Lake Como is truly magical. It is in the Lombardy area of Italy. Lake Como is a great place to get away because of its clear waters, cute towns on the shore, and beautiful mountains in the background. The streets of Como are lively, while Varenna is peaceful and beautiful. Each town around the lake has its own personality. This place has something for everyone: history, Italian culture, or simple, beautiful relaxation by the lake. (Best Places to Visit in Lake Como Italy)
Every time I return, I find myself discovering new spots and hidden corners. There’s something magical about sitting by the water, sipping an espresso, or wandering through cobbled streets with gelato in hand. Whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or solo, Lake Como welcomes you to unwind and explore at your own pace.
Overview of Lake Como’s Main Regions
Lake Como is uniquely shaped like an upside-down “Y,” divided into three main branches:
- Western Shore: Featuring towns like Como and Tremezzo, this area is known for luxurious villas, bustling promenades, and scenic views.
- Eastern Shore: Varenna is the highlight here, a peaceful village that’s ideal for solo travelers and couples looking for a quieter experience.
- Central Region: The area where the lake’s branches meet, centered around Bellagio, offers incredible views and serves as a perfect base for exploring the lake.
Getting There: Lake Como is easily accessible from Milan. Trains connect to Como and Varenna in about an hour, and ferries make it easy to hop between towns and soak in the beauty of the lake from the water.
Must-Visit Towns and Villages
- ComoThe town of Como is lively and a great place to start visiting Lake Como. The ancient part of the city is lovely, and the Como Cathedral is a must-see. One of my favorite things to do was ride the funicular up to Brunate. The views of the lake and mountains around it are stunning.
- Transportation: Easily accessible from Milan by train in about 40 minutes.
- Time to Spend: Half a day, with time to take in the sunset views from Brunate.
- Family-Friendly: Kids will enjoy the lakeside promenade, which is wide and safe for strolling.
- For Solo Travelers: Grab a coffee at Pasticceria Monti, a quiet café where I enjoyed a peaceful morning overlooking the lake.
Food Recommendations:
- Lunch: Ristorante Sociale for authentic Italian dishes in a cozy setting.
- Coffee: Pasticceria Monti for fresh pastries and a scenic coffee break.
- Dinner: Il Gatto Nero in Brunate; it’s worth the short trip for the views and ambiance.
- BellagioBellagio, known as the “Pearl of Lake Como,” is a picture-perfect town with cobblestone streets, elegant villas, and lush gardens. Wandering through Villa Melzi and its peaceful gardens felt like stepping into a painting. The winding lanes are lined with boutiques and wine bars, making it ideal for leisurely exploring.
- Transportation: Accessible by ferry from Como, taking around 40 minutes.
- Best Times: Morning or evening for a quieter experience.
- With Friends: Enjoy an afternoon shopping, exploring wine bars, and taking photos along the waterfront.
- Solo Travelers: Find a quiet bench in the gardens of Villa Melzi and soak in the view.
Food Recommendations:
- Breakfast: Bar Pasticceria Rossi for coffee and fresh pastries.
- Ice Cream: Gelateria del Borgo – their gelato is some of the best around.
- Dinner: La Punta serves delicious seafood with a view of the lake that’s hard to beat.
- VarennaVarenna is a peaceful gem with a romantic vibe. Its lakeside promenade is one of my favorite spots, perfect for an afternoon stroll, and Villa Monastero with its gardens is a must-visit. Wandering through Varenna’s quiet streets, I found myself enjoying the slower pace.
- Transportation: About an hour from Milan by train, or accessible by ferry from Bellagio.
- Ideal Time: Late afternoon for a peaceful stroll and great lighting for photos.
- Family Tip: The Villa Monastero gardens are spacious, great for kids to explore.
- Solo Travelers: The promenade is perfect for quiet reflection or sketching.
Food Recommendations:
- Lunch: Al Prato for fantastic Italian dishes in a relaxed setting.
- Coffee: Varenna Caffè by the waterfront is an ideal spot to unwind.
- MenaggioMenaggio is a lively, pleasant town ideal for families. People-watching is best done in the central square, and the lakeshore features lots of open areas including even a tiny beach for tanning. It’s also a fantastic starting point for hill climbing in the surrounds.
- Transportation: Accessible by ferry from Como and Varenna.
- Best Time: Midday for lunch and sunbathing by the lake.
- With Friends: Perfect for a picnic or sunbathing by the lake.
- For Families: The playgrounds and shallow waters make it ideal for children.
Food Recommendations:
- Lunch: Pizzeria Lugano for a casual and family-friendly meal.
- Cold Drinks: Bar Gelateria Caffe Centrale is great for a refreshing drink or ice cream.
- TremezzoKnown for Villa Carlotta, Tremezzo offers a blend of history and scenic beauty. Villa Carlotta’s art and botanical gardens are a joy to explore, and early morning visits allow for a peaceful experience.
- Transportation: Ferry from Como or Bellagio.
- Best Time to Visit: Morning for fewer crowds.
- Solo Travelers: Spend time in the gardens at your own pace, enjoying the quiet beauty
- Food Recommendations:
- Lunch: Cantina Follie offers delicious small plates and wines with a view.
- Lecco and NessoLecco offers spectacular mountain views, while Nesso is famous for the Orrido di Nesso waterfall. I loved stopping for a quiet coffee here and taking in the beauty of the natural surroundings.
- Transportation: Train from Milan to Lecco, then a bus to Nesso.
