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15 Amazing Day Trips from Lake Como (+How to Get There)

W hen visiting Lake Como, it’s hard to resist the temptation to stay and soak in the beauty of this Italian gem. However, just beyond its shimmering waters lies a world of adventures waiting to be explored.

From the fashion capital of Milan to the picturesque villages of Cinque Terre, discover some of Italy’s best-kept secrets on these day trips from Lake Como. Take a ride on the Bernina Express to Lugano and enjoy stunning views of the snow-capped Alps. Delight in the romantic atmosphere of Verona, get lost in the canals of Venice and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Cinque Terre. 

While staying by Lake Como provides a tranquil and enchanting vacation, exploring the nearby areas provides a whole new dimension to your trip. Day trips outside of Lake Como offer unique experiences and allow you to discover hidden gems that will leave you with lasting memories.

On this page:

• Best day trips from Lake Como
• 1 Bernina Express
• 2 Ferrari Musems
• 3 St Moritz
• 4 Lugano Switzerland
• 5 Lake Maggiore
• 8 Cinque Terre
• 10 Madesimo
• 11 Florence
• 12 Lake Garda

So, if you’re ready to venture beyond the shores of Lake Como, here are some day trips you won’t want to miss: 

1. From Lake Como to the Swiss Alps: Embark on a Breathtaking Journey with the Bernina Express

Embark on a scenic train journey from Lake Como, Italy, to the luxurious mountain town of St. Moritz, Switzerland, on the world’s most beautiful rail routes . The Bernina Express offers an unforgettable experience, showcasing the stunning landscapes of northern Italy and the majestic Swiss Alps.

As you board the Bernina Express, prepare to be amazed by the panoramic views that unfold before your eyes . The train winds through the impressive Dolomites mountain range, where snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and pristine lakes create a mesmerising backdrop.

Sit back, relax, and let the ever-changing scenery captivate your senses—Marvel at the towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and charming alpine villages that dot the route. The Bernina Express takes you through numerous tunnels, over viaducts, and along steep inclines, providing a thrilling and immersive experience.

How to get to the starting point of Bernina Express

Tirano, the closest starting point to Lake Como , is in the Valtellina Valley in northern Italy and is just over 100km and around 2 hours drive away from Lake Como. We highly recommend going between towns as public transport can take significantly longer. 

If you cannot drive, you can take a Ferry from Varenna to Bellano, a train to Sondrio, and a bus ride to Tirano. This journey can take over 4 hours.  

Alternatively, we highly recommend this tour from Milan which covers Lake Como, Bernina Express and St. Moritz. This also covers a private boat, luxury bus and a professional tourist guide. 

After traversing this awe-inspiring journey, you’ll arrive in the glamorous town of St. Moritz, known for its luxurious resorts and world-class skiing, and this is another excellent day trip destination from Lake Como.

2. Rev into History: Exploring the Two Ferrari Museums in Italy

• Ferrari Museum Modena

If you’re a fan of speed, power, and sleek design, visiting the two Ferrari Museums in Italy is an absolute must. Located just a stone’s throw away from Lake Como, these museums showcase a collection of iconic Ferrari cars that will leave any car enthusiast breathless.

The first museum, Museo Ferrari in Maranello , is a homage to the brand’s rich history. Here, you’ll find an extensive display of historical models shaping the Ferrari legacy. Each car tells a unique story of innovation and passion, from the famous classics to the rare gems. The museum also offers interactive displays and exhibits on the brand’s racing history, allowing visitors to delve into the world of Formula 1.

The second museum, Galleria Ferrari in Modena , showcases Ferrari’s design and engineering evolution. Here, you’ll be mesmerised by the modern masterpieces that push the boundaries of automotive technology. The exhibits highlight the brand’s commitment to innovation and craftsmanship, making it a must-see for car enthusiasts.

How to get to the Ferrari Museums from Lake Como

To make your way to these iconic museums, you have two options. If you prefer the freedom of the open road, you can hire a car and embark on a scenic drive from Lake Como. The travel time to both museums will take approx 3 hours. 

Want to skip the line?

If you just want to see the Maranello museum, then this Ferrari museum entrance ticket will still give you a great experience

Both passes have free cancellation if you cancel 24 hours before the date. Also, you will only reserve the spot now and pay later.

3. Exploring St. Moritz: The Epitome of Luxury in the Swiss Alps

• St. Moritz Switzerland

Located in the Swiss Alps, St. Moritz is a stunning destination only a few hours away from Lake Como by car or train. Thus, it has become one of the top choices for day trips from this Italian paradise. St. Moritz is an ideal day trip from Lake Como for anyone looking to add a bit of adventure and luxury to their travels. The stunningly beautiful town has been recognised as one of the most prestigious destinations for vacationers worldwide, and it’s easy to see why.

St. Moritz offers many outdoor activities for thrill-seekers exploring the region’s natural beauty . There’s something for everyone here, from skiing and snowboarding in the winter to horseback riding and paragliding in the summer. On top of that, you can also take part in unique activities such as curling or bobsledding. 

Then, if you’re looking to add some luxury to your day trip, St. Moritz is also home to some of the world’s most exclusive hotels and restaurants. You can treat yourself to an indulgent spa treatment at one of the many spas in town or savour a Michelin-starred meal at one of the many gourmet restaurants in the area.

Museums in St. Moritz, Switzerland, make for a great day trip from Lake Como. This glamorous Alpine village is home to some of Switzerland’s most unique and exciting museums. The Segantini Museum is the first stop on any museum-lover’s list in St. Moritz. This museum houses an extensive collection of works by Giovanni Segantini, one of Italy’s most celebrated painters. Here, you can admire Segantini’s iconic landscapes and explore his characteristic use of light and colour to create breathtakingly beautiful scenes.

Also located in St. Moritz is the Engadiner Museum , which showcases artefacts related to regional history as well as the culture and traditions of the Engadin Valley. This museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the past and present of this beautiful region. 

Whether looking for a relaxing stroll through picturesque landscapes or an adrenaline-filled adventure, St. Moritz has something for everyone!

How to get to St. Moritz from Lake Como

To travel from Lake Como to St. Moritz, you can take a scenic drive that will last approximately 2 hours and cover a distance of around 100km via Route 3. Along the way, you can explore charming Swiss and Italian towns, making the journey as exciting as the destination.

Alternatively, you can take a bus from Menaggio that will take you directly to St. Moritz. The journey by bus will take around 2.5 to 3 hours.  

We recommend taking the tour to St. Moritz via the Bernina Express as it provides convenient transportation and eliminates the need for arranging your own.

4. Lugano, Switzerland: A Mediterranean Escape on a Day Trip from Lake Como

• Lugano Monte Bre and Church of San Lorenzo view

The charming city of Lugano, Switzerland, with its idyllic Mediterranean vibe and easy accessibility from Como St. Giovanni station, is the perfect destination to explore just a stone’s throw away.

The narrow streets of Lugano’s old town are filled with colourful facades that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Take a moment to enjoy the spectacular views from Monte Bre or Monte San Salvatore . Use Funicolare to reach the top. The high mountains provide beautiful views of the city and stunning views of Lake Lugano.

If you’re a foodie, Lugano won’t disappoint. Indulge in a culinary adventure by dining at one of the Alpine restaurants scattered across the city, where you can savour traditional Swiss dishes with a twist. And for those seeking outdoor thrills, Lugano is a gateway to nearby hiking trails, where you can immerse yourself in the region’s natural beauty.

How to travel from Lake Como to Lugano

Getting to Lugano is a breeze. If you prefer the freedom of a car, a scenic drive from the west side of Lake Como or Como City will take you there in just under an hour.

Alternatively, opt for the convenience of public transport and hop on a direct train from Como St. Giovanni station. In no time, you’ll find yourself in the heart of Lugano, ready to embark on a memorable adventure.

5. Lake Maggiore: A Day Trip Full of Charming Villages, Breathtaking Views, and Botanical Wonders

• Isola Bella Island in Lake Maggiore

Nestled in the northern part of Italy, Lake Maggiore is a true feast for the senses. Its picturesque views, charming villages, and many attractions make it an idyllic day trip destination from Lake Como.

Once you arrive, embark on a relaxing lake cruise to fully appreciate the beauty of Lake Maggiore. Explore captivating towns like Stresa and Pallanza , where you can stroll along charming streets, browse local shops, and savour delicious Italian cuisine. Take advantage of visiting Santa Caterina del Sasso , a stunning hermitage on a cliff overlooking the lake. And nature enthusiasts will be enthralled by the world-famous botanical gardens at Villa Taranto , showcasing an exquisite collection of plants from around the globe.

A highlight of Lake Maggiore is Isola Bella , a small island boasting a magnificent palace and stunning gardens. Lose yourself in the beauty of its manicured terraces, exotic flowers, and intricate architecture.

How to get to Lake Maggiore

We recommend renting a car for a scenic drive that takes approximately 2 hours to reach Lake Maggiore from Lake Como. As you navigate through the winding roads, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas along the way.

