There is one question I am often asked by guests staying in my apartments: “Anna, where can we go swimming on Lake Como?”
And it is a question I always enjoy. Because behind that request there is not just the search for a beach. There is the desire to experience the lake the way locals do, to discover less touristy corners, and to spend a few hours surrounded by clear water, sunshine, and views that remain etched in your memory.
My name is Anna, and for years I have been welcoming travelers from all over the world through Maji Como Lake. Every season I meet different people, but one thing almost all of them have in common: after visiting Bellagio, Varenna, or Como, they want to know where they can relax by the lake and enjoy a refreshing swim.
The truth? There is no single perfect beach on Lake Como. There are many different beaches, each with its own character. Some are lively and popular, while others seem almost hidden away. Some are ideal for families, while others are perfect for those seeking peace and quiet with a good book to read in the shade.
In this guide, I have gathered the places I recommend most often to my guests, along with a few suggestions that come from the firsthand experience of someone who lives by the lake every day.
Your Lake Como Escape
Relax in a private apartment
with pool and garden.
The Most Beautiful Lake Como Beaches to Visit at Least Once in Your Lifetime
One of the things that surprises first-time visitors the most is the variety of landscapes. Many people imagine Lake Como as a succession of elegant villas and picturesque villages overlooking the water. And that is true. But there is much more to discover.
There are pebble beaches that look as though they have come straight out of a postcard, green meadows stretching almost to the water’s edge, and small coves where time seems to slow down. Some of my guests are amazed to discover that, in certain areas, the lake displays colours that resemble those of the sea.
Among the places I recommend most often are Colico, Dervio, Abbadia Lariana, Bellano, Mandello del Lario and Sorico. Each has its own unique character. Some visitors look for a fully equipped beach, others prefer a quiet corner surrounded by nature, while some simply want to spread out a towel and enjoy a beautiful view.
Mandello del Lario, in particular, is a destination I often recommend to guests who want to experience the lake at a more relaxed pace. This is also where my apartments are located, and just a short distance away you will find the Lido di Mandello, one of the most popular bathing areas on the Lecco branch of the lake. Many guests choose this area precisely because of the convenience of being able to reach the lake easily, enjoy a walk along the waterfront, or spend a few relaxing hours without needing to use a car.
Why Lake Como Is Perfect for Those Who Love Swimming
Perhaps because here you can enjoy several different experiences in a single day.
In the morning, a refreshing swim in the lake. At lunchtime, a table with a lake view in a charming village. In the afternoon, a stroll through historic alleyways or along a scenic walking trail.
It is a combination that rarely disappoints.
Many guests arrive thinking they will spend just one day at the beaches and end up returning almost every day. I understand why. It often happens to me as well.
What Makes Lake Como Beaches So Special
I believe the answer lies entirely in the scenery.
There are places where the mountains seem to plunge directly into the water. Others where the lake suddenly opens up, revealing breathtaking wide-open views. Every time I accompany friends or relatives on a visit, I notice that everyone, sooner or later, stops to admire the landscape in silence.
It is not just about beauty. It is a feeling that is difficult to put into words. You simply have to experience it for yourself.
Where to Swim Safely in Lake Como Among Crystal-Clear Waters and Spectacular Scenery
One of the questions I receive most often is about the suitability of the lake for swimming.
The answer is simple: yes, there are many areas on Lake Como where you can swim safely and enjoyably. Of course, I always recommend checking for any updates on water quality through ARPA Lombardia, but there are several locations that, over the years, have earned the trust of both residents and visitors.
Dervio, Colico, Bellano, and Abbadia Lariana are among the places I recommend most frequently.
The Areas with the Most Popular Swimming Waters Among Visitors
Dervio has a very sporty atmosphere. Colico offers wide open spaces and a sense of freedom that is especially appreciated by families. Bellano provides stunning views, particularly during the quieter hours of the day.
When someone asks me which one to choose, I almost always respond with another question: “What kind of day would you like to have?”
Because the perfect place is different for everyone.
My Tips for Truly Enjoying a Day by the Lake
After years of recommending itineraries to guests, I have learned that a few small details can make all the difference:
- Arrive early during the summer weekends.
- Always bring suitable footwear for pebble beaches.
- Do not underestimate the sun, even when it feels mild.
- Allow yourself some time without a strict schedule.
- Take a moment to admire the scenery. It may sound obvious, but many people rush from one stop to another without doing so.
