Things to do
Beach: From the parking lot follow a small alley down and cross the main road. You will arrive on a small, pitoresque pebble beach (we advise to take shoes to swim with). Enjoy a refreshing swim in the lake in the cristalclear water. In Bellagio is a larger beach (‘spiagga communale’), which you can find by the sign just before entering Bellagio on the left side.
Boatrental: Close to Casa Fitzcarraldo is a boatyard where you can rent a speedboat. A sublime experience. Please contact us for the possibilities and prices.
Canoes: Two canoes belong to the inventory of the house. Enjoy the beautiful view from the lake. Warning: the canoes are no toys!
For the kids: Infinite water fun. Family games in the house. The Jungle Raider (Climbing) Park in Civenna: Make a tour through the tops of the trees.
Bicycles: There are many possibilities to make tours along the lake or in the mountains. In the garage (see location) you will find a male and female bicycle with 21 gears. It is definitely worth it to cycle to the famous bicycle church in Madonna di Ghisallo!
Hiking: Make a hike to the top of the Monte San Primo (1700 meters high) or follow the famous trail Strada Regina. This beautiful road built by the Romans runs from Como, through the mountains, passing Casa Fitzcarraldo, to Bellagio.
Car: Drive into the mountains for a day. Just behind Lezzeno (via Nesso) the road will take you to 1200 meters. On the highest point of the road you can have a delicious lunch at La Colma. Another recommendation: The Agriturismo in the back of the ‘Pian’ (plateau) de Tivano on the left, just before climbing the last 2 kilometers to la colma. In summer, on Sunday afternoons, all the Italians take their barbeques and go grilling on the pian. This is a unique experience to attain.
Golf: Play a round of golf at GC. Menaggio and Cadenabbia, both on the opposite side of the lake. There should also be golfcourses close to Como, Lecco and near the Villa d'Este.
Skiing and Cross-country skiing: When snow falls in winter, you can go cross-country skiing on the Pian del Tivano (30 minutes by car). Although plans to reopen the 2 skilifts as well exist, we are not sure what the current status is. Large ski areas like the Dolomites (See for instance this English website) in Italy or St. Moritz in Switzerland are some 2 hours by car away. When you get home lit up the fire place and enjoy your well deserved evening!
Visiting the cities around the lake: Bellagio: Walk along the lake and through the streets. Stroll to the little marina and visit the world famous gardens (Villa Melz and Villa Serbelloni). Some shops, a 'gelato' on one of the many terraces and your day will be made! Nearly all of the ferries (persons, bicycle or cars) on the lake make a stop in Bellagio. From here you can visit other little towns like Menaggio, Varenna, etc, or take go all the way to Como.
Como: A beautiful city on the shores of Lake Como. The Cathedral, museums, operabuilding and fancy shopping streets provide more to do than possible in an ordinary day trip. Visit the large outsidemarket but certainly do not forget the covered culinar market with everything a food-lover can not miss. From Como you can also take a cable-car to the top of the Brunate from where you will have a stunning view on the lake.
Milan: The real big city. Not even a week is enough to see everything Milan has to offer. The world-famous cathedral, the shopping galleries. "Last Supper" by Leonardo da Vinci (do not forget to make a reservation well in advance!), the Pinacoteca di Brera (art museum) but also Football, fashion and design. We absolutely recommend to go to Milan by train. A direct train leaves Como, just on the end of the road coming from Lezzeno ('Como Lago') every half an hour. Big advantage: You do not have do the impossible job of driving you car into Milan.