Table of Contents
- 1 Useful Information for Visiting Lake Como
- 2 How to Get to Lake Como
- 3 Getting Around Lake Como
- 4 Lake Como Day Trips
- 5 Where to Stay in Lake Como
- 6 Lake Como Intinerary at a Glance
- 7 Day 1: Lake Como Itinerary
- 8 Day 2: Lake Como Itinerary
- 9 Day 3 : Lake Como Itinerary
- 10 Other Things to do in Lake Como
- 11 Conclusion
- 12 Pin it for Later
Last updated on April 7th, 2023
Como was our last destination for our Italy trip. We spent three days in Lake Como, which has become one of our favorite places. So much, in fact, that we’ve been back again! Varenna was the town we decided to stay near for the duration of our first visit.
After the hustle and bustle of Rome and Florence, we wanted to spend our last few days in Italy relaxing. So we stayed at a cozy little Airbnb just on the outskirts of the town.
This Lake Como itinerary includes the best places to stay in Lake Como, tips on getting around the lake, top things to do, details on taking a day trip from Milan, and alternative sites to see.
If you are looking for additional tips on where to stay in Lake Como or things to do, make sure to check out my other guides!
Useful Information for Visiting Lake Como
How Many Days in Lake Como?
You can see the area in one day with a day trip from Milan, but I recommend that you spend at least three days in Lake Como.
It does take some planning to get to Lake Como, and once there, you will have to take the ferry or drive from one town to the next.
Traveling takes up a portion of your day, so three days is a reasonable amount of time to visit. There are so many picturesque towns to explore and hidden gems around the lake that anything less will not be enough.
Also, an important thing to consider is giving yourself enough time to relax. People come to this part of Italy mainly to enjoy Lake Como’s sheer beauty, leisurely explore the small towns, and relax on the water.
No matter what you decide, Lake Como is one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy and should be part of anyone’s itinerary.
Best Time to Visit Lake Como, Italy
Lake Como is a popular tourist attraction year-round; however, most people visit between March and November.
During the winter months, it gets extremely cold here, and many places have limited hours of operation or are closed entirely.
March to May and October to November are the shoulder months. Due to its location, the region is chilly during these months. As a result, accommodation will be much more affordable. Most attractions will be open during that time, but ferries may not run as often.
The peak season is from June to early September, and when most people prefer to visit. Even during these summer months, temperatures stay around the mid-70s to lower 80s.
Since Lake Como is a glacier lake, the water temperature does remain on the colder side but is very refreshing.
Peak season is when you will find the highest rates and largest crowds. We did not care because the weather here is so spectacular during this time of year.
Tips for Exploring Lake Como
Make sure that you plan your Lake Como itinerary well in advance. Since all the towns are spread out, and many involve ferries, deciding what towns you want to visit each day is essential. You also want to book your accommodation months before your trip as they book quickly.
If you decide not to stay in a town, but rather on the outskirts, renting a car is a good idea. Unfortunately, the towns are too spread apart to walk to, and taxis and bus schedules in the area can be tricky. Therefore, renting a car is 100% a must if you do not choose to stay in a town.
Also, booking tickets to attractions before your trip is a good idea, especially if you plan on renting a boat or going on a private tour. Most villas have a limited number of people at a time so booking entrance tickets in advance will help!
How to Get to Lake Como
Getting to Lake Como takes a little work, but you will be glad you made an effort once you get there.
The most popular way to get to the lake is by taking the train from Milan. A one-way ticket costs between €5-8 per person. Make sure to keep your ticket, they will usually come along and check it.
There are several ways to go from the Milano Centrale Station, depending on where you are staying. A direct train to the southern part of the lake takes around 40 minutes, with trains running hourly.
Milan to Lake Como
How do you get to Lake Como from Milan Malpensa Airport?
