Lake Como is a stunningly beautiful lake in the Lombardy region of Northern Italy. It is the third largest lake in Italy, shaped like an upside-down Y, with three branches stretching over 50 km.
The lake is surrounded by majestic mountains, including the Alps, and is dotted with charming towns and villages. Some of the most popular towns on Lake Como include Como, Bellagio, and Varenna.
How to get to Lake Como
You can take a train from Milan Central Station to Varenna Esino or Como San Giovanni station. You can hop on a ferry from either of these towns to explore other charming towns surrounding the lake, including Bellagio, Menaggio, and others. If you prefer to drive, remember that parking in the area may be limited.
Lake Como Itinerary
If you only have one day to explore Lake Como, here is the suggested itinerary:
Varenna
In the morning, take the train from Milan Central to Varenna Esino. Trains are every hour and take around one hour. You can check the schedule at trentialia.com.
Varenna is a picturesque lake town with a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere.
Enjoy the stunning views of Lake Como, colorful houses, and picturesque harbor.
Continue your visit by strolling along the charming waterfront promenade.
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the lakeside promenade with cafes, restaurants, and gelaterias and take in the serene beauty of Lake Como and relax by the water.
Visit Villa Monastero, a beautiful villa and botanical garden near the town center. Click here for more information and book your tickets.
Explore the lush gardens, take in the lake views, and visit the museum inside the villa.
Visit the Church of San Giorgio, an ancient church located in the town center. Admire its beautiful frescoes and the panoramic view from the church square.
Take a short hike, or a taxi ride up to Castello di Vezio, a medieval castle overlooking Varenna. Explore the castle ruins, enjoy panoramic views, and catch a falconry show.
Once done exploring, take the ferry to Bellagio. Enjoy the views of Varenna town from the boat.
The ferry ride itself offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
Bellagio
This picturesque town of Bellagio on Lake Como offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, charming streets, and cultural attractions. The ferry takes 15-20 mins to get from Varenna to Bellagio.
Optional: If you have more time, you can also take a ferry from Varenna to Menaggio and then take the ferry to Bellagio.
You can enjoy the stunning views of Bellagio from the boat.
Here are the views of Melzi Gardens as seen from the boat. You have the option to visit the Gardens for a fee of €8 per person. For more information, please check here.
Spend some time relaxing by the lakefront, and enjoy the serene views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains.
The Basilica of San Giacomo is a prominent religious landmark located in the heart of Bellagio, Italy.
Inside the church, you can marvel at its impressive interior, which includes stunning frescoes, elegant altars, and religious artwork.
Bellagio is one of the most picturesque towns on the lake, with narrow streets, charming shops, and stunning views.
Walk along the lakefront promenade enjoying the views.
Take a stroll through Bellagio’s historic center, characterized by its narrow alleys and elegant buildings. Discover quaint shops, boutiques, and local artisan workshops.
Ferry from Bellagio to Como
The ferry ride between Bellagio and Como offers a delightful and scenic journey on Lake Como, allowing you to enjoy the picturesque beauty of the lake and its surrounding landscapes.
There are two types of ferries available for travel from Bellagio to Como. The first option is a high-speed ferry, which typically takes around 1 hour for the journey. The second option is a slower ferry, taking approximately 2 hours as it stops at all the towns along the way. The slower ferry allows you to get a closer view of the towns during the ride. If you have limited time, it’s recommended to opt for the fast ferry to reach your destination more quickly.
Optional: You can also take a private boat tour around Lake Como to appreciate the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and other picturesque towns dotting the shores.
A ferry ride between Bellagio and Como allows you to indulge in a scenic journey on Lake Como while also admiring the charming villas that dot the lakeside.
Villa Carlotta is a stunning historical villa located in Tremezzo, a picturesque town on the western shore of Lake Como, Italy.
This magnificent villa is renowned for its beautiful gardens, art collections, and breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Villa del Balbianello is a mesmerizing villa located on the western shore of Lake Como, near the village of Lenno, Italy. This exquisite villa is renowned for its stunning architecture, lush gardens, and its picturesque location on a wooded promontory overlooking the lake.
The ferry provides stunning views of the crystal-clear waters, the lush green hillsides, and the majestic mountains that frame the lake.
During the ferry ride, you’ll have the opportunity to take in the enchanting sights of the other towns and villages along the way, adding to the magical experience of exploring Lake Como by water.
Como
Como, a charming town nestled on the shores of Lake Como, offers a plethora of captivating sights and experiences. From the boat, you can take in the mesmerizing views of Como, showcasing its charming waterfront and picturesque surroundings.
Once you reach Como, take a stroll along the lakefront promenade and enjoy the views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
Optional: Take the funicular up to the hilltop town of Brunate, where you’ll get even more breathtaking views of the lake and the Alps.
Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta also known as Como Duomo, is a remarkable example of Gothic architecture. Its elaborate facade and impressive interior make it a must-visit attraction.
Explore Villa Olmo, an elegant neoclassical villa situated on the lakefront. The villa’s beautiful gardens and historical significance make it a captivating visit.
Enjoy the scenic walk, with beautiful views of the lake and mountains.
How many days to spend in Lake Como
You can easily spend two to three days exploring the charming towns and scenic surroundings of Lake Como. However, if you’re seeking a more budget-friendly option, a day trip from Milan to Lake Como is also feasible and allows you to enjoy the beauty of the lake in a shorter timeframe.
Where to Stay in Lake Como
Lake Como offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Popular towns such as Como, Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio have a variety of choices for places to stay. Click here to find suitable options in these charming towns along the picturesque shores of Lake Como.
Our Experience
We embarked on a train journey from Milan Central to Varenna Esino, where we explored the beautiful surroundings. Later, we hopped on a quick 15-minute ferry ride to Bellagio, enjoying the scenic views along the way. After spending some time in Bellagio, we boarded a ferry to Como, which took us approximately 1-2 hours. In the evening, we returned to Milan Central by train from Como San Giovanni station, concluding our day’s adventures.
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