Cernobbio
Cernobbio is a small city located northwest of Como, nestled between Mount Bisbino and the calm waters of Lake Como.
In this complete guide you will discover the best things to see and do in Cernobbio, Lake Como, and all the information you need to plan your trip.
Cernobbio’s historic center, around Piazza Risorgimento, features the lakefront, Art Nouveau ferry pier, and charming alleys with boutiques and scenic views. Read more ↓
Villa Bernasconi, an Art Nouveau gem, was once home to the Bernasconi family (owner of a silk factory) and now hosts cultural events and exhibits. Read more ↓
A hidden botanical garden in Cernobbio, nestled in the bed of the Garovo stream, that features over thirty plant species, sculptures, ponds, wooden bridges. Read more ↓
An exclusive venue for private and corporate events, surrounded by stunning gardens and featuring a dock on Lake Como. Read more ↓
Here are some popular private boat tours departing from Cernobbio that will allow you to explore the surrounding area:
Cernobbio has one pier dedicated to passenger transport only. From Cernobbio you can reach all major destinations on Lake Como (mainly in peak season, from April to October).
Below is a selection of Cernobbio accommodations best reviewed on Booking.com:
Here is a list of the most popular tours and experiences in the Cernobbio area:
If you want to spend a sunny day in Cernobbio, this is the right place. This restaurant and beach club is located at the end of Riva di Cernobbio, a few steps from the pier, and is equipped with deckchairs, umbrellas, and a pool. Parking places can be found near the beach in the area of Via Erba.
Address: Piazza Risorgimento 5, Cernobbio
Find out how to get to Cernobbio from Milan and its airports
Cernobbio is mostly flat and therefore easily accessible even to people with reduced mobility. Everything is reachable via public transport, so having your own car is not strictly necessary.
Cernobbio’s historic center is built around Piazza Risorgimento, the town’s main square that represents Cernobbio’s lakefront.
This area, known as Riva di Cernobbio, is the most popular as it is home to the Art Nouveau ferry pier and several hotels, bars, restaurants, and also a playground for children.
Here you’ll also find the War memorial (Monumento ai Caduti), created by sculptor Angelo Galli and dedicated to the victims of the two world wars, and the monument dedicated to Giuseppe Garibaldi, Italian general and patriot.
Connected to the center is the historic village, with alleys that branch out and offer enchanting views of Lake Como. Strolling through these narrow streets, you can immerse yourself in the history of fascinating places, monuments, and churches.
Among these, the evocative Church of San Vincenzo located just steps from the Riva. Originally built in medieval times and renovated in the 1700s, it stands out for its Baroque–style facade of bright, vibrant colors.
Villa Bernasconi, once home to the wealthy Bernasconi family who established a silk factory that drove the town’s growth in the 20th century, is a striking example of Art Nouveau architecture with decorative motifs inspired by silk production.
Now a cultural hub, it hosts summer events like concerts and food festivals, while its interior features an interactive museum detailing the villa’s history and evolution.
You can easily reach it with a ten-minute walk south from Riva di Cernobbio.
Opening season: All year round on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays from 10am to 6pm
Regular admission: €8
Reservation required: No
Address: Largo Campanini 2, Cernobbio
The Giardino della Valle is a hidden botanical garden in Cernobbio, nestled in the bed of the Garovo stream, close to the town center and Villa d’Este.
Once an illegal dump, it was transformed into a tranquil oasis by resident Ida Frati, becoming a gathering spot for people of all ages and artists of all kinds.
The garden features over thirty plant species, sculptures, ponds, wooden bridges, and a bookcrossing library for exchanging and reading books by the soothing stream.
Open year-round, it is best visited in spring for the vibrant blooms or in autumn when it is tinged with intense colors.
Villa Pizzo, located on the opposite side of Cernobbio from Villa Bernasconi, was built in the early 19th century on the promontory that shares its name.
Once home to various Italian and European noble families, it is now an exclusive venue for private and corporate events, surrounded by stunning gardens and featuring a dock on Lake Como.
Join one of the villa’s guided tours to discover this extraordinary mansion and breathtaking views of the lake.
Opening season: All year round only via guided tours or during public events
Regular admission: €15
Reservation required: Yes
Address: Via Regina, Cernobbio
Villa Erba, where renowned director and screenwriter Luchino Visconti spent many summers, is a stunning example of 19th–century architecture.
Its frescoed ceilings, intricately inlaid walls, and grand ballrooms evoke the opulent atmosphere of The Leopard.
Today, the villa serves as a venue for cultural and musical events, weddings, private gatherings, international conventions, and trade fairs.
Opening season: The park of the villa can be visited from 10 am to 6 pm on specific days or during public events. For more information, check the official website.
Regular admission: According to the event. Guided tours available for a fee.
Reservation required: Yes
Address: Largo Luchino Visconti 4, Cernobbio
🥾 Lake Como offers many hiking opportunities. Here are a couple of my favorite hiking locations around Cernobbio.
The Sentee di Sort is a 30/45-minute walk that starts in Rovenna, a small hamlet above Cernobbio that can be reached by the C28 bus, and goes all the way to Moltrasio (from where you can return toward Cernobbio by C10 bus).
This hike offers truly unique views of Lake Como. Although being quite an easy path, I don’t recommend it for those who are afraid of heights.
An easy 1-hour trail starting from the hamlet of Santo Stefano in Cernobbio and reaching the Croce dell’Uomo viewpoint, from which the beautiful landscape of Lake Como can be admired.
On the way you’ll encounter some characteristics villages and enjoy beautiful views of the lake.
The path is quite easy but I recommend wearing some good hiking shoes.
If you are looking for private boat tours from Cernobbio, here are some options that may be right for you! ⬇️
Cernobbio has one pier dedicated to passenger transport only.
Cernobbio – Como: 20 minutes with regular service
Cernobbio – Bellagio: 2h with regular service
Cernobbio – Menaggio: 2h 15 minutes with regular service
Timelines are approximate and depend on the route you choose. Read my guide on Lake Como ferries to understand how the service works.
2 Responses
Good website, especially for older people. We would like to see many of these places, but I can’t find links to any maps.
Thank you
Patricia Francis
Thank you Patricia 🙂 You can find a comprehensive map of Lake Como here.