The Italian gem of Lake Como has long been adored by the rich and famous of the world, but in recent years it has become more accessible and popular for us regular folk too. The glacial lake in Northern Italy is the country’s third largest, meaning there is a whole hoard of things to do in Lake Como for you to discover!
Between deciding where to visit in Lake Como, getting a little taste of luxury, finding some hidden gems, and soaking up the views, culture, and Italian lifestyle, this guide has everything you need to plan your Lake Como trip. So read on, and let the wanderlust take over!
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Is Lake Como worth Visiting?
With more than a million visitors every year, the lake is a bucket list destination for many. But is Lake Como worth visiting? Well, the short answer is simply yes, you should absolutely visit Lake Como!
The longer answer is that Lake Como has something for everyone, with a truly stunning setting to accompany it. Whether you love hiking and alpine views, watersports, science and culture, instagrammable places or historical spots, or are looking for a luxurious or relaxing trip, come to Lake Como. There are so many things to do in Lake Como that you’ll find something to suit your taste, all while enjoying mesmerising blue waters, grand architecture, and dramatic alpine mountains.
How to Get to Lake Como
The easiest way to get to Lake Como is from Milan, which lies roughly an hour to the south. If you plan to reach Lake Como by plane, I recommend flying into one of Milan’s airports and travelling onwards from there.
There are direct train routes from Milan to Como and Varenna. To Como, journeys take as little as 40 minutes and cost around €5 each way. To Varenna, journeys take 1-2 hours and cost around €7 each way.
If you plan to drive to Lake Como, you can follow the A9 autostrade from Milan to Como, or the SS36 up to Bellagio – your satnav will probably do a better job of giving directions than me though!
You can also reach Lake Como from some Swiss cities by going via Zurich and Lugano. I recommend checking out Trainline or Google Maps to help you find detailed information on how to get to Lake Como
When to Visit Lake Como
Given that Lake Como’s main attraction is its stunning natural beauty, most of the best things to do here are outside. With that in mind, you’ll want to visit Lake Como when the weather is more favourable to have the best experience possible.
Travel seasons in Lake Como follow the weather seasons. Typically, the high season runs from June to mid-September. The shoulder seasons fall on either side of this in spring and autumn – from April to June and mid-September to November. Finally, the off-season runs from around November to mid-March.
I recommend the shoulder season as the sweet spot for visiting Lake Como. The weather is milder but still pleasant, the crowds will be smaller (although as Lake Como gets more and more popular don’t expect deserted streets!), and the prices more reasonable. Plus, some tourist attractions, restaurants, and transport services may close up for the winter or run a reduced timetable, so there will be more things to do in Lake Como from spring to autumn.
How Many Days Should You Spend in Lake Como?
You could spend anywhere from a couple of days to a week in Lake Como and have an amazing time! There is so much to see and do here that you can easily adapt your itinerary to suit your trip length.
With 2-3 days in Lake Como, base yourself in either Como city or the ‘Golden Triangle’ of Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio. From there, you can choose what activities on this list to do based on where you are staying.
With more time in Lake Como, you’ll be able to explore a lot more. I still recommend Como and the Golden Triangle as your base on a longer trip, but start in Como and then head up to a different accommodation in the Golden Triangle (or vice versa) – this will it much easier to get around.
Personally, I think one week in Lake Como is more than enough time to see everything, and I wouldn’t spend longer here unless you’re keen to cover every inch of ground!
Can You Take a Day Trip to Lake Como From Milan?
Milan is the nearest major Italian city to Lake Como, and it’s incredibly popular to take a day trip from Milan to Lake Como. However, when it comes to a Lake Como day trip, I recommend that you only visit the city of Como. A train between Milan and Como takes less than an hour, leaving you plenty of time to explore the city for the day!
The reason I don’t recommend heading further north on a day trip to Lake Como is mainly due to the logistics and time constraints. You can take a direct train from Milan to Varenna but it takes 1+ hours. Also, since these towns are much smaller you’ll want to visit multiple spots, meaning you then have to start thinking about ferries – you’ll probably find that you spend more of your day getting from A to B to C than you do exploring! It’s definitely possible, but for me, it’s not worth the stress.
If you’d really like to visit the likes of Bellagio and Varenna, a good option is to take an organised Lake Como day tour from Milan. The main draw of an organised tour is that you’ll have your transport and tickets sorted for you, leaving you to enjoy your time in Lake Como! Check out some recommended tours below:
Read Next: How to Spend One Day in Milan
The Best Things to Do in Lake Como
It’s important to take in the practical information before planning a trip to Lake Como, but I know what you’re all here for! Lake Como has an incredible range of things to offer, from nature and stunning architecture to cute hidden gems and bucket list experiences. So let’s not waste any more time getting stuck into the best things to do in Lake Como!
