LIFE AND FUN ON LAKE COMO ITALY

What life is like and how to enjoy best your time on Lake Como Italy

All you need to know - Transportation options, Sport and Recreation activities, local Food and Wine Traditions 

The happiness that your living environment provides is influenced by various factors such as your personal preferences, the community, the amenities, and the overall quality of life in that place. It’s subjective and can vary greatly from person to person.

Living on Lake Como, despite the tourism, can still be a wonderful experience. While tourism can bring crowds, it can also enrich the local culture and economy. It's all about finding your own peaceful corners and enjoying the unique charm of the area.
Life in the Lake Como area is often characterized by tranquility, natural beauty, and a rich cultural heritage. The region's picturesque landscapes, with the majestic Alps as a backdrop, make it a popular destination for both tourists and residents seeking a serene and scenic environment. The area is known for its elegant villas, historic towns, and charming villages nestled along the shores of the lake. 

Lake Como is conveniently located just around 50 kilometers north of Milan, and Switzerland is around the corner, making all easily accessible for day trips or weekend getaways to the bigger cities.

On the coasts of Lake Como there are small towns such as Como, Bellagio, Varenna, Lecco and Menaggio showcase a blend of elegant architecture, history, cobblestone streets, and stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. These boroughs often boast historic churches, quaint cafes, and local artisanal shops, providing a glimpse into the authentic Italian way of life, but sometimes a little bit more touristic, of course.

The small and rustic mountain villages surrounding Lake Como like Schignano, San Fedele Intelvi, Barna, Molina, Esino Lario, Zelbio, Sormano and Asso, add a distinct charm to the region, offering a more secluded and traditional experience for visitors and residents.

For the lovers of Italian Architecture and beauty, and if you really want to explore and enjoy Lake Como, mandatory here it’s to visit at least one of the amazing beautiful historical Villas, Castles and an Abbey located along the shore of the lake. Locations for Hollywood productions, fairytale bespoke weddings, each of this places will give you an experience that combined perfectly nature, elegance, art, history, architecture and the Italian Joy for life.

Transportation options

The best way to move around Lake Como depends on your preferences and itinerary. For easy and more scenic experience, consider taking ferries and boats, allowing you to enjoy the breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding areas. However, be careful with the opening and service hours, because they are not very flexible and the service often ends before 9 pm, and you risk sometimes not being able to return home by ferry.

The local bus system is also a convenient option for traveling between towns. However, if you prefer flexibility and convenience, renting a car might be more suitable, especially for exploring the region at your own pace. Keep in mind that traffic and parking can be very challenging during peak seasons. 

The train lines from Milan and Lugano reach the city of Como and Lecco, then the direct train service continues only on the Lecco side of the lake ( Lecco- Abbadia Lariana -Mandello del Lario - Lierna - Varenna - Bellano - Dervio - Dorio - Piona - Colico), so the trains can be useful for reaching nearby cities and towns in combination with the other transportation options.

Private transportation, such as taxis and rental cars, is also available for those seeking more personalized travel options. Moreover, there are several boat rental services and private boat tours that offer a unique way to explore and enjoy the stunning beauty of the lake.

Water Sports

On Lake Como, you can partake in a variety of Water Sports that take full advantage of the lake's beauty and serenity. These include activities such as sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding, all of which provide an excellent way to explore the scenic surroundings and enjoy the tranquil waters. Additionally, water skiing, kitesurfing and wakeboarding are popular choices for those seeking a more thrilling experience on the lake. Moreover, for those who prefer a leisurely experience, swimming and fishing are also widely enjoyed activities here.

