Learn Italian in Lake Como

Learn Italian in Lake Como

Learn Italian in Lake Como, our boutique language school is located in the historic city of Como, just moments from the waterfront.

40+ years of experience
High academic standards
Safe and stunning location
Modern school in a newly refurbished building
Immersive experiences and activities
Accommodation in a Religious Residence or a 3-Star Hotel
Part of a respected international language school network

Learn Italian in Lake Como
School reception
Student area in the school
Bedroom in the Residence

Prices & dates for Lake Como

(b) = start dates suitable for complete beginners and all other levels

Why learn Italian in Lake Como?

Panorama of Como

Lake Como, famous for its elegant villas and picturesque lakeside villages, provides a unique learning experience in a breathtaking destination. Our Italian language school can be found in the historic city of Como, at the Southern tip of Lake Como against a backdrop of spectacular mountain landscapes. This world-renowned location is well known for its high standard of living and showcases a relaxed lifestyle that is a hallmark of northern Italian culture.

The historic and safe environment of Como is an excellent choice for language students. The city blends nature and culture with a lively modern atmosphere. Recognised globally for its beauty, the area boasts an impressive array of history, stunning architecture, and easy proximity to Milan and Venice, two of Italy's most important cities.

During your free time, consider exploring the stunning natural surroundings and other lakeside villages such as Bellagio, Menaggio, Lenno, and Cernobbio. You can hike to breathtaking viewpoints such as the “Balcony of Lake Como” or discover the pristine, natural beauty of Spina Verde Park. It is the perfect destination for language learners who want to combine high-quality Italian language study, culture, and relaxation.

Lake Como (also known locally as Lario) is a majestic body of water of glacial origin carved out by the ancient Adda glacier. This immense movement left behind a characteristic "Y" shape and created one of the deepest lakes in Europe, reaching depths of over 400 metres. Located at the foot of the Alps, the lake enjoys a incredibly unique, mild microclimate. This welcoming weather allows diverse subtropical plants, vibrant azaleas, and traditional Mediterranean crops like olives to flourish right alongside rugged Alpine flora.

The region’s fascinating history stretches back to 59 BC when Julius Caesar himself established the city as Novum Comum. Since Roman times, the lake has served as a prestigious sanctuary for aristocracy, artists, and wealthy seekers of otium (leisure). Over the centuries, it grew into a prosperous hub famed globally for its world-class silk craftsmanship and rich trading routes. Today, this legacy is preserved in the elegance of the local communities and the timeless, upscale atmosphere that greets every student who visits.

The shores of Lake Como are dotted with world-famous historic villas and elaborate formal gardens. Students here can easily explore the stunning architecture of Villa Olmo, or take a short ferry ride to the romantic parks of Villa Carlotta, that houses classical sculptures. From the cinematic terraced gardens of Villa del Balbianello to the panoramic vistas of Villa Serbelloni, these legendary estates have inspired centuries of masterworks.

Literary giants like Mary Shelley, Alessandro Manzoni, and Mark Twain wrote extensively about Lake Como’s graceful terraces and toy-like villages rising from the water. Virtuoso composers like Franz Liszt and Giuseppe Verdi found profound musical inspiration while staying on its shores. More recently, its striking scenery has set the stage for iconic international films like Casino Royale and Star Wars.

Our school in Lake Como

Student area in the school

Our Italian language school in Lake Como brings over 40 years of experience in language education and is part of one of the most respected international language school networks. This guarantees high academic standards and excellent student satisfaction.

The school offers modern teaching facilities and engaging teaching methods to support your learning in a bright, welcoming environment. Located in a quiet, newly renovated, central building just a five-minute stroll from the spectacular shores of Lake Como, it features five fully equipped classrooms with interactive smartboards and climate control. At break time, you can catch up with classmates from around the world in our open-space student lounge and kitchen. The school’s convenient position also means you can easily pop out to explore Como’s vibrant shops, cafés, and historic sites on foot between your lessons. There is no shortage of traditional and international eateries in the immediate area.