6. From Lake Como to Milan: A Day Trip of Architectural Marvels and Chic Italian Style

• Milan Galleria

Milan, the glamorous capital of Lombardy, beckons as a captivating day trip and a popular destination from Lake Como. Immerse yourself in the city’s rich history and exquisite architecture, starting with the iconic Duomo di Milano . Marvel at the intricate details of this magnificent cathedral as you explore its grand interior and take in panoramic views from its rooftop.

No visit to Milan is complete without experiencing Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, “ The Last Supper .” Look at this tour; you can book this tour ticket in advance for a privileged glimpse of this renowned artwork with a knowledgeable guide. 

Head to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for high-end shopping and stunning architecture. This elegant shopping arcade is home to world-famous luxury brands, charming cafes, and opulent decor. Please take a moment to admire its magnificent glass dome and mosaic floors.

Plan a well-defined itinerary to make the most of your time in Milan. Explore the trendy Navigli district , known for its picturesque canals, vibrant nightlife, and delightful bars and restaurants. 

How to get to Milan

You can reach Milan by car from Lake Como in approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Alternatively, take a train from Como S. Giovanni station to Milano Centrale station for a convenient and relaxing journey.

7. Verona: Shakespearean Tales, History and Romance

• Verona Italy Night Sky

Verona a city that will transport you through centuries of history and enchant you with its romantic allure. Known for its well-preserved Roman amphitheatre, Arena di Verona, and the famous Juliet’s House, Verona offers a wealth of captivating attractions.

Start your journey at the Arena di Verona , where you can admire the grandeur of this ancient amphitheatre, still used today for opera performances that leave audiences in awe. Immerse yourself in the timeless tale of Romeo and Juliet as you visit Juliet’s House . Stand on the famous balcony and feel the weight of Shakespeare’s words in the air.

Make your way to the incredible views at Basilica di San Zeno , a Romanesque masterpiece boasting stunning architecture and captivating frescoes. You’ll be captivated by the beauty and tranquillity that surrounds this sacred place.

Verona is not just a feast for the eyes but also for the taste buds. I ndulge in the local dishes, such as Risotto all’Amarone and Tortellini di Valeggio , paired with renowned wines from the surrounding vineyards.

How to get to this beautiful town Verona from Lake Como

Getting to Verona from Lake Como is easy. If you prefer driving, take the A4 highway for a scenic 3-hour journey.

Alternatively, you can take a train from Varenna Esino station to Milano Centrale and then to Stazione Verona Porta Nuova, where you can easily access the city centre.

8. Cinque Terre: A Picturesque Coastal Adventure from Lake Como

• Cinque Terra Italy

Embark on a unique adventure along the stunning coastal path of Cinque Terre, where five picturesque villages await your exploration. 

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare as you traverse the coastal path that connects these charming villages. Each village offers its unique ambience, colourful houses, and breathtaking views of the Italian Riviera.

How to get to Cinque Terre

If you prefer travelling by car, you can reach Cinque Terre from Lake Como by taking the highways, with a travel time of approximately 4 hours. You must leave early to make the day worthwhile or consider staying over. 

9. Venice: A Delightful Day Trip from Lake Como

• Venice Italy

Experience the magic of Venice on an unforgettable day trip from Lake Como. Known for its enchanting canals, narrow alleys, and captivating architecture, Venice is a must-visit destination that will leave you in awe.

Once in Venice, immerse yourself in its rich history and culture by visiting the iconic St. Mark’s Basilica—Marvel at its stunning Byzantine architecture and intricate mosaics. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the magnificent Doge’s Palace , symbolising Venice’s political and social importance. Cross the famous Rialto Bridge and soak in the charm of the Grand Canal. And, of course, no visit to Venice is complete without a romantic gondola ride along the winding canals.

Getting to Venice

You can drive from Lake Como to Venice approximately 4 hours along the A4 highway.

If you prefer public transport, take a train to Milano Centrale, then catch one to Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia. 

10. Madesimo: Discover the Alpine Paradise with the Perfect Day Trip from Lake Como

• Madonna Statue Madesimo Italy 

Escape to the breathtaking beauty of Madesimo, a picturesque town nestled in the magnificent Alps and located near the enchanting shores of Lake Como. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or simply seeking a peaceful getaway, Madesimo is the perfect day trip destination.

Madesimo is a haven for outdoor activities, offering many thrilling options. During winter, ski down the pristine slopes or take on snowboarding challenges. In the warmer seasons, explore the stunning landscapes and enjoy exhilarating hikes amidst the towering peaks.

Experience the awe-inspiring views of the snow-capped mountains and lush valleys that surround Madesimo. Admire the panoramic vistas from the summit of the mountaintops or take a stroll and soak in the natural beauty that unfolds at every turn.

Getting to Madesimo

To reach Madesimo from Lake Como, embark on a scenic journey by car, enjoying the picturesque Italian countryside. The drive takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, allowing you to immerse yourself in the stunning scenery fully.

Alternatively, if you prefer public transport, take a train to Chiavenna Train Station and catch a bus to Madesimo. 

11. Florence: Unraveling the Treasures of Tuscany’s Crown Jewel

• Florence Cathedral Italy

Set your sights on the enchanting city of Florence, nestled in the heart of Tuscany, Italy. Immerse yourself in its rich history, remarkable art, and vibrant culture as you explore iconic landmarks such as the awe-inspiring Florence Cathedral, the world-renowned Uffizi Gallery, and the romantic Ponte Vecchio.

Visiting the Florence cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore) allows you to see its impressive dome designed by Brunelleschi and appreciate the intricate details of its facade. Art enthusiasts can explore the Uffizi Gallery , home of masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci. Additionally, walking across the Ponte Vecchio provides a chance to admire its medieval architecture and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the nearby shops.

Beyond the famous landmarks, wander through the charming streets of the Oltrarno district, known for its artisans and hidden gems. Treat your taste buds to the delectable flavours of authentic gelato that Florence is renowned for. Climb to Piazzale Michelangelo and let your gaze sweep across breathtaking panoramic views of the beautiful city.

How to get to Florence

If you’re travelling from Lake Como, hop in a car and embark on a scenic drive through the picturesque Italian countryside. The journey takes approximately four and a half hours, allowing you to soak in the beauty of the landscapes along the way.

Alternatively, you can opt for public transport. Take a train from Lake Como to Florence’s Santa Maria Novella Station. The journey, with a transfer, takes around 4-5 hours. From there, the city’s well-connected public transport system makes it easy to navigate and explore Florence’s treasures at your own pace.

12. Lake Garda: Unveiling the Hidden Gems of Italy’s Largest Lake

• Port Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a beautiful destination with beautiful scenery and picturesque villages. 

After arriving, there are numerous opportunities to explore the attractions of the beautiful Lake Garda. You can rent a boat and sail across the clear waters, enjoying the panoramic views and feeling the gentle breeze on your face. Alternatively, board a ferry and hop between the charming villages that dot the lake’s shoreline. 

You can experience the thrill of an exciting adventure in nearby amusement parks such as Gardaland or Caneva Aquapark . Soak up some sun on the beach while sipping a refreshing drink from one of the many lakeside bars. And for those seeking outdoor activities, go hiking or mountain biking through the lush forests surrounding Lake Garda.

Reaching Lake Garda from Lake Como

If you prefer a leisurely drive via the A4 highway, hop in a car and embark on a scenic journey through the Italian countryside. The three-hour (approx) drive allows you to soak in the stunning landscapes along the way.

Alternatively, you can opt for the convenience of public transport. Take a train from S. Giovanni (Lake Como) to Peschiera Del Garda (Lake Garda) via Milano Centrale (Milan). 

13. Bologna: A Gastronomic Delight Beckons from Lake Como

• Bologna Italy

Bologna the captivating city that beckons as an exceptional day trip destination from Lake Como. Known across Italy as a culinary paradise, Bologna is a haven for food travellers and lovers of Italian cuisine. Prepare your taste buds to savour the renowned regional delicacies such as tortellini, a delicate pasta filled with flavorful goodness, and mortadella, a delectable Italian cold cut.

After a delicious meal, explore the vibrant urban life of Bologna. Gaze in awe at the 11th-century San Petronio Basilica and admire its spectacular architecture. Discover the historic city centre, where the past and present intertwine perfectly. Go to Piazza Maggiore , an iconic square surrounded by impressive buildings with stunning facades. As you stroll around, take your time to marvel at the beauty of this enchanting city.

Shopaholics will be spoilt for choice when browsing Bologna’s vast stores and boutiques. Pick up some unique souvenirs to remember your visit, or treat yourself to something extraordinary in one of the designer shops.

How to get to Bologna

To reach Bologna from Lake Como, you have two options. If you prefer the freedom to explore at your own pace, hop in a car and embark on a scenic drive through the picturesque Italian countryside. The approximately three and half hour journey will reward you with stunning vistas along the way.

