Looking for the best places to sunbathe or swim around Milan on a budget, or for a premium experience? Plan a day escape from the city for the weekend, during a weekday, or just want to get away with your family, partner, friends, or solo.
While there is no Milan Beach, thanks to its central location, lakes in Milan can be reached in as little as 20 minutes from Milan centre, which makes these lakes a perfect idea for a day trip from Milan.
This post is coming at a perfect time, as Ferragosto is upon us and you may already be on the lookout for places you can take a dip and sunbathe in and around Milan. If you are ever curious, I think you may enjoy my previous post on Ferragosto in Italy | What Italians do on Ferragosto.
In this post, you will find information on lakes in Milan, how to reach them, and the services they provide. Hidden amidst the hustle and bustle of Milan lies a network of tranquil lakes that offer a delightful escape from the urban frenzy.
What’s to come:
Free Access Lakes in Milan and Nearby
Idroscalo
Location: Via Circonvallazione, 29, 20054 Segrate MI.
How to reach Idroscalo: 30 minutes from Milan by Car, and 20 minutes by Train from Milano Centrale.
Services available at Idroscalo: Water Sports, Museum, Swimming, Sunbathing, Sunbeds and Umbrellas for hire, Ristobar, Free Access
Idroscalo, meaning “water airport” in Italian, is a man-made lake that boasts a rich history and has become a popular destination for leisure and outdoor enthusiasts.
Idroscalo is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Whether you prefer a leisurely paddle on a kayak, an exhilarating jet ski ride, or the thrill of windsurfing, the lake’s vast expanse provides ample space for all kinds of aquatic adventures.
Families can enjoy a day of sunbathing and swimming in designated areas, while the more adventurous can try their hand at wakeboarding or water skiing. Sunbeds and Umbrellas are available for hire.
The lake’s calm waters and surrounding green spaces also make it an excellent spot for picnics and recreational sports. You can also partake in beach volleyball, cycling, or simply take a leisurely stroll along the lakeshore.
Lido Mandello del Lario
Location: Via, Viale Madaglie Olimpiche Mandellisi, 23826 Mandello del Lario LC.
How to Reach Lido Mandello del Lario: 1 hour from Milan by car, and 1 hour 50 minutes from Milan Centrale.
Services available at Lido Mandello del Lario: Open and Free Beach, Swimming, Sunbathing, Park, Changing Room, and Showers, Accessible by wheelchair.
The Lido is suitable for groups of friends, couples, families, and four-legged friends (as long as you keep them close and on a leash at all times). Access to the Lido is free of charge, but on Saturdays and Sundays, I recommend arriving as early as possible, around 10.00 am. Easy access for the disabled, and there are free bathrooms, changing rooms, and showers inside the park.
The Lido provides free bicycle parking (unattended) adjacent to the bar. Car and motorcycle parking is a short distance away, managed by the municipal administration according to local hourly rates. Scratch-offs are available for purchase at the bar.
You are not allowed to bring food, drinks, cooler bags, camping equipment, chairs, and deck chairs from home, but you can use the Lido’s facilities.
Budget-Friendly Lakes Near Milan
Lido di Bissone
Location: Piazza Francesco Borromini 1, 6816, Bissone, Switzerland
How to reach Lido di Bissone: 1 hour from Milan by Car, and 1 hour 40 minutes by Train from Milan Centrale.
Services available at Lido di Bissone: Swimming Pool, Swimming in the Lake, Sunbathing, Water Sports, Ristobar
Lido di Bissone owes its enchanting appeal to the stunning Lake Lugano, which is renowned for its emerald waters and the majestic Alps that provide a dramatic backdrop.
The Lido is an ideal spot for families with children. Whether you want to soak up the sun, read a book under the shade of a tree, or simply dip your toes in the refreshing water, the Lido offers a tranquil escape.
The water is crystal clear and turquoise, so you don’t need special shoes here. Beach services are available only to visitors of the paid area, the list of its infrastructure includes sun loungers and umbrellas, a cafe bar, changing rooms, showers, washbasins, and a beach pool. Rental of water activities such as catamarans, jet skis, paddleboarding, and canoeing.
Its pristine shores offer a serene spot to sunbathe or swim while savouring the breathtaking views.
Lido Capolago
Location: Via Famiglis Carlo Scacchi 14, 6825, Capolago. Switzerland
How to reach Lido Capolago: 1 hour from Milan by Car, and 1 hour 45 minutes by Train and Furnicular from Milan Centrale
Services available at Lido Capolago: Swimming, Sunbathing, Ristobar, Shower, and Locker Room.
Lido Capolago is a small privately run establishment, attached to the Bar Lido, with free admission. Ideal for families, access to the lake is comfortable and safe.
The bottom is sandy and has a depth that is also suitable for children. The structure is equipped with cabins, a restaurant service, and a large terrace, the ideal place to spend summer evenings between barbecues and music.
Lido di Montofarno
Location: Via al Lago, 22030 Montofarmo, Como
How to reach Lido di Montofarno: 50 mins by car from Milan, and 1 hour 40 minutes by Train and Bus from Milan Centrale.
