Lake Como Travel Guide
Whether you're strolling along the lakeside promenades, taking a ferry between charming villages, or enjoying a meal with a view of the Alps reflected in the water, this Lake Como Travel Guide will give you everything you need to plan the perfect trip to Lake Como-from top attractions and hidden gems to the best hotels, restaurants, and photo spots.
Lake Como, a jewel of northern Italy, is a stunning stretch of the Lombardy region made up of picturesque towns and villages along the shimmering lake, including Como, Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio. Known for its dramatic alpine scenery, elegant villas, and serene waters, Lake Como is a must-visit for travelers seeking breathtaking views, lakeside dining, and a charming, tranquil atmosphere.
Jump to:
How to Get to Lake Como
By Air: The closest major airport is Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), about 50 km away. Milan Linate (LIN) and Bergamo Orio al Serio (BGY) are also options.
By Train: From Milan, take a direct train to Como San Giovanni or Varenna-Esino, depending on where you're staying.
By Car: Renting a car allows for flexibility, but note that some roads around the lake are narrow and winding.
Best Time to Visit Lake Como
The best time to visit Lake Como depends on the type of experience you're looking for.
Spring (April-June) is ideal, with mild weather, blooming gardens, and fewer crowds-perfect for exploring lakeside towns and villa gardens.
Summer (July-August) brings warm temperatures and lively energy, making it great for boating, lakeside dining, and enjoying outdoor terraces, though it can be busy and more expensive.
Fall (September-October) offers pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and stunning autumnal colors-ideal for photography, hiking, and peaceful lake views.
Winter (November-March) is quiet and serene, with lower prices and a chance to experience the towns and villas without crowds, though some attractions and ferry services may have limited availability.
How Many Days to Stay in Lake Como
For first-time visitors, 2-3 days at Lake Como is ideal to explore the main towns-Como, Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio-while enjoying lakeside walks, villa gardens, and ferry rides.
If you have 4-5 days, you can take your time visiting more villages, relax by the lake, enjoy boat tours to hidden spots, or explore nearby attractions like the Brunate funicular or Villa del Balbianello.
A 1-day visit works for a quick taste of the region-perhaps stopping in one or two towns by ferry or car and enjoying lakeside dining and scenic viewpoints.
For those staying more than 5 days, you'll have time to explore lesser-known villages, hike the surrounding hills, visit historic villas, and fully soak in the tranquil beauty of Lake Como.
Key Towns of Lake Como
Below are the most popular towns in Lake Como:
1. Como (Gateway Town)
- Description: The city of Como is the largest town on the lake and serves as the main entry point. It boasts a charming old town, historic cathedrals, and a scenic waterfront.
- Highlights: Visit the Como Cathedral, ride the funicular to Brunate for panoramic views, and stroll along the lake promenade.
2. Bellagio ("The Pearl of Lake Como")
- Description: One of the most famous towns on the lake, Bellagio is known for its elegant villas, picturesque streets, and stunning lake views.
- Highlights: Wander through the Villa Melzi Gardens, explore charming alleyways filled with boutiques, and enjoy a lakeside aperitivo.
3. Varenna (Romantic Escape)
- Description: A quieter alternative to Bellagio, Varenna is a charming fishing village with colorful houses and a romantic lakeside walkway.
- Highlights: Walk the Lovers' Path (Passeggiata degli Innamorati), visit Villa Monastero, and take in stunning sunset views.
4. Menaggio (Best for Relaxation & Families)
- Description: A laid-back town with a beautiful lakeside promenade and easy ferry access to Bellagio and Varenna.
- Highlights: Stroll along the Menaggio promenade, visit the Lido di Menaggio beach club, or hike to Monte Grona for incredible views.
5. Tremezzo (Home to Villa Carlotta)
- Description: Tremezzo is best known for Villa Carlotta, a stunning 17th-century villa with lush gardens and art collections.
- Highlights: Tour Villa Carlotta, enjoy fine dining at a lakeside restaurant, or relax at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo's floating pool.
6. Lenno (Hidden Gem & Luxury Spot)
- Description: A small and peaceful village, Lenno is home to one of Lake Como's most famous villas.
- Highlights: Explore Villa del Balbianello, a popular film location (featured in Star Wars and Casino Royale), and enjoy the scenic Greenway del Lago di Como walking trail.
