When you hear Lake Como, what do you think of? Stunning villas, mountain vistas, private boat rides, or perhaps even the planet Naboo if you’re a Star Wars fan. Lake Como had long been on my travel bucket list and I was so glad to have spent my birthday this year in Lake Como. Let me tell you, Lake Como did not disappoint. This lake in northern Italy has long drawn the attention of people from all over the world and is a popular vacation destination…for a good reason. Follow along with this complete guide to Lake Como including a Lake Como Itinerary, travel tips, and other recommendations!
How to Get to Lake Como
As mentioned earlier, Lake Como is an alpine lake in northern Italy. I suggest flying into Milan and then taking the train to get to Lake Como. There are three airports in Milan: Malpensa (MXP), Linate (LIN), and Bergamo (BGY) airports. Malpensa is the largest and busiest airport so you’ll most likely fly into MXP. From MXP, you can take the Malpensa Express train to Milano Centrale, Cadorna, or Milano Porta Garibaldi, which are the main train stations in Milan. The Malpensa airport is 31 miles (50 km) from Milan and the trip takes about an hour. This is the easiest and cheapest way to get to Milan from the airport as the ticket is around 14 euros.
Side note: If you have time to spare, I highly recommend spending time in Milan! It is a beautiful city with stunning architecture and buildings and diverse neighborhoods.
By train
You can take the train from Milan to several towns including the popular towns of Como and Varenna on Lake Como. There are almost 100 trains a day between Milan and Lake Como so it is a frequent and regular route. Trenitalia is Italy’s public train system and all Trenitalia trains to the Lake Como area depart from either the Milano Centrale or the Milano Cadorna stations. I recommend downloading the Trenitalia app to check timetables, book tickets, and find out where your train is!
These are the most popular train stations for train travel to Lake Como:
- Como S. Giovanni (City: Como)
- Como Nord Lago (City: Como)
- Lecco (City: Lecco)
- Varenna-Esino (City: Varenna)
Most of the train stations are located on the eastern side of Lake Como, but if you want to visit towns on the western side you can easily use a combination of train travel and bus and ferry travel.
Check out the table below on how to get to popular destinations on Lake Como:
| If you want to visit… | Get off at… | And to get to the city… |
| Como | Como San Giovanni or Como Nord Lago | 10-minute walk or local bus line 4 or 5 in front of the station |
| Lecco | Lecco | 5-minute walk from the station |
| Bellagio | Lecco or Varenna-Esino | 1. If you get off at Lecco, take a Lecco-Bellagio line bus for 45 minutes 2. If you get off at Varenna-Esino, take a ferry to Bellagio (5-minute walk from station) |
| Varenna | Varenna-Esino | 10-minute walk from the station |
| Tremezzo | Varenna-Esino | Take a ferry to Tremezzo (5-minute walk from station) |
| Lenno | Como San Giovanni or Como Nord Lago or Varenna | 1. If you get off at Como, take a C10 bus towards Menaggio or take a ferry (Como – Colico route) 2. If you get off at Varenna, take a ferry to Lenno (5-minute walk from station) |
Train travel is perhaps the cheapest and most convenient option to travel to Lake Como and my preferred method of travel in Italy. However, you could also choose to book a tour, take a bus, or rent a car!
By tour
If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of finding your way to Lake Como, you can take a tour from Milan! Day tours to Lake Como from Milan are a very popular option if you only have 1 day to discover Lake Como. The recommended Milan to Lake Como tour below allows you to see the best of Lake Como in one day! It includes transportation to and around the lake (including a cruise on a private boat).
Recommended tour:
By bus and ferry
You can also take a bus from Milan to Lake Como. Buses leaving Milan for Lake Como leave from Milan’s Centrale bus station and end at Como’s S. Giovanni bus station. From here, you can take a local bus or ferry to get you to other Lake Como towns.
If you’re not in a rush, the ferry is a great option to see Lake Como. It takes just over two hours to cover the scenic water route and it stops 10-16 times along the way (this varies throughout the day). Visit Navigazione Laghi and then click on Lake Como to check departure times and prices for the ferry.
Fares for ferries vary depending on the route but here are the common routes:
- One-way ticket Como-Bellagio: €10.40
- Free-circulation ticket Como-Bellagio (valid 1 day): €23.30
- One-way ticket Bellagio-Varenna: €4.60 (this price applies to all one-way passenger transfers between towns in the central area of the lake)
By car
A road trip from Milan to Lake Como is a scenic drive! Driving allows you a chance to stop at some picturesque areas along the way and gives you the flexibility to drive around the lake without waiting for ferries and trains. However, the route from Milan to Lake Como has several toll roads and driving actually takes longer than the train.