If you are flying into Milan, getting to Como is trickier and involves an additional train ride. First, you will fly to Milan Malpensa Airport. From there, you have two options:
- Option #1: Take the Malpensa Express to Milan Centrale Station. Then, based on where your final destination is, jump on another train (see below)
- Option #2: Take the Malpensa Express to Saronno Station. Then, hop on a second train to Como San Giovanni Station. From there, hop on a ferry to your destination. The second option is a little quicker.
How do you get to Lake Como from Milan Centrale Station?
- From Milan to Como: Take the train to Como San Giovanni Station.
- From Milan to Varenna: Take the train to the Varenna-Esino Station.
- From Milan to Bellagio: Take the train to the Varenna-Esino Station. From there, you can either try and find a taxi to take you to Bellagio or hop on the ferry.
- From Milan to Tramezzo or Mennagio: Take the train to Como San Diovanni Station. The station is a short walk to the ferry port. The ferry will then take you to either town in about 35 minutes. Ferries come every hour during peak season.
Find Train Schedules and Fairs
Rent a Car
You can also drive your car to Lake Como. Rental cars are a great option if you plan to journey around the lake and visit nearby destinations. It takes a little over an hour from Milan to get to Lake Como by car if you stay in the central portion.
Car rentals make getting around the lake much more accessible, and after visiting Lake Como twice, I think they are the most flexible option. Just know that if you plan to visit towns across the lake, you will have to rely on a ferry. The nice thing is that there are ferries that will transport your car across the lake for only a few extra euros.
Take the Bus
You can also take a bus to Lake Como from Milan. Traveling by bus is the cheapest option at just €5 per person, but it will take much longer. However, it does take the guesswork out of traveling. I recommend taking the bus to the S. Giovanni Station in Como and then jumping on the ferry the rest of the way.
Getting Around Lake Como
After visiting Lake Como twice, I can confidently say that ferries and rental cars are the best ways to get around the lake. However, relying on taxis and buses can be frustrating, especially during the summer months, and can eat away at your time there. Therefore, here are all the different options for getting around Lake Como.
Rent a Car
Having a rental car makes it very easy to move from town to town, especially if you plan on visiting more remote sites.
The best thing about renting a car is that you can transport it easily on ferries. Ferry tickets are between 5 and 10 to get in between the main towns and are only a few dollars more if you need to bring your car with you.
The downside is that you will have to take the slow ferry, but if you are traveling between Varenna, Bellagio, Tremezzo, or Mennagio, the trip is still around 15-20 minutes.
Ferry or Hydrofoil Boat
The ferry connects to the towns of Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, and Cadenabbia. It takes about 15 minutes to travel by ferry, and it is an excellent choice if you have a car you need to bring from one village to the other.
Hydrofoil boats are another way to get around the lake. The Hydrofoil boats do not service the southwest part of the lake but take you to all the other villages such as Como, Tremezzo, Bellagio, and Varenna.
Ferries are cheap, easy to navigate, run frequently, and offer beautiful views of the water and mountains during travel. You can purchase tickets at kiosks located in front of the docks.
Once in the villages, it is easy to walk around on foot. There are, however, many options for getting around.
Schedules are a little tricky and change depending on the season and where you are traveling. For updated schedules and routes, check out this website.
Take the Bus
Buses are another option for getting around the area. They do not, however, have the same picturesque views as taking water transportation. The ASF Autolinee service will take you around the city of Como. The bus companies Linee Lecco and Arriva service the town of Lecco and will take you to destinations on the eastern branch of the lake, such as Bellagio.
Get a Taxi
Taxis are an excellent option for getting from the train station to your hotel. Besides that, I would not recommend using a taxi unless your hotel books one for you. From our experience, they are not very reliable and pretty pricey.
Lake Como Day Trips
Don’t have enough time to stay three days in Lake Como? That is okay! You can visit the area as part of a day trip from Milan. Here are some tips on what to do in Lake Como for a day.
- Think about renting a car. You’ll be able to get from one place to the next much faster and stay as late as you’d like.
