Best Beaches on Lake Como: The Most Beautiful Beaches to Visit
Discover the best beaches on Lake Como, from elegant beach clubs to quiet pebble shores and local swimming spots. A practical guide to where to swim, relax and enjoy the lake in summer.
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Lake Como is not a classic beach destination like the seaside. Here you will often find pebbles, grassy areas, piers, beach clubs and small hidden bays rather than long sandy beaches. But this is exactly part of its charm. Swimming in the lake, surrounded by mountains and historic villages, is one of the best experiences to enjoy during summer.
Before choosing where to go, it is useful to know one thing: on Lake Como you will find both free public beaches and equipped beach clubs, often called “Lido”, with sunbeds, umbrellas, bars, restaurants, swimming pools or family-friendly services.
In general, swimming is possible in many areas of the lake, but you should always check local signs, water conditions and safety rules before entering the water.
Here is a selection of the best beaches on Lake Como, divided by travel style.
1. Lido di Bellagio: The Most Iconic Beach
If you are looking for an elegant, comfortable beach in one of the most famous towns on Lake Como, Lido di Bellagio is one of the easiest choices.
It is located close to the town center and Villa Melzi, with beautiful views over the lake and surrounding mountains.
It is a perfect option if you are staying in Bellagio and want to combine a walk through the village with a few relaxing hours by the water. Lido di Bellagio has a real beach area, sunbeds and a stylish summer atmosphere.
Best for: couples, first-time visitors, travelers looking for comfort.
Good to know: in high season it can be crowded and more expensive than other beaches.
2. Spiaggia di San Giovanni, Bellagio: Quieter and More Authentic
Still in Bellagio, but away from the busiest tourist area, you will find Spiaggia di San Giovanni.
It is a simpler and more relaxed beach, reachable on foot from the center of Bellagio with a walk of about 15 minutes.
This is a good alternative if you want to experience Bellagio in a less polished and more local way. Do not expect fine sand or resort-style services: the beauty of this place is its calm and authentic atmosphere.
Best for: travelers who want to avoid the busiest part of Bellagio.
Good to know: bring water shoes or comfortable sandals, as the beach is mainly pebbly.
3. Lido di Lenno: Perfect After Visiting Villa del Balbianello
Lido di Lenno is one of the nicest places to combine culture and relaxation.
You can visit Villa del Balbianello or walk along Lenno’s lakeside promenade, then stop for a few hours by the water.
The area is very scenic, with beautiful views of the Tremezzina area and the mountains. Lido di Lenno is a lakeside beach club, so it is ideal if you are looking for a more comfortable day with sunbeds, drinks and a summer beach-club atmosphere.
Best for: couples, romantic days, aperitifs by the lake.
Good to know: it is one of the most beautiful areas of the lake, so it is better to arrive early in summer.
4. Lido di Menaggio: Great for Families
Lido di Menaggio is one of the most practical options for families and groups.
Menaggio is well connected to Bellagio and Varenna by ferry, so it is easy to include it in a central Lake Como itinerary.
The lido offers a combination of beach area, swimming pool, sunbeds and organized services. It is not the wildest beach on the lake, but it is very convenient if you want comfort and facilities.
Best for: families with children, groups, travelers looking for full services.
Good to know: choose this beach for convenience rather than for a hidden or wild atmosphere.
5. Riva Bianca, Lierna: One of the Most Beautiful Beaches on the Lecco Branch
Riva Bianca, in Lierna, is one of the most loved beaches on Lake Como.
Its name comes from the light-colored pebbles that make the water look especially bright and clear on sunny days.
It is a public beach with a beautiful open view of the lake and the mountains. It is not very large, so it can fill up quickly during summer weekends.
Best for: swimming, sunbathing, panoramic photos.
Good to know: it is better to arrive in the morning, especially on Saturdays and Sundays.
6. Abbadia Lariana: Easy, Spacious and Convenient
The beach at Abbadia Lariana, near Lecco, is one of the most convenient beaches on the eastern branch of Lake Como.
It has pebble areas, grassy spaces, services, showers and easy access to the water in some areas.
It is a good choice if you are coming from Lecco, Milan or Brianza and you want a day by the lake without going all the way to the central part of Lake Como.
The view towards the mountains around Lecco is beautiful, and the atmosphere is more local compared to Bellagio or Varenna.
Best for: families, locals, day trips from Lecco or Milan.
Good to know: it can get very busy on summer weekends.
7. Onno: Clear Water and a More Natural Atmosphere
Between Bellagio and Lecco, the area of Onno is loved by those looking for clear water and a more natural setting.
It is not an elegant beach club, and that is exactly the point: you come here to swim, look at the lake and enjoy a quieter, more authentic shoreline.
The water is often very clear, and the mountain scenery is beautiful.
Best for: travelers looking for clean water and fewer services.
Good to know: parking can be difficult in high season.
8. Dongo: Great for Space and Water Sports
In the northern part of Lake Como, Dongo is a good choice if you want more space, fewer crowds than the central lake area and a setting suitable for water sports.
The northern part of the lake is more open and windy, which makes it popular with people who enjoy sailing, windsurfing or simply a more active day by the water.
Best for: sports, families, travelers staying in the upper lake area.
Good to know: it is less glamorous, but offers more space and a more natural feel.
9. Gravedona and the Upper Lake : Relaxed Atmosphere and Open Views
If you want to go beyond the most touristy areas, consider Gravedona and the upper part of Lake Como.
Here the lake has a different atmosphere: fewer iconic villas, more mountains, wind, open views, lakeside walks and spacious beaches.
It is a perfect area if you have already visited Bellagio, Varenna and Tremezzo and want to discover a more authentic side of the lake.
Best for: longer stays, families, sporty travelers.
Good to know: it is less convenient if you are staying only in the central lake area without a car.
10. Lido Villa Olmo, Como: The Most Convenient Option from the City
If you are staying in Como and do not want to travel far, Lido Villa Olmo is one of the most practical options.
It is not the most scenic or natural beach on the lake, but it is convenient if you want to stay close to the city.
It can be a good option for half a day, especially if you have limited time or are traveling with children.
Best for: travelers staying in Como city.
Good to know: if you are looking for clearer water and a more natural atmosphere, it is better to move towards the central or northern part of the lake.
Practical Tips for Swimming on Lake Como
Lake Como is beautiful, but it should not be underestimated.
The water can be cold even in summer, especially away from the shore or after windy days. In some areas there may be currents, deep water close to the shore and passing boats.
For this reason, it is always better to swim only where it is allowed and to pay attention to local signs.
Bring with you:
water shoes or sandals, because many beaches are pebbly;
a towel or mat, because there is not always grass;
water, especially on free public beaches;
cash or card for paid beach clubs;
sunscreen, because the sun on the lake can be strong.
Discover More Hidden Beaches on Lake Como
These are some of the most beautiful and well-known beaches on Lake Como, but the lake hides many more panoramic spots, small bays, local beach clubs and peaceful places away from the crowds.
To discover beaches, viewpoints, restaurants, villages and authentic places, use the MySecretView Lake Como Map, created to help you experience Lake Como in a simpler, more local and more personal way.