Overview
Lake Como, one of Italy’s largest lakes, boasts a distinctive upside-down ‘Y’ shape and a sprawling 160km (99 miles) shoreline adorned with countless charming towns. With such a wealth of options, planning your visit to Lake Como isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. If you are planning a trip to Lake Como and feel a bit lost on where to begin. Look no further, this travel guide based on my own experience will answer your questions like which town should you stay? What are the most beautiful attractions to visit? How to get around there? When is the best time to visit? Is it stroller friendly? Get ready to make the most out of your Lake Como experience with this ultimate guide.
Our story to Lake Como
Lake Como was a last-minute decision for us. Originally, we had planned to visit Croatia on King’s Day long weekend. However, because we didn’t book our flights soon enough, it became too expensive. When we explored Google Maps, we found that tickets to Milan were reasonably priced, and it’s only about a one-hour and a half flight from Amsterdam. So, just a week before the holiday, we decided to go to Milan and Como instead. This choice turned out to be a good decision. The weather was fantastic, and it wasn’t too crowded. We had a great time!
When is the best season
As one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, Lake Como unsurprisingly garners considerable popularity. The peak season runs from March to October when all the businesses are open. However, the summer months from July to early September can get incredibly crowded. In my experience, the best time to visit is late April and early May. During this period, the flowers are in full bloom, the weather is warm but not scorching, making it ideal for daytime dress-wearing with a light jacket for mornings and evenings. Moreover, the crowds are thinner, making everything from dining to villa visits more manageable.
Where to stay
Along the picturesque shoreline, you’ll find numerous towns and villages offering accommodations. Some prominent towns include Como, Varenna, Menaggio, Tremezzo, Lenno, Lecco, and Bellagio. If you’re new to Lake Como and wish to explore multiple towns, I recommend staying in the middle of the lake. Both Bellagio and Varenna make excellent choices. They offer frequent ferry services to other major towns, with short travel times ranging from 10 to 30 minutes. While Bellagio is centrally located and the most famous, my personal preference was Varenna. Its charming alleyways, beautiful sunsets, and the cliff adorned with Wisteria vines captured our hearts immediately.
How to get there
For travelers using trains, there are direct routes from Milan’s central station to Varenna or Como. If you opt for the train, you can reach Varenna or Como directly from Milan and then use the ferry to explore other towns. However, for those flying into Milan, you have two options. You can either take a train to Como and then a ferry to other towns or take a train to Milan Central first, then transfer to a train bound for Varenna before ferrying to other destinations.
Tips: If you’re flying into Milan airport, consider taking the train to Milan Central first, and then proceed to Varenna. This route is quicker and less stressful. Fast ferries from Como to other towns are limited and often sell out in the morning. You can’t reserve fast ferry tickets online. Slow ferries are available but can take up to 3 hours from Como to Varenna, as we experienced. If you have time to spare and enjoy leisurely boat rides, it’s a pleasant choice. Booking ferry tickets online is advisable due to high demand. Even during the non-peak season on weekdays, there were long lines at the ticket office, and we nearly missed the last ferry.
Top attractions
The list below is ranked based on my personal experience, hopefully providing you with valuable insights for your Lake Como trip, especially if it’s your first visit:
Located on the tip of the promontory of Lavedo, this villa offers breathtaking views of Isola Comacina and the western shore of Lake Como. Among the three villas we visited, I found it the most impressive and picturesque. Thanks to its stunning location, terraced gardens, and cinematic history (featured in James Bond’s ‘Casino Royale’ and ‘Star Wars: Attack of the Clones’), Villa del Balbianello is a must-see. During peak season, consider booking tickets online in advance, especially for guided tours.
