LAKE COMO, ITALY
Lake Como, also known as Lario, is the third largest Italian lake (after Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore). Located at the foot of the Alps, Lake Como offers some of the most romantic and picturesque sceneries in the world.
Its characteristic shape, resembling an inverted Y, comes from the melting of glaciers combined with the erosive action of the ancient Adda river. This led to the formation of the two southern branches that culminate in the cities of Como and Lecco, in the middle of which lies the famous Bellagio.
You will be surprised to learn about the many things to do on Lake Como, especially if you decide to stay more than one day!
The distances between towns are such that you can visit at least 3 or 4 villages by local transportation, and you can lose yourself among enchanting villas and gardens, relax with a private boat tour or on your favorite beach, and even rejuvenate with a healthy nature walk.
Ready to go? Enjoy your tour of Lake Como, Italy!
A little taste of Lake Como
in this short Reel
in this short Reel
If you can, visit Lake Como in the off-season!
Lake Como is a true corner of Italian paradise that attracts tourists from all over the world, especially during the high season (late May to late September). My advice is, if you can, to visit Lake Como during the low season (for example, in April or October) to have a more relaxing and authentic travel experience.
What are you looking for in Lake Como?
Sights & things to do
The entire perimeter of Lake Como is dotted with charming villages and towns. The most popular destinations are certainly Bellagio, Varenna and the city that gives the lake its name, Como.
In each of these locations, as well as in the others you will find described on this website, there is no shortage of opportunities for shopping, walking in nature, visiting beautiful villas and botanical gardens, or participating in unforgettable experiences.
If this is your first time in Lake Como, don’t limit yourself to visiting only the best-known locations! Take some time to read the guides I have put together and find the destinations that best suit your interests.
For example, if you love nature, you will find plenty to do in Menaggio. Do you want to get your fill of villas and gardens? Then Tremezzina (or the mid-lake towns in general) might be the right destination for you.
But what is the best town to stay in Lake Como? It depends not only on your interests, but also on the length of your stay and your travel needs.
Here are some suggestions:
Multi-day vacation
If you plan to visit Lake Como for 3-4 days and have no mobility problems, virtually any town will do. In fact, local public services will enable you to reach all other destinations comfortably.
Clearly, the central area of the lake is where most of the tourist attractions are concentrated, and therefore it is the one that tends to be most crowded in high season (this is why I also recommend planning your vacation at different times, such as April or October, when the weather is very good and the area is less crowded).
My advice, therefore, is to first figure out which towns or attractions you do not want to miss and, from there, locate the place that allows you to reach them all most conveniently. Consider that the towns in the center of the lake are all about 15-30 minutes by boat from each other, while to go from Como to Bellagio, for example, you have to consider about 1 - 2 hours.
One-day trip
If you only want to devote one day to Lake Como, for example because you are coming from Milan, I would choose a town that you can easily reach by train, such as Como, Varenna or Lecco (and their surroundings).
If you plan your travels carefully, you can also visit more than one town in a single day.
For example, you can reach Varenna from Milan and, from there, take the ferry that will take you to Bellagio or Menaggio in 15 minutes. Or you can reach Como from Milan and visit Cernobbio, also a 15-minute boat ride from the city.
Do you prefer flatter towns?
The alleys found in the historic centers of many cities are full of stairs.
Obviously there is the possibility of visiting these cities and their attractions without any particular difficulty, but if you still prefer the flatter cities to make the most of your experience I recommend visiting the larger cities such as Como, Lecco, and Menaggio.
Take some time to read my guides on the Lake Como’s towns that I love the most, and start planning your trip!
Here are some suggestions:
Multi-day vacation
If you plan to visit Lake Como for 3-4 days and have no mobility problems, virtually any town will do. In fact, local public services will enable you to reach all other destinations comfortably.
Clearly, the central area of the lake is where most of the tourist attractions are concentrated, and therefore it is the one that tends to be most crowded in high season (this is why I also recommend planning your vacation at different times, such as April or October, when the weather is very good and the area is less crowded).
My advice, therefore, is to first figure out which towns or attractions you do not want to miss and, from there, locate the place that allows you to reach them all most conveniently. Consider that the towns in the center of the lake are all about 15-30 minutes by boat from each other, while to go from Como to Bellagio, for example, you have to consider about 1 - 2 hours.
One-day trip
If you only want to devote one day to Lake Como, for example because you are coming from Milan, I would choose a town that you can easily reach by train, such as Como, Varenna or Lecco (and their surroundings).
If you plan your travels carefully, you can also visit more than one town in a single day.
For example, you can reach Varenna from Milan and, from there, take the ferry that will take you to Bellagio or Menaggio in 15 minutes. Or you can reach Como from Milan and visit Cernobbio, also a 15-minute boat ride from the city.
Do you prefer flatter towns?
The alleys found in the historic centers of many cities are full of stairs.
Obviously there is the possibility of visiting these cities and their attractions without any particular difficulty, but if you still prefer the flatter cities to make the most of your experience I recommend visiting the larger cities such as Como, Lecco, and Menaggio.
Take some time to read my guides on the Lake Como’s towns that I love the most, and start planning your trip!
Are you looking forward to visiting Lake Como?
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Boat trips and tours are something that I’d definitely recommend to anyone who wants to experience Lake Como at its best.
Whether you visit Lake Como for a day or stay longer, board a boat, relax and enjoy the view of the lake from a unique perspective. Take a power bank with you because you will take so many photos!
Boat tours are basically of two types: public or private. Here’s how they work.