Alternatively, choose the convenience of public transport for a more relaxed journey. Start from S. Giovanni station in Como City, then go to Milano Centrale, and finally to Bologna Centrale. This journey will take approximately 4 hours. 

14. Parma: Journey into Renaissance History from Lake Como

• Cathedral Di Santa Maria Assunta in Parma

Parma is a city that transports you back to the vibrant Renaissance era. Nestled amidst the charming Italian countryside, Parma beckons as an extraordinary day trip destination from Lake Como. Immerse yourself in the rich Renaissance history that permeates the city as you marvel at iconic architectural wonders like the Baptistery and Palazzo della Pilotta .

The charming city of Parma is a must-visit for all art and culture lovers. Prepare to be captivated by the magnificent art showcased in the city’s extraordinary museum exhibitions, exploring the works of great masters such as Parmigianino, Correggio and Mantegna.

How to get to Parma

To reach Parma from Lake Como, you have two options. If you prefer the freedom to explore at your own pace, embark on a scenic drive through the picturesque Italian countryside. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and allows you to enjoy the stunning vistas.

Alternatively, choose the convenience of public transport for a more relaxed journey. Take a direct train from Varenna Esino to Milano Centrale and then to Parma, with a travel time of around 3 hours. 

15. Genoa: A Colourful and Vibrant Adventure from Lake Como

• Genoa Italy

Genoa is a vibrant city bursting with energy and colourful architecture that offers a dynamic day trip option for those seeking to immerse themselves in an authentic Italian experience. Wander through the labyrinthine streets of the historic centre and marvel at the vibrant facades that line the alleyways. The city is a treasure trove of architectural wonders, from grand medieval palaces to elegant Renaissance buildings. 

For a dose of seaside charm, a short journey from Genoa lies Portofino, an enchanting port town known for its picturesque harbour and glamorous atmosphere. Indulge in the Mediterranean ambience as you explore the charming streets lined with pastel-coloured buildings and boutique shops. Enjoy water sports, take a walk along the scenic coastline, or bask in the beauty of this coastal gem.

How to get to Genoa

To reach Genoa from Lake Como, you can opt for a scenic drive through the stunning Italian countryside, with a travel time of approximately 3 hours.

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When it comes to magical lakeside scenery, both Lugano and Lake Como offer breathtaking views that will leave you in awe. Surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery, these destinations are a nature lover’s paradise. However, while Lake Como is renowned for its stunning villas and famous attractions like Villa Balbianello, Lugano offers a unique blend of Italian and Swiss influences.

Both locations boast picturesque towns that are perfect for a stroll. You can explore the charming Old Town with its narrow cobbled streets and the Piazza della Riforma in Lugano. At the same time, Lake Como offers the enchanting towns of Bellagio and Varenna, with their colourful houses and vibrant atmosphere.

Cultural attractions are also abundant in both Lugano and Lake Como. In Lugano, you can visit the Art Museum of Lugano and the Cathedral of Saint Lawrence, while Lake Como is known for its historic villas, such as Villa Melzi and Villa Olmo.

While Lugano offers a mix of Italian and Swiss influences, Lake Como stands out for its beautiful villas and the possibility of celebrity sightings, with George Clooney being a notable resident. So, whether you prefer the blend of cultures in Lugano or the allure of Lake Como’s villas, both destinations promise a truly unforgettable experience.

When it comes to picturesque lakes in Italy, both Lake Maggiore and Lake Como offer breathtakingly scenic beauty that will mesmerise you. These lakes are surrounded by magnificent mountains and lush landscapes, epitomising a serene getaway.

Lake Maggiore is known for its unparalleled views and the famous Isola Bella, a small island that boasts breathtaking gardens, palaces, and a charming old fishing village. On the other hand, Lake Como is renowned for its upscale resort towns, such as Bellagio and Varenna, which exude elegance and offer a luxurious experience.

Both lakes have their fair share of picturesque villages, where you can get lost in the narrow cobblestone streets and soak up the local atmosphere. Lake Maggiore is home to charming towns like Stresa and Laveno, while Lake Como is adorned with enchanting villages like Menaggio and Tremezzo.

Lake Maggiore’s Isola Bella and Lake Como are known for their famous attractions. Isola Bella stands out with its stunning gardens and palaces, while Lake Como boasts remarkable Renaissance villas like Villa Balbianello and Villa Carlotta.

While both lakes offer unparalleled beauty and charm, Lake Maggiore shines with its magnificent views and Isola Bella. At the same time, Lake Como takes pride in its upscale resort towns and historical villas.

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Explore the Surrounding Beauty: 11 Unforgettable Day Trips from Lake Como

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Lake Como is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy, and for good reason! The scenery is breathtaking, and there are plenty of things to do in the area.

There are many things to do in and around Lake Como .

However, if you’re looking for a change of scenery, there are plenty of day trips that you can take from Lake Como.

In this blog post, we will explore 11 amazing day trips that you can take from this beautiful region!

You can go on a guided tour or rent a car and go on these day trips on your own terms. When I visited, I had the freedom of going by car and stopping at multiple random spots to just soak in the magnificent views.

Go on a boat tour in Lake Garda

If you’re looking for a fun day trip from Lake Como, then why not head to Lake Garda?

Located just a short drive away, Lake Garda is the perfect place to enjoy some time on the water. You can find plenty of boat tours that will take you around the lake, giving you the chance to enjoy the stunning scenery.

Make sure to bring your camera, as there are plenty of photo opportunities!

Some of the most famous sights around Lake Garda include the Rocca di Manerba, the Sirmione peninsula, and the Isola del Garda.

And if you get hungry, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes along the shoreline, so you can refuel before heading back to Lake Como.

Cycle along Lake Lugano

Cycling is a great way to see the scenery and get some exercise while on vacation. If you’re looking for a day trip from Lake Como, why not head over to Lake Lugano and explore the area by bike ?

Hybrid E-bikes are available for rental, so you can pedal your way up hills with ease. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

There are plenty of cafes and restaurants along the way, so you can stop for a refreshing break.

Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just getting started, a day of exploration by bike is sure to be an enjoyable experience.

Go on a day trip to Lake Maggiore

A day trip from Lake Como to Lake Maggiore is a must-do.

You can take a motorboat ride to the three famous Borromeo Islands in the middle of the lake. The three islands are Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori, and Isola Madre. Each island has its own unique charm.

Isola Bella is known for its magnificent baroque palace and extensive gardens, while Isola dei Pescatori is a picturesque fishing village with narrow streets and traditional restaurants. Isola Madre is the largest of the three islands and features a beautiful botanical garden with rare flowers and plants.

In addition to the Borromeo Islands, Lake Maggiore is also home to numerous other attractions, such as the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso and the Rocca di Angera.

With so much to see and do, a day trip to Lake Maggiore is sure to be an enjoyable experience.

Hike in the Swiss Alps

If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Lake Como, a hike in the Swiss Alps is the perfect day trip.

The Alps offer some of the most breathtaking views in all of Europe, and the fresh mountain air is sure to invigorate you. There are plenty of trails to choose from, so you can find one that’s perfect for your fitness level.

And if you get tired of hiking, you can always take a break and enjoy a nice picnic lunch surrounded by towering mountains and pristine forests.

Just be sure to watch out for mountain goats!

Go on a day trip to St Moritz and Valtellina vineyard

Looking to escape the crowds at Lake Como for a day? Then head to St Moritz and Valtellina for a taste of the Swiss good life.

Just a short journey from Lake Como, St Moritz is a renowned skiing destination, while Valtellina is famous for its superb wines.

So whether you’re looking to see the Swiss Alps and cute villages on the way or sample some of the finest wines in Italy, a day trip from Lake Como to St Moritz and Valtellina is definitely worth considering.

Take a train to Milan and check out a free walking tour

Feeling a touch adventurous? How about escaping the Como comfort zone for a day and taking a train trip to the bustling city of Milan? Do remember to book your free walking tour online in advance. This ensures you get an exclusive exploration of Milan, including highlights like the grand Gothic Duomo, the world-renowned La Scala Opera House and countless designer boutiques brimming with Italian fashion gems.

Once there, go on a free walking tour and explore some of the city’s most famous sights, including the Gothic cathedral and the Duomo.

Some other must-see places in Milan include the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the Teatro alla Scala, and the Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology.

Having ambled enough to stir your hunger pangs, cosy up for a flavoursome meal at one of Milan’s myriad eateries. Soak in the atmosphere at a classic trattoria, tuck into some traditional Milanese risotto, or taste culinary innovation at a Michelin-starred hotspot. Satisfied and well-fed, you can then return to the tranquillity of Lake Como.

With its amazing architecture and vibrant food scene, Milan is the perfect destination for a day trip from Lake Como!