7. Nesso (Off-the-Beaten-Path Beauty)
- Description: A tiny, picturesque town known for its dramatic waterfall and ancient stone bridge.
- Highlights: Visit the Orrido di Nesso, a stunning gorge with a waterfall, and cross the Ponte della Civera for picture-perfect views.
Getting Around Lake Como
Getting around Lake Como is part of the experience, with scenic lakeside roads, ferries, and trains connecting the towns rather than relying solely on cars. While driving is possible, traffic and parking can be challenging, so many travelers prefer public transport or boats.
- Walking & Exploring: The best way to discover the towns' narrow streets, waterfront promenades, and charming alleys.
- Ferry & Boat: Regular ferries connect villages like Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, and Tremezzo, offering stunning lake views and a relaxing way to travel. Private boats or water taxis provide a more personalized experience, including stops at hidden villas and quiet coves.
- Train: Trenitalia trains run between Como, Varenna, and Lecco, making it easy to reach towns along the eastern shore of the lake.
- Car: Useful for exploring the surrounding area, but less convenient within the towns themselves due to narrow streets and limited parking.
Top Hotels in Lake Como
Lake Como is home to some of Italy's most stunning and elegant accommodations-where lakeside beauty, historic charm, and Italian hospitality come together effortlessly. From luxury villas with panoramic lake views to cozy boutique hotels tucked into charming village streets, the region offers options for every kind of traveler. Whether you're seeking a five-star retreat with terraces overlooking the water, a romantic hideaway by the harbor, or a quaint inn close to scenic walking paths, Lake Como's hotels are as unforgettable as the villages themselves.
Luxury Hotels in Lake Como
- Grand Hotel Tremezzo (Tremezzo) - A historic 5-star hotel offering spectacular lake views, lush gardens, and a luxurious floating pool, blending old-world charm with modern elegance.
- Passalacqua Hotel (Moltrasio) - A beautifully restored 18th-century villa turned intimate luxury retreat, featuring exquisite gardens, lakefront views, and personalized hospitality.
- Mandarin Oriental Lake Como (Blevio) - A serene lakeside resort set in a historic villa, offering world-class spa treatments, fine dining, and breathtaking views of Lake Como.
- Grand Hotel Victoria Concept & Spa (Menaggio) - A refined luxury hotel blending historic architecture with contemporary design, featuring a state-of-the-art spa and stunning lakefront location.
- Vista Lago di Como (Como) - A stylish boutique hotel offering panoramic views of Lake Como, with modern interiors and a prime location near Como's vibrant city center.
- Villa d'Este (Cernobbio) - One of Italy's most iconic luxury hotels, this opulent 16th-century villa features elegant gardens, fine dining, and a legendary floating swimming pool on the lake.
Boutique & Mid-Range Hotels in Lake Como
- Albergo Terminus (Como) - A charming, centrally located hotel with lake views and classic Italian décor.
- Hotel Villa Cipressi (Varenna) - A boutique stay set within beautiful gardens, offering elegant rooms and a serene lakeside atmosphere.
- Hotel Belvedere (Bellagio) - A stylish hotel perched above the lake, perfect for sunset views and relaxing on the terrace.
- La Darsena (Tremezzo) - A highly-rated guesthouse with modern rooms and stunning lake vistas.
- Hilton Lake Como (Como) - A contemporary and elegant hotel located between the town of Como and Cernobbio, offering modern luxury with a resort feel.
Top Things to Do in Lake Como
Lake Como is a region full of unforgettable experiences, from charming lakeside towns to hidden corners along the sparkling water and surrounding mountains. Whether strolling the streets of Bellagio, taking a ferry between picturesque villages, exploring grand villas and gardens, or watching the sunset over the lake, there's something for every traveler to enjoy.
- Boat Tours: Cruise across the lake to admire stunning villas, charming towns, and the surrounding mountains. Ferries and private boat rentals are available from Como, Bellagio, and Varenna.
- Villa Visits: Explore the historic Villa del Balbianello (famous for its gardens and movie appearances) and Villa Carlotta (known for its art and botanical gardens).
