SKIING: As we all know skiing can be very expensive, both in accommodation terms and nightlife. Lake Como is within easy driving distance of Madesimo and St. Moritz in addition to very local (but largely unknown) ski slopes. The larger resorts have excellent ski facilities but can be very pricey, especially for families! Why not stay on Lake Como, hire a car and drive. If you leave at 7.30am and you can be on the slopes by 9.00am, with some spectacular scenery on the way. This is ideal if you just want a couple of days inexpensive skiing.

• Madesimo Skiing
• Discover St. Moritz
• St. Moritz.com
• Bernina Express
• Piani di Bobbio
• Pian delle Betulle

GOLF: The Menaggio & Cadenabbia Golf Club, the second oldest Golf Club in Italy, steeped in history & represents British tradition at its best. Overlooking Lake Como, the 18-hole par 70 course is challenging and is set in an ‘enchanted forest’ with breathtaking views of Lake Como. The Green fees are reasonable but booking in advance is recommended and proof of handicap is necessary.

• Menaggio Golf Club
  

COOKING & PAINTING: Both these arts can be found under tuition on Lake Como. Paint that spectacular scenery and then make your own pasta!

• Painting Classes in Lenno
• Cooking Classes in Varenna

HIKING & WALKING: For the more active, hiking and biking at this time of year have their rewards. The temperature is more moderate and the scenery even more
spectacular as the air clears from those heady days of summer. There are innumerable routes for both biker and hiker that run from Lakes end
to mountain peak.

• Bike Park in Livigno
• Bike Routes in Lake Como Area (routes and information sheets are available in the Menaggio Tourist Office)
• Menaggio Website with links

LEARN ITALIAN: Not that many people speak English Lake Como and Italian is one of the most attractive languages. Try an Italian course.

• Learn Italian
• Italian Speaking

SHOPPING, SITE SEEING & CULTURE: Milan centre is well worth a shopping visit to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and also to see the architectural triumph that is Milan Cathedral, ‘Duomo di Milano’. To see the captivating ‘The Last Supper’ (Il Cenacolo) by Leonardo Di Vinci, tickets must be purchased ahead of time. But there again Milan central does not have spectacular views and that "get away from it" feel! There are trains from Como, Lecco and Varenna which will take you to Milan, calmly and very inexpensively; this makes a great day out. If you want to stay away one night, then why not take in Venice as well! A four hour train journey leaves from Varenna train station to Venice every day.

• Duomo di Milano
• La Scala Opera in Milan
• Milan Information

SAILING: Depending on the weather and availability you may be able to try some sailing instruction or just take a leisurely sail around the Lake.

• Sailing on Lake Como
• Boat Hire on Lake Como
  

FLOAT PLANE AND HELICOPTER RIDES: A great way to see the Lake and can be organised through the office of our partners on Lake Como: Happy Holiday Homes.

• Helicopter and Float Plane

WINE TASTING: Try some great wines from some very knowledgeable people in a great ambience.

• Wine Tasting in Tremezzo

USEFUL LOCAL LINKS:

• Funicular from Como to Brunate
• Lake Como Ferry
• Lake Como - General Information
• Train Timetables
• Property Management
• Property Resale