Lake Como, Italy

We stayed in the northern part of Lake Como for three days, and one day we spent riding around part of the lake. We cycled from Colico to Dongo, a 54km round trip. It is a prepared track and, for the most part, is well-signposted. At points, you will find yourself beside the main road. The best bits are the track by the lakeside or through farmland.

Stopping point

It was really hot when we were there, so a nice gelato to cool you down is a lovely idea. We stopped at a new place whose main business are orchids. However, their ice cream was fantastic, and if I could remember what it was called, I’d recommend it. There were plenty of benches along the track, which we used to eat our picnic of fresh mozzarella and focaccia. Well, when in Italy….. There are many restaurants along the way, too, if you fancy some pasta for some energy. I couldn’t find any public toilets along that route, but there may be some, so keep your eyes peeled for those.

What to see

The trip was easy and flat, which was good for a day that was 30 degrees. It was very pleasant on the shores of the lake with very pretty views. There are areas to stop and dip in the lake or have a snooze on one of the ‘beaches’, which we used after our delicious lunch. These can range from pebbles to sand or grass areas. The top of the lake area is really popular with wind and kite surfers. We spent a bit of time watching them as they looked so elegant. I was amazed at the speeds they could reach. The wind in the afternoon is very welcome when it’s hot. It provides at least some relief from the hairdryer heat blowing in your face all day!

Overall, it was a pleasant day. It was very hot, but with the lake so close, you could easily take a dip and cool off. Nothing too taxing, so it would be suitable for all levels. Watch out for the parts which are close to or on the main road, as the road is pretty busy. At some points, the track is a little narrow if you meet some fellow cyclists coming the other way.