See Lake Como from Above (Como Funicular)
The city of Como has a funicular railway to take you up to the surrounding hills. From here, you can look down over Lake Como and get a unique perspective of the spectacular surroundings. Starting a stone’s throw from the centre of Como, the funicular takes you up to the town of Brunate.
From here, you can wander around to find many panoramic viewpoints of Lake Como. Here are a few that I recommend:
- Punto Panoramico su Como – views over the city of Como as well as the lake
- The very end of Via Pissarottino for uninterrupted views
- Faro Voltiano to see views even further around Lake Como
There is also a lovely little trattoria next to the top of the funicular serving delicious Italian food and drinks. The balcony at Trattoria Dei Bracconieri Brunate overlooks Lake Como and is quite possibly the most beautiful backdrop in the world for a meal.
Tickets for the funicular can be bought on-site, by queueing up at the base station in Como. A return ticket is around €6, and the funiculars leave roughly every 30 minutes.
Visit a Historic Villa
Lake Como is home to a number of lavish villas, once home to wealthy and royal Europeans. Given their history, the villas are understandably exceptional works of architecture and many sit proudly on the shores of the lake.
Here are some of the most popular villas to visit in Lake Como:
- Villa Olmo – Great choice for those visiting Como city
- Villa Balbianello – Iconic villa known for its gardens which featured in Star Wars
- Villa Carlotta – Home to numerous powerful Europeans through the years
- Villa Melzi D’Eril – Villa in Bellagio with a botanical garden
- Villa Cipressi & Villa Monastero – Neighbouring villas near Varenna
These days, many of the most iconic villas around Lake Como are open for the public to visit – some are even hotels! Discovering the interiors and surrounding gardens of these villas give a fantastic insight into the true luxury that encapsulates Lake Como.
Book your Lake Como villa entry now!
Or, for a truly special experience, book a stay at the beautiful Villa Cipressi in Varenna.
Learn about Silk in Como
Did you know that Como is world-famous for silk manufacturing? I didn’t before I went to Lake Como! One of the best things to do in Lake Como is take the opportunity to learn more about the history of silk in Lake Como.
The best place to start is at the Museo della Seta di Como, a museum in Como showcasing the city’s history with silk making, as well as the process itself. You could also visit the Monumento alla Tessitrice in Mennagio, or Villa Bernasconi in Cernobbio, where you can see the life cycle of a silkworm intricately carved into the building’s exterior.
Take a Boat Tour
Jump aboard a boat to see Lake Como from the water! What better way to explore than by cruising along the waters of the iconic lake? Taking a boat cruise on Lake Como is also a fantastic way to see more of the lake, as on a 2-3 hour tour you can visit multiple places, including spots you can only see from the water!
If you only have a few days, this is one of the best things to do in Lake Como – you’ll be able to squeeze in so much more around the lake. Check out a few options below.
Hop on a Ferry
The budget-friendly alternative to a Lake Como boat tour is to take a ferry between some of the lakeside towns. Although technically more a mode of transport than an activity, this is still one of the best things to do in Lake Como as, like the boat tour, you’ll get the chance to see Como from the water.
Popular ferry routes can take you from Como to countless other towns and villages along the lake, as well as the ‘Golden Triangle’ of Bellagio, Menaggio, and Varenna. It pays to be organised here as the ferry schedules aren’t very regular – check out the routes and timetables before you go.
Explore Como’s Old Town
Como, the lake’s eponymous city, has a quaint old town housing a few of Lake Como’s most stunning churches and buildings. Take a wander around the streets and look out for:
- Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta – Como’s Duomo
- Chiesa di San Giacomo – A stunning Romanesque church hidden behind the Duomo
- Broletto – The city’s former town hall
- Basilica di San Fedele – 12th Century Basilica on the edge of the old town
There are also many cute boutiques and restaurants dotted around the streets of Como’s old town. If you’re around for lunch or dinner check out Osteria Casa 28, or grab an ice cream from Gelaterai Guidi.
Wander the shores of Lake Como
Whatever city, town, or village you visit, one of the best things to do in Lake Como is simply to take in the beautiful surroundings on a lakeside stroll. The water, mountains, hillside houses and boats make for a stunning backdrop, and most towns have a dedicated promenade so you can walk right by the water.
Enjoy an Aperitivo
It’s hard not to immerse yourself in Italian culture when it involves relaxing, drinking, and eating. The Italian art of aperitivo is mainly characterised by the small snacks that accompany your drinks but in reality, it’s all about sitting back to enjoy a drink or two with company.
Most bars around Lake Como will offer a free aperitivo in the afternoon. So grab an Aperol spritz, or my personal favourite, a limoncello spritz, and pretend to be Italian for the afternoon.
