spiaggia di Gravedona
This is one of the largest beaches north of Lake Como, wilder than the south. Known as a windsurfing and kitesurfing spot, this beach attracts water sports enthusiasts. It is also appreciated for its large sandy area and clear waters.
Gravedona, north of the lake, is famous for its many churches, including Santa Maria delle Grazie, a former Augustinian convent housing impressive paintings from the Lombard Renaissance school.
Turf Beach
12. Spiaggia Santa Maria Rezzonico
The Spiaggia Santa Maria Rezzonico, nestled on the shores of Lake Como, is a picturesque little beach known for its tranquil setting and crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming.Away from the crowds, the beach is accessed via a path that leads off to the left, opposite the castle.
This pebble beach, surrounded by an enchanting natural landscape, offers the perfect escape for those looking to recharge their batteries in a serene, authentic environment.
Pebble beach, free parking
13. Abbadia Beach Lariana
A small area of grass and pebbles on the shores of Lake Como, perfect for a refreshing stop before hitting the road again. Ideal in the off-season to make the most of this place.
Abbadia Lariana Beach, on the eastern shore of Lake Como, is distinguished by its exceptional natural setting, combining an expanse of pebbles with lush vegetation. This tranquil beach, with its clear waters and stunning lake views, is an ideal place for those seeking relaxation and communion with nature.
14. Orrido di Nesso
TheOrrido di Nesso is not a traditional beach, but rather an impressive canyon with a spectacular waterfall, located on the shores of Lake Como. You’ve probably seen it many times on social networks, it’s a very photogenic place.
Although not designed for swimming, the more adventurous can find places to cool off near the waterfall, provided the crowds aren’t too great.
15. Lido Villa Olmo near Como
Lido Villa Olmo, with swimming pool and lake access, is one of the closest options to the town of Como, located south of the lake, and convenient for a quick visit after exploring Villa Olmo. In summer, this bettone area attracts many visitors, which can lead to a certain crowding and a less peaceful atmosphere compared to other, more secluded and natural beaches around Lake Como.
However, its ease of access and proximity to Como’s cultural attractions make it a practical choice for those wishing to combine swimming and cultural visits in the same day.
Private, pay-per-use area
When to swim at Lake Como?
As you can see, the water can be cool in the lake. We recommend the summer months: July and August for swimming.
But it remains pleasant from May to the end of September. It all depends on your resistance to the cold and the desire to swim. 😉
Practical information for your stay in Lake Como
Must-see activities
❤️ Whether you set off from Como or Bellagio, cruises on the lake are an ideal way to discover its most beautiful landscapes.
✅ Departing from Como, you can embark on small, intimate boats (maximum 15 seats), perfect for a peaceful, off-the-beaten-track experience. The view of the city from the water is already superb, but very soon the boat sets course for the elegant shores of the lake, passing iconic landmarks such as Villa la Fontanelle or Villa d’Este in Cernobbio.
✅ The view from Bellagio is different, but just as magical. Sailing south or north, you’ll pass colorful villages, sumptuous villas and lush gardens. Some excursions include stops to visit or simply admire these places from the boat, always in a relaxed atmosphere.
The company Bellagio Boat Service, which operates the cruise, has an excellent reputation. As an added bonus, the guide shares a few anecdotes about the villas and villages you pass, for an even more complete immersion experience, in several languages (including French).
➡️ These excursions are very popular, especially during the summer months. We therefore advise you to book your tickets online in advance (approx. €50 per person for a 1.5-hour cruise). As the number of places is limited, it’s best to plan ahead for this unforgettable experience on Lake Como.
Where to sleep in Lake Como?
Looking for a place to stay on Lake Como? To make your visit easier, we’ve included an article detailing the most interesting villages to stay in on Lake Como, along with our best hotel addresses.
Suite in Menaggio : we stayed 2 nights at the Suite Menaggio, ideally located in the center of Menaggio (south-east of the lake, close to the town of Como), with a beautiful view of the lake. The apartment is tastefully decorated, with a large, comfortable bed and a fully-equipped kitchen, ideal for preparing a meal or an aperitif. From €140
See prices and availability Suite in Menaggio – Rated 9.3/10 on Booking
In Como, we recommend Albergo Frirenze: the room was very pleasant and clean, ideally located near the port, everything within walking distance, with an incredible breakfast, just the way we like it. In short, a good address with excellent value for money in Como (around €100)!
Two minutes from the pier, ideal for taking a boat and then touring the lake!
See prices and availability for Albergo Frirenze – Rated 8.5/10 on Booking
Rent a boat on Lake Como
Explore Lake Lake Como by boat is an experience not to be missed. Aboard your boat, with or without a license, you can rediscover the lake, enjoy magnificent views and even take a swim.
More information about boat rental
Getting around Lake Como
➡️ The best way to explore Lake Como and its beaches is to rent a car at Milan airport, as the public transport network is not very well developed.
❗In the town centers of some villages (Como, Bellagio, Varenna, etc.), remain vigilant: as elsewhere in Italy, some streets are in ZTL (zona a traffico limitato).
These restricted traffic zones are reserved for local residents and are monitored by camera. Unauthorized entry may result in a fine. The easiest thing to do is to park outside the historic center, to avoid a ZTL and the need to maneuver in very narrow streets.
For our part, we spent several months traveling in Italy without receiving a fine: in our opinion, the ZTLs are well signposted. If in doubt, ask your accommodation for advice.
Car rental:
After testing out a number of comparators, Discover Car has clearly become our favorite site for comparing car rental prices. The site aggregates offers from hundreds of car rental companies, allowing you to quickly identify the best rate according to your criteria.
This filter lets you check at a glance :
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the amount of the security deposit
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type of bank card accepted (debit or credit)
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what’s really included in insurance
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customer reviews for each rental company
👉 As an example, we found a car at €50 for 4 days via Hertz (excluding insurance).
We ticked the “debit card” option, as we had read that some rental companies do not accept credit cards. In France, a bank card is usually called a credit card, but if you look on your card, you’ll see “carte de débit” (debit card ) written on it.
We wish you an excellent trip! If you enjoyed your swim, leave us 5 stars below. We wish you an excellent trip! Don’t hesitate to leave us a quick note or 5 stars below, to tell us if you’re planning this trip, to ask any questions you may have, here or on Instagram, we’ll get back to you with great pleasure.