Explore the little villages in the Italian Alps

Consider day trips from Lake Como that offer a trove of gem-like, little-known villages in the Italian Alps, the riveting Italian Riviera, and the charming Bergamo. A few standouts include Tirano, nestled in the mountains and home to the spectacular Bernina Express railway, and Camogli, a colourful seaside village on the Italian Riviera known for its beautiful harbour and seafood cuisine.

While the area around Lake Como is well-known for its stunning natural beauty, the villages of the Italian Alps offer a different kind of charm. With their winding streets and picturesque buildings, these villages feel like something out of a fairytale.

And while they may be small, they’re definitely worth exploring.

So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable day in the Alps.

Hike through The Enchanted Valley – Val Senagra

If you’re looking for an enchanted escape from the hustle and bustle of Lake Como, look no further than the Enchanted Valley.

This hidden gem is located in the Val Senagra, and it’s well worth the hike to get there.

The valley gets its name from the fairy-tale-like setting, and it’s easy to see why. With towering mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and lush forests, it’s like something out of a storybook.

The best part is that it’s relatively unknown, so you’ll likely have the place to yourself.

So if you’re looking for a truly magical day trip from Lake Como, be sure to add the Enchanted Valley to your list.

Check out Bergamo

Lake Como is a stunningly beautiful location, with its picturesque mountains and clear blue waters. But after a few days of relaxing by the lake, you may be ready to explore some of the surrounding areas. If so, then a day trip to Bergamo is a great option.

This charming city is just a short drive from Lake Como, and it’s well worth a visit.

Bergamo is divided into two parts: the upper city and the lower city. The upper city is full of narrow streets and medieval buildings, while the lower city is more modern and bustling.

Both areas are worth exploring, and you’ll find plenty of great shops, restaurants, and cafes to enjoy.

Some of the must-see things in Bergamo are the Citta Alta neighborhood, the Piazza Vecchia – the heart of this neighborhood, and the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore.

So if you’re looking for a change of scenery from Lake Como, be sure to add Bergamo to your day trip list.

Go on a tour to Lugano & Bellagio

Embark on a memorable day trip from Como , journeying to the glamorous locales of Lugano and Bellagio . This 9-hour adventure sweeps you across two countries, presenting two serene lakes and two magnificent villages.

The tour commences with a scenic bus ride to Lugano , where you can explore its delightful center and stroll by the tranquil lake’s edge. Journey next to the quaint village of Cadenabbia on Lake Como’s shore, a historic retreat for dignitaries like Queen Victoria.

The pinnacle of the trip is your cruise to Bellagio . Revel in its picturesque allure before another enchanting boat ride offers views of the stunning lakeside villas and their vast gardens. With an expert guide fluent in English and Spanish, this excursion is a day of sheer wonder and majestic sights.

Stroll around Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello

Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello stand as two of Lake Como’s crown jewels, making them essential visits for anyone in the surroundings. On a Lake Como day trip, you can visit them both and marvel at the elegance of the region’s architecture.

Villa Carlotta beckons with its majestic neoclassical architecture. Nestled in Tremezzo, this 17th-century marvel boasts an exquisite botanical garden, featuring exotic plants, ancient sculptures, and seasonal blooms. As you meander its pathways, the villa’s art collections, including works from Canova and Hayez, further enrich the experience.

Just a boat ride away lies Villa del Balbianello in Lenno. Renowned for its ornate terraced gardens and panoramic lake views, this villa whispers tales of its storied past. Movie enthusiasts might recognize its elegant terraces and rooms as they’ve graced blockbusters like Star Wars and James Bond.

Embarking on a day trip to these villas promises a blend of history, art, and unparalleled lake vistas, making it an unmissable experience for every Lake Como visitor.

Smart Travel Know-how:

• Sacrifice not your dreams of flying with Skyscanner.com – This tool, nearly miraculous, lets you locate the most economical airfares to places you dream of visiting. Marvel at their 'Whole Month' feature, which unveils the top prices for the entire month. Fancy a splash of spontaneity in your travel dates? Then, welcome aboard for some smashing deals! Further your savings experience by booking on particular weekdays when prices take a dip, and don't forget to set your price alert for updates on your chosen flights.
• Stay in the heart of the action – I always find the perfect accommodation on Booking.com . Their map view lets me filter hotels by my budget and select ones that are right in the center of it all. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this easy way to book your ideal stay!
• Go beyond the resort – I’m all about making the most of my trips, and GetYourGuide.com has been a lifesaver for booking unforgettable tours and day trips. It’s the most hassle-free way to dive into the local culture and explore the hidden gems in every new place.
• Hit the road with DiscoverCars.com – There’s no better way to explore your destination than by car! Renting a vehicle has never been easier, and with their competitive prices, you’ll have the freedom to create your own adventures.

I highly recommend trying these tools for yourself – not only will you save money, but you’ll also create memories that last a lifetime. Happy travels!

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The ultimate road trip guide to Lake Como

By Rory FH Smith

Lake Como  captures all the very best elements of  Italy  - from scrumptious food and spectacular views to swimming, style and - for much of the year - plenty of sunshine. As the third biggest lake in Italy (behind Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore), it's a popular escape for those in the north of the country and especially in the busy city of  Milan . While it's easily accessible by train, it's also less than an hour's drive from Milan meaning it’s the perfect short road trip destination. With its twisting lakeside lanes, mountains and charming towns, here's our ultimate guide to driving Lake Como.

Day 1 – Milan to Tremezzina

Setting off - as many will do - from Milan's Malpensa Airport, it's a short 40-minute blast up the A9 to the town of Como. For those coming from the heart of Milan, the journey takes a similar amount of time or up to an hour if travelling by train . Serving as the gateway to Lake Como, the city is a good first stopping point with its bustling shopping streets, beautiful architecture and chic cafe culture.

Coffee in Como

Historians and shoppers will enjoy the market stalls that line the Medieval city walls at Piazza Vittoria. Everything from crafts to vintage clothing can be found here but watch for the crowds in peak seasons. Venture beyond the city walls and you'll discover the old town. It's worth meandering around the shopping streets, through the Piazzas and past the ancient churches (grabbing an espresso on the way, of course) and heading down to the lakefront to get a first glimpse of the calm and cooling water as it laps along the promenade. But don't linger for too long – there's much more to see beyond Como city.

Twist your way to Tremezzina

From Como, head down the left-hand side of the lake, which weaves past some of the region's finest  villas  and  villages . For those in a hurry, take the SS340 – a wide and fast road that caries most of the traffic – while the real gems can be found along Via Regina, a narrow road that hugs the lakeside, offering spectacular views around every corner of the water and pastel-coloured villas. One of the best on Via Regina is Villa d’Este , which was originally built as a summer home for the Cardinal of Como in 1586. Now one of the region’s finest hotels, d’Este is a great alternative coffee or lunch spot, right on the lakeside. Hang around for long enough and you'll spot the many ferries, hydrofoils and even flying boats that provide transport for locals and tourists up and down the lake.

Driving on to Lenno, this charming town is in a sheltered bay with restaurants and café bars overlooking the gardens of Villa del Balbianello. Aside from starring as a location in the 2006  James Bond  film  Casino Royale , the villa was once home to Italian explorer Count Guido Monzino and is worth a visit as one of the region's best-preserved villas.

Stacey Lastoe

Alessia Armenise

Hannah Summers

Sarah James

From Lenno, drive on and wind your way up the hillside directly above the Grand Hotel Tremezzo , branching off the SS340. Not far up the hill, you'll pull into Al Veluu – one of Como's best spots for lunch. Take a seat, enjoy the food and - most importantly - indulge in the spectacular views over the lake, Lenno and the surrounding area.

Rolling back down the hill after a true Italian lunch, it's a very short drive to the Grand Hotel Tremezzo. While it’s at the more expensive end of the spectrum, it's one of the most notable hotels in Europe, with its Wez Anderson-esque looks, lakeside pool and endless old-school glamour.

Day 2 – Tremezzina to Varenna (the long way around)

Waking up after a night at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, it's time to get back on the road and head further north. Resisting the temptation to board the car ferry and sail across the lake to Bellagio, keep driving north, hugging the shoreline wherever possible. Past Menaggio, the landscape gets wilder and quieter as you move away from the busier tourist hotspots. Venturing to the far north of the lake, the marshy nature reserve of Pian di Spagna is an excellent place to spot wildlife, get out of the car and explore on foot or take in some of the area's history. Inhabited since Roman times, the flood plain is beautifully framed by the surrounding mountains and offers some rugged respite from Como's more visited areas.

Colour and culture in Varenna

Moving on, the road sweeps around the top of the lake and back down the western side, past ​​Sant' Agata at the mouth of the river Adda and onto SP72. Once again, the slower route hugs the lakeside and twists its way through the lakeside towns and fishing villages. Continuing on the road, head for the colourful commune of Varenna, one of Como's most authentic and unspoilt towns. Founded in the sixth century, much of it was destroyed during the mediaeval period, which gave way to more 'modern' Italian architecture.

