Lake Como is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy. The lake itself measures about 146 square kilometers with several charming towns scattered in the area. With a lake this big you might wonder if it is okay to swim in Lake Como.
Well, it is a lake and while it is possible to swim in Lake Como, it is not ideal. But, if you really would like to go swimming in Lake Como, there are public beaches in several towns that you can go to. You can’t just jump in any part of the lake as the lake can be very deep. These public beaches are designated areas for swimming so you can swim safely.
In this article, we will talk about some of the public beaches that are open for swimming. We will also talk about the best time to go swimming in Lake Como so you can experience the warm water.
Is It Okay To Swim In Lake Como?
Swimming in Lake Como is possible, especially during the summer months. But, is Lake Como really safe to swim in? The waters in Lake Como are regularly tested and there are areas that are safe to swim in. However, before you change into your swimwear and jump right in, a lake might not be the most ideal place to swim.
While some parts of Lake Como have clear waters, there are areas where the waters are dark and very deep. Swimming in lakes also poses risks, like direct contact with algae, so you have to be careful before diving headfirst in Lake Como.
As we said earlier, it is definitely possible to swim in Lake Como but, you can’t just jump in any part of the lake you like. There are designated swimming areas in Lake Como. These areas are usually marked and are patrolled by lifeguards.
Which Parts Of Lake Como Can You Swim In?
If you want to go swimming in Lake Como town, there are public beaches that you can go to. Not all beaches in the Lake Como area have white sands. In some areas, the beaches have pebbled shores or darker sands. But, these are areas where you can swim safely, especially if you are looking to have a dip in the water during the hottest days in Lake Como.
Lido Mandello del Lario
Located between Varenna and Lecco on the eastern shores of Lake Como is Lido di Mandello or Mandello Beach which has great views of the lake. Mandello Beach is calm and clean which is great if you want a relaxing time in the water. Do note that this is a stony beach club so you might want to wear water shoes if you decide to go swimming.
You can enter the beach for free but sun loungers and umbrellas have a fee if you want to use them during your stay. A restaurant, café, and several concession stands are also available near the beach if you are craving food and drinks.
Mandello Beach gets really busy during the summer as this beach is one of the nicest beaches in Lake Como. There is free parking in the area and if you are bringing a car, make sure to come early. The parking slots can become full throughout the day.
Spiaggia di Onno
Like Lido di Mandello, Spiaggia di Onno is also a pebbled beach so appropriate swimming footwear is recommended to avoid getting hurt. Despite it being a pebbled beach, Spiaggia di Onno also has a beautiful view making up for its pebbled shore.
Spiaggia di Onno is located in Onno City in the Lecco region of Lake Como. It is a public beach so there is no entrance fee. However, several beach equipment like lounging chairs and umbrellas are for rent.
As with any popular swimming spot in the Lake Como area, Spiaggia di Onno also gets very busy during the summer. There is also parking available near the beach but you might lose a spot if you don’t come early.
San Giovanni Beach
San Giovanni Beach is located near the town of Bellagio and it offers a relaxing atmosphere and a rocky shore. It is one of the more popular beaches in Lake Como as it is situated in one of the most popular towns in the area.
San Giovanni Beach is also a public beach with no entrance fee so you can expect it to be crowded and busy during the high season. You can also find cafés and several kiosks selling food, drinks, and ice cream during the summer.
Lierna Beach
Lierna Beach is located in Lecco City and is one of Lake Como’s beautiful beaches. Lierna Beach is also called Riva Bianca because of its white, fine pebbles. It is also a public beach that gets very busy during the summer months.
During the summer, there are several kiosks that sell snacks, food, fresh drinks, and ice cream to beachgoers. Lierna Beach is also not equipped with free sun loungers or umbrellas. But, you can rent them out if you just want to relax away from the water and enjoy the view of the lake.
What Is The Best Time Of The Year To Go To Lake Como?
If you want to avoid a crowded Lake Como, the best time to visit Lake Como is during mid-April to May or mid-September to mid-October. The weather is milder and more pleasant in these months and you will experience a less crowded Lake Como as the summer crowd either has not yet arrived or has already left.
But, if you want to go swimming in Lake Como, the best time to visit is from July to August. The water temperature in Lake Como is usually cool because of its surrounding mountains. But, it gets warm during the summer months.
If you don’t want to swim in the waters of Lake Como, there are several hotels that have swimming pools. Some of these hotels are located on the waterfront so you can still have wonderful views of the lake. It is also safer to swim at night in outdoor pools if you want to enjoy the Lake Como lights.
Conclusion
Lake Como is okay to swim in but not really ideal as it is a lake and it is the deepest lake in Italy. But if you like to swim, there are several public beaches in Lake Como that you can visit. These are designated areas for swimming and are safe to swim in.
We have talked about several public beaches in Lake Como where you can swim so we hope it helps you plan your itinerary. The beaches we included in this article are pebbled beaches but, you can also find a grassy beach and a sandy beach in Lake Como if that is what you prefer. We also talked about the best time to go swimming in Lake Como so you can plan accordingly. If you have any other questions, let us know via the contact form on our website!
