Top things to do in Lake Como: The Ultimate 4-Day Travel Guide

Best Things to do in Lake Como in 4 Days

Whether you are looking for a relaxing or more active holiday, you can find it in Lake Como. You could spend weeks here exploring the area, but we recommend a minimum of four days. This is the ideal amount of time to visit the most well-known, and some lesser-known, towns, see a few villas, stroll some gardens, go on a boat, or spend an afternoon sunbathing, swimming, and diving in the lake. We also included some of our favorite restaurants so you can always end the day by eating at some of the best lakeside spots.

Best Time to Visit Lake Como

The peak months are usually May through September. Although lodging costs are high and space is limited, this is the most enjoyable time of the year to visit in terms of weather. Do keep in mind that May and June are the months with the most rainfall. Nevertheless, Lake Como still looks just as beautiful.

In July, August, or September, there is a decreased likelihood of rain, however, due to the summer holidays, Lake Como will be much busier during these months.

If you want to witness the purple wisteria in full bloom, then April is the ideal month to visit Lake Como.

How to get to Lake Como

The bustling city of Milan is less than one hour away from Lake Como by train. The easiest and most convenient option is to take the train from Milan’s Central Station and disembark at either Como City or Varenna. From here it is easy to hop from one town to the next by ferry.

You can also travel around Lake Como by car. A car provides greater flexibility to stop and explore some of the less well-known villages in the area that are difficult to reach by ferry or bus. However, keep in mind that there might be a longer waiting time for securing a spot for your car on the ferry.

How to get around Lake Como

The best way to see Lake Como is from the water. There are several options to choose from for traveling by water when visiting Lake Como. The most popular and cost-effective way is to use the public ferry. Alternatively, it is also possible to rent either a self-drive boat or a boat with a skipper.

The most well-known villages and towns on the lake, including Varenna, Bellagio, Menaggio, Lenno, Como, and dozens more, are well-connected by the public ferry system. Depending on the season when you visit you’ll need to make reservations online or at the ferry stations. Make sure to check the ferry timetables when planning your daily itinerary.

Note: When looking at ferry timetables or tickets, the “Traghetto” ferries are the ones where you can load your car onto them.

Even if you don’t have a boat license, you can rent a boat on Lake Como. These boats are manageable in size and pretty simple to operate. A boat which you can drive yourself will give you the most freedom to explore the lake at your own pace. You can also anchor somewhere around the lake for a few hours. Depending on the duration, rental costs range from €75 to €350, excluding gasoline.

The most expensive way to tour Lake Como is on a private boat with a skipper. The cost varies depending on the duration and type of boat. The price for the classic wooden boat tours starts at €500.

Where to Stay in Lake Como

Varenna

• Hotel Olivedo: Amazing view of the lake and near the ferry dock.
• Divina Vita apartments: Small balconies with beautiful metal railings overlook Lake Como.

Belaggio

• Hotel du Lac: Fantastic location on the waterfront with the ferry terminal just opposite of the hotel.
• Le Rondinelle Apartment Bellagio: Renovated apartment with an unbeatable location. The balcony sits above the Vecchio Borgo restaurant in the city center.
• Hotel Fioroni: Less than 1 kilometer from the center of town. Serves gluten-free options for breakfast.
• Villa La Rosa B&B: Family-owned Bed and Breakfast.
• Seta Hotel: Centrally located in the heart of Bellagio.
• Bike & Active Hotel II Perlo Panorama: The views from the terrace are truly stunning and the hotel staff is very friendly.

Menaggio

• Suites Menaggio: Fully equipped studio apartment in the heart of Menaggio.
• Menaggio Historical Studio: The building that houses the studio is over 600 years old!
• Hotel Loveno: Located 15 minutes from the center of town.
• Hotel Garni Corona: This beautiful hotel in the heart with a traditional Italian charm.

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Tremezzo

• Grand Hotel Tremezzo: Lakefront 5-star hotel with decor that reminds you of a Wes Anderson film.

Como City

• Ostello Bello: Great location close to the center, lake, and train station. A supermarket is next to the building and has extremely welcoming staff.
• Santagata B&B: Central location with a nice terrace with picturesque views
• Suites & Atelier Lake Como: Charming property tucked away from the main street and very close to restaurants and attractions. Beautifully decorated room with a spa-like bathroom with many amenities provided.
• Villa Liberty: A serene villa only 20 minutes from the center that has been converted into a boutique hotel with modern and spacious rooms.
• Palazzo Albricci Peregrini: A 15th-century palace, with rooms with hot tubs and top-notch service.

Where to Eat in Lake Como

Varenna

• Caffe Varenna: stunning location right next to the lake, serving pasta and aperitif.
• Osteria Quatro Pass: restaurant with arched ceilings and stone walls serving seafood.
• Al Prato: They offer a seasonal menu. Make sure to book well in advance.
• Bar il Molo: The most popular lakeside restaurant featuring a terrace overlooking the lake.

Bellagio

• Trattoria San Giacomo: The most photographed spot in all of Lake Como is the cobblestone stairs and alleyways of Salita Serbelloni, where this restaurant is located at the top of the stairs. The ambiance is perfect if you can secure a seat at one of their outdoor tables.
• Terrazza Barchetta: Located on a picturesque corner in the most iconic street of Bellagio. This restaurant serves grilled seafood and classic Italian dishes.
• Bellavita: Focaccia and pizza slices for takeaway.
• Gelateria del Borgo: Located at the top of the village, this is the tastiest gelato shop in Bellagio with flavors changing daily.
• Enoteca Principessa: Wine tasting and store.