Students at our Lake Como school can rest assured that they’ll receive an excellent standard of tuition while abroad. All Italian courses follow a communicative teaching method, meaning you will start using Italian in real-life situations from your very first day. Our fully qualified and experienced teachers possess a true passion for teaching foreign language students and helping them progress at their own pace. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the school, making keeping in touch with friends and family at home incredibly easy. Beyond the classrooms, the school serves as a warm, community-driven hub that naturally encourages social interaction and intercultural exchange. Our dedicated reception team is always on hand to help you navigate the city, recommend the best local spots, or help you plan your next lakeside adventure. Whether you are relaxing in the student lounge between lessons or joining one of our organised weekly social activities, you will feel completely supported as you live and breathe the authentic Italian lifestyle.

 

Location of our school in Lake Como

What courses are available in Lake Como?

Available courses

    During your time on an Italian course in Lake Como, you can choose to participate in a group course to study Italian with other international learners, choose Private Lessons for a more personalised approach or combine both.

    The Semi-Intensive Course is a popular choice and is made up of 15 group lessons per week (3 hours per day). The Italian lessons focus on a communicative teaching method, ensuring you learn to use the language confidently in real-life situations.

    For students looking to improve target areas of their Italian learning experience on top of the group course, our school offers the combined Semi-Intensive + Private Lessons. This option consists of 15 group lessons per week with an additional 1 private lesson per day, allowing you to focus more tightly on your personal goals and needs or simply receive extra help with your progress.

    The Intensive Course consists of 22.5 lessons per week (4.5 hours per day), which offers a slightly more complete structure to help accelerate your fluency and confidence in Italian. The day is broken up with a 30-minute lunch break at 12:30 before your afternoon lessons.

    Private Lessons are available for students wanting individual tuition. These one-to-one lessons are completely tailor-made to the student, making them the optimal choice for students wishing to progress at their own pace with a programme tailored specifically to their needs.

    Please see a weekly timetable below.

    Courses are available to students of all levels from A1 to C2. For absolute beginners, specific start dates are available throughout the year. Non-beginners can start any Monday!

    Italian Plus Real-Life Experiences!

    To help enrich your stay and for an extra cost, our school allows you to combine your Semi-Intensive language course with unforgettable local sessions to help you live the authentic Italian lifestyle:

    Bike Tours around Lake Como: Explore the lake and its spectacular landscapes through guided bike tours suitable for all levels.
    Walking Tours & Nature Experiences: Discover breathtaking viewpoints such as the “Balcony of Lake Como” and the natural beauty of Spina Verde Park.
    Lake Como Cooking Classes: Learn how to prepare authentic Italian dishes and local specialties while discovering the culinary traditions of the region.
    Wine Tasting Experiences: Taste local Terre Lariane wines, including red, white, and sparkling varieties paired with delicious local snacks.

    These experiences are a wonderful way to practice your Italian outside the classroom while enjoying the culture, nature, and gastronomy of the area. Contact us for more details.

    What Accommodation is available in Lake Como?

    Hotel bedroom

    Available accommodation

      In Lake Como, you can choose from different accommodation solutions to find the option that best suits your needs and budget, or simply book the Italian course on its own and make your own independent living arrangements. We want you to feel completely at home while studying with us, which is why our options cater to both those seeking an authentic community environment and those who prefer a more independent stay.

      Students looking for a welcoming, serene, and highly affordable option can stay at our B&B Guesthouse in a Religious Residence. This unique residential guesthouse is located just a scenic 30-minute walk (or a quick 15-minute bus ride) from the school doors. A light, Italian-style breakfast is included in your stay to start your morning right, and comforting home-cooked lunches or dinners are gladly available upon request. This safe environment is located within easy reach of the local community, offering a wonderful, relaxed setting where you can naturally practice your conversational Italian skills with locals and fellow students alike.