- Focus on only one or two towns to explore. I would recommend Bellagio and Varenna for your first time.
- Make sure to research opening hours for attractions you want to see ahead of time.
- Join a half-day or full-day tour group.
Lake Como Tours from Milan
Where to Stay in Lake Como
There are many quaint towns spread around Lake Como, and numerous hotel and vacation rentals available. So many people, however, choose to stay in the middle section of the lake.
Bellagio is one of the more convenient places to stay. There are several hotel accommodations here, a large casino, and most of the nightlife. The downside of Bellagio is that it is busier than the other Lake Como Towns.
Other popular places to stay near Bellagio are Varenna, Menaggio, and Tremezzo. Lecco and Como are also popular options.
I’ve personally visited each of these towns and stayed in two of them. Out of all the towns, Varenna remains my favorite place to stay. It is less busy than Bellagio, but the location makes it easy to get to other towns.
Here are just a few great places to stay in the central section of the lake.
Hotel Royal Victoria
The 19th-century building is one of the most luxurious accommodations in Varenna. The hotel has a pool, wellness center, room service, and picturesque lake views.
Luxury Hotel: Check Rates | Location: Varenna
Hotel Il Perlo Panorama
Hotel Il Perlo Panorama has private gardens and a terrace for guests to enjoy. Make sure to take advantage of their restaurant, which offers outdoor seating with a spectacular view. After 5:00 pm, a wine expert will also be available for wine tastings!
Mid-Range Hotel: Check Rates | Location: Bellagio
Lake Como Intinerary at a Glance
I’ve included a short overview of how to spend three days in Lake Como. Your itinerary may change slightly based on what town you choose to stay in.
Varenna is my favorite town in Lake Como and the place we decided to stay on our first visit. For us, we came to Lake Como to relax and therefore made sure not to jampack our itinerary.
This three day Lake Como itinerary leaves plenty of space for relaxation and additional exploration. If you are interested in other Lake Como attractions or have the chance to stay longer, make sure to check out the end of this post for additional things to do in Lake Como.
Day 1 – Lake Como Itinerary
- Varenna: Explore the town, visit the Church of San Giorgio and Villa del Monastero, and grab lunch on the Riva Grande.
- Bellagio: Explore the town, explore the Villa Melzi Gardens, visit Villa Basilica di San Giacomo, and grab dinner.
Day 2 – Lake Como Itinerary
- Lenno: Tour the Villa del Balbianello
- Tremezzo: Visit Villa Carlotta
- Menaggio: Visit the Church of Santa Marta, explore the piazza, and walk around the promenade.
Day 3 – Lake Como Itinerary
- Varenna: Castello di Vezio, rent a boat for the afternoon, relax on the beach
Scroll down to the end of this post for other things to do in Lake Como.
Day 1: Lake Como Itinerary
Town of Varenna
Spend the first half of your day exploring the town of Varenna. I highly recommend you stay here for the duration of your stay. If you decide to stay elsewhere, Varenna is just a 15-minute ferry ride from Bellagio, Menaggio, or Tremezzo.
Varenna is still relatively large but much less touristy than Bellagio and more picturesque. You could honestly spend your entire three days here if you wanted to! For your afternoon in Varenna, there are many things to do.
Stroll Along the Waterfront
Start your day with a stroll along the water. The waterfront path is known as “The Walk of Lovers” and takes you along the water’s edge from the ferry port to Riva Grande.
Explore the Center of the Town
From there, make your way through one of the narrow pedestrian streets to the central part of Varenna. There are so many charming shops and restaurants here.
In the center of the town, in a large square, you will see the 14th-century Church of San Giorgio. If you have time, stop in and have a look around!
Visit Vila Monastero
The last stop before lunch is the Villa Monastero. The villa is open to the public as a museum and is located just outside of Varenna. The most charming part of the villa is its gardens.
