Top Five Reasons to Visit Lake Como this Summer
Bursting with chic continental charm, fashionable Lake Como is synonymous with European elegance.
And there’s no better time to visit than in the summer. Lombardy’s humid subtropical climate is warm without being oppressively hot, with cool breezes and plenty of shady lakeside spots making it the perfect destination to while away a hazy summer afternoon.
So just in case you’re looking for an excuse to treat yourself, here are our Top Five reasons to visit Lake Como this summer.
5. Sagra di San Giovanni
The oldest festival on the lake, Sagra di San Giovanni takes place on the last weekend of June, and celebrates the rich cultural heritage and history of the Como region.
One of the highlights of Como’s social calendar, the festival features the San Giovanni Regatta, the Lucie Boat Parade and a spectacular firework display, as well as artwork, traditional dress, live music and flag-throwing competitions.
The famous firework display on Comacino Island usually begins around 10:30 pm, with over ten tons of fireworks creating an hour-long spectacular. The fireworks commemorate the events of the 24th of June 1169, when the inhabitants of Como burnt down Comacino Island as a severe punishment for their allegiance to the Milanese in a time of war.
Afterwards, the ‘lumaghitt’ (empty shells of molluscs, filed with candle wicks) are cast out across the water, creating a striking visual effect.
The Lucie Procession takes place on the Sunday, with a fleet of traditional Como boats making their way to the island for mass at the Basilica of St. Euphemia. There is also a traditional luncheon at the island’s inn.
4. Watersports
Lake Como offers some of Northern Italy's finest sailing
The lake may be beautiful all year round, but that doesn’t mean that you’d want to dive in during December!
The summer months, however, are a different story. And Lake Como offers a fantastic range of opportunities to make a splash and try something new.
A complex wind system has made the Northern part of the lake increasingly popular for sailing enthusiasts – Il Tivano blows in from the Valentina Valley towards the North East during the mornings, whilst La Breva comes up from the South during the afternoons. There are a number of sailing schools on the lake, catering to visitors of all abilities. Dinghy sailing is a popular alternative for beginners and children.
Kayaking is also popular, with Bellagio Water Sports offering a range of tours and rental options. It’s a great way to explore the lake and learn about the region whilst keeping active.
Finally, lake Como offers an opportunity to sample one of the world’s more obscure sporting pursuits – as it’s home to the world’s only seaplane flying school.
Aero Club Como is the world’s oldest hydroplane piloting academy, and allows a select few the chance to experience the lake in a manner befitting its swashbuckling playboy reputation.
3. Festival of the Lake
Lightning Over Lake Como
This perennial favourite returns to Varenna this June for its 36th year, in a celebration that promises to be one of the festival’s finest.
Commemorating the landing of Isola Comacino’s refugees, this two day festival is comprised entirely of ‘free entry’ events.
The festivities get underway on Friday with music and dancing by the lake, before Saturday brings with it a more formal programme of events.
As the evening sets in, enjoy a celebration of Italian music and poetry at the Baluardo, before the liturgical choirs of San Giorgio Church serenade you with a number of traditional hymns.
The evening continues with a tasting session featuring a number of local delicacies, before concluding with a historical reenactment at Riva Grande and a firework display over the lake.
2. Concorso d’Eleganza
Set in the sprawling grounds of the iconic Villa d’Este hotel, the Concorso D’Eleganza is Italy’s most prominent celebration of historic automobiles.
Mirroring the continental elegance of the event’s surroundings, the cars on display comprise everything from pre-war sports and record-breaking cars to modern Ferraris and Bugattis.
This year’s programme takes to heart the timeless allure of Como’s culture as it places special emphasis on the playboy car culture of the 50s and 60s, with an exhibition entitled Faster, Quieter, Smoother: Heroes of the Jet Age.
1. Lake Como Festival
Between June and September the lake comes alive with this stylish and glamorous celebration of live music.
Embracing the very finest in a number of genres, the festival caters to most tastes, with a wide classical selection complementing r&b, jazz, blues, rock, pop, alternative and even cabaret.
What really makes the festival unique is the intimate and often unorthodox venues hosting the performances, making the celebration a wonderful opportunity to get out and explore the real Como.
The full programme of events should be announced shortly, and you can keep up to date with the latest developments here.
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Additional highlights on Lake Como
Villa Balbianello
Villa Balbianello is one of the most iconic villas on the western shore of Lake Como. Located on the tip of a beautiful peninsula, the villa overlooks the Comacina Island, Lake Como's only island. The villa offers magnificent views of Lake Como and its garden, has been featured in a number of Hollywood blockbusters including most recently Casino Royal, the 007 James Bond film.