Lake Como guide
Lake Como is one of the most scenic and romantic destinations to visit in Italy! Within the Lombardy region of Northern Italy, Lake Como is surrounded by lush hills and towering mountains giving it a unique and relaxed atmosphere. Don't forget to download Thatch free app to best use this interactive guide :)
21 Places • 67 Saves • ago
Free

Best places to see

Varenna
@wilbertandspace
Varenna is a picturesque and traditional village, located on the eastern shore of Lake Como. I would highly suggest you to sleep here since I found it to be one of the most typical and quiet towns of the lake and everything is located within walking distance!
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Villa Monastero - Varenna (LC)
@wilbertandspace
Villa Monastero is one of the most romantic villas out there and is located in Varenna so if you decide to not sleep here you can get to Varenna by ferry and then walk to the villa. The entrance to the Botanic Garden and The House Museum is € 10,00 . Entrance to the Botanic Garden Only is € 8,00 You can check days & times on their website ( see Details below)
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Villa del Balbianello
@wilbertandspace
This is the most famous villa in Lake Como so get ready for the crowds or try to go at the opening time! :D HOW TO GET to Villa Balbianello: First you have to reach Lenno/Tremezzina town with the public boat (ferry). From the pier you can get there by foot (walking on a 1 km footpath which starts from Via degli Artigiani) or by a taxiboat that leaves from the Lenno beach (€7.5 for the roundtrip). I higly suggest you this second option for the unique scenery you will experience! Check out my tiktok video linked below TICKETS Note: booking at least 24 hours before the visit is strongly recommended on weekdays and mandatory for weekends and holidays. To book check their website : https://fai.midaticket.it/Event/4/Dates Garden only: €11 (6-18 years old kids: €6) Whole property (garden + villa): €22 (6-18 years old kids: €12) Open from mid-March to mid-November (please check on Google or on the official website). Opening times: 10am - 6pm (last admission to visit the park is at 5pm.). Closed on Mondays and Wednesdays (except on holidays).
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Bellagio
@wilbertandspace
The tiny streets of Bellagio are so pretty that a simple walk is worth the visit. If you want to relax on a beach, you can choose between the public stony beach of San Giovanni or the Lido di Bellagio, which is equipped with bar, wifi and gazebos.
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I Giardini di Villa Melzi
@wilbertandspace
A stroll around Villa Melzi gardens is definitely one of the best things to do when you are in Bellagio. The villa is open from March to October and the entry price is €8.00. Opening times: 10am - 7pm (last admission to visit the park is at 6pm.). Open all days. HOW TO GET to Villa Melzi Take the public boat to Bellagio and there you can get to Villa Melzi in 15 minutes walking from the pier.
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Villa Carlotta
@wilbertandspace
Located in Tremezzina, within a short distance from Villa del Balbianello, Villa Carlotta is another beautiful Villa you can visit if you have some extra time! Open from mid-March to mid-November (please check on Google or on the official website). Opening times: 9am - 7.30pm. Regular ticket: €12 (6-17 years old kids: €10)
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Restaurants

Osteria Quatro Pass
@wilbertandspace
If you're sleeping in Varenna you should definitely come here for dinner and taste the local meats, fresh homemade pasta, or fish from the lake
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Details
Lido di Ossuccio
@wilbertandspace
Surrounded by green and a beautiful lake view, this is the perfect spot to relax! Have lunch or aperitivo
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Details
Bar Il Molo
@wilbertandspace
Probably one of the most famous bars in Italy! Come here for a coffee or Aperitivo with a view
Add to
Details
Ristorante Borgovino
@wilbertandspace
A small and characteristic restaurant
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Details
Hotel & Restaurant Silvio
@wilbertandspace
Albergo Ristorante Silvio is a family-run hotel and a restaurant serving fresh fish and local specialties. From the elegant veranda and the outdoor pergola under the vineyards, it is possible to enjoy a breathtaking view of the lake and the surrounding mountains. The cuisine is simple but refined and showcases traditional local dishes and products.
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Details
Ristorante La Terrazza Gualtiero Marchesi
@wilbertandspace
If you're looking for a Michelin-star experience this is the right place! In this restaurant, which is inside the “Grand Hotel Tremezzo” , you can taste the most iconic dishes of the father of Italian haute cuisine: Gualtiero Marchesi (he was the first Italian chef to be awarded the three Michelin stars)
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Where to stay