Lake Como is dotted also with several picturesque Lidos (it means - Beaches). Some of the popular lidos and beaches include Lido di Cernobbio, Lido di Lenno, Lido di Bellagio, Lido di Menaggio, Lido di Cadenabbia-Mor, Lido di Faggeto Miamilaryo, Giulietta al Lago and Lido Villa Olmo in Como. In the summertime these places provide amenities such as sun loungers, umbrellas, and often have cafes or bars nearby, making them ideal spots for a day of sunbathing and enjoying the beautiful views of the lake. Additionally, many of these lidos offer opportunities for various water activities, ensuring a well-rounded and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages.

Outdoor Activities

The surrounding Mountains of Lake Como offer a plethora of Outdoor Activities for Nature enthusiasts. Hiking is a popular option, with numerous trails catering to various skill levels, offering stunning views of the lake and the surrounding landscapes. Additionally, the area provides opportunities for various sports such as mountain biking, rock climbing, canyoning and paragliding, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty while engaging in exhilarating activities.

There are also several mountain huts or refuges scattered throughout the region, providing shelter and refreshments for hikers and adventurers. These huts often serve as excellent starting points or resting spots during mountain treks, adding to the charm and adventure of exploring the picturesque Lake Como mountains.

Local Food and Wine

Everyone including residents and visitors, can enjoy various Recreational Activities and taste delicious local products.

The local cuisine, influenced by Lombard and Northern Italian traditions, adds to the overall appeal of the region. The local food in the Lake Como area and the surrounding mountains often reflects the region's rich culinary traditions, incorporating fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Some traditional dishes you might find in this area include Polenta, a popular cornmeal dish often served with hearty stews or cheese. Risotto dishes, such as Risotto al pesce Persico, featuring local freshwater fish, are also a common delicacy. Additionally, you might come across typical dishes of the nearby Valtellina region -  like Pizzoccheri - a buckwheat pasta dish served with vegetables and cheese, and Bresaola - air-dried salted beef, typically served as a cold cut. 

In the Lake Como area and all the Lombardy Region, local farmers produce a variety of Italian delicious cheeses like Gorgonzola, Taleggio, Grana Padano or all Goat cheese varieties like Caprino or Robiola. And the nearby Valtellina region is known for its delectable cheeses, including varieties like Bitto and Toma, which are often featured in local dishes or served on their own. 

The best choice you can get in the local food markets or artisanal cheese shops around the region.

Finally, don't miss the opportunity to taste the various local desserts like the creamy delicacy of Miascia or the deliciously rich Torta Paesana.

The area around Lake Como is renowned for producing also some excellent wines. The local IGT brand Terre Lariane with its native wines - Sorsasso and Domasino, production of which you can find especially in the areas around the small town of Domaso on Lake Como or the area around Lecco. 

Very important also the nearby Valtellina region with its Inferno, Grumello, Sassella, Valgella, Maroggia, and Sforzato areas, which have given the names of this delicious wines primarily made from the Nebbiolo grape, producing rich reds with a distinct flavor profile or refreshing white wines. 

When exploring the Lake Como area, don't miss the opportunity to sample these delightful wines.

While the region of Lombardy is not particularly known for Olive Oil production, as Tuscany, Liguria or Puglia regions, the area around Lake Como does produce some exceptional olive oil. The Extra Virgin Olive Oil from this area is often characterized by its delicate flavor and high quality. It is obtained from the pressing of selected olives, mostly harvested by hand, transported in special ventilated boxes and pressed within three days in traditional oil mills. 

Today in Perledo it is possible to view beautiful olive groves and purchase oil from the Cooperativa Olivicoltori del Lago di Como.

My suggestion for you: Lake Como area is definitely a place that deserves to be explored, or at least informed yourself about the many beautiful experiences and opportunities present here, to live and enjoy this Italian territory, rich in history, quality and diversity.

If you are curious to find my personal story on La Dolce vita on Lake Como , you can check my YouTube Chanel Teo living on the lake 🤍

Thank you for taking the time to read my article! You're very welcome! 

Feel free to reach out whenever you have questions, new ideas for interesting articles or need some assistance. I'll be here to help. 
Baci,

Teo