Attractions and Places To See around Como - Top 8

The Como area offers a variety of natural attractions. You can enjoy sandy shores at Williams Bay Beach or Riviera Beach. For a mix of beach and trails, visit Big Foot Beach State Park, which also features a playground and picnic areas. The iconic Lake Como itself is a major draw, with its stunning views and surrounding mountains. You can also explore the Lakeside Promenade or venture to Monte San Primo for panoramic vistas.

Yes, Como is rich in history. You can explore the magnificent Como Cathedral, a Gothic-Renaissance masterpiece, or visit the Tempio Voltiano, a neoclassical museum dedicated to Alessandro Volta. The Black Point Estate offers a glimpse into a historic mansion with guided tours. Don't miss the Historic City Center with its cobbled streets, ancient churches like Basilica di San Fedele, and the well-preserved Porta Torre.

Families will find plenty to do around Como. Williams Bay Beach and Riviera Beach are great for swimming and relaxing. Big Foot Beach State Park provides short hiking trails, a playground, and a family campground. Many of the historic villas, like Villa Olmo, have beautiful parks suitable for strolls. Taking the Como-Brunate Funicular offers an exciting ride and stunning views for all ages.

The Como area is excellent for hiking. The Lake Geneva Shore Path (Northwestern segment) is a popular choice, offering lake views and multiple starting points. Big Foot Beach State Park also has nice short trails. For more options, explore the trails in Spina Verde Regional Park or consider the Greenway del Lago and Sentiero del Viandante for scenic routes. You can find more detailed hiking routes in the Hiking around Como guide.

Yes, the region around Como offers various cycling routes. You can find several road cycling options that take you through scenic areas and past attractions. For specific routes and difficulties, refer to the Road Cycling Routes around Como guide.

For breathtaking views of Lake Como, take the Como-Brunate Funicular up to the village of Brunate. The viewpoint from Brunate offers spectacular panoramas, especially at sunset. Another excellent option is to hike to the Monte San Primo Summit, the highest mountain in the Larian Triangle, which provides unparalleled views of the lake's distinctive 'upside-down Y' shape.

Como has several notable cultural sites. The Pinacoteca Civica houses an extensive collection of Lombard art. The Museo della Seta (Silk Museum) delves into Como's renowned silk production history. For maritime enthusiasts, the Lake Como International Museum of Vintage Boats in Pianello del Lario offers a fascinating journey through boat history.

Absolutely. There are several running trails available near Como's attractions. You can explore routes like the Delavan Lake loop or shorter running loops from Lake Geneva and Fontana-on-Geneva Lake. For a comprehensive list of options, check out the Running Trails around Como guide.

The Lake Como area is famous for its aristocratic villas and lush gardens. Highlights include Villa Olmo with its beautiful lakefront park, Villa del Balbianello (known from films), Villa Carlotta, Villa Monastero with its botanical garden, and the stunning Villa Melzi Gardens. Many of these offer public access to their grounds and sometimes the interiors.

Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse offerings, from the sandy shores of Williams Bay Beach and Riviera Beach to the recreational opportunities at Big Foot Beach State Park, which includes hiking trails and picnic areas. The historical significance of places like Black Point Estate and the scenic beauty of the Lake Geneva Shore Path are also highly valued by the community.

Yes, for nature enthusiasts, the broader Lake Como region includes protected areas. You can visit the Spina Verde Regional Park, which offers hiking trails and panoramic lake views. Further afield, the Pian di Spagna and Lake Mezzola Natural Reserve is a birdwatcher's paradise, and the Albano Valley and Adda River Natural Reserve provides unique river environments and diverse flora and fauna.

Beyond Como city, the lake is dotted with picturesque villages, each offering unique charm. Popular choices include Bellagio, known as the 'Pearl of Lake Como,' Varenna with its colorful houses, and Menaggio. Other delightful towns include Cernobbio, Lenno, and Tremezzina, all offering historic centers, gardens, and beautiful waterfronts.