All aboard for Bellagio

As the perfect location for lunch, stop and admire the view at one of the restaurants overlooking the lake or head into the town's narrow streets to seek out some authentic Italian home cooking . After lunch, it's worth taking a stroll around the gardens of Villa Monastero before heading across on the ferry to Bellagio for the evening and a night at Hotel Belvedere . Perched on a hill above the well-known town, while Belvedere doesn't quite match up to the Tremezzo's grandeur, it's an exceptionally well-placed and inviting place to stay.

Day 3 – Bellagio to Milan

It's difficult to find a more picturesque place to wake up than Bellagio. At the heart of Lake Como, the charismatic town is a tourist hot spot during the day and, as a result, is awash with restaurants, bars, cafes and – most importantly – gelaterias .

Café culture

Grab a scoop or two before you hit the road and make tracks back down the eastern side of Lake Como's west leg towards Milan on SP583. For those looking to take an alternative route back to Milan, branch off down the lake's eastern leg also on SP583 towards the city of Lecco.

Sticking to the tried and tested track, the road down the eastern side of Como’s western leg winds its way out of Bellagio and through more of Como's quiet fishing villages as it nears Como city. Perched halfway up the limestone and granite hills above the lake, the road will prove popular for keen drivers.

Time for lunch in Torno

Stopping for lunch in Torno is a must. Sitting by Torno's little port sipping an aperitif is like stepping back in time. The bells of the church close by chime as the local restaurants start to wake up and prepare for another lunchtime. Enjoy the gentle pace while walking the narrow, cobbled streets before departing for the comparative hustle and bustle of Como City.

From Como, it's another short blast back to Milan down the A9 as the lakeside life fades away in the rearview mirror and the pace picks up back in one of Italy's busiest cities.

GoAnnieWhere

Travel Tips + Blog

• Destinations

Complete Guide to Lake Como: Itinerary, Tips, and More!

• February 4, 2023 February 4, 2023

When you hear Lake Como, what do you think of? Stunning villas, mountain vistas, private boat rides, or perhaps even the planet Naboo if you’re a Star Wars fan. Lake Como had long been on my travel bucket list and I was so glad to have spent my birthday this year in Lake Como. Let me tell you, Lake Como did not disappoint. This lake in northern Italy has long drawn the attention of people from all over the world and is a popular vacation destination…for a good reason. Follow along with this complete guide to Lake Como including a Lake Como Itinerary, travel tips, and other recommendations !

How to Get to Lake Como

As mentioned earlier, Lake Como is an alpine lake in northern Italy. I suggest flying into Milan and then taking the train to get to Lake Como. There are three airports in Milan: Malpensa (MXP), Linate (LIN), and Bergamo (BGY) airports. Malpensa is the largest and busiest airport so you’ll most likely fly into MXP. From MXP, you can take the  Malpensa Express train  to Milano Centrale, Cadorna, or Milano Porta Garibaldi, which are the main train stations in Milan. The Malpensa airport is 31 miles (50 km) from Milan and the trip takes about an hour. This is the easiest and cheapest way to get to Milan from the airport as the ticket is around 14 euros.

Side note: If you have time to spare, I highly recommend spending time in Milan ! It is a beautiful city with stunning architecture and buildings and diverse neighborhoods.

You can take the train from Milan to several towns including the popular towns of Como and Varenna on Lake Como. There are almost 100 trains a day between Milan and Lake Como so it is a frequent and regular route. Trenitalia is Italy’s public train system and all Trenitalia trains to the Lake Como area depart from either the Milano Centrale or the Milano Cadorna stations. I recommend downloading the Trenitalia app to check timetables, book tickets, and find out where your train is!

These are the most popular train stations for train travel to Lake Como:

• Como S. Giovanni (City: Como)
• Como Nord Lago  (City: Como)
• Lecco (City: Lecco)
• Varenna-Esino (City: Varenna)

Most of the train stations are located on the eastern side of Lake Como, but if you want to visit towns on the western side you can easily use a combination of train travel and bus and ferry travel.

Check out the table below on how to get to popular destinations on Lake Como:

Train travel is perhaps the cheapest and most convenient option to travel to Lake Como and my preferred method of travel in Italy. However, you could also choose to book a tour, take a bus, or rent a car!

If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of finding your way to Lake Como, you can take a tour from Milan! Day tours to Lake Como from Milan are a very popular option if you only have 1 day to discover Lake Como. The recommended Milan to Lake Como tour below allows you to see the best of Lake Como in one day! It includes transportation to and around the lake (including a cruise on a private boat).

Recommended tour:

By bus and ferry

You can also take a bus from Milan to Lake Como. Buses leaving Milan for Lake Como leave from Milan’s Centrale bus station and end at Como’s S. Giovanni bus station. From here, you can take a local bus or ferry to get you to other Lake Como towns.

If you’re not in a rush, the ferry is a great option to see Lake Como. It takes just over two hours to cover the scenic water route and it stops 10-16 times along the way (this varies throughout the day). Visit Navigazione Laghi and then click on Lake Como to check departure times and prices for the ferry.

Fares for ferries vary depending on the route but here are the common routes:

• One-way ticket Como-Bellagio: €10.40
• Free-circulation 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)

A road trip from Milan to Lake Como is a scenic drive! Driving allows you a chance to stop at some picturesque areas along the way and gives you the flexibility to drive around the lake without waiting for ferries and trains. However, the route from Milan to Lake Como has several toll roads and driving actually takes longer than the train.

Once you arrive at Lake Como, cars are restricted from driving in many areas of Lake Como unless you’re a local resident. The roads could be congested especially in the summer and parking could be a nightmare. If your hotel offers a place to park, you should be fine – otherwise, you’ll spend quite a bit of time finding parking spots. Also, keep in mind that only some of the ferries connecting the towns around the lake allow cars. In my opinion, this is the least preferable option for getting to and around Lake Como.

How to Get Around Lake Como

The best way to get around Lake Como is by ferry or train!

If you’re visiting towns on the east side of Lake Como, then taking the train from Como to Varenna is cheap and straightforward.

However, ferry travel is better for traveling between lakeside towns. As mentioned earlier, the ferry is a great option to see Lake Como. There are over 16 ferry docks along the lakeside towns of Lake Como with shorter and more frequent routes for the towns in the middle of the lake (Varenna – Bellagio – Menaggio). Find the timetables on Navigazione Laghi and then click on Lake Como to check departure times.

Again, I wouldn’t recommend driving around Lake Como as the roads are narrow and can get congested!

Where to Stay in Lake Como

There are endless options of places to stay on Lake Como from luxury to budget-friendly. I recommend staying in towns such as Varenna, Como, Lecco, and Bellagio which are central to public train and ferry transportation.

Here are some great options based on all kinds of budgets!

• Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni is a 5-star hotel on Bellagio that features multiple gardens, indoor and outdoor pools, and a luxury spa. This impressive hotel features grand staircases, frescoed ceilings, and splendid chandeliers in Murano glass. Perfect for a romantic getaway, this hotel will take your breath away!
• Passalacqua is one of the newest luxury hotels on Lake Como and it does not disappoint! This stunning hotel is located in Moltrasio and is the perfect place to relax. Back in the 18th century, it was created as a place on Lake Como for friends, for love and leisure, for the pleasures of the table, and the Italian art of dolce far niente. Today, it goes back to its roots and promises to curate the same dolce far niente atmosphere.
• Hotel Belvedere is a lakeside paradise dreamt of by a woman in 1880. Since then, five generations of mother and daughter have – with determination and love – perfected, protected, and passed down this dream. This luxury hotel is located on Bellagio and has private gardens, a swimming pool with a hot tub, a new spa with Turkish bath, and a panoramic restaurant that has a beautiful terrace with a superb view of the lake and mountains!
• Grand Hotel Tremezzo has one of the best locations on Lake Como! The luxury resort faces directly onto Bellagio, where the two branches of the lake meet, against the rose-tinted backdrop of the Grigne mountains. Thus art nouveau mansion features a modern wellness center, exquisite gardens, numerous dining options, 3 swimming pools (one with a view of the lake), a private beach, and a marina.
• Vista Palazzo is a high-end hotel that is within a 5-minute walk of both Lago Como train station and Como Cathedral. It is the only five-star luxury hotel in the city center of Como and is also just steps from the shores of Lake Como. You have the best of both worlds at Vista Palazzo!
• Il Sereno Lago di Como is a luxury contemporary hotel with a spa, an infinity pool, and an acclaimed Michelin-star restaurant! This hotel in Torno brings new meaning to luxury and modern design. The award-winning designer, Patricia Urquiola has combined the natural ambiance of the surrounding environment with comfort and luxury, resulting in a design that embodies all spectrums of luxurious accommodation.
• Hilton Lake Como is a polished hotel that is 1 km from both the Como San Giovanni train station and Villa Olmo, an 18th-century manor with lakefront gardens. It is the first Hilton hotel in the Lake Como region and a great option if you’re a Hilton Honors member to earn and/or redeem points! It features a rooftop infinity pool and several restaurants and bars.
• Hotel Griso Collection is a modern hotel 4-star hotel situated between the lake of Como and the mountains near the town of Lecco. It is a 20-minute walk from the Lecco train station and less than a 5-minute drive. Rooms at Hotel Griso have large windows and views of Lake Como and the property features a panoramic lounge bar, a rooftop sun terrace with a hot tub, and free parking.
• Hotel Olivedo is a family-run hotel on the shores of Varenna. Overlooking Lake Como, this hotel is in a 19th-century building that is a 5-minute walk from the Varenna-Esino train station. The 10 casual, warmly decorated rooms offer lake views and a lake-view terrace restaurant serves traditional dishes from the Lombardy region. In summer, breakfast is served on the panoramic terrace.
• Hotel Bellagio is a boutique hotel in the heart of Bellagio that offers comfortable accommodations and boasts lovely views over Lake Como. The hotel is accessed directly from Bellagio’s main square and is within walking distance from the town’s shops, cafés, and restaurants. A continental breakfast is also offered every morning.