- Photography Tip: Both towns are scenic and less crowded, perfect for quiet photography moments.
- Coffee Stop: Bar Nessi in Nesso for a cozy coffee break.
Historic Villas and Gardens (Best Places to Visit in Lake Como Italy)
- Villa Carlotta (Tremezzo): Villa Carlotta is a treasure trove of art and botanical beauty. Walking through the gardens felt like stepping back in time. With spacious gardens and incredible views, it’s perfect for families and solo travelers alike.
- Villa del Balbianello (Lenno): This iconic villa sits on a peninsula, known for its role in movies like Star Wars and James Bond. The views are incredible, especially at sunset, and a guided tour gives insight into its rich history.
Scenic Routes and Natural Attractions
- Greenway del Lago: The Greenway del Lago is a scenic trail connecting several lakefront towns. It’s an easy, beautiful path ideal for a leisurely day of exploration.
- Orrido di Bellano: For those who enjoy the outdoors, Orrido di Bellano is a must-see natural gorge including waterfalls. Visiting mid-morning provides peaceful environment and perfect illumination. (Best Places to Visit in Lake Como Italy)
Outdoor pursuits and experiences
You can do many outdoor things at Lake Como, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and hiking. For water sports, Kayak Rental Como is a great place to start. For hiking, Monte Grona has great tracks for people of all skill levels.
- With Friends: Kayaking together is a memorable and fun activity.
- For Families: Paddleboarding is a gentle, safe option for older kids.
Dining and Local Cuisine
With local favorites like risotto al pesce persico, or lake fish risotto, Lake Como’s cuisine is both classic and sophisticated. Breakfast is best served in Bellagio from Bar Pasticceria Rossi; La Punta provides a magnificent lakefront supper.
Accommodation Options in Lake Como
- Luxury: Grand Hotel Tremezzo in Tremezzo for a luxury stay with stunning views.
- Mid-Range: Hotel Du Lac in Bellagio, central and scenic without the luxury price.
- Budget: Lake Como Hostel La Primula in Menaggio for a relaxed, affordable stay.
- Family-Friendly: Hotel Olivedo in Varenna, known for its spacious rooms and warm hospitality.
Packing Tips for a Trip to Lake Como
- Comfortable Walking Shoes: Essential for the cobblestone streets.
- Layered Clothing: Mornings and evenings can be cool, even in summer.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Convenient and eco-friendly for a day of exploring.
- Sunscreen and Sunglasses: Lake views mean strong sun exposure.
- Day Pack or Tote Bag: Handy for carrying essentials and any souvenirs.
- Swimsuit and Towel: Perfect for spontaneous swims or relaxing on the shore.
- Camera: The lake’s scenery is incredibly photogenic.
- Cash: Good for small purchases, especially at local markets.
- Portable Phone Charger: Helps keep your phone ready for photos and maps.
Table: Quick Guide to Lake Como’s Top Destinations
| Destination | Main Attractions | Best Time to Visit | Ideal For | Food Recommendations | Transportation | Time to Spend |
| Como | Como Cathedral, Funicular to Brunate | Late afternoon for sunset views | Families, solo travelers | Lunch: Ristorante Sociale, Coffee: Pasticceria Monti, Dinner: Il Gatto Nero | Train from Milan (40 min) | Half a day |
| Bellagio | Villa Melzi, cobbled streets, wine bars | Morning or evening | Friends, solo travelers, couples | Breakfast: Bar Pasticceria Rossi, Gelato: Gelateria del Borgo, Dinner: La Punta | Ferry from Como (40 min) | Half a day to full day |
| Varenna | Villa Monastero, lakeside promenade | Late afternoon for photos | Couples, families, solo travelers | Lunch: Al Prato, Coffee: Varenna Caffè | Train from Milan or ferry from Bellagio | Half a day |
| Menaggio | Central square, lakeside park, small beach | Midday | Families, friends | Lunch: Pizzeria Lugano, Ice Cream: Bar Gelateria Caffe Centrale | Ferry from Como or Varenna | Half a day |
| Tremezzo | Villa Carlotta (art & botanical gardens) | Morning for fewer crowds | Solo travelers, art lovers | Lunch: Cantina Follie | Ferry from Como or Bellagio | Half a day |
| Lecco | Mountain views, historic center | Morning or late afternoon | Photographers, nature lovers | Coffee: Bar Nessi in Nesso | Train from Milan | Few hours to half a day |
| Nesso | Orrido di Nesso waterfall | Mid-morning | Photographers, solo travelers | Coffee: Local cafés in town | Bus from Lecco | Few hours |
Table Explanation
- Destination: Lists the main towns and points of interest around Lake Como.
- Main Attractions: Highlights the key attractions or activities for each location.
- Best Time to Visit: Recommends ideal visiting times to avoid crowds or for best views.
- Ideal For: Provides quick info on which traveler type might enjoy the location most (families, solo travelers, couples, etc.).
- Food Recommendations: Summarizes top food spots for meals, coffee, or snacks.
- Transportation: Lists common ways to reach each location, with estimated times from Milan or nearby towns.
- Time to Spend: Suggests the ideal amount of time to explore each spot comfortably.
Top tourism destination Lake Como is blessed with beauty, culture, and friendly appeal. Whether your exploration is solo, with family, or with friends, the lake’s distinctiveness makes a lasting effect. Spend time appreciating every moment, really embracing the Italian way of life, and let the calm beauty of the lake motivate lifelong memories. This is all about ‘Best Places to Visit in Lake Como Italy’