Here are the things you want to keep in mind when picking a hotel in Lake Como:

- Parking: Are you driving a car? In many towns the parking is quite limited, so be sure to ask in advance about a spot for your car or check if the town you choose has a public parking.

- Nearby restaurants: Make sure to choose a town where you can find restaurants nearby.

- Air conditioning: Italy can get really hot in summertime

There are three main towns you’ll most likely stay in during your time at Lake Como: Varenna, Bellagio or Como. Here is a selection of stays for each town! 

Varenna

Albergo Milano
@wilbertandspace
This is the hotel we stayed at, make sure to book a room with view! You can take a look at my video I linked below to see the view. This is truly a charming spot in Lake Como that feels like a home away from home.
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Details
Hotel Du Lac
@wilbertandspace
This 4 star hotel has breathtaking views of Lake Como. The atmosphere here is quietly intimate and elegant.
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Hotel Ristorante Olivedo - Varenna (LC)
@wilbertandspace
Elegant and small hotel in Art Nouveau style. The charming location on the edge of the lake and the renowned cuisine will make your stay even more pleasant.
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Bellagio:

Hotel Florence
@wilbertandspace
Located in the historic center of Bellagio, this classic hotel features a restaurant and a wellness area. The property is also a 3-minute walk from the ferry port, offering connections to Menaggio and Varenna.
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Hotel Bellagio
@wilbertandspace
Hotel Bellagio is owned by the Leoni family, the owners of Hotel Du Lac. The Hotel is situated on a traditional cubbled staircase of Bellagio, to reach it there are 38 small steps. Hotel Bellagio has at its disposal various categories of rooms: 17 of these have partial or full lake view over breathtaking Lake Como and the remaining 12 rooms provide views over the village rooftops and picturesque streets.
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Hotel Belvedere
@wilbertandspace
A short step away from the bustle of Bellagio’s centre, the Hotel Belvedere, owned by 4 generations of women since 1880, offers panoramic views of Lake Como. The private garden has a swimming pool with a hot tub. Parking is free.
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Como

Hilton Lake Como
@wilbertandspace
Featuring a rooftop infinity pool, Hilton Lake Como offers accommodations a 10-minute walk from the shores of Lake Como. Guests can enjoy the Terrazza 241 rooftop restaurant and bar, the Satin restaurant and the Taffeta lobby bar.
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B&B Vista Lago
@wilbertandspace
Ideal for romantic getaways, rejuvenating escapes, and even business trips, Vistalago is an oasis of tranquility surrounded by lush greenery, just a few minutes from the historic city center.
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Palazzo Albricci Peregrini
@wilbertandspace
In a 15th century palace located in the historic center of the city of Como, within the ancient medieval walls and the imposing and suggestive Roman towers, a family has decided to open the doors of their home to offer visitors a magical and familiar atmosphere.
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General informations

How to get to Lake Como

First you have to get to Milan city. Find flights to Milan:

I will give you an insight on how to get to three of the most popular Lake Como’s towns from Milan: Como, Bellagio and Varenna.

Your first option is to take a train from Milano centrale train station to the towns of Como, Lecco ( from Lecco to Bellagio, you can choose between the D10 bus or, only in summer, the public boat service) or Varenna (depending on where you decide to sleep). You can check timetables and fares with Trenitalia (see the link below).

The trip will take approx. 1 hour.

The second option is from Milan Malpensa airport.

First of all, you have to take the Malpensa Express from the airport to Milano Centrale train station. Then, from Milano Centrale you can take the train that will take you to Como, Lecco or Varenna.