Public boat service
The local public navigation company (Navigazione Laghi) provides several routes that connect all of the most popular towns along Lake Como’s shores, at a convenient price. The ideal service for getting from one city to another during your Lake Como vacation. Learn more about public boat service on Lake Como!
Private boat tours
With a driver at your disposal, you have the chance to choose your favourite itinerary and the length of your cruise. If you are traveling with your better half or with your friends, take a private boat tour and experience Lake Como at your own pace, maybe at sunset and with a fine bottle of prosecco!
If you visit Lake Como in the summer, be sure to visit the beautiful beaches on its shores.
Lake Como’s beaches are the perfect place to relax during hot summer days and, in some cases, also offer the opportunity to go sailing or windsurfing (particularly on the northern branch of the lake).
Beaches can be found in every corner of Lake Como, but if you are looking for clean and pure waters, I recommend going to the central and northern parts of the lake.
Of course, the public beaches in the most popular towns are especially busy during the summer, not only by tourists but also by locals.
Therefore, if you want to reserve a cozy spot, you’d better get up early and get to your favorite beach before it is full. Alternatively, reserve your sunbed at one of the lake’s many lidos to experience your day in total comfort.
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If you come to Lake Como between mid-March and mid-November, you’ll be able to visit Villa Balbianello (Tremezzina), Villa Melzi (Bellagio), Villa Monastero (Varenna) and many other historic mansions overlooking the water.
A paradise for those who love gardens in bloom and magnificent historic residences!
In the summer, these villas very often host classical music events or guided tours that will introduce you to the history of the place and trivia related to the people who lived in the villa or contributed to its construction.
Sometimes these mansions have special openings in the off-season as well, so if you plan to visit Lake Como in winter I recommend that you check their official websites.
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Not everyone knows that the hills surrounding Lake Como hide hundreds of trails of various types and suitable for walkers with varying degrees of experience. In a great many cases, there are typical restaurants along these trails where you can taste the true flavors of the area.
I have just created a section on hikes and walks around Lake Como (continuously being updated) that I invite you to look at. Each route I have described offers information about highlights and facilities you can find along your walk.
Here are some areas and walks you might explore during your stay in Lake Como:
Spina Verde Park
Spina Verde Park is a protected forest located southwest of Como, and gathers many sites of panoramic, historical, and natural interest. The perfect place to escape the hottest hours of summer and taste traditional dishes at one of the area’s huts.
One of the most interesting attractions is the tower of Castello Baradello, which can be reached by following a path that starts from Piazza San Rocco, near the town center, and leads to the tower in about 30 minutes.
Lake Como Greenway
The Greenway del Lago di Como is a walking route of 11.5 km (7 mi) in one of the most picturesque areas of western Lake Como. It follows the ancient Via Regina, the road that was built by the Romans to connect Como with territories beyond the Alps.
The Greenway, which passes through the villages of Colonno, Sala Comacina, Tremezzina and Griante, offers splendid views and examples of architecture, villas and gardens (e.g., the unmissable Villa Carlotta). A great opportunity for anyone to see Lake Como from a different perspective.
Val Sanagra
Val Sanagra, also known as Val Senagra, is a vast area rich in flora, fauna and ancient rural settlements included between the municipalities of Menaggio and Grandola ed Uniti.
It takes its name from the stream that flows through the valley and creates beautiful waterfalls often topped by fascinating Romanesque stone bridges.
Val Sanagra is an ideal place to retreat on hot summer days, sheltered from the crowds that characterize Lake Como‘s most popular destinations in high season. In fact, in addition to offering trails suitable for most people, the valley is also home to a farmhouse where you can taste local products or stay overnight, and an eco-museum for a different kind of day out.
Stays & experiences
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There are many different ways to get around Lake Como. In general, I recommend that you avoid moving by car and carefully plan your travel with the different services offered by public transportation.
First of all, how to get to Lake Como? As you can imagine, it all depends on where you start from and where you want to get to. Read this article to find out how to get to Como, Bellagio and Varenna from the main airports and stations in Milan.
I mentioned these villages because they are the most visited, but it is still possible to reach the other lake destinations by the following means of transportation (note: in the following articles I provide an overview of the various services, but then I recommend that you use services such as Google Maps and official company websites to plan your commute):
What is the best time of year to visit Lake Como?
The best time for visiting Lake Como is between March and November, because of the warm temperature that allows you to enjoy boat tours and walks. Consider, however, that summer is high season and the most popular towns (such as Bellagio and Varenna) can be quite crowdy. If you prefer a quiet period, consider visiting Lake Como in winter, spring or autumn!
What is special about Lake Como?
The historic villas and their lush gardens, the beauty of the territory, its charming and elegant towns, the surrounding nature that allows you to take relaxing walks. Also, if you love food, you’re going to taste some typical Lombard dishes such as riso con pesce persico (rice with Lake Como fish) and pizzoccheri (a mountain dish made with buckwheat pasta, savoy cabbages and local cheese).
Which airport is closest to Lake Como, Italy?
It depends on the area that you want to reach. If you want to reach Como city, Milan Malpensa Airport is probably the best choice (read here how to get from Malpensa to Como). Milan Linate Airport is probably the best if you want to get to Bellagio, Lecco and Varenna. However, all the Milan airports allow you to reach Lake Como’s towns quite easily.
How many days should I spend in Lake Como?
I’d suggest to spend at least 3-4 days, because there are a lot of towns and things to see and you will need time to experience Lake Como at its best. If I were in your shoes, I would plan to visit Como and a couple of other towns, a historical villa (Villa Melzi in Bellagio is one of my favourite) and I would save some time for a private boat tour!
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