--- title: "Best Beaches on Lake Como" description: "Rocky coves, pebble shores, and lido swimming spots - where to swim and sunbathe on Italy's most elegant lake." canonical_url: "https://atsiolevart.com/lake-como/best-beaches" last_updated: "2026-04-30T22:48:05.683Z" --- Lake Como is not a beach destination in the conventional sense. There's no Caribbean sand here, no long stretches of coast where you can lay out a towel and walk barefoot to the water. The lake's shoreline is largely rocky, often steep, and in many places claimed by private gardens and hotel grounds. But that doesn't mean swimming and sunbathing aren't part of the experience - they absolutely are, and the swimming here, in clean, deep water surrounded by mountains and centuries-old villages, is arguably more memorable than any beach holiday. The key is knowing where to go. Lake Como's best swimming spots range from groomed lido complexes with sun loungers and bars to wild, free-access pebble coves where you'll have the water to yourself. The water is swimmable from mid-June through September, with temperatures peaking around 22-24°C in late July and August. ## Lido di Lenno Lenno, on the western shore roughly opposite Bellagio, has the best public lido on the lake. The Lido di Lenno sits in a small bay with genuinely calm water - the western shore is more sheltered than the east, and Lenno's position at the curve of the Tremezzina creates a natural harbour effect. The water is shallow enough near the shore to be comfortable for families, but drops away quickly for proper swimming. The lido has a grassy area for sunbathing, a small pebble beach, changing facilities, and a bar serving drinks and basic food. Entrance runs around €5-8 depending on the season. It's well-maintained without being overly manicured - the atmosphere is Italian families on holiday rather than resort polish. The views across the lake to the eastern mountains are excellent. Lenno is also the departure point for visiting the Villa del Balbianello, the dramatic lakeside villa used in several films, which sits on the headland directly adjacent. Combine a morning at the villa with an afternoon at the lido. ## Lido di Villa Olmo At the southern end of the lake, a ten-minute walk from Como town centre, the Lido di Villa Olmo is the most accessible swimming spot on the lake. Set in the grounds of the neoclassical Villa Olmo, the lido has a large swimming pool fed by lake water, a small beach area, and extensive lawns for sunbathing. There's a bar, changing rooms, and lifeguards during summer. The setting is civilised rather than dramatic - you're near the city here, not in the mountains - but the convenience is unmatched. If you're based in Como town and want a swim without taking a ferry, this is the obvious choice. Entry is free for the beach area; the pool charges a modest fee (around €5). The lido gets busy on summer weekends with locals, which is part of the appeal. ## Colonno Beach Colonno is a quiet village on the western shore between Argegno and Sala Comacina, and its small public beach is one of the most charming free swimming spots on the lake. The beach is a narrow strip of pebbles and flat rocks at the water's edge, with clear water that drops to a deep blue-green within a few metres. There are no facilities beyond a small car park - no loungers, no bar, no changing rooms. What Colonno offers instead is atmosphere. The village is tiny and unvisited by the day-trip crowds. You can swim out into water so clear that you can see the rocky bottom ten metres below, then dry off on the warm stones with nothing but the sound of the water and the occasional ferry passing. In July and August, a handful of locals share the spot; outside peak weeks, you may well have it to yourself. Bring everything you need: towels, water, sun protection, snacks. The nearest restaurant is a short walk into the village. Parking is limited, so arrive early or come by ferry from Argegno. ## Onno Beach The eastern shore of the lake's southern arm is quieter and less touristed than the west, and Onno - a small town between Bellagio and Lecco - has one of the best free beaches on this stretch. The Spiaggia di Onno is a public pebble beach with a gentle entry into the water, a grassy area behind for sunbathing, and views across to the western shore mountains. The beach has basic facilities: a bar operates during summer months, and there's parking nearby. The water quality is excellent - this section of the lake benefits from being away from the busier ferry routes and the urban runoff of Como town. It's a 30-minute drive from Bellagio or accessible by the Lecco branch ferry service. Onno is a good option for travellers [staying on the eastern shore](/lake-como/where-to-stay) who don't want to cross the lake for a swim. The atmosphere is local and relaxed - this is where residents of the small eastern towns spend their summer afternoons. ## Abbadia Lariana Further south on the eastern shore, between Lecco and Mandello del Lario, Abbadia Lariana has a stretch of lakefront that's as close to a traditional beach as Como gets. A long, narrow strip of pebbles and coarse sand runs along the waterfront, with public access and no entry fee. The beach faces