The third and last option is to rent a car at Milano Malpensa airport or train station! The trip will last around 1hour and an half but consider that you will have to pay for parking once there!

If you want to book your car in advance or check fares:

How can I book a private boat tour around Lake Como?

Most of the towns will give you the chance to take a private boat tour on Lake Como at your own pace, maybe at sunset and with a fine bottle of prosecco.

If you are looking for a private tour with a driver at your disposal , please check the links I attached to see example of the options offered

Getting around

Once you are in Como, Bellagio or Varenna you can easily get to the other towns of the lake by boat.

Boat tours are basically of two types: public or private.

You can choose the experience you prefer based on your needs, especially the time and budget you have available.

The public boat service is provided by Navigazione Laghi.

The service operates all year round and these are the fares for most common routes :

One-way ticket Como-Bellagio: €10.40

Circular ticket Como-Bellagio (valid 1 day): €23.30

One-way ticket Bellagio-Varenna: €4.60 (this price applies to all one-way passenger transfers between towns in the central area of the lake). Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office near the dock of almost any town. For schedule, timetables & routes please check Navigazione Laghi website! (link below)

When to go

The best time to visit Lake Como would be from April to October, when the weather gets warm and mild.

* * *
CURATED BY
Nice to meet you! :) I'm Ludovica, a travel creator from Rome, Italy 🇮🇹 Here you can shop my travel guides or itineraries so you can easily replicate my trips! You can also check and save my free guides.📝 Every guide includes an interactive map which means that when you click on a place you can directly open it on Google maps from your phone, call restaurants or book hotels 🗺️ Don't forget to download the free Thatch App to get easier access from your phone📱 Subscribe to get notified when I publish a new guide or when I update one and to receive special discount codes 💌 Save entire days of planning and research, I do it for you :)
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Lake Como guide
Lake Como is one of the most scenic and romantic destinations to visit in Italy! Within the Lombardy region of Northern Italy, Lake Como is surrounded by lush hills and towering mountains giving it a unique and relaxed atmosphere. Don't forget to download Thatch free app to best use this interactive guide :)
21 Places • 67 Saves • ago
Free

Best places to see

Varenna
@wilbertandspace
Varenna is a picturesque and traditional village, located on the eastern shore of Lake Como. I would highly suggest you to sleep here since I found it to be one of the most typical and quiet towns of the lake and everything is located within walking distance!
Add to
Details
Villa Monastero - Varenna (LC)
@wilbertandspace
Villa Monastero is one of the most romantic villas out there and is located in Varenna so if you decide to not sleep here you can get to Varenna by ferry and then walk to the villa. The entrance to the Botanic Garden and The House Museum is € 10,00 . Entrance to the Botanic Garden Only is € 8,00 You can check days & times on their website ( see Details below)
Add to
Details
Villa del Balbianello
@wilbertandspace
This is the most famous villa in Lake Como so get ready for the crowds or try to go at the opening time! :D HOW TO GET to Villa Balbianello: First you have to reach Lenno/Tremezzina town with the public boat (ferry). From the pier you can get there by foot (walking on a 1 km footpath which starts from Via degli Artigiani) or by a taxiboat that leaves from the Lenno beach (€7.5 for the roundtrip). I higly suggest you this second option for the unique scenery you will experience! Check out my tiktok video linked below TICKETS Note: booking at least 24 hours before the visit is strongly recommended on weekdays and mandatory for weekends and holidays. To book check their website : https://fai.midaticket.it/Event/4/Dates Garden only: €11 (6-18 years old kids: €6) Whole property (garden + villa): €22 (6-18 years old kids: €12) Open from mid-March to mid-November (please check on Google or on the official website). Opening times: 10am - 6pm (last admission to visit the park is at 5pm.). Closed on Mondays and Wednesdays (except on holidays).
Add to
Details
Bellagio
@wilbertandspace
The tiny streets of Bellagio are so pretty that a simple walk is worth the visit. If you want to relax on a beach, you can choose between the public stony beach of San Giovanni or the Lido di Bellagio, which is equipped with bar, wifi and gazebos.
Add to
Details
I Giardini di Villa Melzi
@wilbertandspace
A stroll around Villa Melzi gardens is definitely one of the best things to do when you are in Bellagio. The villa is open from March to October and the entry price is €8.00. Opening times: 10am - 7pm (last admission to visit the park is at 6pm.). Open all days. HOW TO GET to Villa Melzi Take the public boat to Bellagio and there you can get to Villa Melzi in 15 minutes walking from the pier.
Add to
Details
Villa Carlotta
@wilbertandspace
Located in Tremezzina, within a short distance from Villa del Balbianello, Villa Carlotta is another beautiful Villa you can visit if you have some extra time! Open from mid-March to mid-November (please check on Google or on the official website). Opening times: 9am - 7.30pm. Regular ticket: €12 (6-17 years old kids: €10)
Add to
Details

