The Lake Como area, straddling the Italian-Swiss border, is a popular visitor destination, owing to its attractive lake and mountain setting. Waterfront towns with jaw-dropping views and historic villas dot the eastern and western sides of the lake, with the charming city of Como at its southern tip. Running in the Lake Como area is a bit of a mixed bag. There are some fantastic waterfront sections, and some wonderful trail running in the more mountainous interior. But some of the scenic roads along the lake, such as the SP583 and SP72, lack a decent shoulder or sidewalk.
The most scenic spots for a waterfront run in Lake Como, on either a dedicated path or runnable road, are in Como, Bellagio, Mennagio, and in nearby Lugano. For hillside running with great views, we recommend the Greenway del Lago di Como, trails in Parco Val Sanagra, and Brunate, just above Como and reached by funicular.
While a car is generally needed to get around the Lake Como area, there are trains in the main towns and a decent bus system in the area.