Budget Friendly

• Hotel Fioroni is a family-run hotel that is 15 minutes walk away from the Bellagio pier, where ferries leave for other Lake Como towns. Fioroni’s spacious and air-conditioned rooms all come with a mini-bar and a flat-screen TV and most of them feature a balcony or terrace, with views of the lake.
• Ostello Bello Lake Como is a laid-back hostel that is a 3-minute walk from the banks of Lake Como, an 8-minute walk from Como San Giovanni train station, and a 10-minute walk from Como Cathedral. It features basic private rooms, and mixed-gender and female-only dorms. A breakfast buffet, dinner, and tea and coffee are all included, and there’s free food in a communal kitchen. Other amenities consist of a roof terrace and a garden with hammocks.
• Bike & Active Hotel Il Perlo Panorama offers the best view of all of Bellagio! This family-owned hotel offers spacious and clean rooms and an unforgettable view! This hotel is located on the top of the hill facing the lake 1.9 mi from the center of Bellagio. This hotel is a comfortable and quiet place to spend your holiday with a garden, a balcony, and a terrace. Complimentary breakfast is served every morning and free parking is offered.

Note that hotel prices do fluctuate between seasons and peak pricing is from June through August. I suggest visiting outside of peak season for the best prices.

Feel free to explore other accommodation options by location below:

Places to visit on lake como.

What most people don’t realize is that Lake Como is a large area! You could spend months exploring the charming towns around Lake Como. If it is your first time visiting Lake Como, I recommend staying for 3 to 5 days and choosing a few towns to visit. Lake Como is one of those places where you want to experience slow travel and just relax. One of the best things about Lake Como is that you can just stroll around, enjoy gelato and delicious Italian food, take a boat ride, and be worry-free.

There isn’t necessarily a lot to do on Lake Como, but there are certainly highlights you should check out:

• I Giardini di Villa Melzi (Bellagio): This picturesque botanical garden on Bellagio offers a lakeside path with statues and stunning mountain and lake views.
• Villa del Balbianello (Lenno): Built in the late 16th century, this magnificent villa is known for its picturesque gardens, which exclusively feature flowers and trees in the colors of the Italian flag! This villa was also featured in Star Wars as the Planet Naboo where Anakin and Padme got married.
• Villa Monastero (Varenna): This impressive villa houses a Botanical Garden that extends for almost 2 kilometers along the lakefront from Varenna to Fiumelatte. The inside of the villa has become a museum with 14 rooms furnished with original objects and furniture.
• C astello di Vezio (Varenna): The Vezio castle sits at the top of the mountain and the vistas are well worth the hike up. The medieval castle dating to Roman times provides scenic views of Lake Como.
• Orrido di Bellano (Bellano): Take a lovely walk into a deep, narrow, 15 million-year-old gorge with a fantastic waterfall at the end.
• Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta (Como): Possibly one of the most significant Gothic churches in Northern Italy, the Duomo of Como is definitely a remarkable building that is worth a visit!
• Funiculaire Côme-Brunate (Como): Views over Lake Como & surrounding mountains from a funicular railway, with trails at the top

Map of Places to Visit in Lake Como

Lake Como Itinerary

As I mentioned earlier, you could spend months exploring the charming towns around Lake Como! I know we all wish that we could spend months in Italy , but chances are that you don’t have an unlimited amount of time in Italy. If you’re visiting Lake Como along with other Italian cities like Venice , Milan , Rome, and Florence, then you might be short on time. Ideally, you should spend at least three days in Lake Como but you can also do a day trip from Milan.

I put together a three-day itinerary below that allows you to see the best of Lake Como. Feel free to adjust it as you need based on where you’re staying on Lake Como and how long you plan to stay!

I stayed in Bellagio during my time in Lake Como so I am starting my itinerary off in Bellagio.

Day 1 – Bellagio and Varenna

Arrive in Bellagio

You’re starting your Lake Como trip in the beautiful town of Bellagio! You can get to Bellagio by taking the train from Milan to Varenna and then taking the ferry to Bellagio. I recommend buying a ferry pass as you’ll be taking the ferry several times during your time in Lake Como.

Explore the streets of Bellagio

The best thing to do in Bellagio is simply wandering around the charming streets. The narrow streets here are full of gems and you can spend hours exploring the heart of Bellagio.

One of the best views and famous Instagram photo spot (pictured above) can be found on the street Salita Serbelloni where Trattoria San Giacomo is located.

Visit Giardini di Villa Melzi

Giardini di Villa Melzi is a stunning lakeside garden with a villa on Bellagio. It is near the ferry dock of Bellagio and offers stunning views of the lake and the mountains. It is very picturesque and well worth a visit.

Depart for Varenna and soak in the views

Take the ferry from Bellagio to Varenna and you’re met with a fantastic view during the ferry ride. When you arrive in Varenna, the ferry dock is only a few minutes walk from the center of Varenna. Walk along the lakeside promenade towards Molo Riva Grande for a scenic view of Varenna.

Enjoy drinks or a meal in Varenna

There are several great restaurants and cafes that offer a great view of Varenna. I recommend stopping for drinks or a meal while you’re in Varenna as the eateries here come with a picturesque view! I ordered drinks at Bar II Molo and they were delicious! Plus the view was unbeatable.

Visit Villa Monastero

Next, keep heading south on the main street in Varenna to reach Villa Monastero . This historical villa was constructed at the end of the 12th century as a convent. Today, it is a museum and known for its beautiful botanical gardens.

Hike Up to Castello di Vezio

You’re going to end day one on Lake Como with a fantastic view of the area! Hike up to the ruins of Castello di Vezio. The hike takes about 30 to 40 minutes from the center of Varenna and the view is fantastic from there!

Day 2 – Menaggio, Tremezzo, and Lenno

Explore Menaggio

Start day two in Lake Como by exploring Menaggio! It is reachable by ferry and Menaggio another great lakeside town to visit. The main square is called Piazza Garibaldi and it is surrounded by restaurants and shops. There is also a beach (Spiaggia Lerai) on Menaggio where you can swim and sunbathe at.

Head towards Tremezzo

From Menaggio, you can take a 10-minute bus ride (the C10 bus) towards Tremezzo. Tremezzo itself isn’t a large town, but there is a gorgeous villa (Villa Carlotta) near the town.

Tour Villa Carlotta

Villa Carlotta is a gorgeous villa on Lake Como and one of the most popular attractions! Overlooking the shores of Lake Como, the villa was built in the late-seventeenth century by Marquis Giorgio Clerici of Milan. In 1801, Villa Carlotta was sold by Caterina Bigli Clerici, the last descendant of the noble Milanese family, to Giovanni Battista Sommariva.

Over the years, the villa has passed to a number of different esteemed families, and today, it is a museum that is open to the public. The museum is famous for the art collection preserved within. You can tour this stunning villa and its gardens from mid-March onwards.

Tip: Try to book tickets to Villa Carlotta for opening time to experience the least amount of crowd.

Head Towards Lenno

From Villa Carlotta, take the C10 bus towards the town of Lenno. It is a 15-minute bus ride

Explore the stunning Villa Balbianello

Villa Balbianello is perhaps the most famous place in Lake Como.

When you look up Lake Como, most likely a photo of Villa Balbianello will be shown.

This villa is truly magnificent and the gardens are breathtaking.

Villa Balianello has been featured in several films including Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones.

The whole complex consists of two residential buildings, a church, and a portico (known as Loggia Durini) that can host weddings and events in a truly unique setting..

The villa’s interior, accessible only by guided tour, houses some English and French furnishings which date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. It also houses numerous paintings on glass and a rich collection of sculptures and artifacts.

Note: The villa is only open from mid-March to November from 10 AM to 6 PM. It is closed on Mondays and Wednesdays so plan accordingly and rearrange this itinerary if needed.

Day 3 – Como and Sunset Cruise

On your last day, you’re going to visit the town of Como!

