Nestled in the foothills of the Italian Alps, Lake Como in Lombardy is one of the most enchanting destinations in Italy. Known for its elegant lakeside towns, scenic boat rides, and historic villas, Lake Como blends natural beauty with a touch of glamour.
Getting to Lake Como from Milan
Lake Como’s close proximity to Milan makes it ideal for both quick getaways and extended holidays.
Train Options
Milan to Como by Train: From Milano Centrale to Como San Giovanni takes around 40 minutes.
Milan to Varenna or Bellagio: Travel to Varenna-Esino (1 hour) then take a ferry to Bellagio.
From Malpensa Airport: Reach Como in 75 minutes via Saronno station.
Train service is frequent and reliable, though occasional rail upgrades may cause minor delays—plan accordingly. If you prefer more flexibility, car rental is available at Milan airports. However, driving around Lake Como can be challenging due to narrow roads and limited parking, especially in high season.
Driving to Lake Como
Driving to Lake Como offers flexibility and access to scenic overlooks and hidden villages. However, be aware that parking in towns like Bellagio, Varenna, and Como is limited. Consider staying in a hotel with parking or leaving the car behind and relying on ferries.
Bus and Private Transfers
Several regional bus lines connect Milan and Bergamo to Lake Como towns. Private transfers are available and are a convenient option if you’re carrying luggage or arriving late.
Top Things to Do on Lake Como
From elegant gardens to panoramic hikes, Lake Como offers something for everyone.
Villa Carlotta
Located in Tremezzina, Villa Carlotta is one of Lake Como’s most celebrated sights. Its vast botanical gardens and art collections make it a cultural and natural treasure.
Villa del Balbianello
This iconic villa near Lenno is a must for history and film lovers. It featured in Star Wars and James Bond movies and offers spectacular lake views.
Brunate Funicular
In Como town, ride the funicular to Brunate for incredible vistas. Hike further to the Volta Lighthouse for a peaceful escape.
Isola Comacina
Lake Como’s only island is a quiet haven with ruins, nature paths, and an artistic soul. Small boat tours stop here for short visits.
Villa Melzi and Gardens
Located in Bellagio, this neoclassical villa is surrounded by English-style gardens and sculptures. A relaxing place to stroll and take photos.
Greenway del Lago
A scenic 10 km walking path between Colonno and Griante, ideal for exploring small villages on foot. The route passes churches, stone bridges, and lakefront cafés.
Hiking Trails
Hike the Sentiero del Viandante (Wayfarer’s Path), an ancient trail running from Abbadia Lariana to Colico. The trail offers breathtaking lake views and quiet woodland paths.
Lake Como Boat Tour
A boat ride is essential to experience the lake’s beauty. Choose between public ferries or private wooden boat tours. Fast boat service typically operates from April through October, depending on the season’s schedule.
Best Towns to Visit on Lake Como
Como City
The largest town on the lake with a Gothic cathedral, Volta Museum, and bustling waterfront. Perfect for shopping, dining, and catching the ferry.
Bellagio
Often called the “Pearl of the Lake,” Bellagio is known for its cobblestone streets and panoramic views. It also has lovely gardens, art galleries, and boutique shops.
Varenna
A romantic village with a scenic promenade and direct train connection to Milan. Quiet, picturesque, and great for couples.
Tremezzina
Known for Villa Carlotta and the Greenway del Lago trail. A peaceful destination with impressive villas and gardens.
Menaggio
Flat terrain, lakeside promenade, and great for families. It also has a popular Lido with swimming pools and beach access.
Cernobbio
Luxury base with Villa d’Este and peaceful lakeside settings. Great for upscale stays and elegant dinners.
Lecco
Dramatic mountain views and fewer crowds on the southeastern shore. Lecco is a vibrant town with a charming old center.
Argegno
A small village between Como and Tremezzina with an authentic atmosphere. Ride the cable car to Pigra for a panoramic view.
Where to Stay in Lake Como
Best for First-Time Visitors
Bellagio offers central access and incredible views. It’s the perfect base for ferry trips and sightseeing.
Top-rated places to stay in Bellagio
1. 🔍Hotel Florence
A charming 4-star hotel located right on the lakefront in Piazza Mazzini. It features classic Belle Époque decor, a spa, a lake-view restaurant, and elegant rooms. Guests love the central location and relaxing atmosphere. Guest rating: 9.2/10.