Villa Monastero is open daily from 9:30 am – 7:30 pm during the summer months. In the off-season, the times are a bit shorter.
Entrance tickets for the gardens alone are €8, but you can also visit the museum for a couple of extra euros.
Grab Lunch Near the Water
The lakefront section of Varenna is known as the Riva Grande. It is full of many cozy restaurants sitting on the water.
This part of Varenna is one of the most photographed sections! We have eaten at several of these restaurants in our two visits to Lake Como, and our favorites are Varenna Caffè Bistrot and Al Prato Restaurant. Their variety of spritzes are refreshing, and you are just steps from the water.
There are a handful of other restaurants near the water as well. These are more touristy than the tucked-away restaurants in the city center but offer decent dishes and quick seating.
Town of Bellagio
Spend the second day exploring the town of Bellagio. It is one of the livelier towns in Lake Como with lots to do.
The ferry from Varenna to Bellagio is about 15 minutes and comes frequently. You can buy ferry tickets at the port and find a seat by the water while you wait.
If you can, purchase the fast-ferry tickets. These ferries are much faster and will get you there quickly.
Explore Bellagio
One of the best things to do in the town is to get lost. Like Varenna, Bellagio is full of narrow alleyways, colorful buildings, and interesting shops.
However, one of the best parts of Bellagio is the little art galleries that display the work of local artists. Bellagio also has a waterfront promenade with colorful flowers and plenty of seating.
Villa Melzi Gardens
Once you have spent some time exploring Bellagio, head over to the Villa Melzi. The villa is not open to the public, but you can explore the gardens for just €8.
The gardens were designed in the early 1800s by the vice-president of the Napoleonic Italian Republic, Melzi d’Eril. He commissioned the design of the lavish gardens that you can visit today.
Visit the Basilica di San Giacomo.
One of the most well-known churches in Lake Como is the 12-century Basilica di San Giacomo. The church sits on the Piazza del Chiesa in Bellagio and is open daily. Best of all, it is free to enter. Donations are appreciated, though!
The interior of the Basilica di San Giacomo is quite impressive. With walls of exposed brick, precious paintings, and intricate stonework, it is one of the most remarkable churches in Lake Como.
Grab dinner in Bellagio.
Before returning to Varenna, have a romantic meal in one of Bellagio’s many restaurants. We had dinner at Ristorante Bilacus, a highly recommended place to eat. Other popular restaurants include Trattoria San Giacomo and La Terrazza.
Day 2: Lake Como Itinerary
Villa del Balbianello
Start your day will a tour of Villa del Balbianello. Undoubtedly the most beautiful and well-known villa in Lake Como is the Villa del Balbianello. The 19th-century villa sits on a long peninsula high above the water, near the town of Lecco.
Many people know the estate from Casino Royale and Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, but there is much more to learn. Villa del Balbianello is one of the most fascinating homes on the lake. For detailed information about visiting the property, check out this post!
There are a few ways to get to Villa del Balbinello, but it can be tricky depending on where you are coming from.
The easiest way is to take the ferry to Lenno, then walk the 30-minutes to the entrance.
If you have a car, there is a small parking lot at the base of the property where you can park for free.
A third option is to take a water taxi from Lenno straight to the villa. This is the most scenic of the three options.
The garden entrance is just €11, but at €22, you can join a guided tour inside the five-story villa. The first opening is at 10 am, and you can tour the villa as late as 5 pm. Villa del Balbianello is closed on Mondays and Wednesdays
READ MORE: Visit Villa del Balbianello – Lake Como’s Most Beautiful Villa
Villa Carlotta
After spending some time at Villa del Balbianello, head over to Villa Carlotta, this villa is located in Tremezzo, on the other side of Lecco.
It is a little too far to walk, but there are local buses that can take you there. You can also call a taxi, however from our experience they were hard to come by.
