Lake Como is one of the most beautiful places you can visit in Northern Italy. The lake is famous for its elegant villas, colorful towns along the water, and its old-world charm. You’ll find historic gardens, scenic ferry rides, quiet cobblestone streets, and amazing mountain views everywhere you go. Each part of the lake has its own unique vibe. In this post, I’ll share my itinerary for Lake Como to help you plan your trip and make the most of your time there.
Planning a Lake Como itinerary can feel a bit overwhelming, so in this guide I’ll share which towns I think are worth visiting, the best places to see around Lake Como, and my favorite things to do in each town. I’ll also include some tips to make planning your trip easier. From the famous villas and beautiful ferry rides to some lesser-known spots that I think are just as special, this guide will help you plan the perfect Lake Como itinerary and make the most of your time here.
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Below are helpful resources to make your travel planning easier and stress-free:
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Unique Experiences to Book in Lake Como
- Private Wooden Boat Tour on Lake Como
- Speedboat Tour with Prosecco, Photo Stop at Historic Villas
- Wine Tasting Experience with Villa Melzi Gardens
- Bellagio: Lake Como Cruise & Balbianello Garden VIP Access
- Tremezzina: Villa Carlotta Museum and Garden Entry Ticket
- Villa Monastero in Varenna with aperitif
- Varenna: Villa Cipressi Gardens Entry Ticket on Lake Como
Where to Stay on Lake Como for All Budgets
How Many Days Do You Need in Lake Como?
Although many people visit Lake Como as a quick day trip from Milan, I recommend spending at least four or five days here if you really want to experience Lake Como area. This way, you will have enough time to visit the must-see towns, explore the famous villas, take a private boat tour, and just slow down and enjoy the vibe without rushing.
You could easily spend a full day in towns like Varenna or Bellagio alone. If you have extra time, that’s even better. There is so much more beyond the main sights, and having a few extra days lets you explore at your own pace and truly enjoy everything Lake Como has to offer.
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The Best Towns to Visit on Lake Como
Varenna
If it’s your first time visiting Lake Como, I highly recommend staying in Varenna. It was my favorite town, and I think one of the prettiest picturesque villages on the lake. It has a very relaxed atmosphere, beautiful waterfront, and easy access to the other towns.
Unlike Bellagio, Varenna has a train station, and you can reach it directly from Milan. I think this is the best option if you aren’t renting a car as it makes things a lot easier. The ferry terminal is just a short walk from the historic town of Varenna, and makes it super convenient to explore the rest of Lake Como area by public ferries. That is why Varenna is the perfect base for your trip.
While Varenna is a relatively small town, it has so much to offer. Between the colorful waterfront, charming old town, historic villas, and fantastic restaurants, you could easily spend a full day here without running out of things to do.
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What to do in Varenna?
Wander the Historic Center
My favorite thing to do in Varenna is to just wander around the old town. The narrow streets, colorful houses, and cozy cafés make the place feel really special. There are lots of little shops to explore too. If you want a treat, I recommend stopping at Bar II Molo for ice cream. It only costs 1.90 EUR, and it tastes amazing.
Walk the Walk of Lovers
The Walk of Lovers (Passeggiata degli Innamorati) is a beautiful lakeside promenade built right over the water. It connects the ferry port to the center of town and has amazing views. I think the best time to visit is at sunset, when the mountains turn purple and the light is magical.
Hike to Castello di Vezio
If you like hiking, you should walk up to Castello di Vezio. It takes about 30-45 minutes uphill from town, but the panoramic views over Lake Como from the top are absolutely worth it. Tickets are €7 and you can buy them at the entrance.
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Breakfast, Lunch, Aperitivo or Dinner at Bar Il Molo
Bar Il Molo was one of my favorite places in Varenna. The views from here are stunning, especially from the upper terrace that opens at noon. If you want a table with best views, make sure to arrive early. If you’re staying at Divina Vita Apartments, you can ask the hotel to reserve a front row table for you. It’s also the perfect place for aperitivo!
Have Dinner at Al Prato
For dinner, I really recommend Al Prato. In my opinion, it’s one of the best restaurants in Varenna. You need to book a table in advance during the summer months. The food here is fresh, full of flavor, and looks like a piece of art.
Visit Fiumelatte
If you have some extra time, I suggest taking a 20 minute walk to Fiumelatte. This is a quiet, small village famous for having one of the shortest rivers in Italy. The river only flows from March to September, so it’s a unique place to visit if you’re in the area.
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Bellagio
Bellagio is known as the Pearl of Lake Como, and after visiting, I totally agree with that nickname. The town is right where the lake splits into three branches. You’ll see lots of charming cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and many small shops and cafes with beautiful views of the water. Bellagio is one of the most popular towns on the lake, so it gets crowded during the day, especially in high season.
I recommend starting your visit with a walk along Salita Serbelloni, this is the most photographed street in Bellagio. This steep cobblestone lane is full of colorful buildings, restaurants, and shops. If you go early in the morning, you’ll have the street almost to yourself and can really enjoy it before it gets crowded.