2. 🔍Hotel Centrale Bellagio
A family-run boutique hotel nestled in a quiet flower-filled courtyard just 60 meters from the ferry. It offers a sun-terrace garden, vintage Lombard design, and warm hospitality. Location and cleanliness are especially praised. Guest rating: 9.2/10.
3. 🔍Villa Olivee
A private 3-bedroom villa surrounded by olive trees, just a 10-minute walk from the old town. It includes a peaceful garden, modern kitchen, air conditioning, and space for up to 6 guests. Perfect for families or groups. Guest rating: 9.6/10.
4. 🔍Residence La Limonera
A gated residence with self-catering apartments set in a tranquil lemon garden just 100 meters from the lake. Includes studios and one-bedroom units with kitchenettes, a lift, and a rooftop sundeck. Guest rating: 9.2/10.
5. 🔍Bellagio Lake Flat
A cozy one-bedroom hillside apartment with a balcony offering stunning lake views. It has free parking, a fully equipped kitchen, and excellent host communication. Ideal for couples. Guest rating: 9.7/10.
Best for Couples
Varenna and Lenno provide peace and romance. Choose a lakeside hotel with a view for an unforgettable stay.
Best-rated hotels in Varenna
1. 🔍Hotel Royal Victoria (R Collection Hotels)
A 19th-century hotel located on Piazza San Giorgio with a lake-view terrace, outdoor pool, and access to the Villa Cipressi botanical gardens. Guests love the scenic views and high-end service. Guest rating: 9.1/10.
2. 🔍Hotel Olivedo
A historic lakeside villa built in 1896, just steps from the ferry terminal. Features charming rooms with balconies, a lakeside restaurant, and a warm family-run atmosphere. Guest rating: 9.1/10.
3. 🔍Albergo Milano
A boutique hotel with rustic-modern rooms, many offering private balconies and lake views. Known for its romantic restaurant terrace and central location in Varenna’s old town. Guest rating: 8.8/10.
4. 🔍Albergo Del Sole
Set on the main square, this recently renovated hotel features comfortable, air-conditioned rooms and an on-site pizzeria. Guests enjoy the friendly service and custom breakfasts. Guest rating: 8.6/10.
5. 🔍Hotel Montecodeno
A budget-friendly hotel near the train station and lakefront. Offers clean, simple rooms, a generous breakfast, and helpful staff. Ideal for travelers seeking a practical stay. Guest rating: 8.0/10.
Best for Families
Menaggio has family-friendly stays and gentle swimming beaches. It also offers boat rentals and playgrounds.
Top-rated places to stay in Menaggio
1. 🔍Hotel Bellavista
A lakefront hotel just 350 meters from the main square, featuring a panoramic terrace restaurant, outdoor pool, and classic-style rooms. Guests appreciate the stunning views and central location. Guest rating: 8.7/10.
2. 🔍Lovely Loft & Flat
Modern, loft-style apartments located 300 meters from the ferry terminal. Each unit includes air conditioning and sleek private bathrooms. Guests highlight the cleanliness and superb location. Guest rating: 9.5/10.
3. 🔍The Lake Como Villa
A private three-bedroom villa with a swimming pool, spacious balconies offering lake and mountain views, free parking, and Wi-Fi. Ideal for families or small groups. Guest rating: 8.6/10.
4. 🔍Miralago Casa
Contemporary lakeside suites about 700 meters from the town center. Features include a private beach area, free bikes, and water-sports facilities. Guests enjoy the peaceful setting and lake access. Guest rating: 8.5/10.
5. 🔍Albergo Il Vapore
A charming 19th-century hotel near the waterfront, offering a wisteria-shaded terrace and traditional restaurant. Known for its friendly staff and excellent central location. Guest rating: 8.7/10.
Luxury Stays
Top-reviewed 5-star luxury stays around Lake Como
1. 🔍Passalacqua – Moltrasio
A restored 18th-century villa set in terraced gardens overlooking the lake. Offers just 24 exclusive suites, a private spa, and an open-air cinema. Guests praise the elegant atmosphere and top-tier service. Guest rating: 9.6/10.
2. 🔍Il Sereno Lago di Como – Torno
A modern, designer boutique hotel with all-suite accommodation, an infinity pool, private boats, and a Michelin-starred restaurant. Loved for its sleek architecture and lakeside setting. Guest rating: 9.6/10.
