33 Things To See And Do In Lake Como, Italy
A journey to Northern Italy remains incomplete without embracing the splendor of Lake Como. Just a short distance from Milan, this destination is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts, offering mesmerizing panoramas of lush greenery, majestic mountains, and serene waters.
In addition to its charming villages and villas, Lake Como offers mesmerizing garden landscapes, architectural marvels, and delightful activities, ensuring unforgettable and enriching experiences for every visitor.
Table of Contents
How to Get to Lake Como
From Milan
From Rome
From Venice
33 Things to Do and See in Lake Como
Bellagio – What to see in Bellagio
Varenna
Menaggio
Como
San Giovanni
Tremezzo
Villa Carlotta
Villa Del Balbianello
Argegno
Torno
Blevio
Nesso
Laglio
Cernobbio
Take a Private Tour on Lake Como
Take a Walk or Enjoy Trails for Breathtaking Lake Como Views
FAQs& Top Tips
Is Lake Como Expensive?
What is the Best Time to Visit in Lake Como?
What to Wear and Pack for Your Lake Como Visit
About Lake Como
Lake Como, situated in Lombardy at the base of the Alps mountains, is Italy’s deepest freshwater lake. It’s the third largest in the country, following Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore, and boasts an impressive depth of approximately 425 meters (around 1,300 feet). The lake’s distinctive shape resembles an upside-down fork, dividing it into two long stretches. Its origins can be traced back to the expansion of massive ice glaciers, and its glacial waters flow from the Adda River in the Alps.
Throughout history, Lake Como has been a destination for leisure and relaxation, drawing crowds since the times of ancient Rome. The picturesque towns dotting its shores such as Bellagio, Varreno, and Como, and lakeside villas exude a charm that is irresistible.
How to Get to Lake Como
From Milan
There are several trains available daily from Milan to Lake Como. If your primary destination is Varenna or Como towns, you have three options. You can opt for a regional train operated by Trenord, departing from Milan Centrale and arriving at Varenna Esino train station. The journey duration varies from 1 hour and 4 minutes to 1 hour and 31 minutes. On the other hand, you can choose Trenitalia trains, departing from Milan Central and arriving at Como San Giovanni and Como Nord Lago train station. The trip duration for this option ranges from 37 to 48 minutes.
- By Plane: The closest airports to Lake Como are Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) and Milan Linate Airport (LIN).
From Rome
The travel time from Rome to Lake Como depends on the mode of transportation you choose.
- By Plane: You can take a direct flight from Rome to Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) or Milan Linate Airport (LIN). The flight duration from Rome to both Milan airports are approximately 1 hour.
- By Train: Traveling by train is also a popular option. There are high-speed trains (Frecciarossa or Italo) that connect Rome’s Termini or Tiburtina stations to Milan’s Centrale station. The train journey takes around 3 to 3.5 hours.
- By Car: Driving from Rome to Lake Como takes approximately 6 to 7 hours, depending on traffic conditions and the specific location around Lake Como you are heading to.
- By Bus: There are also long-distance bus services available between Rome and Milan, which take around 6 to 7 hours.
From Venice
- By Train: To get to Lake Como to Venice by train, you need to travel from Venice Santa Lucia train station to Milan Centrale train station. There are frequent high-speed train connections between the two cities, and the journey takes around 2 to 2.5 hours. Once you reach Milan, you can take another train to one of the main towns on Lake Como, such as Como or Varenna. The journey from Milan to Lake Como takes approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your destination.
- By Car: Driving is another option if you prefer the flexibility of having your own vehicle. The drive from Venice to Lake Como takes around 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions and your specific destination on the lake.
- By Bus: There are also long-distance bus services that connect Venice to Milan and other cities around Lake Como. The journey duration and availability of direct routes may vary, so it’s best to check with bus companies for schedules and travel times.
- Combination of Train and Ferry: If your destination on Lake Como is one of the towns accessible by ferry, such as Bellagio or Varenna, you can take a train from Venice to Varenna-Esino railway station. From there, you can hop on a ferry to your final destination on the lake.
33 Things to Do and See In Lake Como
1) Bellagio
Nestled at the convergence of Lake Como’s three branches, Bellagio reigns as the most popular and enchanting town to explore. Its fame arises from the mesmerizing landscapes, delightful narrow streets, exquisite villas, and gardens that adorn this timeless destination. Moreover, it is an ideal destination for a day trip from Milan or nearby locations, thanks to its proximity and range of activities.
For more details on how to reach Bellagio and discover the top activities and attractions, check out my Bellagio post.