Services available at Lido di Montofarno: Swimming, Sunbathing, Water Sports Activities, Ristobar, Lifeguard
Lido di Montofarno is an equipped beach a few minutes from Como with a lifeguard on duty. Suitable for individuals, couples and families and it opens every day from 10.00 am to 7.30 pm. The beach does not admit animals but you can take them along with you to the restaurant, which serves Italian cuisine every day from 10.00 am to 10.00 pm.
Premium and Luxury Lakes near Milan
Lido Villa Olmo
Location: Via Per Cernobbio 2, 2210 Como.
How to reach Lido Villa Olmo: 53 mins from Milan by car, and 1 hour by Train and Bus from Milan Centrale
Services available at Lido Villa Olmo: Swimming, Sunbathing, Water Sports Activities, Restaurant, Playground, Sunbeds and Umbrellas for hire, Private Cabins
Lido Villa Olmo is a club with several pools, a beach bar, and private cabins. The Lido has a sandy beach, allowing you to bask in the sun or take a refreshing dip in the azure waters of Lake Como. Sun loungers and umbrellas dot the beach, providing a comfortable and relaxing ambiance, and they are available for hire.
Lido Villa Olmo offers a range of water sports and recreational activities: kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and pedal boating are popular choices for exploring the tranquil waters of the lake. Beach volleyball and beach soccer courts invite friendly competitions, while a children’s playground ensures that your little ones have their share of fun.
Lido Villa Geno
Location: Viale Geno 13, 22100 Como
How to reach Lido Villa Geno: 1 hour from Milan by Car, and 1 hour 10 minutes by Train and Bus from Milan Centrale
Services available at Lido Villa Geno: Swimming, Sunbathing, Water Sports Activities, Restaurant, Sunbeds and Umbrellas for hire, Private boat rides, Candlelit Dinner
This is a romantic haven for couples seeking a more luxurious and posh experience. Romantic activities like private boat rides on Lake Como at sunset, and candlelit dinner while savoring panoramic views of the lake are available to book. It also has a Solarium that opens from 11:00 am every day.
Reservations are taken exclusively online, and you are not allowed to enter with drinks and food brought from outside. Pets are not also allowed on the beach, but allowed to enter the bar and restaurant if under the supervision of the owner.
Lido di Faggeto Miamilaryo
Location: Piazza Cesare Scotti 5, 22020 Feggeto Lario, Como.
How to reach Lido di Faggeto Miamilaryo: 1 hour 15 minutes from Milan by Car, and 1 hour 45 minutes by Train and Bus from Milan Centrale
Services available at Lido di Faggeto Miamilaryo: Swimming, Sunbathing, Ristobar, Dock for Private Boats, Sunbeds and Umbrellas for hire, Dog Allowed
Lido di Faggeto – MiAmiLaryo has a wide beach with golden sand, that overlooks a part of the lake that is always suitable for bathing, thanks to the recirculation of water from the nearby sources that flow from the rocks of the mountains.
On-site is a beach bar, and you can also rent a sunbed or an umbrella. For those who are sustainability conscious, the Lido adheres to the Plastic Free Beach campaign. Dogs are only allowed on a leash (even in the lake on a leash). You can dock private boats for a maximum of 1 hour at the municipal pier 200 meters from the beach.
Note that you must book your sunbed and umbrella exclusively online at lidodifaggetto.com.
Lido di Varenna
Location: Via al Lido, 4 23828 Perledo LC.
How to reach Lido di Varenna: 1 hour 20 minutes by Car from Milan, and 1 hour 30 minutes by Train and Bus.
Services available at Lido di Varenna: Boats for hire, Restuarant, Bar, Sunbathing, Swimming, Sunbeds and Umbrellas for hire, Sandy Beach
Lido di Varenna, also known as Olivedo Lido, has a fine sandy beach and offers a short escape from the city. It also has a Ristobar where you can dine or sip drinks on the comfortable loungers. It can be reached by small boats because it has a private bridge, and sun beds and umbrellas are available for hire.
You can enjoy breakfast by the lake, an aperitif, or an after-dinner at the bar of Olivedo Lido. The service is completely free, but food or drink purchase is required to access and remain at the bar.
Lido del Segrino
Location: Via L.Panigatti 3, 22030 Eupilio, Como
How to reach Lido del Segrino: 50 mins by car from Milan, and 1 hour 50 minutes by Train and Bus from Milan Centrale.
Services available at Lido del Segrino: Swimming, Sunbathing, Water Sports Activities, Restaurant, Playground, Sunbeds and Umbrellas for hire, Dog allowed
Lido del Segrino overlooks the south bank of Lake Segrino, making it an ideal spot to enjoy the unspoiled nature of the Park and spend happy hours with friends, and family – thanks to the playground for kids, engage in sports like volleyball, meditation, or walk with your dog.
Beds and Umbrellas are available for hire. There is a cafeteria and restaurant with a lake view. You can also rent canoes, bicycles, stand-up paddles, and kayaks.
For all these locations, it is always better to arrive very early and make a reservation when the location allows, especially during peak periods, so that you can secure a good spot.
Buon Feraggosto in anticipo and I hope you have enjoyed my post!