3. 🔍Grand Hotel Tremezzo – Tremezzo
A historic palace hotel from 1910 with a floating pool, three additional pools, extensive gardens, and six dining options. Known for its classic luxury and stunning views of Bellagio. Guest rating: 9.5/10.
4. 🔍Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como – Blevio
A lakeside resort with a neoclassical villa and modern extensions, offering a spa, floating pool, fine dining, and tranquil gardens. Guests highlight the peaceful setting and attentive staff. Guest rating: 9.3/10.
5. 🔍VISTA Lago di Como – Como
A stylish hotel in Como’s city center, featuring lake-view rooms, a rooftop restaurant and spa, and direct access to the promenade. Highly rated for its central location and modern design. Guest rating: 9.2/10.
Budget Options
Stay in Lecco, Domaso, or inland villages like Nesso and Argegno. These areas offer more affordable lodging without sacrificing charm. Guesthouses and apartments are often more economical than hotels.
Agriturismo Experiences
For something different, book a countryside farmhouse stay (agriturismo). These often include homemade breakfasts, lake views, and direct access to hiking trails.
Lake Como Itinerary Ideas
Day 1
Arrive in Como, ride the Brunate funicular, and explore the Duomo and lakeside promenade. Stop by the silk museum or shop local textiles.
Day 2
Take the ferry to Bellagio and visit Villa Melzi, then head to Varenna and Villa Monastero. Hike up to Castello di Vezio for incredible lake views.
Day 3
Explore Villa Carlotta and walk the Greenway del Lago. End with a boat ride to Isola Comacina and dinner at a lakeside restaurant in Lenno.
Optional Day 4
Venture into the hills above Lecco or take a boat to Colico for windsurfing, nature trails, and local food tastings.
Dining & Local Cuisine
Sample local dishes:
Risotto al Pesce Persico: Arborio rice cooked with perch fillets.
Polenta e Misultin: Cornmeal with dried lake fish.
Torta Miascia: A rustic dessert made from stale bread, apples, raisins, and pine nuts.
Best Places to Eat
Trattoria San Giacomo (Bellagio): Traditional cuisine in a cozy setting.
La Punta (Bellagio): Ideal for a lakeside meal with a view.
Locanda dell’Isola Comacina: The only restaurant on the island, with a set menu and theatrical service.
Many towns also offer enotecas (wine bars) where you can sample local Lombardy wines, such as Valtellina reds and sparkling Franciacorta.
Annual Cultural Events
Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este
Vintage car show held every spring in Cernobbio.
Sagra di San Giovanni
Festival and fireworks near Isola Comacina, typically in late June.
Musica sull’Acqua Festival
Classical concerts in Colico during the summer.
Palio del Baradello
Medieval-themed parades and games in Como in late summer.
Christmas Markets
Festive lights, artisan stalls, and seasonal treats transform Como into a winter wonderland from late November onward.
Responsible Travel Tips
Use ferries and public transport.
Stay in eco-certified accommodations.
Support local silk artisans.
Travel in the shoulder season to avoid crowds.
Avoid motorboats where possible and explore by paddleboard or kayak.
Respect quiet hours in villages and natural areas.
Lake Como Ferry Schedule
Ferries connect major towns frequently, especially from spring to autumn. There are slow boats, fast hydrofoils, and car ferries. Check schedules before travel and consider booking online for convenience. Mid-lake towns like Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio are especially well-connected.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Lake Como from Milan?
Take a direct train to Como or Varenna, both are scenic and reliable.
Can you swim in Lake Como?
Yes, at designated beaches like Menaggio Lido, Lido di Lenno, and Bellagio. Many hotels also have pools.
Is Lake Como expensive?
It offers luxury and budget options—from five-star hotels to family-run B&Bs.
Do I need a car in Lake Como?
No. Trains and ferries are sufficient and roads are narrow with limited parking.
What is the best time to visit?
May to October, with spring and autumn offering fewer crowds.
Can I do a day trip to Lake Como from Milan?
Yes. Many travelers visit Como, Bellagio, and Varenna in a single day.
Are there any water sports available?
Yes—try kayaking, sailing, windsurfing in Colico, and paddleboarding in calm bays.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Como
Lake Como is more than a pretty postcard—it’s a living destination filled with history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, romance, or adventure, this Italian jewel delivers unforgettable experiences year-round.
Book early, travel light, and immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Lake Como.
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