west, catching afternoon sun and offering sunset views that rival anything on the more famous western shore. The town has a waterfront promenade with a couple of bars and gelaterias, making it easy to spend a half-day here without planning. Swimming conditions are good - the water is calm in this sheltered section and the gradual entry makes it suitable for less confident swimmers. A small park behind the beach has shade trees and picnic benches. Abbadia Lariana is best reached by car or by train - the Lecco-Colico line stops directly in town, making it one of the few beaches on the lake accessible by rail. ## Bellagio's Swimming Spots Bellagio's fame is for its views and its position at the lake's fork, not for its beaches, but there are several spots where you can swim. The most popular is the small public beach just south of the car ferry dock at Pescallo, a fishing hamlet on Bellagio's eastern side. The beach is tiny - a narrow strip of pebbles - but the water is clear and the setting is beautiful, with colourful fishing boats pulled up on the shore and the mountains rising behind. The Lido di Bellagio, north of the town centre, offers a more structured swimming experience with a pool, sun terrace, and bar. It's the preferred option if you want loungers and facilities, though it's pricier than the free swimming spots elsewhere on the lake. For the best swimming near Bellagio, take the ferry to one of the beaches on the western or eastern shore. Bellagio's central position makes it a natural hub - you can reach Lenno, Varenna, or any of the quieter beaches within 15-30 minutes by boat. ## Varenna's Waterfront Varenna, on the eastern shore, is the quieter, more authentic alternative to Bellagio, and its waterfront offers decent swimming. The rocky shoreline below the Passeggiata degli Innamorati (Lovers' Walk) has several access points where you can climb down to the water. The swimming is not gentle - you're entering directly into deep water from rocks - but the water is exceptionally clean and the setting, below the medieval village and the castle ruins, is striking. For a more comfortable swim, the small beach at Fiumelatte, just south of Varenna, is worth seeking out. Named after the nearby seasonal waterfall that runs "white as milk," the beach is a modest pebble cove with clear water and minimal crowds. The Fiumelatte waterfall itself - which flows only from March to October and has puzzled scientists since Leonardo da Vinci attempted to explain it - is a five-minute walk from the beach. ## When to Swim Lake Como's water temperature determines the swimming season. The lake is deep (over 400 metres at its deepest point) and fed by mountain streams, so it warms slowly. Comfortable swimming begins in mid-June, when surface temperatures reach around 18-20°C. The warmest water arrives in late July and August, reaching 22-24°C. By late September, temperatures have dropped to around 18-20°C and the season effectively ends. The western shore tends to be marginally warmer than the eastern shore, and the southern reaches of the lake warm earlier than the northern end around Colico. Time of day matters too: afternoon swimming is noticeably warmer than morning dips, as the sun has had hours to warm the surface layer. For the full picture on seasonal planning, the [best time to visit Lake Como guide](/lake-como/best-time-to-visit) covers month-by-month conditions. ## Practical Tips **Footwear matters.** Almost every beach on the lake is pebble or rock. Water shoes make the difference between a pleasant experience and a painful one. The smooth, rounded stones of Lake Como are less punishing than sharp coral, but they're uncomfortable underfoot when wet. **Bring your own gear.** Outside the organised lidos, facilities are minimal. Pack towels, sun protection, drinking water, and snacks. A waterproof bag for valuables is practical - there are no lockers at the free beaches. **Respect private property.** Large stretches of the lakefront belong to private villas and hotels. If a stretch of shoreline looks accessible but has no obvious public access point, it's probably private. Stick to marked public beaches and lidos. **Watch the ferries.** Swimming near ferry routes is not advisable. The larger vessels create significant wake, and the water near docks can be churned up. Stick to the beaches and coves listed here, which are set back from the main shipping lanes. **Check the weather.** Summer thunderstorms on Lake Como arrive fast and can be dramatic. If you see dark clouds building over the mountains to the north, head for shelter. The storms typically pass within an hour but can bring strong winds and rough water. The [best time to visit guide](/lake-como/best-time-to-visit) has more on weather patterns and what to pack. Lake Como's beaches are not what you'd find on an island holiday, but that's precisely the point. Swimming here - in ancient, glacial water, surrounded by mountains and Renaissance villas, with a ferry gliding past and the Alps visible to the north - is a different kind of experience altogether. Pack the water shoes, pick a quiet cove, and discover why the lake has been drawing swimmers since the Roman emperors built their villas on these same shores.