Things To Do
Visit the Villas
Lake Como is known for its villas (or palaces). Some of the most famous include: Villa Balbianello - known for its unique garden and as a film location for movies like James Bond and Star Wars. 27 mins away from Villa Erba by car or take the Ferry to Lenno. It's very hilly so make sure to wear comfortable shoes. https://www.fondoambiente.it/villa-del-balbianello-eng Villa Carlotta - known for its architecture, gardens and art museum. 5 mins away from Villa Balbianello. https://www.villacarlotta.it/ Villa D’Este - a functional hotel with luxurious accommodations, meal options and amenities. Walking distance from Villa Erba. https://www.villadeste.com/en/ Villa Bernasconi - known for its beautiful garden and architecture. Walking distance from Villa Erba. https://lakecomotravel.com/villa-bernasconi-cernobbio/ Villa Erba - known for hosting Monica & Diego’s wedding. https://www.villaerba.it/ Ferry Schedule - from Cernobbio at Piazza Risorgimento https://www.navigazionelaghi.it/
Boats & Sailing
There are multiple options for boats around Lake Como. We have provided two private companies and the public ferry link here as well. Accessible Catered more for tourists, this option offers convenient rides from which you can choose tours or photoshoots on a traditional wooden boat. http://www.boat-tour.it/en/ https://www.comoboat.com/ Best Value This one offers the best value (catering more to locals rather than tourists). It features motorboats and sailing boats with or without a driver. https://www.comolakeboats.it/en/rental-sailing-boat-sail-lake-como/ Group Tours This site caters to large groups. They organize excursions and tours. You can reference their calendar for availability. They also offer charter boats on demand. Depending on people’s interest, we can coordinate a large tour for everyone. Public Ferry Tours https://lakecomotravel.com/boat-tours-ferry-lake-como/#public-tours
Hiking
Lake Como is well known for its leisurely walks, with each village offering its own hiking trails, gardens and promenades to walk along next to the lake. Below we have listed a few: The town of Cernobbio (where Villa Erba is located) offers various hike trails. https://www.wikiloc.com/trails/hiking/italy/lombardia/cernobbio Brunate - take the funicular in the town of Como up to a hill-high village called Brunate where you can enjoy a splendid view. Greenway - famous hike for its ease and scenic sites (including ancient churches, villages and gardens). https://greenwaylagodicomo.com/en/ Grigne - steep hike with fantastic views and a reminder the lake is steps away from the Alps Mountain Range. https://www.lakecomotourism.it/en/portfolio/grigne-en/ Castello di Vezio - hike to a castel with scenic view of the lake and medieval architecture. http://www.castellodivezio.it/EN/home-en.html
Sports
Lake Como is a tourist attraction, but also a weekend getaway for Milan based locals. As a result, you'll find several outdoor sport distractions: Swimming - the Sheraton hotel will have a heated pool and indoor jacuzzi. Swimming in the lake is not common in Cernobbio (especially during May). However, there are several beaches around the lake that will let you rent a lounge bed and swim in the lake. Below are a few options: https://lidodilenno.com/?lang=en https://lidodifaggeto.com/ https://www.lidodicernobbio.com/v1/ Cycling - Lake Como is a destination for bikers. You can rent and take tours. Listed below is one of the most popular bike shops in Cernobbio. https://lakecomocycling.com/ Other - Full array of leisure sports are found in this region, including but not limited to golf, tennis, horse back-ridding, wall climbing, hot air balloons, paragliding, etc. https://www.lakecomo.is/have-an-experience/sports-and-activities/