Discover luxury villa rentals in Colico, Lake Como, Italy. Browse our collection of beautiful holiday homes.
Colico sits at the northern end of Lake Como where the Adda river enters the lake, backed by the mountains of the Valtellina. It's a small, working Italian town rather than a resort — a railway junction, a commercial centre for the upper lake, and a base for outdoor activities. The views from Colico across the lake toward the mountains are wide and dramatic, and the town's position gives access to both the lakeside villages and the Alpine valleys above.
Colico offers Lake Como at significantly lower prices than Bellagio, Varenna, or the central lake. The northern end of the lake is less touristed, with a more Italian atmosphere. Villas here have mountain and lake views with room to breathe. The honest trade-off is that Colico lacks the romantic lakeside appeal of the famous villages — it's more functional, with less to do in town. The lake shore here is flatter and less dramatic than the steep central section. Swimming in the lake is good, though, and the sailing and windsurfing conditions at the northern end are the best on Como.
The Forte di Fuentes, a ruined 17th-century Spanish fortress on a hill above the town, has good views and free access. The lake shore has swimming beaches and a wind that makes Colico one of the best sailing and windsurfing spots on Como — the Breva (afternoon wind) is reliable in summer. The Abbey of Piona, on a headland about 10 minutes' drive, is a Romanesque monastery in a peaceful lakeside setting. The ferry system connects Colico to Bellagio, Varenna, and other lake villages for day trips. Varenna (about 20 minutes by car or ferry) has the Villa Cipressi gardens and a waterfront promenade. Bellagio (about 30 minutes by ferry) is the classic lake village. Walking and cycling in the hills above Colico offer varied terrain with mountain views. The Valtellina valley, leading toward Bormio and the Stelvio Pass, is accessible for mountain day trips.
Milan Malpensa airport is about 90 minutes; Bergamo about 70 minutes. Colico has a mainline railway station with connections to Milan and Lecco. A hire car is useful but the ferry and train provide good alternatives. The town has supermarkets, restaurants, and a pharmacy. Parking is easier than in the crowded central lake villages. Summer temperatures reach 28-32°C, slightly cooler than the plains. Lake water temperature peaks at about 22-24°C in August; refreshing rather than warm. The Breva wind typically starts mid-morning and strengthens through the afternoon.
If you value affordability, space, and outdoor activities over romantic village atmosphere, yes. The ferry connects you to the famous villages for day trips. The northern lake has a different character, more mountainous, more Italian, less international tourist.
Yes. the lake is clean and there are swimming areas along the shore. The water is cool, typically 20-24°C in summer. Designated beach areas have facilities. The lake bed drops off quite steeply in places, so supervise children.
Very practical. Regular services connect the main lake villages. Tickets are affordable and the boat journey is part of the experience. Car ferries also run between some points. The fast hydrofoil service is quicker but more expensive.
The valley leading east from Colico toward Sondrio and Bormio has mountain scenery, wine producers (Nebbiolo-based Valtellina wines), and access to the Stelvio Pass. It's a good day trip for mountain lovers and provides altitude relief from lake-level summer heat.
See our Lake Como villas. Browse Italy villa holidays.
Our villa experts are here to help you find the ideal property for your vacation. Contact us for personalized recommendations.