Restaurants

Osteria Quatro Pass
@wilbertandspace
If you're sleeping in Varenna you should definitely come here for dinner and taste the local meats, fresh homemade pasta, or fish from the lake
Add to
Details
Lido di Ossuccio
@wilbertandspace
Surrounded by green and a beautiful lake view, this is the perfect spot to relax! Have lunch or aperitivo
Add to
Details
Bar Il Molo
@wilbertandspace
Probably one of the most famous bars in Italy! Come here for a coffee or Aperitivo with a view
Add to
Details
Ristorante Borgovino
@wilbertandspace
A small and characteristic restaurant
Add to
Details
Hotel & Restaurant Silvio
@wilbertandspace
Albergo Ristorante Silvio is a family-run hotel and a restaurant serving fresh fish and local specialties. From the elegant veranda and the outdoor pergola under the vineyards, it is possible to enjoy a breathtaking view of the lake and the surrounding mountains. The cuisine is simple but refined and showcases traditional local dishes and products.
Add to
Details
Ristorante La Terrazza Gualtiero Marchesi
@wilbertandspace
If you're looking for a Michelin-star experience this is the right place! In this restaurant, which is inside the “Grand Hotel Tremezzo” , you can taste the most iconic dishes of the father of Italian haute cuisine: Gualtiero Marchesi (he was the first Italian chef to be awarded the three Michelin stars)
Add to
Details

Where to stay

Here are the things you want to keep in mind when picking a hotel in Lake Como:

- Parking: Are you driving a car? In many towns the parking is quite limited, so be sure to ask in advance about a spot for your car or check if the town you choose has a public parking.

- Nearby restaurants: Make sure to choose a town where you can find restaurants nearby.

- Air conditioning: Italy can get really hot in summertime

There are three main towns you’ll most likely stay in during your time at Lake Como: Varenna, Bellagio or Como. Here is a selection of stays for each town! 

Varenna

Albergo Milano
@wilbertandspace
This is the hotel we stayed at, make sure to book a room with view! You can take a look at my video I linked below to see the view. This is truly a charming spot in Lake Como that feels like a home away from home.
Add to
Details
Hotel Du Lac
@wilbertandspace
This 4 star hotel has breathtaking views of Lake Como. The atmosphere here is quietly intimate and elegant.
Add to
Details
Hotel Ristorante Olivedo - Varenna (LC)
@wilbertandspace
Elegant and small hotel in Art Nouveau style. The charming location on the edge of the lake and the renowned cuisine will make your stay even more pleasant.
Add to
Details

Bellagio:

Hotel Florence
@wilbertandspace
Located in the historic center of Bellagio, this classic hotel features a restaurant and a wellness area. The property is also a 3-minute walk from the ferry port, offering connections to Menaggio and Varenna.
Add to
Details
Hotel Bellagio
@wilbertandspace
Hotel Bellagio is owned by the Leoni family, the owners of Hotel Du Lac. The Hotel is situated on a traditional cubbled staircase of Bellagio, to reach it there are 38 small steps. Hotel Bellagio has at its disposal various categories of rooms: 17 of these have partial or full lake view over breathtaking Lake Como and the remaining 12 rooms provide views over the village rooftops and picturesque streets.
Add to
Details
Hotel Belvedere
@wilbertandspace
A short step away from the bustle of Bellagio’s centre, the Hotel Belvedere, owned by 4 generations of women since 1880, offers panoramic views of Lake Como. The private garden has a swimming pool with a hot tub. Parking is free.
Add to
Details