What to see in Bellagio
2) Villa Serbelloni
Villa Serbelloni, as a prominent Bellagio villa, was originally built as a monastery in the late 15th century. By the 19th century, the Italian Serbelloni family acquired the villa, naming it as Villa Serbelloni. The villa is a mixture of renaissance, neoclassical, and baroque styles. The villa has frescoed ceilings, grand halls with extensive gardens.
3) Explore the Historic Center
Discover a charming area filled with narrow cobblestone streets, picturesque alleys, and beautiful buildings. You’ll find several boutique shops offering a variety of products, from clothing and accessories to local crafts and souvenirs.
4) Salita Serbelloni
Take a delightful stroll along Salita Serbelloni, a passageway that leads from the lakeshore to the upper part of the town. As you go up, you’ll find charming shops, cozy cafes, and local boutiques, offering a delightful way to explore and enjoy some shopping.
5) Waterfront Promenade
Enjoy the lakefront promenade along the water, lined with cafes, restaurants, and gelaterias, where visitors can enjoy the serene atmosphere and beautiful views.
6) Villa Melzi
Villa Melzi is another neo-classical historic villa built in early 19th century located on the western shore of Lake Como in the town of Bellagio, Italy. The villa’s magnificent gardens extend over 20 acres or 8 hectares, reaching down to the lake shore. These stunning gardens boast an enchanting blend of Italian and English landscaping styles, adorned with sculptures and statues, including features like an orangery and a Japanese garden, featuring a variety of native and exotic plants. Additionally, Villa Melzi is open for public visits from late March to the end of October.
7) Pescallo
Pescallo is conveniently located just 5-10 minutes’ walk from Bellagio’s historic center on its southeastern side. Embrace the delightful experience of a short hike along cobbled stone stairs, while being surrounded by the pleasant fragrance of jasmine flowers in the air.
8) Villa Trivulzio
Villa Trivulzio is an ancient villa built in the late 18th century in Bellagio. Currently, it serves as a private residence with a spacious English park designed by Balzarette.
9) Varenna
Getting to Varenna is convenient, as you can take a train from Milan Centrale train station to Varenna-Esino station, or drive if you prefer. Train journeys to Varenna generally take anywhere from 1 hour and 4 minutes to 2 hours and 10 minutes, depending on the type of train.
Once in Varenna, take a leisurely stroll along the esplanade to immerse yourself in the breathtaking lakeside views, surrounded by majestic mountains and the charming town ambiance. It’s the perfect way to fully experience the beauty of this captivating destination.
If you have 2-3 hours to spare in Varenna, don’t miss the opportunity to explore Villa Monastero’s magnificent botanical gardens. Originally a 12th-century Cisterian convent, the villa has transformed over time, featuring medieval, Renaissance, and neoclassical styles.
It is now serving as a museum, as well as a venue for exhibitions and conferences. The villa is also famous for its 20 acres or 8 hectares of botanical gardens, which feature exotic trees, flowers, and plants. Additionally, you can buy a ticket online or at the location to explore both the gardens and the villa’s interior.
If Bellagio is also on your travel list, a short 15-minute ferry ride from Varenna to Bellagio is a great option. You can easily purchase ferry tickets at the ticket kiosks near the ferry decks.
10) Menaggio
Menaggio is a town located on the western shore of Lake Como in Lombardy, Italy. It is one of the main tourist destinations on Lake Como with a blend of natural beauty, historical sites, and recreational activities. It only takes 15 minutes to travel from Varenna or Bellagio to Menaggio by a ferry, so don’t miss the opportunity to visit Menaggio if you have extra time.
11) Como
Como is the only city situated on the southern shores of Lake Como and the Italian-Swiss border. The city earns recognition for its stunning natural surroundings and historic architecture. Some of the notable sites in Como are its historic center, Como cathedral also known as Cattedrale Santa Maria Assunta, Villa Olmo, and the Como-Frunate furnicular railway.
If you’re aiming to dedicate more time to Lake Como during your trip and intend to explore nearby Swiss locations like Lugano, choosing Como as a central base could be a more convenient option.
How to Get to Como
Regular train services connect major Italian cities, including Milan, to Como, which is home to the nearest major international airport.Starting from Milano Centrale train station, you can conveniently catch a direct train to either Como Giovanni or Como Nord Lago stations. For the journey from Milan Centrale to Como Giovanni, train travel usually spans around 30-60 minutes, varying according to the train type. Notably, Trenitalia trains stand out as the fastest option for traveling between Milan and Como, offering journey times that typically range from 37 to 48 minutes.
On the other hand, the train route from Milan Centrale to Como Nord Lago takes slightly more time, with durations ranging from 1 hour and 19 minutes to 1 hour and 37 minutes.
While in the neighboring towns near Lake Como, consider taking a scenic ferry to Como. Ferries operate conveniently between towns like Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of Lake Como while exploring charming destinations.
