As far as the Mediterranean is concerned, a huge part of what makes this place so desirable are the beaches. From the luxury havens of Cannes and Saint Tropez to the exceptional Greek Islands, these are what makes this region such a top tourist destination. However, these salty beaches aren't the only worthwhile places in this part of the world. Even shorelines by a lake can be fun, exciting, and arguably even more beautiful. Case in point: these ten stunning freshwater beaches in Lake Como, Italy. At the very least, you won't hurt your eyes swimming here!
Argegno Beach
Known as
Lido di Argegno, this beach has the clearest waters in all of Lake Como. Though the surface is full of pebbles, you can practically count each one even as you go deeper and deeper into the lake. When going to a freshwater beach, this is the type of crystal clear water that you'll hope to see! Just make sure you have your aqua shoes on when you swim. The pebbly beach isn't exactly safe for bare feet.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Daniel Case
Bellagio Beach
Even though Bellagio is one of the
central towns in Lake Como, the nearest beach here is practically part of the wilderness. Largely untouched with no commercial area around, you can enjoy the natural wonders of Lake Como in its purest glory here. However, if you want to swim under the sun or sunbathe on Bellagio beach, make sure you go here in the morning. Because of its orientation, it's only in the morning that the sun shines brightly on this shoreline.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Colico Beach
Since it often sees a lot of strong wind and water currents, Colico beach is the best place for water sports in Lake Como. Apart from the usual swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving, you can go rowing, windsurfing, jet skiing, and more. And even if you just stick to swimming, it'll be one hell of a workout going against the currents here. Because of this, you need to be careful when navigating Colico beach. It'd be better to always go here in groups
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Como Beach
With so many commercial areas along Como beach, you'd think this was
Mykonos or
Ibiza or something, albeit a lot calmer. But nope, despite the busy shoreline, it's still Lake Como. It's just that it's the most commercialized beach on this list. If you're one who prefers comfort and luxury rather than embracing the Italian wilderness, this is your kind of beach. From the deck chairs and beach umbrellas to the bars and exclusive clubs nearby, you've got everything you'll want in need here!
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Mxbndr
Faggeto Lario Beach
Another heavily commercialized area on this list is Faggeto Lario beach. Lined with luxury resorts and five-star hotels, you can bask in all the glory of luxurious Italian living all while enjoying the freshwater breezes that come from Lake Como. Whatever you may need that will make your stay here more comfortable, you'll get it on a silver platter. However, instead of swimming in the lake, they'll recommend you swim in their luxurious pools instead.
Source: Flickr.com/ annalisa monga
Lenno Beach
Even though Lenno beach is just as commercialized as some of the other aforementioned spots, there are still some corners here that remain largely untouched. So in this part of Lake Como, you get the best of both worlds. On one end, there are luxury resorts, beach bars, and the like. On the other, you get sand, stones, water, and a whole lot of sunshine. The latter is perfect for when you want to go camping by the lake. Lenno beach certainly makes for a great campsite.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Menaggio Beach
As one of the most beautiful and most Instagrammable spots in Lake Como, Menaggio beach is definitely a must-see. From this vantage point, you get to see an amazing panoramic view of practically the entire lake, a sight you won't see anywhere else. Just like Lenno Beach, this shoreline is also half-commercialized and half-untouched, but not to the extent of the former. Even though there are resorts and other establishments here, the area remains relatively quiet and peaceful overall.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Moltrasio Beach
You probably go to a beach to swim, sunbathe, and just relax, right? That's what everyone does in such places, after all. Here in Moltrasio beach in Lake Como, however, you can still do all of that whilst studying the flora of the region. If you're a nature-lover by heart, this place will feel like a goldmine. From its lush vegetation to the fascinating underwater life, there are loads to see and study in Moltrasio beach. Just make sure you wear your aqua shoes here too as the beach is too pebbly for comfort.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Phyrexian
San Giovanni Beach
Located near Bellagio, San Giovanni beach is yet another freshwater shoreline where you can spend time on your own. In fact, it's possibly the most deserted beach in all of Lake Como. Of course, that's not necessarily a bad thing. At least, it's not like
Saint Tropez where most of the beaches are filled with tourists,
yachts, and all sorts of establishments, A fair distance away from the city proper, you can get in one with nature and just relax in solitude here in San Giovanni beach.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Sorico Beach
Finally, there's Sorico beach. Located at the northernmost coast of Lake Como, it's one another largely untouched shoreline in the region. It also has some of the deepest waters in all of Lake Como, making it an unsafe area for little kids. But for adults? It's the perfect freshwater beach for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. It'll be quite the adventure of exploring the underwater life of the iconic lake. And as you swim farther into it, you can go as deep as you like!
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Schölla Schwarz
Saltwater beaches aren't the only worthwhile shorelines in the Mediterranean. Here in the beautiful Lake Como of Italy, the freshwater beaches here prove that even swimming and spending time by a lake can be just as fun and fulfilling!
