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. However, we advise you to go further north to enjoy the clearer water 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 is our selection of beaches on our interactive map. By clicking on the icons, you can view more information about each beach.
Be sure to pack some water shoes in your suitcase.
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Click on a numbered marker to view the information and the route.
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.
1. Spiaggia di Piona
This is our favorite beach on Lake Como. It’s located on the northern shore of the lake, nestled in a small cove, and offers a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains.
The water here is clear and clean. Ducks and a few swans might even join you while you’re swimming. It’s a grassy beach, so you’ll feel like you’re right in the middle of nature while you swim.
Turf Beach
2. Onno beach
This second beach is also located in a lush, green setting, south of Bellagio.
The water here is crystal-clear and clean, with the mountains bordering Lake Como as a backdrop. This beach is an ideal haven of peace for swimming. It’s a great spot to enjoy magnificent sunsets,
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.
During the summer months, it attracts crowds of locals and tourists, all of whom come to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the area.
Pebble and grass beach
4. Spiaggia di Lierna
After visiting the village of Varenna, we recommend stopping at Di Lierna Beach, located in the northern part of the village, for a refreshing swim in crystal-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 is located on the eastern shore of Lake Como, a little north of Varenna—the perfect place to visit after exploring 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 visiting Villa Balbianello—it’s one of our favorite villas. Admission is €23 per person for the villa and gardens, or €12 for the gardens only. During peak season, we recommend arriving early to ensure you can easily find a spot in the small parking lot and booking your tickets in advance on the villa’s official website.
Sandy beach owned by beach bar/restaurant, fee payable
Just 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 a little energy left, you can also visit Villa Carlotta (our second favorite villa), located a few kilometers to the north.
Check out our complete guide to planning your visit to Villa Balbianello,
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
It’s one of the largest beaches on the northern shore of Lake Como, which is more rugged than the southern shore. Known as a hotspot for windsurfing and kitesurfing, this beach attracts water sports enthusiasts. We really like it because it’s a large beach with clear water.
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
Spiaggia Santa Maria Rezzonico, nestled on the shores of Lake Como, is a small, picturesque beach known for its peaceful setting and crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming. It’s a beach away from the crowds; access is across from the castle, via a path that branches off to the left.
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
L’Orrido 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 through the end of September. It all depends on how well you can handle the cold and how much you want to go swimming.
What should you pack to enjoy the beaches of Lake Como?
To make the most of the beaches on Lake Como, be sure to pack the following:
- water shoes, since most beaches are pebble beaches
- a lightweight wetsuit (ideally a 1.5mm shorty) because the water is quite cool
- a water bottle, since some beaches are quite remote
- a small waterproof bag to protect your phone and belongings
- possibly a mask and a snorkel to explore the lake bottom with the kids
And of course, a swimsuit, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat.
Practical information for your stay in Lake Como
Must-see activities
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.
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 the Milan airport, since the public transportation system isn’t very well developed.
In the town centers of certain villages (Como, Bellagio, Varenna, etc.), be careful: as elsewhere in Italy, some streets are part of a 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.
To enjoy the beaches with almost no one else around, we recommend visiting Lake Como in the winter.
We hope you have a wonderful trip! If you enjoyed your swim, please give us 5 stars below. We hope you have a wonderful trip!
Feel free 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.
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