Lake Como is one of the most visited lakes in Italy, and the waters and temperatures are inviting and will make you want to jump right in.
I share what to look out for if you are planning to go for a swim in Lake Como and the best beaches, with a map as an overview.
Lake Como is one of the unmissable day trips from Milan!
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Can you Swim in Lake Como?
Yes, you can swim in Lake Como, but not all places are suitable for swimming.
Designated public beaches and Lidos are open for visitors, and you can take a dip there and go for a swim if the weather is right.
Swimming is banned and even illegal on some stretches. Look out for signboards that ban swimming.
Take common-sense precautions if you plan to go for a swim!
A Lido in Italy is a shore or waterside bank.
What to expect?
- Most beaches are free; only a few commercial lidos may ask you to consume in the eatery.
- There are no lifeguards at most beaches. You need to be an experienced swimmer because the lake is deep. Locals mention that numerous people have drowned in the lake.
- You can choose between pebble beaches, few sand beaches, grassy areas, lidos, and a few beach clubs with sun loungers.
- The water is cold and mostly clear. The more north you go, the better the water quality. In the north, you can experience crystal-clear waters!
- Beaches and lidos are full of gravel, and they are rather small. A few lidos have a bit of lawn growth.
- I recommend wearing water shoes for rocky beaches.
- There are many German speakers at the beaches, and most are experienced swimmers.
- Most beaches and lidos are located in the North.
- Stay away from swimming near the city of Como due to pollution.
- There is no brain-eating bacteria present in these water bodies. It's safe to go for a swim.
Map of Lake Como's Best Beaches and Lidos
- Lido di Novate Mezzola — Located at the tip of the lake in the north. Here you will actually find beach sand and sun loungers.
- Riva Bianca — A lovely beach with grass and great views in Lierna.
- Spiaggia di Piona — A lawn beach and one of the few with a lifeguard.
- Spiaggia Tranquilla — The name doesn't disappoint, it's a peaceful gravel beach. A few trees create welcoming shades.
- Spiaggia Santa Maria Rezzonico — Lesser known, non-touristy beach.
- Spiaggia di Gravedona — Partly sandy and rocky beach with a Kiosk for little bites.
- Spiaggia Selvaggia — Sandy beach in the north.
- Spiaggia “il sassone” — A small, peaceful pebble beach.
- Lido di Ossuccio — A restaurant and there is a Lido attached to go for a swim.
- Spiaggia Pubblica di Bellagio — The closest beach to Bellagio.
- Ulisse Guzzi Gardez — A beach surrounded by olive trees.
- Spiaggia di Onno — Great beach for families.
- Spiaggia Bau Bau Olivedo — A dog-friendly beach. You and your dog can go for a swim here.
My recommendation
Lake Como is not necessarily a lake where people come to swim. Instead, visitors tend to rent boats instead.
Germans, Austrians, and the Swiss are the biggest visitor groups sitting and enjoying Lake Como beach life.
German-speaker, and also Scandinavians, learn to swim at an early age, and therefore you will see them swim out into the lake without issues. They are also used to colder lakes at home.
Don't imitate Germans if you are not an experienced swimmer! Go to a beach where there is a lifeguard.
Stick to the shore and take a dip in the water, but don't move further out. Make sure that you can touch the bottom with your feet.
For a much better beach experience, I recommend Lake Garda instead. You can compare Lake Garda and Lake Como side by side.
Your second-best option is hanging out at a resort swimming pool in Bellagio, while sipping an Aperol Spritz and taking in the view.
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