The Bellagio region has a great outfitter that can treat you to some light adventurous exploration for decent prices. It runs mountain-bike treks, horseback rides through panoramic mountain passes, kayak excursions around the lake, canyoning (a combination of hiking, swimming, rappelling, and, well, jumping up and down a river gorge), and tandem paragliding lasting anywhere from an hour to 2 days. The price starts around 45€. Contact the Cavalcalario Club, Loc. Gallasco 1, Bellagio (tel. 031-964-814, cellphone 339-530-8138; email cavalcarioclub@tiscali.it) for more information.
Menaggio -- The Lido di Menaggio, at the north end of town, has an excellent beach, as well as a pool (swimming cap required), and is open late June to mid-September daily from 8am to 7pm (whole-, half-, and multi-day rates available, see www.lidomenaggio.eu/beach-pool/ for current prices). For information on water-skiing and other activities, contact the Centro Lago Service in the Grand Hotel Victoria along the lakeside Via Castelli (tel. 0344-320-03); also ask the hotel about boat rentals, which are available to nonguests during slow periods. If you'd prefer to stick to dry land or just want to take in some stunning aerial views of the lake, the Lake Como Youth Hostel (tel. 0344-323-56, see www.lakecomohostel.com) offers cycling tours and mountain bike rentals as well as kayak rentals.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
