Como holidays

Jutting out on the east side of the bay, this lido has a small pebble beach, a wide meadow for sunbathing and places to grab an Aperol and a poolside snack. Just so you know, there's an entry fee here.

Perfect if you’re wanting a relaxed beach day, take a plunge in the lake or in one of the pools here. You’ll have an impressive neoclassical villa as the backdrop to your paddle. And when it’s time for an aperitivo, you can swing by the beach bar. Just note, this is also paid entry.

Down by Porta Torre, the well-known city gate, there’s a weekly market which is spot-on for picking up little holiday knick-knacks. And three times a week you can visit the Mercato Mercerie – a farmer’s market where seasonal local produce is the shining star. From traditional Lombard cheeses to exceptional olive oil, you’ll find stuff to nibble on as you go or to take back home with you.

Whether you’re hunting for gift souvenirs or casual clothing, antiques or artisanal goods, the shop selection around the main piazzas is pretty amazing. Stroll down the pedestrianised Via Cinque Giornate just off the Piazza del Duomo and you’ll find a number of well-known outlets as well as local independent traders. Swing by the Mercato Produttori Como Rebbio to browse an excellent range of quality products from across the Italian Alps.

If you’re ready to dip into your wallet for the perfect holiday buy, Como’s an excellent spot to be in – with a great spread of fine jewellery shops, high-end fashion boutiques and vintage bottle shops. Window-shop your way down Via Vittorio Emanuele II – named after the first king of Italy – to pick up a piece worthy of royalty.

Take things easy on an evening with a leisurely walk along the picturesque lakefront, enjoying the cool breeze, illuminated town and surrounding mountains. Indulge in a delicious meal somewhere before heading back to your hotel – perhaps dropping into one of the old town’s wine bars for a nightcap en route.

Como’s nightlife is on the more sophisticated side – with many venues around the historic centre creating a soothing atmosphere with acoustic sets or jazz evenings. For cocktails that don’t mess around on quality, head to Luce Como if you’re on the lakefront, or the Fresco Cocktail Shop if you’re further in town.

Como’s cuisine scene beats everywhere else around the lake, with a diversity that reaches from must-try street food stalls to chic fine-dining restaurants. And being a city rather than a smaller resort town, finding more authentic places as opposed to spots geared for tourists is easier – if a true taste of Italy is what you’re after.

Craving something fresh and light? La Vita è Bella has an incredible menu of salads and colourful Mediterranean dishes, all in a cosy little setting near the lake. It’s perfect for a healthy, satisfying meal that still feels indulgent – and is worth booking in advance.

For pizza with a view, Ristorante Pizzeria La Terrazza is a solid pick. Right by the lake, it serves up tasty wood-fired pizzas and classic Italian dishes in a laidback setting – just right for an easy, delicious meal with a stunning backdrop.

A bit of a hidden gem, Crotto del Sergente is tucked far away from the tourist crowds. Serving up slurp-worthy homemade pasta, rustic Lombard dishes and top-notch wine in an intimate stone-walled dining room, it’s one to visit if a genuine Como dining experience is on your wish list.

Lungo Lario Trento is the name of the ferry point, on the east side of Como’s waterfront. You can ride all the way up to Colico at the northern tip of the lake from here if you wanted to, or stop at any of the main resort towns along the way – from Bellagio to Tremezzo.

One of the funnest things to do in Como is to climb the hillside on the Como-Brunate funicular, which goes from Piazza Alcide de Gasperi close to the lake. Take in amazing panoramic views across the city from here, and if you’re happy to take the short half hour walk up to the Volta Lighthouse, it gets even better. Just note that there can be a line for the funicular, so be prepared for a short wait before your ride.

Milan’s less than an hour away on the train, so a trip to this stylish capital for a city tour or a shopping spree is a popular midweek getaway idea. Head there from the Como Lago station, right by the waterfront – or go to the main station Como San Giovanni, which is on the other side of town outside the centre.

With its pedestrianised centres and buzzing Lungolago di Como promenade, walking is the best way to get your bearings and move about the city. You’ll really step back in time with a stroll down some of the charming streets is the historic centre, such as Via Vittorio Emanuele II.

After riding the funicular up to hillside town Brunate at 700m, grab an ice cream and begin the half hour walk up to the lighthouse. You’ll take in fab views of Lake Como and the distant Alps along the way. Once there, you can pay a small fee to climb the 143-step spiral staircase to the top – where you’ll get the very best lookout. If you’re up for a longer walk, you can also choose to hike up to (or down from) Brunate in about an hour on a woodland trail.

This splendid natural park has plenty of shady forest trails, but if you don’t mind a bit of uphill walking, it’s well worth going up to see the Castello Boradello. The 12^th-century castle remains – and especially the square watchtower – has become a symbol of Como itself, and the panoramic views of the lake are something else. You can get up in about 30-40 minutes from Via Teresa Rimoldi. Just note that to go in and explore the castle itself, you have to be on a guided tour.