Sailing Experience on Lake Como: Fun, Relax and Adventure!

Lake Como looks different from a sailboat than it does from the shore: you move with the wind, pass the eastern towns at water level, and can stop to swim in clear blue water when the weather cooperates. I like two things here: you can have a hand at the wheel, and the small group makes it easier to chat with the crew and other people aboard.

The main caveat is the departure point. You meet at Valmadrera Parè, on the eastern side of the lake, not in Varenna, and getting there can take planning. Wind and weather also shape the outing, so this is a better choice for flexible plans than for a tightly scheduled afternoon.

At a glance

• Small group: No more than six people aboard, with a skipper and assistant.
• A chance to sail: You can relax or ask to help steer and learn about handling the boat.
• Swim when conditions allow: Life vests are available, and the crew may stop for a swim in warm, suitable weather.
• Aperitivo on board: The price includes one glass of Prosecco and appetizers.
• Eastern-shore departure: Meet at Porto di Valmadrera Parè at 2:00 pm, and return there after about four hours.
• Weather can change the plan: The crew may alter or cancel the sailing if conditions are poor.

Sailing the eastern side of Lake Como

This half-day outing trades the usual shore-based view of Lake Como for time on the water. The boat leaves from Valmadrera, near Lecco, and explores the lake’s eastern side, where the experience is framed by high mountains, clear water, and a more open, natural feel than the busy waterfront promenades.

The route names Lake Como, the lungolago, Lecco, Abbadia Lariana, and Monte Resegone. Think of these as points and areas connected by the outing, not a promise of a timed stop at each one. Sailing depends on wind and conditions, so the skipper’s route may shift. You are here to spend time aboard and enjoy the lake, not race through a checklist of landmarks.

That distinction matters. A motorboat can cover ground on a schedule; a sailboat moves at the pace the wind allows. If the wind is light, you may still get a pleasant sail, but you should not expect a fast circuit of the lake. The crew’s judgment about when and where to sail is part of the experience, not a minor detail.

A small boat and a hands-on crew

With a maximum of six people on the group tour, the outing feels more personal than a large sightseeing boat. There is room to settle in, talk with the crew, and ask to try steering. People who want to help sail can get involved, while those who would rather sit back can relax on board.

The crew includes a skipper and an assistant. Isabella, Mauro, Gigi, and Baffo are among the names associated with trips, though you should not assume a particular person will lead your departure. The crew’s warmth and willingness to make guests feel welcome are among the strongest parts of the experience described by people who have taken it.

The boat is not just a platform for looking at the scenery. You may learn how the sails work, take a turn at the wheel, or chat with the crew about their towns and local traditions. Some outings have included an informal drink at a local sailors’ bar after sailing, but treat that as a possible extra, not a standard part of the four-hour tour.

Lecco, Abbadia Lariana, and Monte Resegone from the water

The trip’s eastern-shore setting gives you a different angle on towns and mountains that are often seen from roads or lakeside paths. Lecco is the nearby urban anchor, while Abbadia Lariana and the surrounding shore give the route a quieter, more open character. From the boat, you can take in the relationship between the water, the steep mountains, and the settlements along the edge.

Monte Resegone is one of the named points of interest. Its distinctive mountain profile adds a dramatic backdrop, though the exact view will depend on the route, visibility, and weather that day. The outing does not promise a landing or a guided walk at any of these places. Its value is seeing them from the lake and enjoying the changing perspective as the boat moves.

The lungolago, or lakeside promenade, is another named point on the route. From the water, you can see the shore from outside the usual line of cafés and paths. If you have already spent time on land, that shift in viewpoint is part of what makes a sail worthwhile.

Swimming, relaxing, and the aperitivo stop

When it is warm enough and conditions are suitable, the crew can stop so you can swim in the lake. Life vests are available on board for swimming and relaxing in the water. Bring a swimsuit and towel if you want to take advantage of a swim stop, but do not count on swimming in every season or on every departure.

Some people may prefer to stay aboard and enjoy the quiet while others swim. There is no need to treat the stop as a test of enthusiasm: you can choose what feels comfortable. One practical point from the experience is that the wait before a swim can be longer than expected. On a sailboat, the route and the wind set the pace, so bring water and be ready to spend time on board before reaching a suitable place to get in.