Make sure to spend some time walking through the historic center. You can check out the local shops, grab lunch or a gelato, and just enjoy the lively vibe. This is the best area to slow down and really enjoy the beauty of Lake Como.
Don’t miss Punta Spartivento at the tip of the promontory. From here, you get amazing panoramic views of all three branches of Lake Como and the distant Alps. I think it’s one of the best viewpoints in the area.
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Tremezzo
Tremezzo is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful towns on the western shore of Lake Como. The town is famous for having elegant villas, a gorgeous waterfront, and amazing views across the lake to Bellagio. Unlike some of the more crowded towns, Tremezzo is quieter and more relaxed. I recommend spending a few hours here just wandering around and enjoying it.
Have Drinks or Lunch at Grand Hotel Tremezzo
Even if you’re not staying at Grand Hotel Tremezzo, you should definitely stop by for lunch, drinks, or an aperitivo. The terrace is right on the lake and has incredible views of Bellagio. Because of that, it’s one of the best places on Lake Como to relax and enjoy the scenery.
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Menaggio
Menaggio doesn’t get as much attention as Bellagio or Varenna, but I think it’s definitely worth adding it to your itinerary for Lake Como. It’s located on the western shore of the lake and has a gorgeous waterfront, a lively town center, and a much more relaxed vibe than the other busier towns.
Menaggio is part of Lake Como’s famous Golden Triangle, and is one of the main ferry hubs, so it can be a great base for exploring the area. You can easily hop on a ferry to Bellagio or Varenna, and the ride only takes about 15 minutes.
One of my favorite things to do in Menaggio is to walk along the lakeside promenade. The path has colorful flowers, cozy cafés, and lots of benches where you can sit and enjoy the lake views.
We also stopped by the Grand Hotel Victoria beach club to have a drink. It was the perfect place to relax and really appreciate the beauty of Lake Como.
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Lenno
Lenno is a small and picturesque village on the western shore of Lake Como and very close to Tremezzo. Most people come here for Villa del Balbianello, but I think Lenno itself is worth seeing.
It’s a quiet place where you can relax, walk the lakeside promenade, stop at one of the many cafés, and enjoy the calm vibe. I suggest stopping here for lunch or an aperitivo, especially before or after visiting Villa del Balbianello.
If you visit in summer, try Lido di Lenno. It’s a popular beach club where you can rent a sun chair, eat at the restaurant, and enjoy the nice lake view. You can spend a lazy afternoon here.
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The Best Villas to Visit on Lake Como
Visit Villa del Balbianello
Villa del Balbianello is one of the most iconic villas on Lake Como. Located in Lenno, this stunning 18th-century villa is famous for its terraced gardens, breathtaking lake views, and a filming location in movies like James Bond: Casino Royale and Star Wars.
If you’re planning to visit, make sure to book your tickets ahead of time, especially during the summer months.
- Getting There: You can either walk a 1 km trail from the ferry port or take a taxi boat from Lido di Lenno. Google says the walk at around 25 minutes, but it’s actually closer to 40 minutes as you’re walking uphill. I recommend taking the taxi boat for €10 one way to the villa. Arriving by water is the perfect way to see the best views of Villa Balbianello as you approach. After your visit, you can walk back down to Lenno and enjoy the scenery.
- Tickets: Must be booked in advance on the Villa Balbianello website. Garden ticket costs €15.
- Hours: The Villa is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and is closed on Mondays and Wednesdays.
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Visit Villa Monastero
Villa Monastero is a must-visit in Varenna. The gardens are right on the lake and have lots of flowers, statues, and beautiful walking paths.
It opens daily from 9:30 AM to 8 PM. Tickets are €13 for the gardens or €15 if you want to visit the museum too. However, I suggest arriving early in the morning, especially during peak season, before it gets crowded.
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Visit Giardini di Villa Melzi
Giardini di Villa Melzi is in Bellagio and, I think, it has some of the most beautiful gardens on Lake Como. The gardens are right on the waterfront. You can walk along tree-lined paths, see sculptures, and enjoy colorful flowers with peaceful lake views.
Make sure to stop by the beautiful white chapel, one of the most photographed places in the gardens. The villa is privately owned, and you can’t go inside, but the gardens alone are worth visiting.
Tickets cost €10 per person and you can easily buy them at the entrance, so you don’t have to worry about booking ahead. I suggest getting there a few minutes before the gardens open at 10:00 AM. This way, you can enjoy it before it gets busy.
Explore Villa Cipressi
Villa Cipressi is a historic hotel with beautiful terraced botanical gardens and stunning lake views. It’s right next door to Villa Monastero so you can easily visit both. The gardens at Villa Cipressi are famous for their ‘gates to heaven’ and are open to everyone with a ticket, so you don’t have to be a hotel guest to visit.
If you’re staying at Hotel Royal Victoria, you get free entry to Villa Cipressi. We actually got to visit before the gardens opened to the public and had the place almost to ourselves.