Como

Hilton Lake Como
@wilbertandspace
Featuring a rooftop infinity pool, Hilton Lake Como offers accommodations a 10-minute walk from the shores of Lake Como. Guests can enjoy the Terrazza 241 rooftop restaurant and bar, the Satin restaurant and the Taffeta lobby bar.
Add to
Details
B&B Vista Lago
@wilbertandspace
Ideal for romantic getaways, rejuvenating escapes, and even business trips, Vistalago is an oasis of tranquility surrounded by lush greenery, just a few minutes from the historic city center.
Add to
Details
Palazzo Albricci Peregrini
@wilbertandspace
In a 15th century palace located in the historic center of the city of Como, within the ancient medieval walls and the imposing and suggestive Roman towers, a family has decided to open the doors of their home to offer visitors a magical and familiar atmosphere.
Add to
Details

General informations

How to get to Lake Como

First you have to get to Milan city. Find flights to Milan:

I will give you an insight on how to get to three of the most popular Lake Como’s towns from Milan: Como, Bellagio and Varenna.

Your first option is to take a train from Milano centrale train station to the towns of Como, Lecco ( from Lecco to Bellagio, you can choose between the D10 bus or, only in summer, the public boat service) or Varenna (depending on where you decide to sleep). You can check timetables and fares with Trenitalia (see the link below).

The trip will take approx. 1 hour.

The second option is from Milan Malpensa airport.

First of all, you have to take the Malpensa Express from the airport to Milano Centrale train station. Then, from Milano Centrale you can take the train that will take you to Como, Lecco or Varenna.

The third and last option is to rent a car at Milano Malpensa airport or train station! The trip will last around 1hour and an half but consider that you will have to pay for parking once there!

If you want to book your car in advance or check fares:

How can I book a private boat tour around Lake Como?

Most of the towns will give you the chance to take a private boat tour on Lake Como at your own pace, maybe at sunset and with a fine bottle of prosecco.

If you are looking for a private tour with a driver at your disposal , please check the links I attached to see example of the options offered

Getting around

Once you are in Como, Bellagio or Varenna you can easily get to the other towns of the lake by boat.

Boat tours are basically of two types: public or private.

You can choose the experience you prefer based on your needs, especially the time and budget you have available.

The public boat service is provided by Navigazione Laghi.

The service operates all year round and these are the fares for most common routes :

One-way ticket Como-Bellagio: €10.40

Circular ticket Como-Bellagio (valid 1 day): €23.30

One-way ticket Bellagio-Varenna: €4.60 (this price applies to all one-way passenger transfers between towns in the central area of the lake). Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office near the dock of almost any town. For schedule, timetables & routes please check Navigazione Laghi website! (link below)

When to go

The best time to visit Lake Como would be from April to October, when the weather gets warm and mild.

* * *
CURATED BY
Nice to meet you! :) I'm Ludovica, a travel creator from Rome, Italy 🇮🇹 Here you can shop my travel guides or itineraries so you can easily replicate my trips! You can also check and save my free guides.📝 Every guide includes an interactive map which means that when you click on a place you can directly open it on Google maps from your phone, call restaurants or book hotels 🗺️ Don't forget to download the free Thatch App to get easier access from your phone📱 Subscribe to get notified when I publish a new guide or when I update one and to receive special discount codes 💌 Save entire days of planning and research, I do it for you :)
Send A Tip
Support Ludovica Caracciolo’s work.
Select your tip amount
$5
$10
$20
$50
Or type in other amount
Powered by Thatch
The home for unique & authentic travel
Powered by Thatch: Where great trips are made.
© Ludovica Caracciolo Privacy Terms