Menaggio

• Osteria Il Pozzo: Lovely local osteria with a small menu, and a decent assortment of pasta dishes, cheese platters, and cured meats. Cozy interior with photos of historic Menaggio.
• Pesin Tipo un Bistro: cocktail bar with alternative decor.
• Il Ristorante Di Paolo: Fine dining restaurant.
• Pizzeria Lugano: Serves pizza and pasta.

Tremezzo

• Grand Hotel Tremezzo: One of the most recognizable locations on Lake Como is this 5-star, pricey hotel. Go here for the breathtaking views and an overpriced Aperol Spritz.
• La Fagurida: Nice family-run restaurant with amazing bruschetta.

Como City

• Figli Dei Fiori Restaurant: This restaurant is also a flower shop!
• Osteria del Gallo: The menu changes daily and dishes are prepared with locally sourced ingredients.
• Caffe & Bollicine: Lovely place for breakfast lunch and evening aperitif.
• Piazza Roma: Serves delicious freshly made pasta.

Places to Visit in Lake Como

Varenna: This town will most likely be your starting point in Lake Como. Here you will find one of the loveliest viewpoints, featuring colorful houses dotting the lake shores. Varenna is small enough to see in a single day. Additionally, Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi, two of the most beautiful villas on Lake Como are also located here. If you are feeling adventurous go on a 40 minutes hike up to the ruins of Castello di Vezio.

Tip: Don’t miss the Passeggiata Degli Innamorati (Walk of Lovers) in Varenna at sunset for a dreamy, romantic evening.

Bellagio: Perhaps the most famous place on Lake Como is Bellagio. Salita Serbelloni is the most well-known cobbled alleyway staircase in this lovely village, which features picturesque houses, charming boutiques, gelato stores, cafes, and restaurants. Make sure to visit Villa Melzi nearby.

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Mennagio: As you approach by water you’ll see old colorful buildings grouped together, the small town of Menaggio makes up with charm what it lacks in size. Don’t miss out on a walk along the flower-filled promenade to take in the incredible views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Also, it is worth mentioning that Menaggio is a great base town for exploring the surrounding area. Take the bus from Menaggio towards Tremezzo to visit the incredible gardens of Villa Carlotta. Alternatively, if you fancy a very picturesque stroll, go on a one-hour walk towards Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo rather than by bus.

Tip: If you have time, go to Orrido di Bellano. This is a natural waterfall gorge that is over 15 million years old! Here you will find a set of walkways and suspended bridges that lead you around the sites. As you hug the rocky sides of the gorge, soak in the views on all sides. The best way to reach this place is by hopping on a 15-minute train ride from Varenna or taking the boat from Bellagio.

Tremezzo: You will most likely visit this village if you fancy a drink and a meal at the Instagram-trendy Grand Hotel Tremezzo or if you visit the expansive botanical garden of Villa Carlotta. Wander through the main boulevard which leads down to the shoreline of the Tremezzina Riviera.

Lenno: A tiny village with some of the best restaurants you’ll find in Lake Como. Best known for being the starting point of the short walk to the entrance of Villa del Balbianello. You can also visit Villa del Balbianello by boat from one of the other villages.

Como City: Como is the largest city on the eponymous Lake Como. Unlike the other towns and villages, Como is a lot more developed and has the most options in terms of lodgings and restaurants. This is also a great starting or ending point if you’re traveling by train from Milan. It is not very pretty though.

Villas to Visit in Lake Como

Villa Monastero in Varenna was built originally as a monastery. The villa is now a museum with a botanical garden that stretches 2 kilometers along the waterfront. From the outdoor courtyard, you get one of the most recognized Lake Como photographs with Villa Cipressi and the mountains in the background.

Villa Cipressi in Varenna is nowadays a working hotel housed in a 17th-century villa with views of a lovely botanical garden that is open to the public. Make sure to visit Villa Cipressi in April when the purple wisteria is in full bloom.

Villa del Balbianello in Lenno: This 18th-century villa is simply stunning offering magnificent views of Lake Como and the nearby mountains. I suppose it’s appropriate that both James Bond and Star Wars were filmed here because everything feels like a scene from a movie. Located on the outskirts of Lenno, make time in your schedule to take a morning stroll through the forest that follows the lake shore and leads to the entrance of Villa del Balbianello.

Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo is located a short distance from the ferry dock. The villa is now a museum with an immense botanical garden with all kinds of trees from different parts of the world. Huge palm trees from South America, bamboo from Asia, and a valley of ferns. This was probably our favorite garden that we visited in Lake Como.

Villa Olmo in Como is unquestionably the most regal residence on the shores of Lake Como. With its perfectly curated garden and its impressive main building.

Villa Melzi in Bellagio is worth visiting due to its incredible lake views, as well as its lakeside path with statues and its well-preserved Japanese Garden.

Final Thoughts

With stunning views and jaw-dropping villas, there is no doubt that Lake Como is one of Italy’s most beautiful destinations. Whether you are looking for a laid-back holiday on the calm waters, or you’re up for strolling through gardens or the surrounding mountains, Lake Como is right for you.

Check out our complete travel guide on how to best spend 3 days in Milan