The best way to get to Tremezzo if you do not have a car is to take the ferry. From Villa del Balbianello, walk down to the ferry port in Lenno and hop on the ferry to Tremezzo. From there, it is a quick walk to Carlotta.
Villa Carlotta is no longer a residence but instead a museum. It was built in the 1600s and later became home to Giovanni Battista Sommariva in the 1800s. The gardens were designed during Sammariva’s ownership of the property. As a result, the museum has an impressive collection of sculptures, tapestries, and art in Lake Como.
For €12, you can explore both the interior and gardens. Between March and November, the villa is open from 10 am to 7 pm, with the last entrance at 6 pm.
Mennagio
The next destination on the itinerary is the town of Menaggio. It is located next to Tramezzo and makes up the “triangle” of towns in the center of the lake. Again, the easiest way to get to Menaggio is by ferry, but bus routes will take you there.
We stayed in Menaggio the second time we visited Lake Como and fell in love with the picturesque square of restaurants, the Piazza Garibaldi. It is smaller than both Varenna and Bellagio but is such a delightful town to explore.
Grab Lunch at Il Ristorante Di Paolo
Il Ristorante Di Paolo is the most popular restaurant in Menaggio and one I recommend for lunch. It is closed on Tuesdays but is open every other day of the week.
Their lunch hours are from 12:00 – 2:00 pm each day. So if you can make it there on time, I highly recommend eating here. Also, make a reservation, since they are extremely popular.
Relax in the Piazza Garibaldi
After lunch, take a walk through the Piazza Garibaldi. The piazza is the center of town and where you will find many restaurants and hotels, and there are plenty of places to sit and people watch.
If you saved room, there is a delightful gelato shop in the center of the Piazza called Gelateria Edo.
Step into the Church of Santa Marta
Just off the piazza, down a charming street lined with restaurants, sits the Church of Santa Marta. The church is very old but has gone through some renovation.
If you step inside, you can see artifacts from the original structure. Look around before hopping on the ferry back to Varenna to wash up and get ready for dinner.
Walk Along the Promenade
Relax in the square or on one of the benches along the promenade before heading back to Varenna. One of our favorite things to do each morning when we stayed in Menaggio was to take a walk along the promenade.
The path is lined with bright pink flowers and shady trees, with views of Varenna. Just be sure to leave by 6 pm! That is when the last ferry from Menaggio leaves for Varenna.
Dinner at Il Cavatappi
For dinner, we went to Il Cavatappi in Varenna. It was probably one of my favorite restaurants on our entire trip.
The owner was very hospitable and involved in the running of everything. He made sure that each guest had the best experience possible.
The restaurant itself had maybe ten tables at most, and you had to make a reservation to get in.
The owner had to turn down a good dozen people just when we were there because the restaurant was booked for the night.
We luckily got the table in front of the kitchen. It is a tiny kitchen with a glass window, so you can peer inside and watch the chef at work.
Watching how meticulous he was with each dish made us appreciate the meal even more.
Day 3 : Lake Como Itinerary
Hike to Castello di Vezio
Start your day with a hike up to 11th-century Castello di Vezio. The walk itself is around 1 mile and takes about 30 minutes. The castle is open daily between March and November from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm.
There are also plenty of viewpoints where you can rest along the way. When you get to the top, grab a coffee at the castle’s café where you can sit and enjoy the panoramic views of the water and town below.
Castello di Vezio is around 1000 years old and has some of the best views of Lake Como and the mountain ranges. While there, don’t forget to look for the ghost statues surrounding the castle!
Rent a Boat
Next, take some time to enjoy the sights on your last day in Lake Como. After your morning hike, pack a lunch (many hotels have lunch baskets you can order) and rent a boat from Varenna Boat Rentals for the afternoon.
Boat rentals here are by the hour, but you can also rent for the day. We decided that four hours would be a reasonable time to see most of the lake.
You will have enough time to take your boat all the way down to Como and back. Enjoying the weather and driving by the spectacular villas along the water is extremely relaxing. You can even pay a visit to George on the way.