Lake Como is at its very best when you stop being in a hurry.
The Best Free Beaches on Lake Como for Those Seeking Authenticity and Peace
I admit it: I have a soft spot for free beaches.
Not because lidos are not worth considering — quite the opposite. But because public beaches often have a more spontaneous atmosphere. You meet residents, local families, young people arriving by bicycle, and people who have known these places forever.
Onno Beach
Onno is one of those places I recommend when someone tells me they want to escape the crowds.
The view is wonderful, and the atmosphere remains relaxed even during the busiest months. On clear days, the scenery is truly hard to forget.
Dervio Beach
If you love water sports, this is probably where you will end up.
The wind makes this area one of the favourites among windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts. Yet it still manages to maintain a pleasant balance between outdoor activities and relaxation.
Colico Beach
Colico is popular with many of my guests because it offers space. Plenty of space.
Even during the busiest periods, it is almost always possible to find your own spot to lay down a towel and enjoy the lake without feeling crowded.
Sorico Beach
Sorico is a hidden gem.
Those looking for peace and quiet often fall in love with it. Nature still plays a leading role here, and the feeling is that of being in a place that has remained true to its identity.
The Most Beautiful Beaches on the Lecco Branch of Lake Como: Nature, Sports and Scenery That Never Gets Old
If there is one area of Lake Como that I often recommend to my guests when they are looking for spacious beaches and wide-open views, it is definitely the Lecco branch of the lake.
Perhaps I am biased. Every time I drive along the lakeside road and see the mountains reflected in the water, I still feel the same emotion that made me fall in love with these places so many years ago.
Here, the lake is constantly changing its appearance. There are peaceful beaches where you can lay down a towel and forget about the time, but also areas popular with those who love activity, wind, and water sports. It is a part of the lake that manages to appeal to just about everyone.
The Best Swimming Areas Between Abbadia Lariana and Colico
When guests ask me where to spend a relaxing day by the lake without any hassle, Abbadia Lariana is often one of the first places I mention.
The beach is easy to reach, spacious, and perfect for families. There is plenty of room for those who want to sunbathe, as well as for those who prefer to find a shady spot beneath the trees.
Heading north, you will come across Bellano, Dervio, and Colico. Three different destinations, yet all sharing one characteristic: the lake seems to move at a slower pace here.
Colico, in particular, is one of the places I recommend most often to those who enjoy wide-open spaces. Even during the busiest periods, it is usually possible to find your own peaceful corner.
Where to Go Windsurfing and Kitesurfing on Lake Como
There is a reason why so many sports enthusiasts come here every summer.
The wind that sweeps across this part of the lake creates ideal conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Over the years, Dervio and Colico have become two of the main reference points for enthusiasts arriving from all over Europe.
Setting out early in the morning, when the lake is almost perfectly still and the water looks like a mirror, is one of those simple experiences that stays with you. You do not need to be an athlete. You simply need to let yourself be carried away by the rhythm of the lake.
The Most Photogenic Beaches on Lake Como
I often find myself stopping to take photographs as well.
Not necessarily to post them on social media. Sometimes simply because certain views deserve to be preserved.
I completely understand why Lake Como has become one of the most photographed destinations in Europe. There are scenic views that seem as though they were created specifically to appear on a postcard.
My Favourite Itinerary for First-Time Visitors to Lake Como
If I only had one day available, I would start in Varenna.
A walk through the village’s charming alleyways, a coffee with a lake view, and a few photographs along the waterfront.
From there, I would head to one of the nearby beaches for a few hours of relaxation. No overly strict plans.
In the afternoon, I would choose either a historic villa or a ferry crossing. It is the best way to admire the lake from a completely different perspective.
What to See Near the Beaches
Many of the most beautiful beaches are just a few minutes away from some of the area’s most charming villages.
I recommend:
- Bellagio
- Varenna
- Menaggio
- Bellano
- Cernobbio
- Mandello del Lario
Each one has a different personality. And that is exactly what makes Lake Como so interesting.e.
Experiences I Always Recommend to Guests
If you are staying on the lake for a few days, try to set aside some time for:
- a boat tour;
- a scenic walk at sunset;
- a visit to a historic villa;
- dinner in a restaurant overlooking the water;
- a swim during the quieter hours of the day.
Often, it is the simplest things that become the best memories.
