Summer on Lake Como doesn’t end in mid-August. From late August through the first weeks of September, the weather remains ideal for outdoor sports: temperatures become milder, the lake retains all its energy, and the days still offer plenty of daylight.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the eastern shore of Lake Como is a true open-air playground, where water and mountains come together to create the perfect setting for activities suitable for both beginners and experienced athletes.
Kayaking and canoeing: discover the lake from a different perspective
Paddling along the shoreline allows you to discover hidden corners, beaches accessible only from the water, and breathtaking views that remain unseen from the road. It is one of the most accessible and sustainable ways to explore the lake at a relaxed pace.
Some of the most scenic locations include Baia di Parè (Valmadrera), Lecco, Abbadia Lariana, Mandello del Lario and Varenna, all ideal for kayaking and canoeing, especially in the early morning hours.
For those looking for a guided experience, the Kayak Tour on Lake Como is also available:
Photo credits: Lecco Tourism
Stand-Up Paddle (SUP)
SUP has become one of Lake Como’s most popular outdoor activities in recent years. Easy to learn and suitable for beginners, it offers a relaxing way to explore the lake while improving balance and coordination.
The areas of Abbadia Lariana, Mandello del Lario, Valmadrera and Lecco are among the most popular spots for this activity.
For more information about locations and available services, visit:
https://leccotourism.it/en/water-sports
Sailing
Lake Como is renowned throughout Europe for its reliable winds—particularly the Tivano and the Breva—which make the Lecco branch of the lake an ideal destination for sailing.
Among the main sailing hubs are Dervio, Bellano and Valmadrera, where sailing schools and yacht clubs offer courses for both adults and children.
Useful links:
- Centro Vela Dervio: https://www.centroveladervio.it/
- Circolo Velico Tivano: https://www.tivanovela.it/
- Circolo Vela Bellano: https://velabellano.it/
Windsurfing and Wing Foiling
Thanks to the steady winds that characterize the lake, the eastern shore has become one of Italy’s leading destinations for windsurfing and the increasingly popular wing foiling.
The best-known spots include Dervio, Bellano, Colico and Baia di Parè in Valmadrera, attracting both beginners and experienced riders.
For lessons and equipment rental:
- Fun Surf Center Dervio:
Cycling, E-bikes and Mountain Biking
The eastern shore of Lake Como offers countless opportunities for cycling enthusiasts. Thanks to e-bikes, visitors can enjoy scenic routes surrounded by nature, making even more challenging rides accessible to cyclists of all experience levels.
One of the most popular routes is the climb to San Tomaso, above Valmadrera, where a comfortable forest and mountain road leads to spectacular views over the lake. For those looking for a more adventurous ride, the trails crossing Monte Melma, reaching Ballabio, and continuing towards the Culmine di San Pietro or the Piani Resinelli offer some of the area’s most rewarding mountain biking experiences, winding through woodlands, alpine meadows and breathtaking views of the Grigne mountain range.
Visitors wishing to explore the eastern shore by bike can also take the train from Lecco to Abbadia Lariana, bringing their bicycles on board, and then enjoy cycling along quieter local roads while avoiding the busier sections of the main highway.
With several e-bike rental services available throughout the area, these routes are accessible even to visitors who simply want to spend a relaxing day outdoors while discovering the natural beauty of Lake Como.