The water in Como is crystal clear and very clean, making for an enjoyable swim. There are a decent amount of boats in the water during the summer months, but it is still very calm.
I highly recommend renting a boat. It is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Lake Como.
Relax on the Beach
After your boat ride, head to Varenna’s local beach for the rest of the day. Their public beach in Varenna, Lido di Varenna, has beach chairs to rent. They also have a beachside bar that serves an assortment of drinks.
There are a few other beaches around the area that are less crowded and much smaller. In addition, many hotels on the water also have local beach access for guests.
TRAVEL TIP: Most of the beaches here are pebble beaches, so I recommend buying some swimming shoes to protect your feet.
Other Things to do in Lake Como
Town of Como
We spent a short time in Como waiting for our ferry to arrive. Como is a large city, very different from the other towns in Lake Como. Many people, like us, come to Como to escape the larger cities and therefore do not spend their time there.
The town of Como has lots to offer, however, and is a great alternative! Also, if you stay in Como longer than three days, you could easily add this destination to your itinerary.
One popular thing to do in Como visits the extravagant Catherdal of Como. Construction of the cathedral started in 1396 and took over 400 years. It is known for its Gothic-style architecture and detailed mosaics. Best of all, it is free to visit.
Other popular things to do in Come are stroll through the Broletto (the old town hall), explore the Piazza del Duomo, and visit the Volta Lighthouse.
Ride the Funicular
For some of the best views of Lake Como, take a ride on the Como-Brunate Funicular for around €3. The short ride will take you up the mountain to the small mountain top town of Brunate.
Over 2,00 feet in elevation, you can see the Alps in the distance. From Brunate, it is just a short walk to the Volta Lighthouse.
Orrido di Bellano
Orrido di Bellano is a deep gorge dating back over 15 million years. You can explore Bellano through a series of suspension bridges that take you down through the narrow gap in the stone.
Tickets for the canyon are only €5 per person, and it is open daily from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. The canyon is a 5-minute drive from Varenna, but you can also take the train.
Other Sites Near Bellagio
Bellagio has several other places you can explore besides the Villa Melzi Gardens. Another impressive villa is the Villa Serbelloni. The villa is now a luxury hotel, but like the Villa, Melzi has acres of lushes gardens to explore.
Conclusion
Overall, I could have spent many more days there and was sad to leave. Lake Como is truly one of the most picturesque places I have ever been and somewhere that I will continue to visit. Lake Como is the perfect place if you are looking for a relaxing getaway or want a laid-back end to your European trip.
Enjoyed this post? Here are some other Italian destinations!
Lake Como
- Ultimate Travel Guide to Lake Como, Italy
- Top 12 Best Things to do in Lake Como
- Visit Villa del Balbianello – Lake Como’s Most Beautiful Villa
Rome
- Visit Rome on a Budget: Tips and Free Attractions
- Travel Guide – How to Spend Three Days in Rome
- Florence vs. Rome – A Detailed City Comparison
Florence
- Visit Florence Italy: Best Places to See, Stay, and Eat
- Travel Guide: How to Spend 3 Days in Florence
- The 10 Best Day Trips from Florence
Tuscany
- Palio of Siena: Guide to the City’s Historic Race
- Visit the Beautiful Medieval City of Siena, Italy
- Amazing Things to do in Montepulciano, Italy
Other Italian Destinations
Travel Planning Resources
BOOK YOUR FLIGHT
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BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION
Booking.com is one of the best sites to book hotels and vacation rentals. They offer some of the cheapest rates and different payment options.
SCHEDULE YOUR TOURS
Get Your Guide is one of the top sites for tours, excursions, and activities. Viator is another terrific website for all types of experiences.
GET YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
World Nomads is one of the top travel insurance companies. It will cover you if you must cancel your trip or if something unexpected happens.
Check out the resource page for additional travel planning resources.
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