A shimmering jewel nestled at the foot of the Alps in northern Italy, Lake Como (Lago di Como) is one of the most iconic and breathtaking travel destinations in Europe. Famed for its dramatic mountain views, historic villas, charming lakeside towns, and celebrity appeal, Lake Como offers something for every traveler—from families and photographers to honeymooners and hikers.
🌍 Where is Lake Como?
- Region: Lombardy, Northern Italy
- Nearest cities: Milan (1 hr), Bergamo (1.5 hrs), Lugano, Switzerland (1 hr)
- Main towns: Como, Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, Tremezzo
✨ Why Visit Lake Como?
- Spectacular alpine lake scenery and luxury charm
- Boat tours, historic villas, botanical gardens
- Excellent cuisine, wine, and gelato
- Great base for day trips and hikes
- Ideal for romantic getaways, family vacations, or cultural escapes
🌿 Best Things to Do Around Lake Como
🌺 Visit Villa del Balbianello
- Must-see: Famous filming location (Star Wars, James Bond)
- Gardens: Manicured and terraced with lake views
- Tickets: ~€11 entry or join a guided tour
- How to get there: Water taxi or walk from Lenno
🌿 Explore Villa Carlotta
- Location: Tremezzo
- Highlights: Art museum, lush botanical gardens
- Tickets: ~€12
- Perfect for: Garden lovers and art fans
⛳ Stroll Around Bellagio
- Cobblestone streets and boutiques
- Walk up Salita Serbelloni for amazing lake views
- Visit Punta Spartivento: where the lake’s three arms meet
🚤 Take a Lake Como Boat Tour
- Public ferries and private boats available
- Stop at Varenna, Menaggio, Bellagio, and Tremezzo
- Scenic views from the water are unbeatable
⛺ Hike the Greenway del Lago di Como
- Easy trail (~10 km) from Colonno to Griante
- Passes through picturesque villages and vineyards
- Ideal for families and casual walkers
📸 Best Instagram Spots on Lake Como
- Villa del Balbianello Gardens
- Bellagio’s waterfront at golden hour
- Varenna’s colorful houses from the ferry dock
- Villa Carlotta’s botanical terraces
- Sunrise over the lake from Menaggio
☕ Where to Eat Around Lake Como
- La Punta (Bellagio): Lakeside dining and seafood
- Ristorante La Darsena (Tremezzo): Upscale with lake views
- Il Caminetto (Varenna): Family-run with local specialties
- Gelateria Riva (Bellagio): Must-try gelato
🏨 Where to Stay
- Luxury: Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Villa d’Este
- Boutique: Hotel Belvedere (Bellagio), Il Sereno (Torno)
- Budget: Hotel Du Lac (Varenna), local agriturismo stays
✈️ How to Get to Lake Como
- From Milan: Train to Como or Varenna (~1 hour)
- By car: Scenic but narrow lakeside roads
- Ferries: Connect major towns and make car-free travel easy
🚜 Getting Around Lake Como
- Walking: Great in Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio
- Ferries: Fastest and most scenic transport
- Bus/Train: Efficient for town-to-town trips
- Rent a Boat: Explore the lake at your own pace
📅 Best Time to Visit Lake Como
- Spring (April–June): Gardens in bloom, fewer tourists
- Summer (July–August): Warm weather, busy season
- Autumn (September–October): Colorful foliage, wine season
🎓 Great for Families
- Ferry rides and gelato stops
- Visit Villa Carlotta’s gardens and playground
- Day trip to Como’s Volta Science Museum or funicular to Brunate
🤝 Helpful Links
- Lake Como Tourism
- Villa Carlotta Official Site
- Villa del Balbianello Info
- Lake Como Ferries
- Trenord Train Schedule
❓ FAQ – Visiting Lake Como
1. Do I need a car in Lake Como?
No. Ferries and public transit are efficient, especially for the main towns.
2. How many days should I stay?
At least 3 days to explore the main towns and enjoy lake activities.
3. Can you swim in Lake Como?
Yes! Popular beaches are in Lierna, Bellagio, and Lenno.
4. Is Lake Como good for kids?
Absolutely! Family-friendly ferries, hikes, and parks abound.
5. What should I pack?
Comfortable shoes, swimwear, a camera, sun protection, and layers.