Find some Famous Instagram Spots in Bellagio
Bellagio is known for being one of the most beautiful towns in Lake Como. The narrow, cobbled streets and colourful buildings have many snapping photos at every corner, and rightly so.
I’ll start you off with arguably the most photographed spot in all of Bellagio, and then it’s over to your to wander the streets and lakeside to find your own picture-perfect places.
Visit a Hilltop Castle
Hidden among the trees above the beautiful town of Varenna is Castello di Vezio, a 12th-century castle that was key in defending the town below throughout the years.
These days, you can visit the remains of the castle grounds which includes the tower offering some of the best views over Lake Como. You’ll also have the chance to explore the gardens and castle walls and see a falconry display.
Top tip: Look out for the ghost sculptures placed around the grounds. They have a really interesting story behind them and are said to represent the soul of Queen Theodelinda, Queen of the Lombards.
Learn about Alessandro Volta
Famous Italian scientist Alessandro Volta, known for inventing the battery, was born and lived in Como. His life and legacy are celebrated around Como through various statues, museums, and points of interest.
Here’s where you can celebrate and learn about Alessandro Volta in Como:
- Life Electric – Grand metal sculpture at the end of a pier, inspired by the power in Volta’s battery.
- Tempio Voltiano – Museum dedicated to Alessandro Volta, and a great place to learn more about his life and work.
- Alessandro Volta Statue – Statue of the famous scientist in Como’s main square, which is also named after Volta
- Faro Voltiano – Lighthouse celebrating Volta, reached by taking the Como funicular to Brunate
Discover a Hidden Gorge
The town of Bellano is just north of the famous ‘Golden Triangle’ of Lake Como and could be one of the best hidden gems in Lake Como due to its secret spots. Hidden in the middle of the town is a centuries-old natural gorge, the Orrido di Bellano. Footbridges line the way, making for an easy yet exciting route through the gorge, passing caves, waterfalls, and more.
Check out the Bellano tourist information website for more info on visiting Bellano Gorge. You can book tickets online or at the ticket office at the entrance to the gorge.
The Best Places to Visit on Lake Como
This list of the best things to do in Lake Como has a great variety of activities all around the lake. However, you may not get the chance to do everything, especially if you are only spending a few days in Lake Como.
I’m sure from reading so far you’ll have an idea of the things you want to do! But to help you plan your Lake Como trip even more, here’s a breakdown of some of the most famous towns in Lake Como to help you decide where to visit, as well as where to base yourself.
Como
Como is the main city of Lake Como – they even share a name! Sometimes overlooked by the more ‘picturesque’ places around the lake, Como is the perfect place to base yourself for a laidback Lake Como trip. There’s plenty to see around the old town and the waterfront, views over Lake Como, and interesting museums. It’s also the easiest route to get to Lake Como from Milan, so it’s perfect if you’re planning a short trip!
Situated at the very southern tip of Lake Como, the city of Como isn’t nearby any of the other major cities on the lake. This means it’s probably not the best choice if you want to ferry-hop around as many places as possible.
Bellagio
Many say that Bellagio is the most beautiful town in Lake Como. With its colourful cobbled streets rising up from the waterfront, it’s hard to argue with them! Visiting Bellagio is definitely one of the most popular things to do in Lake Como.
The drawback of Bellagio is that with popularity comes crowds, and it can get very busy here. I don’t recommend using Bellagio as a base either, as accommodation prices are usually the most expensive here. Instead, stay in one of the nearby towns mentioned below and visit Bellagio during the day.
Varenna & Menaggio
Both Varenna and Menaggio make great bases for ferry hopping around the ‘Golden Triangle’ of Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio. There’s a direct train route from Varenna to Milan, meaning this will likely be your first stop, and you can relax here for your next few days of adventures. Menaggio is just a short ferry ride away, and both places tend to have much cheaper accommodation options than Bellagio.
With a castle, a handful of villas, beautiful waterfronts, and plenty of places to enjoy an aperitivo, you’ll be well entertained in Varenna and Menaggio.
Nesso
Nesso is famous for having one of the most breathtaking spots in Lake Como. If you book a Lake Como boat tour, you’ll likely pay a lakeside visit to the Nesso Gorge (Orrido di Nesso), with its beautiful waterfalls and stone bridge.
So… are you ready to go to Lake Como? This guide should have added a bunch of new things to your bucket list, and I hope you are inspired by all the best things to do in Lake Como!
Oh, and trust me, this list barely even scratches the surface of all the amazing things you can do in Lake Como, so I encourage you to get out there and explore the lake even more. Once you’ve been to Lake Como, leave me a comment with your highlights as I’m always looking for new spots to discover myself.
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