12) Villa Olmo
Villa Olmo is a neoclassical villa built in early 19th century initially as summer residence for aristocrats. The villa is presently serving as a venue for exhibitions.
13) San Giovanni
San Giovanni is another charming community located on the eastern shore of Lake Como, just south of the town of Bellagio. You can get to San Giovanni by taking a short ferry ride from Bellagio.
14) San Giovanni Battista Church
San Giovanni Battista Church is a beautiful Romanesque church built in the 12th century. The church features an ancient bell tower and frescoes.
15) Villa la Placida
Villa La Placida, constructed by the American banker Amsick at the close of the 19th century in San Giovanni, has now transformed into a luxurious residence.
16) Tremezzo
Tremezzo is another popular charming village located on the western shore of Lake Como. One of the most prominent attractions in Tremezzo is Villa Carlotta, a magnificent villa dating back to the late 17th century. In addition to Villa Carlota, other notable sites in Tremezzo are the Grand Hotel Tremezzo and the church of Santa Maria, also known as the Chiesa di Santa Maria Maddalena.
17) Villa Carlotta
One of Tremezzo’s main highlights is Villa Carlotta, an exquisite villa built by Milanese Marquis Giorgio Clerici in the late 17th century. The villa is famous for its splendid botanical garden, featuring an array of exotic plants such as azaleas, camellias, and rhododendrons.
18) Grand Hotel Tremezzo
The shores of Lake Como are home to some of Italy’s top resorts, and the Grand Hotel Tremezzo stands out in this category. This old and luxurious hotel gives you amazing views of Lake Como and the nearby mountains. Furthermore, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo has been honored with Italy’s #7 best resort hotel title by Travel + Leisure magazine in 2023. Since the early 20th century, it has been a welcoming place for visitors. You’re even welcome to explore its grounds and have a drink or meal at its restaurants, whether or not you’re staying at the hotel.
Tremezzina
19) Villa del Balbianello
Villa del Balbianello is a famous villa located a short boat ride away near the village of Lenno in Tremezzina comune. The villa, a blend of renaissance and baroque styles, featuring captivated landscaped gardens was built in the 18th century. It has served as a residence for various noble families.Serving as a residence for various noble families, this stunning villa with terraced gardens has also made appearances in several movies, such as Star Wars and James Bond Casino Royale. Villa del Balbianello also welcomes public visitors from mid-March to the end of November. For further details, please visit the official website.
20) Argegno
Argegno is a notable picturesque town surrounded by lush on the shores of Lake Como. It offers hiking opportunities to nature lovers in the surrounding hills and mountains. The Intelvi Valley located in Argegno also connects Lake Como with Lake Lugano.
In Argegno, there are several noteworthy sites to explore. You can start by visiting the Romanesque-style Church of the Holy Trinity (Trinita di Argegno), which was built in the early 20th century. Additionally, don’t miss the opportunity to take the Argegno cable car to Pigra, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains.
21) Torno
Torno is a vilage situated on the southeastern shore of Lake Como. Some of the notable attractions in Torno is its historic center and the Church of Santa Tecla, a Romanesque-style church that dates back to the 12th century. Moreover, make sure you take time to visit or see the upscale Il Sereno Lago Di Como hotel, located along the shores of Torno. This remarkable hotel has been honored by Travel + Leisure magazine, receiving the prestigious titles of Italy’s top-ranked resort hotel for 2023 and the #1 resort hotel across all of Europe.
22) Blevio
Blevio is a charming village located on the eastern shore of Lake Como, situated just a few miles north of the city of Como.
23) Villa Usuelli
Villa Usuelli also known as Villa Taglioni, was originally built by ballerina Marie Taglioni. The villa eventually passed to the Usuelli family. As of today, the villa is available for private rentals.
24) Villa Schouvaloff
Villa Schouvaloff was built in the first half of the 19th century with a northern style architecture by an ancient noble Russian Schouvaloff family in Blevio.
25) Nesso
Nesso stands as one of the most enchanting villages along Lake Como’s shores. Nature enthusiasts will be captivated by the charm of this quaint location.
26) Ponte della Civara ( Civara Bridge)
The Ponte della Civera, an ancient bridge, offers the finest vantage point for capturing picturesque views. During the summer, you can witness children joyfully diving into the refreshing waters of Lake Como from the bridge. Also, be sure not to overlook the delightful surprise of discovering the concealed waterfall just beyond the bridge.
27) Laglio
Laglio is another charming village located on the western coast of Lake Como. Some of the village’s notable features are its traditional italian architecture and stone houses. Laglio is also a famous retreat location for celebrities and notable figures.
