Its striking Y-shape makes Lake Como truly distinctive. It cuts deep into the Lombardy countryside. With a surface area of around 146 square kilometres and depths of more than 400 metres, it is the third-largest lake after Lake Garda and the Lake Maggiore. Unlike Lake Maggiore, it lies entirely within Italian territory. Border formalities, Swiss permits or customs issues are therefore not an issue here.
Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio: the three towns in the centre of the lake
The scenery in this area is breathtaking: to the north, the Alpine peaks rise steeply, whilst the southern shore slopes more gently. A particular highlight is the centre of the lake, where its three arms meet at Bellagio, Menaggio and Varenna.
Bellagio, the glamorous classic on the lake, is perched on a headland. To the east, Varenna beckons with its rows of colourful houses, which still evoke the town’s former life as a fishing village, and its historic gardens. Menaggio, on the western shore, is considerably flatter than its neighbouring villages, whose steep, stepped alleyways define their character. The village is regarded as a sporting all-rounder: it is home to one of Europe’s oldest golf clubs, several walking trails and a well-developed nautical infrastructure with a harbour and shipyard facilities. Famous villas and magnificent gardens line the south-western arm of the lake. These include Villa Balbianello in Lenno and Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo.
Tips for alpine sailors
Museo Barca Lariana: A journey through the history of boatbuilding
Anyone interested in the history of boatbuilding should plan a detour to the Museo Barca Lariana in Pianello del Lario. The historic Villa Bozzolo is home to hundreds of exhibits, ranging from traditional wooden boats from Lake Como to elegant racing and motorboats.
Tivano and Breva: The wind system on Lake Como
For sailors and windsurfers, Lake Como is the most reliable in terms of wind among the three lakes. This is due to a pronounced thermal wind system. In the morning, the Tivano blows from the north across the water at two to four Beaufort. From early afternoon, the wind often shifts to the south: the Breva sets in and reaches around five Beaufort in the narrower, alpine northern basin around Domaso and Gravedona.
On Lake Como, too, the standard Italian 300-metre shoreline protection zone applies, within which speed must be reduced. Water-skiing, wakeboarding and high-speed planing at speeds of up to 27 knots are only permitted outside this zone and in the central part of the lake. At night, a maximum speed of five knots through the water applies on all lakes in northern Italy.
Documents, liability and protection against invasive species
As Lake Como is not a border waterway, the additional markings required for neighbouring lakes are not necessary. The standard official documents, such as the International Boat Licence, and the Italian minimum third-party liability insurance are sufficient. Those travelling with a trailer will find well-equipped slipways and boatyards with crane services, particularly on the northern shore in Domaso, Colico and Gera Lario.
However, when moving between Lake Maggiore and Lake Lugano, the following also applies: the hull and cooling system should be thoroughly flushed before the boat is launched, to prevent invasive species from spreading further.
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Which place on Lake Como would you most like to visit? Let us know in the comments.
Antonia von Lamezan
Volontärin