Framed by the foothills of the Alps and shaped like an upside-down Y, Lake Como pairs dramatic scenery with centuries of elegant villas, gardens and lakeside villages. This guide walks you through how to plan a smooth, memorable trip — with the lake itself as the star.
How to get to Lake Como
The lake is remarkably easy to reach. Milan is the main gateway:
- By train: Direct trains from Milan reach Como in 30–40 minutes and Varenna in about an hour — no car required.
- By air: Milan’s Malpensa, Linate and Bergamo airports are all within easy reach; from there, take a train or transfer.
- Day trip from Milan: Short on time? An organised day trip bundles transport and a boat cruise into one easy outing.
How to get around
Once you’re here, the water does the heavy lifting. Public ferries connect all the main villages, while guided boat tours reach the villas and viewpoints in between. Our Lake Como ferry guide explains routes, tickets and when a tour beats the ferry.
Where to go
Focus on the central lake, where the three branches meet and the best villages cluster together:
Central lake Bellagio
The Pearl of Lake Como
Sitting on the promontory where the lake splits into two branches, Bellagio is the postcard village of cobbled staircases, lakeside gardens and elegant villas.
Lecco branch Varenna
The romantic fishing village
A quieter, wonderfully atmospheric village on the eastern shore, famous for its lakeside Walk of Lovers, pastel houses and easy train access from Milan.
Como branch Como
The lively lakeside city
The largest town on the lake and the usual gateway, Como blends a walkable historic centre, a grand cathedral and a funicular up to Brunate for sweeping views.
See all of them in our destinations guide.
The best things to do
- Take a boat tour — the number-one experience. Compare our best Lake Como boat tours.
- Visit a villa garden — Villa del Balbianello and Villa Carlotta are the headliners.
- Ride the Brunate funicular above Como for a panoramic view.
- Walk the Passeggiata degli Innamorati in Varenna.
- Village-hop by ferry around the Bellagio–Varenna–Menaggio triangle.
Where to stay
Your base shapes your trip:
- Bellagio — iconic and central, but pricier and busier.
- Varenna — romantic, easy train access, great value.
- Menaggio — practical, well-connected, family-friendly.
- Como — most amenities and nightlife, best for a city-style base.
Sample itineraries
1 day (from Milan)
Train to Varenna → ferry to Bellagio → boat cruise to Villa del Balbianello → aperitivo in Bellagio → train home. Or take an all-in-one day trip from Milan.
2–3 days
Day 1: Varenna (villas and the Walk of Lovers). Day 2: a boat tour to Bellagio and Villa del Balbianello. Day 3: Menaggio and the western shore, or Como town and the funicular.
Budget & money-saving tips
- Base yourself in Varenna or Menaggio for better-value hotels than Bellagio.
- Use ferry day passes for the central lake if you’re village-hopping.
- Choose shared boat tours over private ones to cut costs without losing the views.
- Travel in shoulder season (May, September) for lower prices and thinner crowds — see our best time to visit guide.
