35+ free things to do in Lake Como

Lake Como is a destination typically synonymous with celebrities, luxury villas and destination weddings. 

Because of this, Lake Como is frequently considered as one of the more expensive destinations in Italy.   

But, if you’re looking for free things to do in Lake Como, there are plenty of budget-friendly Lake Como activities.  

From lake walks to beaches, I'll be listing what to do in Lake Como if you’re traveling on a budget. 

Ideal material for your Italy bucket list, use this post to help plan your trip to Italy. 

Free things to do at Lake Como 

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Walk the Lungolago  

When visiting one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, the best way to explore it is on foot. The lungolago is the promenade that winds around the lake.

But, at approximately 146sq km (56sq mi) it’s unlikely you’ll manage to walk the entire length of Lake Como. 

However, you can walk parts of the lungolago while traveling around Lake Como. One of the best free things to do in Lake Como, it’s a great activity for families and budget travelers.  

Some pretty areas to walk the lungolago in Lake Como are: 

• Lungolago Bellagio, Bellagio Lungolago Europa, Bellagio 
• Lungolago di Lecco, Lungolario Isonzo, Lecco 
• Lungolago di Cernobbio, Piazza Risorgimento, 1, Cernobbio  
• Lungolago Guido Delmati – Lenno, Via Guido Delmati, Lenno  
• Lungolago Colonno, Via Statale, 58, Colonno  
• Lungolago Menaggio 
• Lungolago viale Tommaso Grossi, Viale Tommaso Grossi, Bellano 
• Lungolago Lierna, Via al Porto, 1-5, Lierna  

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Bike around Lake Como 

If the thought of seeing Lake Como on foot sounds exhausting, you could consider seeing Lake Como by bike.  

Lake Como is a popular destination among campers, and some visitors tend to bring their bikes to get around. 

Biking around Lake Como offers the freedom to visit smaller towns around the lake. Unlike driving around Lake Como, you also don’t encounter any issues with parking when taking the bike.  

The downside to biking Lake Como is if it rains. We experienced torrential rain during our 3 days in Lake Como and it didn’t cease for hours. 

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Small towns to visit on bike 

Should you decide to go biking on Lake Como there are plenty of towns and villages to stop by.

Some immediate ones that come to mind include: 

• Carate Urio 
• Laglio 
• Ossuccio 
• Cadenabbia 
• Menaggio 
• Abbadia Lariana 
• Erba 
• Lipomo 
• Como 

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Map: free things to do in Lake Como

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Visit the towns on Lake Como 

One of the best free things to do in Lake Como is to visit any of its towns. It costs nothing to walk around, explore and to take photos.  

Take the popular town of Bellagio. It may be brimming with expensive hotels and designer shops, but the town offers so much more.  

Its town center consists of a series of winding narrow paths and stairs connecting different parts of Bellagio. Enjoy a budget-friendly coffee at one of the many bars in the center and discover the free attractions in Bellagio. 

Some to take note of are: 

• St. James’s Basilica (Chiesa prepositurale di San Giacomo), Piazza della Chiesa, 27, Bellagio): historic church built between the end of the 11th century and beginning of the 12th century. 
• Chiosco Moresco: a pretty viewing point from the Bellagio side of Lake Como 
• Lungolago Bellagio: the promenade running along Lake Como in Bellagio 

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Admire the Lake Como villas 

Seeing the lavish waterfront properties around Lake Como usually tops the list of the best things to do when visiting.  

But many of these lakeside villas are typically only accessible by boat, which can be a costly Lake Como activity. However, it’s possible to see some villas on Lake Como for free and on foot.  

The stretch of road from Tremezzo to Cadenabbia is one such place. There are several Lake Como villas to admire from afar and the views don’t disappoint.  

They include: 

• Villa Sola Cabiati 
• Villa Carlotta 
• Villa Meier 
• Villa Margherita Ricordi 

Not far from the visitor favorite Villa Balbianello are more villas that you might be able to admire from afar. Both historic structures are made even more striking by the surrounding views of Lake Como. 

Please note that many of the grand villas on Lake Como are private property and should be respected as such.  

• Villa Balbiano 
• Villa La Cassinella 

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Watch: free things to do in Lake Como

Relax on a Lake Como beach 

When summer arrives in Lake Como, so do the sweltering temperatures. And one of the best free things to do in Lake Como is to cool off on its beaches.  

Beaches around Lake Como are typically small, pebbly and with no lifeguards on duty. So, while it’s one of my top Lake Como activities, take caution if you’re not the strongest swimmer. 

Some Lake Como beaches to consider visiting are: 

• San Giovanni, Bellagio (public beach): a popular beach just moments from Villa Melzi  
• Spiaggia di Onno (Onno beach): small yet tranquil
• Lido di Faggeto Miamilaryo: Faggeto Lario: a lido with the option to hire loungers. Alternatively, you can also bring your own towel and bathe where you want. 

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Explore the Lake Como churches, abbeys and monasteries  

Many of the free attractions around Lake Como typically consist of churches, abbeys and monasteries.

Cultural landmarks that extend beyond religious affiliations, these places provide valuable insight into the different architectural styles. 

Many of these religious sites usually house incredible artwork and are surrounded by glorious nature. 

Free attractions in Lake Como

Aside from the Basilica in Bellagio, the following are some noteworthy churches, abbeys and monasteries to visit around Lake Como.  

• Piona Abbey (Abbazia Cistercense di Santa Maria di Piona), Via Abbazia di Piona, 55, Olgiasca
• St. John the Baptist Church, Varenna (Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista), Piazza S. Giorgio, Varenna 
• Sacred Mount of the Blessed Virgin of Help (Sacro Monte della Beata Vergine del Soccorso), Via Santuario, Ossuccio  
• St. Benedict’s Monastery (Monastero di San Benedetto in Val Perlana), Ossuccio 
• Sanctuary of the Madonna of Help (Santuario della Madonna del Soccorso – Ossuccio), Via Santuario, Ossuccio 
• Parish Church of St. Abbondio Bishop (Chiesa Parrocchiale di Sant'Abbondio Vescovo), Via San Abbondio, 6, Mezzegra, Tremezzina  
• Basilica of our Faithful Saint (Basilica di San Fedele), Piazza S. Fedele, Como 
• Basilica of St. George, (Basilica di San Giorgio), Via Pietro da Breggia, 4, Como 

What do you think of this list of free things to do in Lake Como? Which of these activities at Lake Como would you like to do? Let me know in the comments below.  

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.

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