      Alternatively, a premium 3-Star Hotel in the city centre is available for students who prefer staying right in the vibrant heart of Como. Situated just a 5-minute walk from the school, this option places you moments away from the historic centre, bustling piazzas, and the breathtaking lakeside promenade. It offers excellent standard services, maximum comfort, and a delicious continental breakfast each morning to fuel your studies. It is the ideal choice if you want to seamlessly blend your language learning with the lively urban energy, elegant cafés, and historic architecture of the city.

      Of course, students are also completely welcome to arrange their own accommodation independently if they prefer. Whether you choose to book a private apartment by the water or stay with family or friends, you will still enjoy full access to our modern school, student lounge, and dynamic weekly social activities.

      Available activities in Lake Como

      View of Lake Como

      Our language school offers a range of immersive activities and experiences for students to participate in during their Italian course in Lake Como. You can join in on guided bike tours, nature walks to panoramic viewpoints, local cooking masterclasses, and wine tastings featuring regional Terre Lariane wines. To ensure you get the absolute most out of your stay, there are at least three organised social activities scheduled per week, giving you a structured yet relaxed way to dive into the local Italian language and culture.

      The school’s weekly social and cultural activity programme is thoughtfully designed to showcase the very best of the Lake Como region. The week typically kicks off on Monday with an introductory walking tour of Como or a welcoming social lunch or dinner, which is a fantastic way to bond with fellow international students. Midweek, usually on Wednesday, they host engaging movie nights, fascinating cultural lectures, or guided tours of nearby museums to satisfy your inner history buff. Finally, the school week is rounded out on Friday with a lively games and drinks night or an organised social event, allowing everyone to unwind together.

      How to get to our school in Lake Como

      Como is exceptionally easy to reach from all over Europe. Students can arrive via three major international airports:
      • Milan Malpensa
      • Milan Linate
      • Bergamo Orio al Serio

      From these airports, the city of Como is easily accessible by a frequent train service, car, or a private transfer that can be arranged for an additional fee.

      Once you arrive, the school’s central location allows you to explore the shores of one of the most beautiful lakes in the world entirely on foot between your lessons. We recommend confirming your arrival details early to ensure a seamless start to your language learning stay.

      FAQ about our school in Lake Como

      Learning Italian in Lake Como combines language study with daily immersion in authentic Italian culture in one of the country's most picturesque regions.

      The school is located in a quiet, newly renovated, central building just a five-minute stroll from the spectacular shores of Lake Como

      The school provides modern classrooms, Wi-Fi and learning resources designed to support effective language study.

      Courses are suitable for adults of different nationalities and language levels, from complete beginners to advanced learners.

      Students complete a language assessment before or at the start of their course so they are placed in a class that matches their ability.

      The standard intensive course typically includes 20 group lessons each week, from Monday to Friday.

      Yes, private lessons can usually be added to provide personalised support and faster progress.

      Students can usually choose between staying with a host family or in shared student accommodation.

      Living with a host family gives students extra opportunities to practise Italian every day and experience local life firsthand.

      The school organises social and cultural activities such as guided visits, excursions, local events and opportunities to meet other students.

      The destination is ideal for anyone who wants to combine Italian language learning with beautiful scenery, cultural experiences and a peaceful atmosphere.
      IALC Partner
      ALTO
      WYSE Travel Confederation
      WYSE Work & volunteer abroad
      Our schools are rated  (4.59/ 5) based on 4096 customer reviews!
      Read in: | EN | FR | DE | IT | NL | ES

      Apple Language Courses

      Unit 16, Ground Floor
      The Office Village
      North Road

      Loughborough
      Leicestershire
      LE11 1QJ
      England


      T: 01509 211 612
      E: info@applelanguages.com

      Contact Numbers

      United Kingdom United Kingdom01509 211 612
      Ireland Ireland01 6950417
      Italy Italy800 699 791
      Netherlands Netherlands020 7036459
      Spain Spain91 1140113
      United States United States646 652 0770
      International International+44 1509 211 612

      Sign up for our newsletter

      We accept

      Visa Mastercard Maestro American Express iDeal

      Apple Language Courses Company Number: 08311373
      VAT Number: 152 4085 30
      © Apple Language Courses Ltd 2026