Lake Como continues to strengthen its international appeal. If in the last two decades George Clooney ‘s name has helped transform Laglio into an iconic destination thanks to the presence of Villa Oleandra, today the spotlight on the Lario is also being turned back on by the cinema. Several scenes from “The Devil Wears Prada 2” were in fact filmed at the scenic Villa Balbiano, in Ossuccio, in the municipality of Tremezzina.
Media attention that translates into increasing numbers of visitors and a growing demand for experiences on the water: sailing, powerboats, tenders or small boats, it matters little. Sailing on Lake Como has become an integral part of staying. In this scenario, choosing the best equipped harbors is not easy, given the growth in supply in recent years. Yet some ports continue to stand out for their history, services and strategic location.
Yacht Club Como, where nautical tradition meets downtown
The ideal journey inevitably starts in Como, the historic heart of the lake. Here the Yacht Club Como still represents one of the symbols of Larian boating.
Founded in 1932 by the union of Circolo Vela Como and Mila-with an initial nucleus already active since 1927 under the aegis of the ACI-the club has been able to combine sailing and powerboating in the tradition of the great British yacht clubs. The facility has about 70 berths and a clubhouse steeped in sporting history. Its location, just a few minutes from the city center and very close to Sinigaglia Stadium, makes it especially popular with passing boaters.
Yacht Club Como – Via Puecher, 8 – tel.031.574730 – www.yachtclubcomo.com
Menaggio Nobiallo: Navalia Lake Como between comfort and services
In the central stretch of the lake, Menaggio is one of the reference points for those seeking a modern and well-organized landing place. Navalia Lake Como operates here, a reality born as a storage facility in 1989 and transformed in 2005 into a true marina.
The facility now offers 130 in-water berths and another 70 indoor berths, as well as handling systems designed to ensure maximum safety. The 20-ton bridge crane enables efficient launching and hauling operations, while the 15-ton jib crane allows sailboats to be handled without the need to dismast.
Navalia Lake Como – Menaggio Via Armando Diaz, 40 – tel.0344.31882 – www.navaliaboats.com
Gera Lario, the northern port that looks to sustainability
At the northern end of the Lario, Gera Lario proves to be a favorite location for international tourism, especially water sports enthusiasts.
The public pier, managed by the Lario and Minor Lakes Basin Authority, has about 200 berths and was the first on Lake Como to install a charging station for electric boats. The facility reaches a total capacity of 70 kW and can also be used by other electric vehicles, confirming the growing attention to more sustainable nautical mobility.
Gera Lario Pier – Via al Pontile – tel.0344.34161 – www.autoritabacinolario.it
Colico Nausika Lake Como: technology and hospitality
Moving toward the Lecco branch, Colico is one of the localities that has undergone the most noticeable transformation in recent years in terms of boating and tourism.
Among the key players in this evolution is Nausika Lake Como, a facility whose roots go back to 1971 with the Centro Nautico Alto Lario. The marina, completely renovated in 2025, now has two docks and 200 berths for boats up to 18 meters. The project focuses on an integrated model that combines hospitality, technical services and advanced technologies, making Colico one of the most dynamic hubs in the entire Alto Lario area.
Nausika Lake Como Colico- Via Montecchio Nord, 21 – tel.0341.940542 – www.nausika.it
Mandello del Lario: tradition and great spaces
The last stop leads to Mandello del Lario, a place deeply linked to the lake’s nautical and sporting culture. Here the Italian Naval League – Mandello del Lario Section represents a true institution.
Founded in 1965, the facility has 217 berths between water and land and offers ample space dedicated to both competitive activity and recreational tourism. Over the years the port has seen historical figures such as engineer Giulio Cesare Carcano and sailor Alfio Peraboni, an Olympic medalist along with Dodo Gorla, pass through. From here one can set out to explore the Lecco branch of the lake, sailing to Lecco and its spectacular gulf surrounded by mountains. Also not to be missed is a visit to the historic Moto Guzzi factory, a symbol of the Mandela area.
Lega Navale Mandello del Lario – Via Pra Magno, 8 – tel.0341.730355 – www.lnimandello.com
Marco Corti
