Lake Como is a deep, Y-shaped lake surrounded by mountains, with elegant villages and historic villas. Stay two to three nights to explore by ferry rather than rushing a day trip.
- Best time
- April–October
- Ideal stay
- 2–3 days
- Getting there
- Train from Milan to Como or Varenna; airports at Milan and Bergamo
- Getting around
- Ferries, hydrofoils and local buses
Top things to do in Lake Como
Como town and Brunate
Old town, cathedral and a funicular to mountain views.
Bellagio
The “pearl of the lake”, with steep lanes and lakeside cafés.
Varenna
A pretty village by train and ferry, with Villa Monastero.
Villa del Balbianello
Famous gardens on a wooded promontory at Lenno.
Menaggio and Villa Carlotta
Lake views, gardens and hiking trails.
Greenway del Lago
A walking path linking villages on the west shore.
Sample itinerary
- Day 1: Como town, the Brunate funicular and a lakeside dinner.
- Day 2: Ferry between Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio.
- Day 3: Villa visits, a short hike or a boat trip.
Where to stay
Como town
Transport hub with many hotels.
Bellagio
The most scenic, and busy by day.
Varenna
Quiet, with a train station.
Menaggio
Good base for hiking and ferries.
What to eat
Missoltino (dried lake fish), perch risotto, polenta and fresh lake fish.
Practical tips
- Use ferries, not a car, on the narrow lake roads.
- Visit midweek and outside peak summer for calmer villages.
- Book villa visits and boat tours in advance.
- Stay on the lake instead of only doing a day trip.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best base on Lake Como?
Varenna and Bellagio are popular for atmosphere; Como town is easiest for transport.
How do I get from Milan to Lake Como?
Take a train to Como or Varenna; the journey takes roughly an hour.
Do I need a car at Lake Como?
No. Ferries, buses and trains cover most routes.
Plan your Lake Como trip
Build a day-by-day Italy route, then see it on the interactive map.
Open the trip builder See the map
