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Lake Como is famous worldwide for historic villas, romantic views and lakeside villages. But if you know it well, you’ll also know that in summer it becomes a brilliant place to swim and unwind by the water.
Between fully equipped lidos, free beaches and wilder corners, there are plenty of places to enjoy the lake’s clear water in a genuinely authentic way.
In this guide you’ll find the best beaches on Lake Como, described the way a local would: practical pointers, real differences from one spot to another, and helpful tips so you can pick the right one for you.
Bellano is one of the best places to stay if you love experiencing the lake in a simple, authentic way. Here you’ll find two beaches that feel completely different—both worth knowing.
Lido di Bellano is an equipped beach on Lake Como, ideal if you want comfort. Fine sand, easy access to the water, facilities, a bar, swimming pool, hot tub and tidy spaces make it a great choice for families, couples and anyone who wants to spend a full day relaxing.
The water is clear and the atmosphere is calm, especially during the week. It’s one of the best options if you’re looking for a swimmable beach on Lake Como with services—and it’s easy to reach by train.
Just a short walk from the centre you’ll find Riva del Mulino, a non-equipped but very spacious beach loved by those who prefer a more direct connection with the lake. The shore is natural, there’s plenty of room and the vibe is unmistakably “local”.
It’s perfect if you like to lay down your towel, swim and enjoy the lake without too many facilities—just freedom and an open panorama. To get there, head along the road towards Dervio; after you pass the hospital, walk a little further and you’ll find it.
In the heart of one of the lake’s most photographed villages, Riva Grande in Varenna is a small beach with a unique charm. It isn’t large, but the setting is extraordinary: colourful houses, moored boats and the historic centre just a few steps away. It sits right by the Lovers’ Walk and the Greenway dei Patriarchi.
It’s ideal for a refreshing dip after a stroll in Varenna or a sunny pause. The best moment is late afternoon, when the light makes the view even more atmospheric.
Victoria Beach in Menaggio is one of the most complete and well-organised beach clubs on Lake Como. You’ll find lake access, pools, lawns, a bar, a restaurant and carefully curated services with a luxury feel.
It’s especially suited to travellers who want a Lake Como beach where nothing is missing. It gets busy in summer but remains one of the best choices for comfort and a prime mid-lake location. Booking is mandatory.
Lenno’s beach is an equipped spot on Lake Como, set in one of the most elegant and panoramic areas. It’s close to the famous Villa del Balbianello, one of the lake’s most visited attractions.
Here you’ll find a lawn area, easy access to the water and services, all in a well-kept, relaxed setting. It’s ideal if you want to combine swimming, a stroll and a cultural visit without giving up the convenience of a managed lido. It’s also easy to reach by ferry, even from Bellano and Varenna.
Before you reach Colico, in Piona, you’ll find La Rivetta: a small, non-equipped beach reachable only on foot. That’s exactly why it’s one of the nicest and quietest corners of the Upper Lake.
It’s a cosy spot surrounded by greenery, perfect if you’re looking for silence, nature and clear water. Ideal for a restorative break away from the busier beaches. Plus, the Abbey of Piona is just a short walk away.
As you arrive in Colico, the lake changes character: it opens up, feels broader and is often breezy. The beaches here are larger and wilder, and they’re very popular with windsurfers and kitesurfers.
Colico is the right destination if you want natural Lake Como beaches, wide open spaces and a less showy atmosphere, with spectacular sunsets over the mountains.
The real advice is not to pick just one—try a few, following the rhythm of the lake.
Lake Como beaches aren’t endless stretches of sand—they’re authentic places where the landscape matters most. Here every swim is a moment of calm, and every day feels like a small luxury built on simplicity.
And for where to stay, I recommend basing yourself in Bellano in an apartment by Villa Vista Lago (www.villavistalago.it), a perfect base for discovering the best Lake Como beaches at a relaxed pace.
1. Which are the best beaches on Lake Como? Some of the best places to swim on Lake Como include Lido di Bellano, Riva del Mulino (Bellano), Riva Grande in Varenna, Lenno’s lido near Villa del Balbianello, Victoria Beach in Menaggio, La Rivetta in Piona and the beaches around Colico.
2. Can you swim in Lake Como? Yes. You can swim in Lake Como in many authorised areas. The water is generally clean, especially in signposted spots and in areas further from heavy boat traffic.
3. Which beaches on Lake Como have facilities? Among the main equipped lidos are Lido di Bellano, Victoria Beach in Menaggio and the serviced beach area in Lenno near Villa del Balbianello.
4. Are there free, natural beaches on Lake Como? Yes. Lake Como also offers free, more natural spots such as Riva del Mulino in Bellano and La Rivetta in Piona, ideal if you want nature and tranquillity.
5. What is the best beach on Lake Como for families? Lido di Bellano and Victoria Beach in Menaggio are among the best options for families thanks to services, well-kept areas and easy access to the water.
6. Where can you find less crowded beaches on Lake Como? Quieter spots are often outside the most touristy centres, such as around Bellano, Piona and some areas of Colico.