Once you arrive at Lake Como, cars are restricted from driving in many areas of Lake Como unless you’re a local resident. The roads could be congested especially in the summer and parking could be a nightmare. If your hotel offers a place to park, you should be fine – otherwise, you’ll spend quite a bit of time finding parking spots. Also, keep in mind that only some of the ferries connecting the towns around the lake allow cars. In my opinion, this is the least preferable option for getting to and around Lake Como.
How to Get Around Lake Como
The best way to get around Lake Como is by ferry or train!
If you’re visiting towns on the east side of Lake Como, then taking the train from Como to Varenna is cheap and straightforward.
However, ferry travel is better for traveling between lakeside towns. As mentioned earlier, the ferry is a great option to see Lake Como. There are over 16 ferry docks along the lakeside towns of Lake Como with shorter and more frequent routes for the towns in the middle of the lake (Varenna – Bellagio – Menaggio). Find the timetables on Navigazione Laghi and then click on Lake Como to check departure times.
Again, I wouldn’t recommend driving around Lake Como as the roads are narrow and can get congested!
Where to Stay in Lake Como
There are endless options of places to stay on Lake Como from luxury to budget-friendly. I recommend staying in towns such as Varenna, Como, Lecco, and Bellagio which are central to public train and ferry transportation.
Here are some great options based on all kinds of budgets!
Luxury
- Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni is a 5-star hotel on Bellagio that features multiple gardens, indoor and outdoor pools, and a luxury spa. This impressive hotel features grand staircases, frescoed ceilings, and splendid chandeliers in Murano glass. Perfect for a romantic getaway, this hotel will take your breath away!
- Passalacqua is one of the newest luxury hotels on Lake Como and it does not disappoint! This stunning hotel is located in Moltrasio and is the perfect place to relax. Back in the 18th century, it was created as a place on Lake Como for friends, for love and leisure, for the pleasures of the table, and the Italian art of dolce far niente. Today, it goes back to its roots and promises to curate the same dolce far niente atmosphere.
- Hotel Belvedere is a lakeside paradise dreamt of by a woman in 1880. Since then, five generations of mother and daughter have – with determination and love – perfected, protected, and passed down this dream. This luxury hotel is located on Bellagio and has private gardens, a swimming pool with a hot tub, a new spa with Turkish bath, and a panoramic restaurant that has a beautiful terrace with a superb view of the lake and mountains!
- Grand Hotel Tremezzo has one of the best locations on Lake Como! The luxury resort faces directly onto Bellagio, where the two branches of the lake meet, against the rose-tinted backdrop of the Grigne mountains. Thus art nouveau mansion features a modern wellness center, exquisite gardens, numerous dining options, 3 swimming pools (one with a view of the lake), a private beach, and a marina.
- Vista Palazzo is a high-end hotel that is within a 5-minute walk of both Lago Como train station and Como Cathedral. It is the only five-star luxury hotel in the city center of Como and is also just steps from the shores of Lake Como. You have the best of both worlds at Vista Palazzo!
- Il Sereno Lago di Como is a luxury contemporary hotel with a spa, an infinity pool, and an acclaimed Michelin-star restaurant! This hotel in Torno brings new meaning to luxury and modern design. The award-winning designer, Patricia Urquiola has combined the natural ambiance of the surrounding environment with comfort and luxury, resulting in a design that embodies all spectrums of luxurious accommodation.
Mid Range
- Hilton Lake Como is a polished hotel that is 1 km from both the Como San Giovanni train station and Villa Olmo, an 18th-century manor with lakefront gardens. It is the first Hilton hotel in the Lake Como region and a great option if you’re a Hilton Honors member to earn and/or redeem points! It features a rooftop infinity pool and several restaurants and bars.
- Hotel Griso Collection is a modern hotel 4-star hotel situated between the lake of Como and the mountains near the town of Lecco. It is a 20-minute walk from the Lecco train station and less than a 5-minute drive. Rooms at Hotel Griso have large windows and views of Lake Como and the property features a panoramic lounge bar, a rooftop sun terrace with a hot tub, and free parking.
- Hotel Olivedo is a family-run hotel on the shores of Varenna. Overlooking Lake Como, this hotel is in a 19th-century building that is a 5-minute walk from the Varenna-Esino train station. The 10 casual, warmly decorated rooms offer lake views and a lake-view terrace restaurant serves traditional dishes from the Lombardy region. In summer, breakfast is served on the panoramic terrace.
- Hotel Bellagio is a boutique hotel in the heart of Bellagio that offers comfortable accommodations and boasts lovely views over Lake Como. The hotel is accessed directly from Bellagio’s main square and is within walking distance from the town’s shops, cafés, and restaurants. A continental breakfast is also offered every morning.
Budget Friendly
- Hotel Fioroni is a family-run hotel that is 15 minutes walk away from the Bellagio pier, where ferries leave for other Lake Como towns. Fioroni’s spacious and air-conditioned rooms all come with a mini-bar and a flat-screen TV and most of them feature a balcony or terrace, with views of the lake.
- Ostello Bello Lake Como is a laid-back hostel that is a 3-minute walk from the banks of Lake Como, an 8-minute walk from Como San Giovanni train station, and a 10-minute walk from Como Cathedral. It features basic private rooms, and mixed-gender and female-only dorms. A breakfast buffet, dinner, and tea and coffee are all included, and there’s free food in a communal kitchen. Other amenities consist of a roof terrace and a garden with hammocks.
- Bike & Active Hotel Il Perlo Panorama offers the best view of all of Bellagio! This family-owned hotel offers spacious and clean rooms and an unforgettable view! This hotel is located on the top of the hill facing the lake 1.9 mi from the center of Bellagio. This hotel is a comfortable and quiet place to spend your holiday with a garden, a balcony, and a terrace. Complimentary breakfast is served every morning and free parking is offered.
Note that hotel prices do fluctuate between seasons and peak pricing is from June through August. I suggest visiting outside of peak season for the best prices.
Feel free to explore other accommodation options by location below:
Booking.comPlaces to Visit on Lake Como
What most people don’t realize is that Lake Como is a large area! You could spend months exploring the charming towns around Lake Como. If it is your first time visiting Lake Como, I recommend staying for 3 to 5 days and choosing a few towns to visit. Lake Como is one of those places where you want to experience slow travel and just relax. One of the best things about Lake Como is that you can just stroll around, enjoy gelato and delicious Italian food, take a boat ride, and be worry-free.
There isn’t necessarily a lot to do on Lake Como, but there are certainly highlights you should check out:
- I Giardini di Villa Melzi (Bellagio): This picturesque botanical garden on Bellagio offers a lakeside path with statues and stunning mountain and lake views.
- Villa del Balbianello (Lenno): Built in the late 16th century, this magnificent villa is known for its picturesque gardens, which exclusively feature flowers and trees in the colors of the Italian flag! This villa was also featured in Star Wars as the Planet Naboo where Anakin and Padme got married.
- Villa Monastero (Varenna): This impressive villa houses a Botanical Garden that extends for almost 2 kilometers along the lakefront from Varenna to Fiumelatte. The inside of the villa has become a museum with 14 rooms furnished with original objects and furniture.
- Castello di Vezio (Varenna): The Vezio castle sits at the top of the mountain and the vistas are well worth the hike up. The medieval castle dating to Roman times provides scenic views of Lake Como.
- Orrido di Bellano (Bellano): Take a lovely walk into a deep, narrow, 15 million-year-old gorge with a fantastic waterfall at the end.
- Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta (Como): Possibly one of the most significant Gothic churches in Northern Italy, the Duomo of Como is definitely a remarkable building that is worth a visit!
- Funiculaire Côme-Brunate (Como): Views over Lake Como & surrounding mountains from a funicular railway, with trails at the top
Map of Places to Visit in Lake Como
Lake Como Itinerary
As I mentioned earlier, you could spend months exploring the charming towns around Lake Como! I know we all wish that we could spend months in Italy, but chances are that you don’t have an unlimited amount of time in Italy. If you’re visiting Lake Como along with other Italian cities like Venice, Milan, Rome, and Florence, then you might be short on time. Ideally, you should spend at least three days in Lake Como but you can also do a day trip from Milan.
I put together a three-day itinerary below that allows you to see the best of Lake Como. Feel free to adjust it as you need based on where you’re staying on Lake Como and how long you plan to stay!
I stayed in Bellagio during my time in Lake Como so I am starting my itinerary off in Bellagio.
Day 1 – Bellagio and Varenna
Arrive in Bellagio
You’re starting your Lake Como trip in the beautiful town of Bellagio! You can get to Bellagio by taking the train from Milan to Varenna and then taking the ferry to Bellagio. I recommend buying a ferry pass as you’ll be taking the ferry several times during your time in Lake Como.
Explore the streets of Bellagio
The best thing to do in Bellagio is simply wandering around the charming streets. The narrow streets here are full of gems and you can spend hours exploring the heart of Bellagio.
One of the best views and famous Instagram photo spot (pictured above) can be found on the street Salita Serbelloni where Trattoria San Giacomo is located.
Visit Giardini di Villa Melzi
Giardini di Villa Melzi is a stunning lakeside garden with a villa on Bellagio. It is near the ferry dock of Bellagio and offers stunning views of the lake and the mountains. It is very picturesque and well worth a visit.
Depart for Varenna and soak in the views
Take the ferry from Bellagio to Varenna and you’re met with a fantastic view during the ferry ride. When you arrive in Varenna, the ferry dock is only a few minutes walk from the center of Varenna. Walk along the lakeside promenade towards Molo Riva Grande for a scenic view of Varenna.
Enjoy drinks or a meal in Varenna
There are several great restaurants and cafes that offer a great view of Varenna. I recommend stopping for drinks or a meal while you’re in Varenna as the eateries here come with a picturesque view! I ordered drinks at Bar II Molo and they were delicious! Plus the view was unbeatable.
Visit Villa Monastero
Next, keep heading south on the main street in Varenna to reach Villa Monastero. This historical villa was constructed at the end of the 12th century as a convent. Today, it is a museum and known for its beautiful botanical gardens.
Hike Up to Castello di Vezio
You’re going to end day one on Lake Como with a fantastic view of the area! Hike up to the ruins of Castello di Vezio. The hike takes about 30 to 40 minutes from the center of Varenna and the view is fantastic from there!
Day 2 – Menaggio, Tremezzo, and Lenno
Explore Menaggio
Start day two in Lake Como by exploring Menaggio! It is reachable by ferry and Menaggio another great lakeside town to visit. The main square is called Piazza Garibaldi and it is surrounded by restaurants and shops. There is also a beach (Spiaggia Lerai) on Menaggio where you can swim and sunbathe at.
Head towards Tremezzo
From Menaggio, you can take a 10-minute bus ride (the C10 bus) towards Tremezzo. Tremezzo itself isn’t a large town, but there is a gorgeous villa (Villa Carlotta) near the town.
Tour Villa Carlotta
Villa Carlotta is a gorgeous villa on Lake Como and one of the most popular attractions!
Overlooking the shores of Lake Como, the villa was built in the late-seventeenth century by Marquis Giorgio Clerici of Milan. In 1801, Villa Carlotta was sold by Caterina Bigli Clerici, the last descendant of the noble Milanese family, to Giovanni Battista Sommariva.
Over the years, the villa has passed to a number of different esteemed families, and today, it is a museum that is open to the public. The museum is famous for the art collection preserved within. You can tour this stunning villa and its gardens from mid-March onwards.
Tip: Try to book tickets to Villa Carlotta for opening time to experience the least amount of crowd.
Head Towards Lenno
From Villa Carlotta, take the C10 bus towards the town of Lenno. It is a 15-minute bus ride
Explore the stunning Villa Balbianello
Villa Balbianello is perhaps the most famous place in Lake Como.
When you look up Lake Como, most likely a photo of Villa Balbianello will be shown.
This villa is truly magnificent and the gardens are breathtaking.
Villa Balianello has been featured in several films including Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones.
The whole complex consists of two residential buildings, a church, and a portico (known as Loggia Durini) that can host weddings and events in a truly unique setting..
The villa’s interior, accessible only by guided tour, houses some English and French furnishings which date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. It also houses numerous paintings on glass and a rich collection of sculptures and artifacts.
Note: The villa is only open from mid-March to November from 10 AM to 6 PM. It is closed on Mondays and Wednesdays so plan accordingly and rearrange this itinerary if needed.
Day 3 – Como and Sunset Cruise
On your last day, you’re going to visit the town of Como!
Visit Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta
The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, also known as Como Cathedral, is the main church in Como. The cathedral is dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and was built between the 14th and the 18th centuries. This cathedral is recognized as one of the most important religious buildings in northern Italy. Although the Gothic features are predominant, the cathedral also hosts many Romanesque, Renaissance, and Baroque elements.
Note: Check the hours of visitation online and dress modestly.
Stroll along the romantic Passeggiata Lino Gelpi and see the impressive Villa Olmo
Villa Olmo has it all! On the grounds, you’ll find an Italian-style garden overlooking Lake Como, an English-style back garden for relaxing, and interior rooms full of paintings, statues, and precious stucco decorations.
The best part? Admission to the villa and its gardens is completely free.
Take the Funiculaire Côme-Brunate for fantastic views
For gorgeous views over Lake Como, take this funicular from Como up to the top of a mountain. You’ll get a panoramic view of the lake and there are hiking trails atop! Either buy a return ticket for the funicular back down to Como or take one of the many hiking trails that wind their way down to the lakeshore.
Go on a sunset boat ride on Lake Como
The best way to end a Lake Como holiday is to take a sunset cruise – with prosecco of course!
Sail around Lake Como while taking in the sights one more time before departing this beautiful paradise.
Check out these activities and tours on Lake Como!
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