Where to Stay to Discover the Most Beautiful Beaches on Lake Como
If you are planning a holiday on Lake Como and would like to explore some of its most beautiful beaches without wasting time travelling, choosing the right accommodation can make a real difference. Through Maji Como Lake, I welcome travellers every year who want to experience the lake in an authentic way, away from hectic schedules and overly standardised experiences.
One of the things I love most about my work is helping guests discover the area the way a local would. In addition to offering comfortable apartments in strategic locations, I am always happy to share recommendations on hidden beaches, scenic lidos, charming villages, and itineraries that allow you to experience Lake Como from different perspectives. Very often, it is these suggestions that turn a simple holiday into a truly memorable experience.
I selected every Maji Como Lake with the kind of stay I would personally want in mind: the freedom to organise your days at your own pace, the comfort of returning home after a day spent enjoying the sun and the lake, and the convenience of being able to easily reach the area’s main attractions. If you would like to experience Lake Como at a relaxed pace while discovering both its most famous destinations and its most authentic corners, Maji Como Lake is the ideal starting point for your stay.
| Area | Type | Ideal for | Service level | Summer crowding |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colico | Free beach | Families and sports lovers | High | Medium-High |
| Dervio | Free beach | Windsurfing and families | High | Medium |
| Abbadia Lariana | Family beach | Children | Medium-High | Medium |
| Onno | Scenic beach | Relaxation and couples | Medium | Low |
| Sorico | Natural beach | Nature and peace | Medium | Low |
| Cernobbio | Lidos and swimming areas | Premium tourism | High | Medium-High |
| Laglio | Scenic beaches | Couples | Medium | Low |
| Bellano | Beaches and attractions | Excursions and relaxation | Medium-High | Medium |
Which Lake Como beaches have parking nearby?
Many of the most popular beaches on Lake Como have public parking areas nearby. Among the easiest to reach by car are Colico, Dervio and Abbadia Lariana, where parking can usually be found just a few minutes from the shoreline.
Are there equipped beaches with sunbeds and umbrellas on Lake Como?
Yes, there are several equipped lidos along the shores of the lake offering sunbeds, umbrellas, bars, restaurants and relaxation facilities. Some of the most popular can be found in Bellano, Colico, Menaggio and Cernobbio.
Which are the quietest beaches on Lake Como?
Those looking to avoid crowded areas should consider places such as Onno, Sorico, Piona and some lesser-known beaches along the Lecco branch of the lake. These locations are ideal for anyone seeking peace and a closer connection with nature.
Is Lake Como suitable for a beach day with a dog?
Some areas of the lake allow access to pets, although regulations may vary from one municipality to another. Before visiting, it is advisable to check local restrictions and whether dog-friendly beaches are available.
Which Lake Como beaches are ideal for a romantic day out?
Couples particularly enjoy the beaches and scenic waterfronts of Varenna, Laglio, Moltrasio and Onno. These locations offer a more intimate atmosphere and especially beautiful views, particularly at sunset.
Where can you see the most beautiful sunset on Lake Como?
Some of the most appreciated sunset spots are located along the western branch of the lake, in destinations such as Menaggio, Cernobbio and Laglio. Several beaches in Colico also offer stunning light reflections during the evening hours.
Can Lake Como beaches be reached by public transport?
Yes, many of the main beaches are easily accessible by regional trains, buses and ferries. Destinations such as Bellano, Varenna, Colico and Abbadia Lariana are particularly well connected.
Which are the lesser-known beaches on Lake Como?
Among the less touristy but highly appreciated destinations are the beaches of Piona, Dorio, Sorico and several small lake access points located in the quieter villages along the Lecco branch.
How much does it cost to enter a lido on Lake Como?
Prices vary depending on the facility and the season. In general, access to lidos with sunbeds and umbrellas starts from around €10–15 per person per day, with higher rates during peak season.
What activities can you enjoy on Lake Como besides swimming?
In addition to swimming, the lake offers many opportunities for paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, scenic hiking, boat excursions and visits to the charming lakeside villages.
Which are the best beaches for admiring the scenery of Lake Como?
Colico, Bellano, Onno and some areas of Varenna offer particularly wide and scenic views. In these locations, the contrast between the blue waters of the lake and the surrounding mountains creates landscapes highly appreciated by photographers and nature lovers.
Can you swim in Lake Como during spring?
Yes, many visitors begin enjoying the beaches as early as April and May, especially on warmer days. Although the water is generally cooler than in summer, the climate can be ideal for relaxing by the lake and enjoying the scenery.