Near the end of the outing, the crew serves a glass of Prosecco with appetizers. It is a simple aperitivo rather than a full meal, and extra food and drinks are not included. Some people may bring additional snacks or drinks, but check with the operator ahead of time if you want to confirm what is allowed.

How weather affects the day

A sailing trip needs workable weather, and the crew may decide conditions are unsafe or unsuitable. In one case, the skipper began the sail but turned back because the wind was too dangerous. The crew served Prosecco and charcuterie at the port, and the booking was refunded. That is a useful reminder: a cautious skipper is a better outcome than a forced sail in unsafe conditions.

Poor weather can lead to a different date or a full refund. The operator also requires a minimum number of people for the activity to run; if that minimum is not met, you may be offered another date or experience, or a refund. Since neither wind nor minimum numbers are under your control, avoid making this the one activity your whole day depends on.

For a sunny outing, pack sunscreen, sunglasses, water, comfortable clothes and shoes, and a windproof jacket. The jacket is worth carrying even on a warm day, since it can feel cooler on the water. Keep your belongings in a bag or backpack that closes fully, especially if you plan to swim.

The Valmadrera departure point matters

The meeting point is Porto di Valmadrera Parè, Lago di Como, 23868 Valmadrera LC, Italy. The activity starts at 2:00 pm and returns to the same meeting point after about four hours. Transfers from your accommodation are not included, though they may be available for an extra charge.

Do not confuse this departure with Varenna. The operator is based on the eastern side of the lake, and one person who expected a Varenna departure had to make other arrangements to reach Valmadrera. Check the exact point before booking and plan your route well in advance. Public transportation is nearby, but that does not mean the port will be effortless to reach from every town around the lake.

If you need help getting there, contact the operator early. Last-minute assistance or a taxi may not be available. A four-hour sail can be a relaxing escape once you are aboard, but a missed departure is an expensive way to learn the geography of Lake Como.

Price, group size, and who gets the most value

At $251.80 per person, this is not a budget way to get across the lake. You are paying for about four hours on a sailboat, a skipper and assistant, a small group capped at six, and an included Prosecco-and-appetizer stop. The chance to help sail and swim adds value if you want an active, social outing rather than a simple transfer or a short sightseeing cruise.

The price is harder to justify if you only want to look at the views for a few minutes, or if you expect a private charter. This is a group tour, and another couple or small party may share the boat. If you want an exclusive family outing, ask the operator about a private experience instead. Children are not allowed on the group tour.

The experience is best for adults who enjoy being on the water, are comfortable with a flexible sailing pace, and want a chance to talk with a local crew. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. The boat setting and swimming stop may also be less appealing if you prefer firm ground or have no interest in spending several hours aboard.

The tour is booked about 20 days ahead on average, and the boat’s small capacity makes it sensible to plan early if your dates are fixed. Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book this Lake Como sail?

Book it if you want more than a view from the shore: a small boat, a chance to try the wheel, a swim when the weather permits, and an easy aperitivo with the crew. The friendly, hands-on hosting is a real part of the appeal, and the eastern side offers a rewarding change of pace from the lake’s better-known stops.

Skip it if you need a Varenna departure, require a fixed route, are traveling with children on a group tour, or cannot manage the boat’s access. Above all, confirm the Valmadrera meeting point before paying. If that location works for you and you can stay flexible about wind, this is a memorable way to spend an afternoon on Lake Como.

FAQ

How long is the sailing experience?

It lasts about four hours.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Porto di Valmadrera Parè, Lago di Como, 23868 Valmadrera LC, Italy.

What time does the tour begin?

The start time is 2:00 pm.

Does the tour return to the starting point?

Yes. The activity ends back at the meeting point in Valmadrera.

Is the departure point in Varenna?

No. The departure is from Valmadrera Parè, on the eastern side of Lake Como.

What is included in the price?

The price includes a half-day on a sailboat, a skipper and assistant, and a glass of Prosecco with appetizers.

Are extra food and drinks included?

No. Extra drinks and food are not included.

Can I swim during the trip?

Swimming is possible when the weather and conditions are suitable. Life vests are available on board.

How many people can join the group tour?

The tour has a maximum of six people on board.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if the activity is canceled because of poor weather.