Camping by Lake Como

At Lake Como, the magnificent mountains of the Southern Alps meet the Mediterranean flair of Italy. Located in Lombardy, Italy's third largest lake is a real dream destination for campers. There are numerous romantic campsites for the perfect holiday on the beautiful shore. The clear water invites you to take a trip on a rowing or sailing boat, while active holidaymakers can explore the lush green mountains. And those who simply want to relax can unwind in pretty towns such as Como or Brunate and enjoy the mild Mediterranean climate, where citrus fruits, olive trees and palm trees thrive.

Special features of camping on Lake Como

Lake Como is almost 150 km² in size and offers many great camping opportunities thanks to its sheer size. The popular holiday resorts such as Como, Lecco, Bellagio and Menaggio are particularly good starting points for a relaxing holiday in northern Italy. Here you will find pretty campsites located right on the water's edge, offering wonderful views of the mirror-smooth surface of the water. In addition, large passenger ships set sail across the water every day - perfect for a relaxing boat trip on the lake.

Lake Como is particularly popular with water sports enthusiasts and active holidaymakers. Campers can enjoy water sports such as sailing, water skiing and surfing around the lake. Hikers are drawn to the magnificent mountain world, for example Monte Legnone, the highest mountain on Lake Como. There are also numerous mountain bike trails of varying degrees of difficulty around the lake.

Of course, there is no shortage of relaxation either: in Gravedona, Domaso, Gera Lario and Colico, there are beautiful, gently sloping beaches that are also ideal for families with small children. Holidaymakers can enjoy the flair of northern Italy in one of the cosy restaurants on the beach and waterfront promenades. Culinary delights beyond pizza and pasta offer exquisite treats for the palate.

Popular campsites on Lake Como

The campsites on Lake Como are well equipped and, in addition to pitches for caravans and motorhomes, often also offer mobile homes, bungalows and other rental accommodation. The sanitary facilities are clean and some also have their own beach areas with parasols. Dogs are welcome guests at many campsites.

Camping Gardenia

The small, family-friendly Gardenia campsite is located right by the water and has a fantastic view of the surrounding mountains. The campsite has its own beach with a sunbathing area in the shade and Wi-Fi is available throughout the site. There are several restaurants and shops on site. Dogs are allowed on the campsite.

Camping La Riva

The beautiful La Riva campsite is located on the Mera River, the northern tributary of Lake Como, and is perfect for those seeking peace and quiet and nature lovers. The campsite is in a fantastic location with direct access to the water, a sandy beach and two beautiful sunbathing areas. There is also a swimming pool with solarium on site. Another plus: guests at Camping La Riva can hire canoes, pedalos and bikes.

Camping La Breva

Small and cosy: this is the best way to describe the family campsite La Breva. The site is located not far from the small town of Dongo and offers beautifully situated pitches and mobile homes right on the lake. There is also a beach. Thanks to the constant breeze, the campsite is ideal for water sports. A cycle path runs right past the campsite, allowing guests to explore the beautiful surroundings.

Favourite places in the region

When camping on Lake Como, a trip to the pretty little towns on its shores is simply a must. The old fishing village of Domaso with its narrow streets and beautiful lakeside promenade is particularly popular. Also worth a visit is Menaggio, the tourist centre of central Lake Como, with its picturesque streets and magnificent buildings such as Villa Carlotta. The small town of Bellagio is also very pretty with its enchanting lakeside promenade and beautiful parks, which are among the most beautiful in Italy. It is not for nothing that Bellagio is considered one of the most beautiful places in the region.

Domaso

Domaso is located in the north of Lake Como and is a hotspot for water sports enthusiasts. The reason for this is the constant Breva wind that blows here, making it the perfect place for windsurfers and sailors. It also has one of the longest beach promenades on Lake Como. Thanks to the gently sloping water, the beach is very popular with families. The town itself is also worth a visit. In addition to the many lovely cafés and restaurants, the Villa Camilla with its magnificent gardens and the lovingly renovated church of San Bartolomeo on the Livo river are particularly popular.

Menaggio

The small town of Menaggio on the western shore of Lake Como is one of the most popular holiday resorts and has a charm all of its own. The beautifully restored old houses and cosy squares invite you to take a coffee and let your gaze wander over the lake. A detour to Plesio and Breglia is also worthwhile: the road high up in the mountains offers a marvellous view over Lake Como.

Bellagio

Bellagio lies in a picturesque bay at the foot of the Larios promontory. Steeply rising mountains and the lake sparkling in the sun form the backdrop for what are probably the most beautiful beach and lakeside promenades on Lake Como. Sophisticated bourgeois villas and flowering gardens with cypresses, azaleas and camellias complete the southern flair. The Romanesque parish church Basilica San Giacomo is also worth a visit. Many visitors consider Bellagio to be one of the most beautiful holiday resorts - and not just on Lake Como.

Sights and excursion tips

• Como Cathedral: The Renaissance building was built in the second half of the 15th century and has some Gothic features on the façade.
• Varenna: The small municipality is a real gem on Lake Como with a 12th century church and the Vezio fortress.
• Bellagio's villas: In Bellagio, the elegant and sophisticated villas, in particular the Giulia, Taverna-Trivulzio-Gerli and Trotti Gerli complexes, are well worth seeing.
• Grona: The 1,400 metre high peak is a popular hiking destination with its mountain hut and fantastic views.
• Isola Comacina: Many holidaymakers take the ferry from Menaggio to the only island on Lake Como and visit the island's excursion restaurant.
• Piona Abbey: South of Lake Como is the Abazzia di Piona, a centuries-old church ruin - a great motif for souvenir photos of your holiday.

Tour tip

If you still haven't had enough of the enchanting northern Italian lakes after your camping holiday on Lake Como, you should definitely pay a visit to Lake Garda to the east. Especially for campers with their own motorhome, a round trip lasting several days is a great way to get to know the most beautiful places on Lake Garda. A great tour starts in Torbole and leads from there via the popular holiday resorts of Garda, Lazise, Limone and Riva. A real recommendation! If you have less time, simply take a day trip to your favourite destination.