Regular admission is €13, and you’ll only need about 45 minutes to see everything. If you’re a guest at Villa Cipressi, you can visit the gardens anytime for free.
Visit Villa Carlotta
Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo was one of the biggest surprises of my trip to Lake Como. I honestly didn’t expect to love it so much, but it quickly became one of my favorite places in the area. The villa dates back to the 17th century and has gorgeous historic rooms filled with sculptures and paintings.
The gardens are huge! With over 17 acres, fountains, walking paths, and some of the best lake views you can find. We visited on a summer afternoon, right in the middle of peak season, and I was amazed by how quiet it was. If you’re looking for a beautiful and peaceful place to explore, Villa Carlotta is definitely worth a visit.
The villa is open daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (last admission is at 6:00 PM). Tickets are €17.50 for adults. We booked our tickets online in advance, but it really wasn’t necessary to book ahead of time.
Travel Tips/Things to Know Before Visiting Lake Como
What Is the Best Time to Visit Lake Como?
The best time to visit Lake Como depends on the type of trip you want. For warm weather, swimming, and frequent boat service, summer is the most reliable season. For fewer crowds and comfortable sightseeing weather, late spring and early fall are usually the best choices.
Spring (March to May)
Spring weather around Lake Como can be unpredictable. March is still chilly, and April weather can be unpredictable. Some hotels, villas, restaurants, and seasonal ferry routes only begin reopening at the end of March or around Easter. By May, the weather is usually warmer, the gardens are in bloom, and more services are running. If you want spring flowers without relying on summer weather, late April through May is the best choice.
Summer (June to August)
Summer brings the warmest weather and the longest days. It is the best season for swimming, boat tours, waterfront dining, and visiting the lake’s smaller towns. However, it is also peak season and gets very crowded, especially in July and August, so ferries, villas, and popular restaurants can get very crowded. Book your hotels and major attractions well in advance.
Fall (September to November)
September is one of the best months to visit Lake Como. The weather is usually warm, but the crowds begin to thin out after the busy summer. October can also be beautiful, although temperatures cool and rain becomes more likely. By November, ferry schedules are reduced, and many seasonal hotels, restaurants, and villas begin to close.
Winter (December to February)
Winter is the quietest time to visit Lake Como. The weather is cold, ferry service is limited, and many villas, hotels, and restaurants close for the season. Larger towns like the town of Como are still active, but smaller lake towns can feel very quiet. Because of that, winter is not the best time for a first visit if you want the full Lago di Como experience.
How to Get to Lake Como
From Milan Airport
We landed in Milan and went straight to Varenna using public transportation. For example, I booked our tickets using the Trenitalia app right after we passed through customs; it was really easy. Depending on which airport you arrive at, you’ll first take a train into Milan and then transfer to a train heading to Varenna. The ride is straightforward, and Varenna is one of the easiest towns on Lake Como to reach by train.
Where Should You Stay on Lake Como?
If it’s your first time visiting Lake Como, I think Varenna is the best home base. It’s one of the few towns you can reach directly by train from Milan, making it incredibly easy to get to without renting a car.
If you stay in Bellagio, Menaggio, Tremezzo, or another town, you’ll first take the train to Varenna and then catch a ferry to your hotel. It’s definitely doable, but if you’re traveling with luggage, the train-to-ferry transfer can be a bit of a schlep.
Another reason I loved staying in Varenna is how easy it was to explore the lake. The ferry terminal is just a short walk from the train station, and ferries to Bellagio, Menaggio, Tremezzo, and Lenno run frequently throughout the day. We never felt like we needed a car.
How to Get Around Lake Como?
The easiest and most scenic way to get around Lake Como area is by ferry. The ferries connect all of the main towns, including Varenna, Bellagio, Menaggio, Tremezzo, and Lenno, and the ride itself is part of the experience.
One of the reasons I loved staying in Varenna was how easy it made getting around Lake Como. Ferries run frequently throughout the day, and we never felt like we needed a car.
A one-way ferry ticket costs €5.50, or you can purchase a mid-lake unlimited day pass for €17.50 if you plan to visit multiple towns in one day. We bought our ferry passes the afternoon before, so we didn’t have to wait in line the next morning. I highly recommend doing the same during the busy summer months.
Should You Book Villas and Restaurants in Advance?
If you’re visiting Lake Como during the summer, I absolutely recommend booking popular attractions and restaurants in advance. Villa del Balbianello is the one attraction I would prioritize. Tickets are required, daily visitor numbers are limited, and July and August sell out very quickly. Do not wait until the last minute to book.
For restaurants, I also suggest making reservations for any place that’s on your must-visit list, especially if you want a table with a view. We loved Al Prato in Varenna, and it was completely full when we visited.
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Growing up between Europe and New York, I was always drawn to new places and how they made me feel. After visiting over 25 countries, that love has only grown. I enjoy finding great places to visit, stay, and eat—and I’m someone who really loves planning and staying organized. Through this blog and on Instagram, I share my travel tips, personal experiences, and ready-to-go itineraries to help you plan memorable trips.