As the spring season blossoms, bringing vibrant greenery and colorful blooms to the natural woodland landscape surrounding the water, Lake Como truly comes alive as a destination with something for everyone. As one of the top rated Lake Como hotels on the water, Il Sereno awaits with understated elegance, modern style, and seamless service. Just steps from the property’s backyard are a number of experiences to round out your Lake Como itinerary for an unforgettable getaway.

Here are our top five things to do in Lake Como:

Boat Tour

A visit simply wouldn’t be complete without spending time on the water, and a Lake Como boat tour is the ideal way to enjoy one of Italy’s most famous boating destinations. Il Sereno offers a variety of boating experiences to showcase the picturesque villages, grand villas and estates that dot the waterfront. 

Our custom Cantiere Ernesto Riva boats are made by the namesake family that has been building boats by hand in the nearby town of Laglio since 1771. These timeless beauties offer a more fast-paced experience on the water and encompass the grand Italian tradition of arriving and traveling in style. For guests looking to explore the breadth of gastronomy options in the area, consider the Vaporina del Lago Riva boat, a water limousine with well-appointed interiors that will deliver guests to their dining destinations via lakeside. Self-driven Jetto boats are also available for guests looking to experience Lake Como at their own pace. And lastly, an excursion aboard the Inglesina, a stunning hand-crafted rowing boat, is perfect for setting a romantic atmosphere on the water. 

To further elevate your Lake Como boat tour experience, consider reserving a hand-made picnic, featuring gourmet snacks prepared by our Chef Raffaele Lenzi.

Hiking

Look out for azaleas, camellias, and wisteria peppering the hillsides while hiking Lake Como in the springtime. From relaxed lakeside strolls to difficult mountain ascents, the trails around the area range from beginner to expert – there is something for hikers of all levels. 

For a scenic loop featuring cascading waterfalls and the charming town of Menaggio, check out the Palmenwald – Cascata loop. Reach the trailhead of this 10-kilometer hike via boat for a day filled with adventure from start to finish. 

The Greenway del Lago di Como is a nice trail along the western shores of the lake, offering incredible views of the surrounding mountains. An easy 6-kilometers will take hikers past Italian villages, flourishing gardens, and historic villas on a pathway also popular with cyclists. 

Il Sereno offers guests bespoke outdoor itineraries for those looking for even more hiking ideas, as well as e-bike, mountain and trekking bikes rentals.

Wine Tasting

The unique geographical location of Lake Como creates a climate especially suited for cultivating high-quality wine-making grapes. The combination of the mountain air and the lake’s microclimate create ideal growing conditions, particularly for grape varieties such as Nebbiolo, Merlot, and Barbera. Wine tasting Lake Como is a top activity to indulge in local flavors and appreciate the uniqueness of the region. 

Il Sereno offers a private wine tasting experience within the hotel’s temperature-controlled wine cellar, featuring Italy’s finest wines and French champagnes. 

Alternatively, guests can embark on a wine tasting adventure to nearby vineyards to sip on the region’s viticultural offerings in person. The Terre Lariane wine region produces wines that reflect the influence of the lake on the terroir, like Nebbiolo, Merlot, Barbera, and Chardonnay. Montevecchia is a lesser known hilltop town located south of Lake Como, somewhat of a hidden gem that produces distinctive wines. Valtellina Wine Country, tucked amongst the Italian Alps, is a world-renowned wine region featuring steeped terraced vineyards and notable Nebbiolo wines.

Shopping

No Lake Como itinerary would be complete without splashing out on shopping throughout the range of boutiques and designer stores that line the lakeside. Begin the day at Il Sereno’s in-house Larusmiani boutique for exquisite apparel and accessories before venturing into town. Nearly all surrounding villages are worth exploring, but two in particular stand out as shopping destinations worth making the trip for. 

In the town of Como, you’ll find meandering alleys and main streets featuring big name brands and quaint shops. Silk production in the 15th century put Como on the map and remains a big importer for the fashion industry today. Consider bringing home a locally-produced silk to imbue true Italian-style in your everyday life. 

Bellagio is the other shopping destination on Lake Como. Known as the “Pearl of Lake Como”, shoppers will be delighted with picturesque window shopping, cobblestone streets, and characteristic stairways connecting houses in the historic centre all the way down to the lake level. From leather handbags to hand-carved olive wood home goods, Bellagio is a veritable feast for shopping-enthusiasts.

Wellness

Sometimes one of the best things to do in Lake Como is to simply unwind with a day at the spa. The wellness facilities at Il Sereno were retrofitted into the original boathouse and reflect its history amidst modern and relaxing facilities. Spend the day getting a massage, facial, or body treatment, followed by true rejuvenation in our sauna, steam room, or poolside in our outdoor relaxation area literally built over the water. Sip crisp white wine with azure water views while getting pampered in style. 

Located one level below the spa, our top-of-the-line gym is available for those looking to stay fit during their stay.

Make Il Sereno your home base to soak up the magic of Lake Como during your stay, offering the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and breathtaking views. Open from mid-March through early November, Il Sereno is the ideal starting point for all your lakeside adventures.