Central Lake Kayak Excursion with Island Picnic, Lake Como

Explore the central Lake Como area by kayak on a relaxed half-day outing that combines an easy paddle with an island picnic amid picturesque mountain-meet-lake scenery. You'll set out from Ossuccio with your guide, paddling the exceptionally calm waters of the zoca de l'oli to some of the lake's most celebrated villas, including an 18th-century estate featured in Star Wars, followed by disembarking on the uninhabited Isola Comacina, the lake's only island, for a peaceful picnic.

Meet your guide in Ossuccio and get fitted with your sit-on-top kayak and equipment before receiving a short introduction to paddling techniques and safety. This is an easy route designed for a casual few hours on the water and is a great option for active travelers, including beginner paddlers. Then, once you're comfortable, you'll launch onto the water and begin exploring one of the most scenic parts of Lake Como with your guide leading the way. 

Skirting the shoreline, you'll pass historic estates that are best appreciated from the lake itself, like the opulent 17th-century Villa Balbiano, the largest private residence on Lake Como. You'll also glide by 19th-century Villa La Cassinella, only accessible by boat and home to 7 acres (3 ha) of immaculate gardens and a 22-carat gold tiled heated infinity pool (not visible from your kayak, unfortunately). But the best-known of the villas is Villa del Balbianello, on the tip of a wooded peninsula, made famous for its role in Star Wars and Casino Royale, and recognized by its two towers, remnants of a 13th-century monastery.

Continuing the loop, you'll approach Isola Comacina, a type of open-air museum, where you'll have the option to come ashore and enjoy a picnic and, if there's interest, a dip in the lake. Though uninhabited today, the small wooded isle was once a hub of religious and military activity and is now host to Roman and early medieval ruins scattered throughout the Archaeological Park, including mosaics and architectural remnants (with many finds on display in the Antiquarium Museum of Ossuccio), as well as three rationalist Artists' Houses built in the 1930s, and, a "cursed" history your guide will surely recount.

After 2-3 hours on the water, you'll paddle back to Ossuccio with a deeper appreciation for Lake Como's beauty, history, and quieter corners.