Itineraries for Your Trip to Lake Como
2 Days in Lake Como for First Timers
When I reflect on my time in Lake Como, the first thing that comes to mind is the colors. The pinks and yellows of the homes dotting the shore, the entire rainbow represented in the weekly Lenno market, the green mountains in the background, and, of course, the many different blues of the lake itself. If you’re looking for postcard-worthy scenery, Lake Como is one of the best places to be in Italy.
With multiple days in the area, you have time to dig deeper and learn more about some of its most significant sites. From food and beverage experiences to lake cruises and more, here is how to spend two days on Lake Como.
Mountains surround Lake Como, and the weather can change quickly (especially when you’re out on the water), so be prepared.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a boat ride on the lake.
Lake Como covers a lot of ground, but a good place to start and get your bearings is the city of Como on the southern shore. This morning, learn more about this city’s history and significance on a walking tour. You’ll see important landmarks like the Piazza Cavour, Voltiano Temple, grand villas, and more. If you have time, take a scenic ride on the funicular to Brunate.
Wine is an essential component of Italian cuisine and a way to get to know local culture better. For those travelers of legal age, a wine tasting guided by a sommelier is a fun way to spend your first afternoon by the lake. Alternatively, visit the Volta Museum and nearby gardens or head along the Passeggiata Lino Gelpi to Villa Olmo.
Keep the fun going with a cruise around the lake at sunset, taking in epic mountain views along the way. There are lots of opportunities to rent a private boat, so you can stick with your group as you pass by some of the lake’s most scenic and interesting nooks and crannies. When you return to Como, experience the city’s nightlife in the city center or the parks along the shore.
As a mountain oasis, Lake Como offers some amazing opportunities for outdoor adventure. Among them is hiking—plenty of trails around the lake take you to beautiful waterfalls, thick forests, or impressive viewpoints. So start your second day in the area with a hiking tour tailored to your ability level.
After an active morning, you may feel like resting and soaking up the sunshine on one of the lake’s beaches. But if you have energy left and want to experience more of the area’s adventure offerings, try a water activity in the afternoon. That might mean swimming, kayaking, or giving wakeboarding a shot.
Lake Como is located in the Lombardy region of Italy and is known for its rich dishes, hearty stuffed pastas, soups, and aged cheeses. Round out your two days in Lake Como with a cooking class and learn how to make regional specialties you can recreate when back at home. The dishes you make will likely depend on the season, but you can count on tiramisù, a northern Italian favorite.