Visit Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta

The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, also known as Como Cathedral, is the main church in Como. The cathedral is dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and was built between the 14th and the 18th centuries. This cathedral is recognized as one of the most important religious buildings in northern Italy. Although the  Gothic features are predominant , the cathedral also hosts many Romanesque, Renaissance, and Baroque elements.

Note: Check the hours of visitation online and dress modestly.

Stroll along the romantic  Passeggiata Lino Gelpi and see the impressive  Villa Olmo

Villa Olmo has it all! On the grounds, you’ll find an Italian-style garden overlooking Lake Como, an English-style back garden for relaxing, and interior rooms full of paintings, statues, and precious stucco decorations.

The best part? Admission to the villa and its gardens is completely free.

Take the Funiculaire Côme-Brunate for fantastic views

For gorgeous views over Lake Como, take this funicular from Como up to the top of a mountain. You’ll get a panoramic view of the lake and there are hiking trails atop! Either buy a return ticket for the funicular back down to Como or take one of the many hiking trails that wind their way down to the lakeshore.

Go on a sunset boat ride on Lake Como

The best way to end a Lake Como holiday is to take a sunset cruise – with prosecco of course!

Sail around Lake Como while taking in the sights one more time before departing this beautiful paradise.

Check out these activities and tours on Lake Como!

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Side Trip to Lake Como

For those whose idea of heaven is palatial villas, rose-laden belvederes, hanging wisteria and bougainvillea, lanterns casting a glow over lakeshore restaurants, and majestic Alpine vistas, heaven is Lake Como. In his Charterhouse of Parma, Stendhal described it as an "enchanting spot, unequaled on earth in its loveliness." Virgil called it simply "our greatest" lake.

Though summer crowds do their best to vanquish the lake's dreamy mystery and slightly faded old-money gentility, they fail. Como remains a consummate pairing of natural and man-made beauty. The villa gardens, like so many in Italy, are a union of two landscape traditions: that of Renaissance Italy, which values order, and of Victorian England, which strives to create the illusion of natural wildness. Such gardens are often framed by vast areas of picturesque farmland -- fruit trees, olive groves, and vineyards.

Lake Como is some 47 km (30 mi) long north to south and is Europe's deepest lake (almost 1,350 feet). If not driving, you arrive at the lake by pulling into the railway station at Como, a leading textile center famous for its silks. Many travelers hasten to the vaporetti waiting to take them to Bellagio and the centro di lago, the center region of the lake's three branches, and its most beautiful section. From Bellagio, vaporetti and car ferries traverse the lake, making it easy for travelers to get to the other main towns, Cernobbio, Tremezzo, and Varenna.

34 km (21 mi) north of Cernobbio, 78 km (48 mi) north of Milan.

If you're lucky enough to visit the small lakeside town of Tremezzo in late spring or very early summer, you will find the magnificent Villa Carlotta a riot of color, with more than 14 acres of azaleas and dozens of varieties of rhododendrons in full bloom. The villa was built between 1690 and 1743 for the luxury-loving marquis Giorgio Clerici. The garden's collection is remarkable, particularly considering the difficulties of transporting delicate plants before the age of aircraft. Palms, banana trees, cacti, eucalyptus, a sequoia, orchids, and camellias are counted among the more than 500 species.

According to local lore, one reason for the Villa Carlotta's magnificence was a competition between the marquis's son-in-law, who inherited the estate, and the son-in-law's archrival, who built his summer palace directly across the lake (Villa Melzi, in Bellagio). Whenever either added to his villa and garden, it was tantamount to taunting the other in public. Eventually the son-in-law's insatiable taste for self-aggrandizement prevailed. The villa's last (and final) owners were Prussian royalty (including the "Carlotta" of the villa's name); the property was confiscated during World War I.

The villa's interior is worth a visit, particularly if you have a taste for the romantic sculptures of Antonio Canova (1757-1822). The best-known is his Cupid and Psyche, which depicts the lovers locked in an odd but graceful embrace, with the young god above and behind, his wings extended, while Psyche awaits a kiss that will never come. The villa can be reached by boats from Bellagio. PHONE: 0344/40405. www.villacarlotta.it. COST: EUR7. OPEN: Apr.-Sept., daily 9-6; Mar. and Oct., daily 9-11:30 and 2-4:30.

Villa Balbianello . This may be the most magical house in all of Italy. It sits on its own little promontory, Il Dosso d'Avedo -- separating the bays of Venus and Diana -- around the bend from the tiny fishing village of Ossuccio. Relentlessly picturesque, the villa is composed of loggias, terraces, and palazzini (tiny palaces), all spilling down verdant slopes to the lakeshore, where you'll find an old Franciscan church, a magnificent stone staircase, and a statue of San Carlo Borromeo blessing the waters. Don't be surprised if the lakeside location looks as familiar as it does cinematic: the intergalactic romance of Star Wars: Episode II was shot here. The villa is most frequently reached by launch from Como and Bellagio. Check with the Como tourist office ( PHONE: 031/269712) for hours. Visits are usually restricted to the gardens, but if you plan in advance it's also possible to tour the villa itself. You pay EUR30 for a guide -- regardless of how many are in your party -- and an additional EUR5 entrance fee. Send a fax to reserve an English-speaking guide ( FAX: 0344/55575). Il Dosso di l'Avedo, Tremezzo, Italy. PHONE: 0344/56110. COST: Gardens EUR5. OPEN: Apr.-Oct., Tues., Thurs., and Fri. 10-1 and 2-6, weekends 10-6.

Grand Hotel Tremezzo . One hundred windows of this turn-of-the-20th-century building face the lake. The hotel, in the middle of a private park stretching over 12½ acres, has many creature comforts, from a heated swimming pool and private landing on the lake to a hillside for jogging. All rooms have a view of the lake or the park. The 18-hole Menaggio & Cadenabbia golf course is about five minutes away by car. Via Regina 8, Tremezzo, 22019, Italy. PHONE: 0344/42491. FAX: 0344/40201. www.grandhoteltremezzo.com. 98 rooms, 2 suites. 3 restaurants, room service, minibars, cable TV, tennis court, 2 pools, gym, hair salon, sauna, billiards, 3 bars, meeting room, helipad, free parking, no-smoking rooms, Internet. AE, DC, MC, V. Closed mid-Nov.-Feb. Full breakfast.

Rusall . Situated on the hillside above Tremezzo in the midst of a large garden, this small and reasonably priced hotel offers quiet and privacy. You can lie out on the terrace and enjoy a nice view. Rooms are simple and comfortable. Via S. Martino, 2, Rogaro, Tremezzo, 22019, Italy. PHONE: 0344/40408. FAX: 0344/40447. www.rusallhotel.com. 19 rooms. Restaurant, tennis court, bar, Internet; no a/c. AE, DC, MC, V.

30 km (19 mi) northeast of Como, 56 km (35 mi) northwest of Bergamo.

Sometimes called the prettiest town in Europe, Bellagio always seems to be flag-bedecked, with geraniums ablaze in every window and bougainvillea veiling the staircases, or montées, that thread through the town. At dusk Bellagio's nightspots -- including the wharf, where an orchestra serenades dancers under the stars -- beckon you to come and make merry. It's an impossibly enchanting location, one that inspired French composer Gabriel Faure to call Bellagio "a diamond contrasting brilliantly with the sapphires of the three lakes in which it is set."

Boats ply the lake to Tremezzo, where Napoléon's worst Italian enemy, Count Sommariva, resided at Villa Carlotta; and a bit farther south of Tremezzo, to Villa Balbianello.

Check with the Bellagio tourist office (Piazza Mazzini (Pontile Imbarcadero), Bellagio, Italy. PHONE: 031/950204, www.bellagiolakecomo.com) for the hours of the launch to Tremezzo.

Villa Serbelloni , a property of the Rockefeller Foundation, has celebrated gardens on the site of Pliny the Elder's villa overlooking Bellagio. There are only two guided visits per day, restricted to 30 people each, and in May these tend to be commandeered by group bookings. Near Palazza della Chiesa, Bellagio, Italy. PHONE: 031/950204. COST: EUR5. OPEN: Guided visits Apr.-Oct., Tues.-Sun. at 11 and 4; tours gather 15 mins before start.

The famous gardens of the Villa Melzi were once a favorite picnic spot for Franz Lizst, who advised author Louis de Ronchaud in 1837: "When you write the story of two happy lovers, place them on the shores of Lake Como. I do not know of any land so conspicuously blessed by heaven." The gardens are open to the public, and though you can't get into the 19th-century villa, don't miss the lavish Empire-style family chapel. The Melzi were Napoléon's greatest allies in Italy (the family has passed down the name "Josephine" to the present day). Via Lungolago Marconi, Bellagio, Italy. PHONE: 031/951281. COST: EUR5. OPEN: Apr.-Oct., daily 9-6.