- Scenic Hikes: Walk the Greenway del Lago di Como, a picturesque trail connecting lakeside villages, or hike to Monte Grona for breathtaking alpine views.
- Funicular to Brunate: Take the funicular from Como to Brunate for panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
- Lakeside Dining: Enjoy fresh lake fish, risotto, and Italian wine at a waterfront restaurant in Bellagio, Varenna, or Tremezzo.
Top Photo Spots
Lake Como is a photographer's paradise, with shimmering lakes, elegant villas, and picturesque villages framed by mountains. From lakeside promenades to hillside viewpoints, the region offers endless opportunities for stunning shots. Here are some of my favorite spots:
- Bellagio waterfront at sunrise for soft light on the charming streets and lake reflections.
- Varenna from the Villa Monastero gardens for colorful lakeside panoramas and scenic walking paths.
- Menaggio promenade for classic views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
- Tremezzo and Villa Carlotta for beautiful gardens and lake vistas at golden hour.
- Como city harbor for lively scenes with ferries, cafés, and historic architecture.
- Funicular to Brunate for sweeping aerial perspectives of Como and the lake beyond.
Best Restaurants in Lake Como
Lake Como's dining scene is a celebration of Lombard flavors, where fresh lake fish, locally grown produce, and traditional recipes come together in every dish. From elegant lakeside restaurants with sweeping views of the water and mountains to cozy trattorie tucked into charming village streets, Lake Como offers a culinary experience that blends rustic charm, creativity, and authentic Italian flavors. Whether you're savoring perch or risotto with lake fish, handmade pasta, or a classic ossobuco, every meal here feels like a true taste of the Italian lakes.
High-End Restaurants in Lake Como
- Mistral (Bellagio) - A Michelin-starred restaurant at Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, offering refined Italian cuisine with a stunning lakeside setting.
- Il Sereno Al Lago (Torno) - A contemporary fine-dining experience at Il Sereno Hotel, featuring elegant dishes crafted with seasonal ingredients.
- Locanda La Tirlindana (Sala Comacina) - A charming lakeside restaurant known for its exquisite seafood and handmade pasta.
- Materia (Cernobbio) - A Michelin-starred restaurant that blends innovation with traditional Lombard flavors.
- La Terrazza Gualtiero Marchesi (Tremezzo) - Located in the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, this restaurant serves haute cuisine with breathtaking views.
Family-Friendly Restaurants in Lake Como
- La Punta (Bellagio) - A relaxed lakeside restaurant serving fresh fish and traditional pasta dishes, perfect for families.
- Trattoria del Glicine (Cernobbio) - A welcoming trattoria with classic Lombard dishes and a cozy ambiance.
- Ristorante La Darsena (Tremezzo) - A waterfront spot offering local specialties and a kid-friendly atmosphere.
- Al Prato (Varenna) - A casual trattoria with excellent homemade pasta and a warm, family-friendly setting.
- Lido di Lenno (Lenno) - A beachside restaurant ideal for families, serving fresh seafood and pizza.
Local Favorites in Lake Como
- Trattoria San Giacomo (Bellagio) - A beloved, no-frills trattoria known for its risotto and fresh lake fish.
- Crotto dei Platani (Brienno) - A hidden gem carved into the rock, offering traditional dishes with a view.
- Osteria Quatro Pass (Bellagio) - A cozy and authentic spot with excellent Lombard cuisine.
- Ristorante Il Caminetto (Ghisallo) - A rustic, family-run eatery famous for its cooking classes and homemade pasta.
- Vecchia Varenna (Varenna) - A charming lakeside restaurant known for its incredible seafood pasta and intimate atmosphere.
Travel Tips
- Visit in spring or fall for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer is beautiful but can be busy.
- Wear comfortable shoes, especially for exploring hilly towns like Bellagio and Varenna.
- Use ferries and trains for easy and scenic transportation around the lake-parking is limited in many villages.
- Book villa tickets in advance, especially for popular sites like Villa del Balbianello in peak season.
Ready to Book Your Italy Trip?
Want me to design your dream trip to Italy? Contact me today to start planning your bespoke Italian journey.
From private transfers and exclusive tours to handpicked hotels, I'll ensure every detail is perfectly tailored to your travel style.
More Travel Resources
Looking for other posts like this? Check these out:
