Join me on a trip to Italy’s third-largest fjord-like lake — Lago di Como. First stop — Varenna, Italy. Although I haven’t yet had the chance to visit every town around Lake Como, I can confidently say that Varenna is one of the most beautiful of them all.
Varenna is an absolutely enchanting and traditionally Italian little town on the eastern shore of Lake Como. Varenna is nicknamed “The Town of a Thousand Opportunities and a Thousand Reasons to Visit” — and it’s impossible to disagree. 😊
The Como area is about far more than just Varenna, though. The turquoise-blue Lago di Como, shaped like an inverted fork, stretches over an area of 146 km². Along its shores, you can admire Alpine mountain peaks, lush nature, picturesque towns and grand billionaire villas.
Lake Como has so much to offer that you’d need weeks to see absolutely everything. And even then, you’d never run out of things to do.
TIP: Read our article about the 10 most beautiful places in the Italian Alps.
When to Visit Varenna at Lake Como
You can visit Varenna at Lake Como year-round — half a day to a full day is enough to explore it. The same goes for other lakeside towns.
The most pleasant temperatures and sunniest days at Lake Como are from March to November, but if you’re into winter sports, then head out in January or February.
Where to Stay at Lake Como
Accommodation at Lake Como can be pricey, but reasonable rates can be found in Varenna, Como or Bellagio. An alternative base is the nearest major city, Milan, which is just a short train ride from Varenna.
In Varenna, you can stay at Villa Varenna, in Bellagio there’s the excellent Hotel Centrale Bellagio, and in Como you can choose Como Luxury Rooms. You can also browse more options on Booking.com.
How to Get to Lake Como
You can reach Lake Como by several means of transport — it all depends on where you want to go and how much you want to see. You can get there by car, train, boat or ferry.
💡 TIP: Try the ferry search engine and price comparison tool Ferryscanner.
A rental or your own car is probably the best option (if you’re renting, we recommend RentalCars), as it gives you complete freedom to explore the lakeside area and see as much as possible.
Train travel is ideal for those who want to take a day trip to somewhere like Varenna. Trains run from Milan and Bergamo — you can check specific connections here.
A fantastic way to experience the lake up close is by boat. You can use motorboats or ferries. Ferries connect only the central lakeside towns such as Varenna, Menaggio, Bellagio and Cadenabbia.
34 Things to See and Do at Lake Como
As I mentioned above, you’ll probably never run out of things to do at Lake Como. I’ve put together 34 great tips on what to see and do at Lago di Como. You can also find more exciting excursions on GetYourGuide.
Visit Beautiful Towns Around Lake Como
Lake Como is enormous, and many charming towns are scattered along its shores. All you need to do is pick which ones to visit. Among the most popular are Varenna, Como, Bellagio, Lecco and Tremezzo.
Varenna
I wholeheartedly recommend visiting the picturesque town of Varenna — it will take your breath away the moment you step off the train. Varenna is easily accessible by train from Milan or by ferry from Bellagio, Menaggio or Tremezzina.
It’s perfect for romantic strolls, relaxing by the lake, swimming or exploring local landmarks. You’ll find Castello di Vezio, Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi here. A unique feature of the town is the Fiumelatte River, which is only 250 metres long, appears white due to its high limestone content, and disappears entirely from October to March.
For hiking, you can set off along the ancient Sentiero del Viandante trail.
Como
At the south-western tip of Lago di Como, you’ll find the town of Como itself. It’s the capital of the Province of Como and boasts rich culture and architecture. Among the highlights you can visit in Como are:
- The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta,
- the Silk Museum,
- the Basilica of Sant’Abbondio,
- the Funicolare Como-Brunate cable car.
The town of Como is also an excellent base for visiting other towns around the lake.
Bellagio
Another gem of Lake Como is the town of Bellagio, situated right at the point where the lake splits into two branches. Bellagio is famous for its charming narrow streets, lake views and grand villas — Villa Serbelloni and Villa Melzi.
Lecco
Lecco is a town that sits at the foot of Mt. Grigna and Resegone. It’s known for its setting amidst the Alpine landscape and its rich historical heritage.
Lecco is an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The surrounding hills and mountains are perfect for hiking and offer stunning views of Lake Como and the Alpine peaks. Lecco is also a popular spot for water sports such as windsurfing and sailing.
Tremezzo
On the western shore of Lake Como lies the town of Tremezzo. One of its main attractions is Villa Carlotta or Villa Balbianello, the latter perched on the Lenno peninsula.
Tremezzo is also a great starting point for boat trips on Lake Como. The town offers a blend of history, culture and nature, attracting visitors looking for an authentic Italian experience.
Argegno
Argegno is a small town that attracts visitors with its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Argegno is also known for its harbour, from where you can set off on a boat ride across the lake.
Cernobbio
Cernobbio is known for its stunning architecture and exceptional views of the lake and Alpine scenery. The historic centre is full of narrow streets, picturesque houses and traditional Italian restaurants.
One of the most famous landmarks in Cernobbio is Villa d’Este, a luxurious Renaissance palace and hotel surrounded by extensive gardens.
Menaggio
Menaggio is another picturesque town on the western shore of Lake Como. Nearby you’ll find the Menaggio & Cadenabbia Golf Club, which will certainly delight all golf enthusiasts.
Nesso
Moving to the eastern side of Lake Como, you’ll find the town of Nesso. The town is famous for its two waterfalls known as the Orrido di Nesso.
Careno
Careno is also located on the eastern shore of Lago di Como. In Careno, you can explore narrow lanes lined with traditional Italian houses and soak up the authentic atmosphere of a small lakeside village.
The landmark here is the Church of San Martino, which towers above the lake and offers stunning views of the water.
Mandello del Lario
Mandello del Lario has a rich history and attracts visitors with its tranquil setting and beautiful surroundings.
Mandello del Lario is also famous for its ties to motorcycle culture. It’s home to the headquarters of Moto Guzzi, the renowned Italian motorcycle brand. You can visit the Moto Guzzi Museum here.
Gravedona ed Uniti
Gravedona ed Uniti is a town formed by merging the villages of Gravedona, Cosiglio di Rumo and Germasino.
The Italian physicist Alessandro Volta (ring a bell? He’s the man behind the electric battery! 😊) spent part of his youth here, and you can visit his house. Another prominent landmark is the Church of Santa Maria del Tiglio, which is unique in the entire region.
Pescallo
Just a few minutes from Bellagio, you’ll find the fishing village of Pescallo, renowned for its peaceful atmosphere and lack of crowds. Water sports enthusiasts will love it here — kayaks and water skis are available for hire.
Visit Some of the Stunning Villas
If it isn’t already clear, the towns around Lago di Como are surrounded by magnificent villas with blooming gardens full of flowers.
Some of the villas you can visit:
- Villa Olmo: Located in the town of Como, Villa Olmo is known for its beautiful architecture and extensive gardens, and is one of the most significant cultural and historical landmarks in the region.
- Villa Monastero: In Varenna, you’ll find Villa Monastero. It was built in the 16th century as a Benedictine monastery, later converted into a noble residence and underwent several renovations. Today, Villa Monastero is open to the public and serves as a museum, conference centre and botanical garden.
- Villa Cipressi: The second villa in Varenna is Villa Cipressi, also dating back to the 16th century. Today it functions as a luxury hotel and conference centre. Villa Cipressi is a popular venue for weddings.
- Villa Carlotta: Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo is considered one of the most important cultural and historical landmarks on Lake Como. It’s open to the public and serves as a museum and art gallery.
- Villa Serbelloni: An imposing historic villa located in Bellagio. Originally a monastery, it now operates as a luxury hotel accessible only to select guests. Notable past visitors include Winston Churchill and John F. Kennedy.
- Villa Melzi: Also in Bellagio, Villa Melzi was built in the 19th century for Duke Gioachino Ramboldi and was designed by the renowned architect Giocondo Albertoli.
- Villa Bernasconi: Villa Bernasconi is located in Cernobbio. It was built at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries for a silk merchant and is currently open to the public as a cultural centre.
- Villa Erba: This 19th-century villa also stands in Cernobbio and served as the residence of the influential Erba family. The villa has also attracted filmmakers and appeared in several films, including Ocean’s Twelve from 2004.
Castello di Vezio
On the hill above Varenna, you’ll find Castello di Vezio. The castle has a long history dating back to the Middle Ages and served as a defensive fortress. Over the centuries, it underwent several changes and reconstructions.
Today it’s open to the public and offers stunning views over the lake and the Varenna area.
Take a Boat Trip on the Lake
What would such a grand lake be without a boat ride? Set off on a cruise across Lago di Como and admire the local beauty from the surface of the blue water. Boat services here are excellent, and you can browse boat excursions on GetYourGuide.
Swimming and Beaches at Lake Como
Swimming in Lago di Como is a truly exceptional experience. Seriously, when else will you get the chance to swim in a warm Alpine lake while gazing at snow-capped mountain peaks?
The lake offers countless swimming spots, so make sure to visit some of the local beaches:
- Beaches in Como: The town of Como has several public beaches, such as Lido di Villa Olmo.
- Beaches in Bellagio: Bellagio also has a number of beaches, including Lido di Bellagio and beaches near Villa Melzi Gardens.
- Beaches in Varenna: In Varenna, you can take a dip at Lido di Varenna.
- Lido di Lenno: Lenno, another lakeside town, has a beach complex known as Lido di Lenno.
- Beaches in Tremezzo: Tremezzo offers several beaches and swimming areas, including Lido di Cadenabbia.
- Beaches in Menaggio: The town of Menaggio has several public beaches, such as Lido di Menaggio, where you can soak up the sun and enjoy a refreshing swim.
Piani d’Erna Cable Car
In the town of Lecco, you can take a cable car up to an altitude of 1,375 metres and enjoy magnificent views. The cable car starts in Lecco and ascends to the mountain resort of Piani d’Erna.
Monte Sighignola
If you’re travelling by car, don’t miss the summit of Monte Sighignola on the Swiss-Italian border. You’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views from an altitude of 1,320 metres above sea level.
Punta Spartivento
Punta Spartivento is the northernmost tip of Lake Como’s central promontory and is a popular tourist spot, mainly thanks to its beautiful park and lake viewpoint. Entry to the park is free.
Argegno – Pigra Cable Car
Near Argegno, you’ll find the Pigra cable car, which takes you to the mountaintop and offers stunning views of Lake Como. If you want to enjoy a panoramic view of the lake and Alpine scenery, a cable car ride is the perfect activity.
Lake Como Area: Map with Points of Interest
Save a map of the best places around Lago di Como directly to your phone. After purchasing, you’ll receive a link to a private Google Map, which you can save by clicking “Follow”. This will copy it to your Google account and display it on all devices where you use Google Maps.
Isola Comacina
The only island on Lake Como is the popular Isola Comacina. The island measures roughly 350 metres in length and 150 metres in width.
The island was settled as far back as Roman times; however, in the 12th century it was destroyed during a conflict between the cities of Como and Milan, and has remained an abandoned, tranquil spot ever since.
Today, Isola Comacina is a popular destination for tourists who want to explore its history, enjoy the peaceful setting and taste local culinary specialities. You can reach the island by boat.
Como – Brunate Cable Car
From the town of Como, you can ride the funicular up to the village of Brunate and enjoy beautiful views. The funicular runs every half hour from 6 am to 10:30 pm. A one-way ticket costs €3, and a return ticket is €5.
Hiking
Lake Como and its surroundings offer excellent hiking opportunities. You’ll find numerous trails leading through beautiful landscapes with stunning views. Among the most popular are the Sentiero del Viandante and the Greenway del Lago di Como.
Extreme Cycling
For cyclists, the area around the lake offers an appealing loop from Varenna through Esino Lario and Parlasco, where you can tackle 1,500 metres of elevation gain in roughly three hours of riding.
Water Sports: Windsurfing, Kitesurfing and Water Skiing
It’s probably no surprise that Lake Como is a centre for water sports. You can try your hand at windsurfing, kitesurfing or water skiing. Rental shops can be found in the various towns around the lake.
Winter Resorts
Lago di Como truly has it all. You can visit during the winter months too and hit the slopes at one of the local ski resorts:
- Pian di Bobbio,
- Monte Sighignola,
- Valchiavenna.
Fun Facts About Lake Como
Lago di Como is an absolutely stunning lake, and there are several interesting facts associated with it:
- The water in Lake Como is warm. Despite its glacial origins, in summer it can reach up to 24°C.
- Lago di Como is one of the deepest lakes in Europe (maximum depth of 410 m).
- The lake is teeming with fish.
- It sits at an altitude of 198 metres above sea level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What towns are around Lake Como?
Several picturesque towns are spread around the lake, including Como, Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio. All of these destinations offer beautiful historic landmarks, stunning views and excellent opportunities for relaxation.
How do I get to Lake Como?
The nearest international airport is Milan Malpensa Airport. From there, you can hire a car or use public transport such as trains or buses to reach the lake.
Can I stay right on Lake Como?
Yes, around the lake you’ll find a wide range of accommodation options, including luxury hotels, family-run guesthouses and apartments with beautiful lake views.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