The villa is about 20-30 mins walking from where you get off the ferry. And it will take about 2-3 hours to visit. And if you don’t want to walk, you can also get to the villa by boat. From Lenno waterfront, you can take a water taxi that takes less than 10 mins to get to the villa. We recommend at least taking a boat one way, because the nicest way to truly appreciate the entire structure and unique location is on water.Â
Situated along the East/West shore of the lake, this villa is easily accessible on foot from Bellagio ferry point. The villa’s gardens showcase the beauty of English-style landscaping. From plane tree-lined lakeside avenues to vibrant rhododendrons and azaleas, Villa Melzi D’Eril offers an enchanting experience.
It’s about 15 -20 mins walk from the Bellagio ferry point. And it will take about 1-2 hours to visit.
Varenna town
Located on the middle of the eastern shore of the lake, Varenna boasts a stunning location with wisteria-draped cliffs, lakefront promenades, and charming buildings. The town offers a delightful playground by the ferry, providing young kids with a picturesque backdrop. Explore Varenna’s steep alleyways, indulge in gelato at the waterfront, and savor breathtaking sunsets. If you enjoy hiking, make your way to the hilltop castle, Castello di Vezio, for panoramic views.
Villa Monastero is situated in the town of Varenna, and its botanical garden extends for almost two kilometers along the lakefront from Varenna to Fiumelatte. Along the 2km lakefront walkway, you’ll encounter numerous rare and exotic botanical species. The pathways are adorned with bas-reliefs and statues, offering some of the finest views across the lake, creating an unforgettable experience. As you venture deeper into the garden, the vistas become even more breathtaking. During our visit, the interior was undergoing construction, but typically, you can purchase tickets to explore inside as well.
You can easily walk to the villa from Varenna town and it takes about 2-3 hours to visit everything.
Built in the 11th century, Castello di Vezio is on top of Varenna. It overlooks the entire center of Lake Como. Besides the amazing view, it’s also fun to climb up to the top of the square tower. The castle is also home to a falconer. When we were there, we saw a European eagle owl with beautiful orange eyes.
The trailhead to Castello di Vezio may be a bit elusive, but you’ll find it by starting on the path to the left of the Montecodeno restaurant. The ascent takes roughly 25 minutes. At the entrance to the castle at the summit, there’s a small restaurant where you can savor drinks, ice creams, and food.
This hike is undeniably worthwhile, particularly on a beautiful day. I wholeheartedly recommend dedicating at least half a day to this experience.
Bellagio town
Bellagio holds the distinction of being the most famous and favored destination among celebrities. While I personally didn’t find it exceptionally unique, it still warranted some leisurely exploration. A pleasant stroll along the lakefront allows you to soak in the scenery, and you can continue your walk to Punta Spartivento, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views that encompass both sides of Lake Como. Don’t forget to delve into the town center, where you can engage in some shopping. Additionally, there’s an express train option that provides a 25-minute panoramic tour of Bellagio, which is worth considering for a different perspective on this renowned locale.
Managgio town
Menaggio, situated on the east side of the lake, is just a short ferry ride away from Bellagio or Varenna. If your goal is simply to unwind and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, Menaggio is an ideal destination. Wander through the narrow streets of the historic center, where you’ll encounter the charm of the town. Don’t miss the opportunity to stroll along the elegantly laid out lakefront, which boasts one of the longest promenades on Lake Como. During my visit, I stumbled upon what I consider to be the best ice cream in town at La Fabbrica Del Gelato. It’s a delightful treat to savor while taking in the beauty of the surroundings
Travel Tips
1. Most of the town in Lake Como is flat enough, so if you have young kids, you can stroll around with a stroller. But Varenna has lots of steep stairs, unless you have a lightweight foldable stroller, I recommend using a carrier instead if you travel with a baby.
2. If you travel during peak season, book your ferry tickets online. Or you can buy a day pass or tickets for the next day in the evening at the office. Also make reservations for restaurants and buy tickets online for villas.
3. If you only have one day for Lake Como, you probably can choose to stay in Milan which is a lot cheaper and has more choices and take the train to Varenna. Or you can choose an organized tour where they usually fit Bellagio, Como and Varenna in one day.
