Lake Como’s beautiful turquoise waters are an idyllic setting for sailing, rowing, kayaking and various watersports while the surrounding hills and mountains provide miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. So, as well as being glamorous and beautiful, Lake Como is also a great backdrop for an active holiday. Best yet, the area is renowned for its world-class hotels many of which are set in grand traditional villas. Some hotels are more geared towards an active break from quaint mountain hideaways where you can hop right on the trails to waterfront properties with watersports facilities. Our hotel experts have compiled a collection of the best Lake Como hotels for an active break selected on their location, amenities, design and service. Whether you are planning a family getaway or a couples' escape, there is something to suit most trips here. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your next trip?
For a traditional stay
- Grand Hotel Tremezzo is an elegant five-star hotel right on the water’s edge with a plethora of activities from tennis to watersports. Expect generous sun terraces, an excellent restaurant, a spa, and stunning parkland. With one of the pools floating on the lake — this is a special stay.
For contemporary design
- Casa Sull'Albero is a modern villa set in a scenic garden with panoramic views of Lake Como. Chic contemporary rooms have floor to ceiling windows. Guests are invited to treat this as their home and enjoy the honesty kitchen. With plenty of activities nearby from skiing to horse riding or mountain biking — this is ideal for those looking for an active getaway.
For couples
- Relais Villa Vittoria in Laglio is a wonderfully romantic hotel, right on the edge of the lake. As well as beautiful views, this hotel has 11 delicately sumptuous rooms, an excellent restaurant, and peaceful terraces overlooking the water. The villa’s facilities (cookery and art classes can be arranged and you're a stone's throw from endless water-based activities) mean that this is the perfect destination for people who like to keep active and busy, but the romantic atmosphere means that it’s also ideal for a honeymoon.
- If you're looking for ultimate luxury with all the facilities you could imagine, in a truly glorious setting, the Mandarin Oriental, Lake Como is perfect. Naturally, it's five stars and its two restaurants are excellent. But it also has a wonderful floating swimming pool, and a subterranean spa hewn into the rock of the shoreline. Perfect for relaxing in after a long, adventurous day.
For the location
- Varenna's Hotel Du Lac Varenna is a charming lakeside hotel, which has been run by the same family since 1959. There are 16 comfortable bedrooms — some with lake views and private balconies — and a peaceful terrace overlooking the lake with a lovely shaded dining area. Small, but the service is fantastic and very knowledgable.
- Filario Hotel in Lezzeno is a stylish design hotel with an outdoor infinity pool, a private beach area, and a wide range of water activities right on Lake Como. Bedrooms are decorated in cool earth tones with modern amenities and large showers. A restaurant with a terrace overlooking the lake serves traditional Italian fare.
For a B&B
- B&B Vista Lago is a quiet spot in the hills above the lake making it the perfect hideaway. There are just three rooms, each of them spacious and modern with its own sun terrace and panoramic lake views. A tranquil stay for adults only, perfect for hiking and cycling enthusiasts.
For foodies
- Locanda Osteria Marascia is a charming traditional hotel located in a quiet village near Lake Como and surrounded by fabulous hiking and mountain biking trails. Interiors are rustic chic while the fantastic cellar restaurant serves homemade Italian dishes, perfect to return to after a day spent outdoors.
For luxury
- Hotel Villa Flori offers an unbeatable setting on the water's edge of Lake Como. A beautiful hotel with a wide choice of nearby activities sailing, cycling, and watersports. Boasting contemporary chic rooms and suites — the best of which have enormous balconies overlooking the lake. Complete with al fresco dining, delicious Italian cuisine, and a spa.
For great value
- Lezzeno’s Nest on the Lake is a charming little lakeside B&B with five rooms and self-catering apartments. Bedrooms have four-poster beds and private terraces and there are lovely sun decks to share. The option to rent a bike or a canoe is a nice touch. All offered at extremely reasonable rates.
Still not sure where to book?