Villa Oleandra, once owned by the American Heinz family in the 19th century, is now the private residence of renowned American actor George Clooney.
28) Villa La Punta
Villa La Punta stands as one of the most strikingly renovated villas in Laglio. Between 2014 and 2017, Italian architect Alessandra Guanziroli undertook the task of renovating and expanding the villa. For a glimpse of the villa’s renovation, interior, and exterior designs, you can visit her website for photos.
29) Cernobbio
Cernobbio is another charming town located on the western shore of Lake Como, just a short distance from Como. The town is famous for its elegant villas, such as Villa D’Este and Villa D’Erba. Villa D’Este is a beautiful luxurious hotel with enchanting gardens. Furthermore, Cernobbio features a charming town center with historical buildings, local shops, and restaurants.
30) Villa D’Erba
Villa D’Erba, constructed in the late 19th century by the Erba family, stands on Lake Como’s western shore. It is just a 15-minute boat ride from Como or a quick 12-minute car journey. The villa features a beautiful park and gardens graced with fountains and ancient trees. Moreover, it has served as a versatile venue for diverse events like film festivals, art exhibitions, filming, fashion shows, and weddings. Adding to its intrigue, Villa D’Erba was also a filming location for the movie Ocean’s Twelve.
31) Villa D’Este
Villa d’Este stands as a lavish five-star hotel and resort, honored with the 2023 World’s Best Award by Travel + Leisure magazine, ranking as Italy’s best #6 resort hotel. The hotel was originally built in the 16th century as a summer residence for Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio and later transformed into a luxury hotel in the late 19th century. The luxurious hotel boasts stunning gardens, beautiful terraces, and offers breathtaking views of the lake.
32) Take a Private Boat Tour on Lake Como
Arrange a private boat tour or rent a boat for a personalized Lake Como tour, granting you the freedom to explore villas and sites at your pace. During a private boat tour, the driver can share intriguing facts about Lake Como’s villas and sites.
Furthermore, if you prefer, you can rent a boat with or without a driver (skipper) to explore the area at your own pace. For more details on boat rentals, you can check Nautal.
33) Take a Walk or Enjoy Trails for Breathtaking Lake Como Views
Explore Lake Como’s surroundings and stunning views on selected walking trails. Numerous trails span from 30 minutes to 12 hours. Notable options include Sentiero del Viandante in Varenna, Sentee di Sort in Cernobbio, and Voltiano Lighthouse via Salita Carescione in Brunate.
Additionally, several online resources offer details about hiking trails. You can explore myLakeComo or Tripadvisor for additional information on trails and private hiking tour choices.
FAQs and Top Tips
Is Lake Como Expensive?
Yes, Lake Como is generally pricier than other places in Italy, especially in popular spots like Bellagio and Tremezzo. Many towns around Lake Como are also relatively small, offering limited accommodation and dining choices that are in high demand.
Additionally, if you intend to stay in popular spots and indulge in dining at upscale restaurants, especially in Bellagio, it’s advisable to make reservations with hotels and restaurants well ahead of time. Moreover, like in many areas, waterfront restaurants and hotels are typically pricier, particularly during peak summer seasons.
Rather than staying close to Lake Como, you have the option to stay in Milano, Bergamo, or Como, and reach there by train, ferry, or boat. Thanks to its proximity, visiting for a day is conveniently feasible.
What Is The Best Time to Visit in Lake Como?
Between November and March, many businesses and hotels are closed due to cold winter weather.
If you enjoy outdoor activities and water sports, the best time to visit is from mid-June through September.
July and August are the most popular and crowded months to visit Lake Como. During this time, the weather is hot and humid. Nonetheless, due to its proximity to water, you can anticipate humidity in the region throughout the year.
To avoid crowds, the shoulder seasons of April-May or September-October are also excellent choices for a visit. During these times, the weather remains pleasantly warm without excessive heat. Mornings and nights are cooler, and you might experience a few rainy days as well.
What to Wear and Pack for Your Lake Como Visit
If your visit falls during the summer months, opt for light summer dresses, shorts, and short-sleeve shirts or tops. During the shoulder seasons, consider adding layers and wearing jeans or pants for added comfort.
What to Pack
- Light cardigan or jacket – Bring something light for cooler mornings and evenings.
- Sunglasses – Essential for any time of the year.
- Sunscreen – Don’t forget to protect your skin from the sun.
- Portable charger or power bank – Especially important if you’ll be using your phone throughout the day.
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
- Umbrella – Check the weather forecast and carry one if rain is expected.
- Bottle of water
- Swimwear – Pack your swimsuit if you plan to enjoy water activities.
- Light towel – If you’re taking part in swimming activities, bring a towel along.