La Pergola . Try to reserve a table on the terrace at this popular lakeside restaurant about 1 km (½ mi) from Bellagio, on the other side of the peninsula. The best dining option is the freshly caught fish. You can also stay in one of the inn's 11 rooms, all of which have baths. Pescallo, Piazza del Porte, 22021, Italy. PHONE: 031/950263. FAX: 031/950253. www.lapergolabellagio.it. 11 rooms. Restaurant. AE, MC, V. Restaurant closed Tues. Full breakfast.

Silvio . At the edge of town, this family-owned trattoria with a lakeshore terrace specializes in fresh fish. Served cooked or marinated, with risotto or as a ravioli stuffing, the fish is caught by Silvio's family -- it's local cooking at its best. Many of the modestly priced guest rooms have balconies and lake views. Lòppia di Bellagio, Via Carcano 10, Bellagio, 22021, Italy. PHONE: 031/950322. www.bellagiosilvio.com. 21 rooms. Restaurant, cable TV. MC, V. Closed Jan. and Feb. Full breakfast.

Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni . Designed to cradle nobility in high style, this hotel is a refined haven for the discreetly wealthy, set within a pretty park down the road from the Punta di Bellagio. The sense of 19th-century luxury has not so much faded as mellowed: the rooms are immaculate and plush; public areas are gilt and marble with thick, colorful carpets. Staff is unobtrusive and very knowledgeable about lake transportation. Churchill's and John Kennedy's former rooms face the Tremezzina, a group of towns across the lake. Via Roma 1, Bellagio, 22021, Italy. PHONE: 031/950216. FAX: 031/951529. www.villaserbelloni.it. 83 rooms. 2 restaurants, room service, minibars, cable TV, tennis court, 2 pools, health club, hair salon, sauna, Turkish bath, laundry service, free parking, no-smoking rooms, Internet. AE, DC, MC, V. Closed mid-Nov.-early Apr. Full breakfast.

Du Lac . In the center of Bellagio, by the landing dock, this comfortable, medium-size hotel owned by an Anglo-Italian family has a relaxed and congenial feel. Most rooms have views of the lake and mountains, and there's a rooftop terrace garden for drinks or dozing. Piazza Mazzini 32, Bellagio, 22021, Italy. PHONE: 031/950320. FAX: 031/951624. www.bellagiohoteldulac.com. 48 rooms. Restaurant, minibars, cable TV, bar, free parking. MC, V. Closed Nov.-Mar. Full breakfast.

Hotel Florence . This villa dating from the 1880s has an impressive lobby with vaulted ceiling and an imposing Florentine fireplace. Most of the rooms, furnished with interesting antiques, are large and comfortable and have splendid views of the lake. The restaurant and bar draw locals and visitors; there's live music on weekends. Piazza Mazzini 46, Bellagio, 22021, Italy. PHONE: 031/950342. FAX: 031/951722. www.hotelflorencebellagio.it. 30 rooms. Restaurant, cable TV, spa, bar; no a/c. AE, MC, V. Closed Nov.-Mar. 2 meals.

Belvedere . In Italian, Belvedere means "beautiful view," an apt description of this enchanting spot. The hotel has been in the Martinelli-Manoni family since 1880, and the unbroken tradition of service makes it one of the best places to stay in town. Antique chairs and eye-catching rugs complement the modern, understated rooms. The bathrooms are expertly designed for maximum comfort. Outstanding terraced gardens have replaced the vineyards that once surrounded the house. The restaurant is very good. Via Valassina 31, Bellagio, 22021, Italy. PHONE: 031/950410. FAX: 031/950102. www.belvederebellagio.com. 68 rooms. Restaurant, cable TV, pool, bar, meeting rooms, free parking, no-smoking rooms; no a/c. AE, DC, MC, V. Closed Nov.-Mar. Full breakfast.

5 km (3 mi) south of Cernobbio, 30 km (19 mi) southwest of Bellagio, 49 km (30 mi) north of Milan.

Como, on the south shore of the lake, is only part elegant resort, where cobbled pedestrian streets wind their way past parks and bustling cafés. The other part is an industrial town renowned for its silk production. If you're traveling by car, leave it outside the town center, as traffic can be mayhem, and streets are often closed.

The splendid 15th-century Renaissance-Gothic Duomo was begun in 1396, the facade was added in 1455, and the transepts were completed in the mid-18th century. The dome was designed in 1744 by Filippo Juvara (1678-1736), chief architect of many of the sumptuous palaces of the royal house of Savoy. The facade has statues of two of Como's most famous sons, Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Younger, whose writings are among the most important documents from antiquity. Inside, the works of art include Luini's Holy Conversation, a fresco cycle by Morazzone, and the Marriage of the Virgin Mary by Ferrari. Piazza del Duomo, Como, Italy. OPEN: Daily 7-noon and 3-7.

Directly across from the Duomo, Bar Argentino (Via Pretorio 1, Como, Italy. PHONE: 031/304455) is a hip local hangout with an extensive list of grappas, substantial snacks at aperitivo hour (usually from 5:30 to 7:30), and tables that look out onto a well-traveled piazza.

At the heart of Como's medieval quarter, the city's first cathedral, San Fedele , is worth a peek, if only because it is one of the oldest churches in the region. Piazza San Fedele, Como, Italy. OPEN: Daily 7-noon and 3-7.

If you brave Como's industrial quarter, you will find the beautiful church of Sant'Abbondio , a gem of Romanesque architecture begun by Benedictine monks in 1013 and consecrated by Pope Urban II in 1095. Inside, the five aisles of the church converge on a presbytery with a semicircular apse decorated with a cycle of 14th-century frescoes -- now restored to their original magnificence -- by Lombard artists heavily influenced by the Sienese school. In the nave the cubical capitals are the earliest example of this style in Italy. Via Sant'Abbondio, Como, Italy. OPEN: Daily 7-6.

Exhibiting the path of production from silkworm litters to moiré -finishing machinery, the Museo Didattico della Seta (Silk Museum) is small but complete. Within the compound of the Como Setificio (textile school), the museum preserves the history of a manufacturing region that continues to supply almost three-fourths of Europe's silk. The friendly staff will give you an overview of the museum; they are also happy to provide brochures and information about local retail shops. The museum's location isn't well marked: follow the textile school's driveway around to the low-rise concrete building on the left, and follow the shallow ramp down to the entrance. Via Velleggio 3, Como, Italy. PHONE: 031/303180. www.museosetacomo.com. COST: EUR8. OPEN: Tues.-Fri. 9-noon and 3-6. Tours in English available by reservation.

Castiglione Olona . This Gothic collegiata (collegiate church) and baptistery with superlative frescoes by Giotto's pupil Masolino da Panicale is 18 km (11 mi) west of Como. PHONE: 0331/858903. COST: EUR5. OPEN: Apr.-Sept., Tues.-Sat. 9:30-noon and 2-5:30; Oct.-Mar., Tues.-Sat. 10-noon and 2:30-5:30.

La Locanda dell'Isola . Isola Comacina, Lake Como's only island and five minutes by boat from Sala Comacina, is rustic and restful but at times crowded. The same could be said for the Locanda. Forget any notions of choosing from a menu, because here the deal is a set price for a set meal, with drinks included. The good news is that the food is delicious, the service is friendly, and the setting is magnificent. You'll have to pace yourself through a mixed antipasto, salmon, trout, chicken, salad, cheese, coffee, and dessert. Isola Comacina, Sala Comacina, Como, Italy. PHONE: 0344/55083. No credit cards. Closed Tues. and Nov.-Mar.

Raimondi . This elegant restaurant in the Hotel Villa Flori (2 km [1 mi] toward Cernobbio) offers good value and a superb location, with a large terrace poised over the lake. The local freshwater fish is your best option, but a wide range of Italian dishes are capably prepared. The restaurant's season is longer than most, owing to its popularity with local residents. Via Cernobbio 12, Como, Italy. PHONE: 031/338233. AE, DC, MC, V. Closed Mon. and Dec.-Feb. 14. No lunch Sat.

Barchetta Excelsior . Though it has a rather unprepossessing exterior, this central, modern hotel is comfortable, with many rooms looking directly across Piazza Cavour to Lake Como. The rooms are airy and spacious, with those on the upper floors commanding the best views. Ask for a lake view, though the noise of the piazza can be a distraction. The Barchetta is run by the group that owns Villa d'Este. Piazza Cavour 1, Como, 22100, Italy. PHONE: 031/3221. FAX: 031/302622. www.hotelbarchetta.com. 84 rooms. 2 restaurants, minibars, cable TV, bar, no-smoking rooms, Internet. AE, DC, MC, V. Full breakfast.

Terminus . Commanding a panoramic view over Lake Como, this early-20th-century art nouveau building is the city's finest hotel. The marbled public spaces have an understated elegance, and the guest rooms are done in floral patterns and furnished with large walnut wardrobes and silk-covered sofas. In summer, the garden terrace is perfect for relaxing over a drink. Lungolario Trieste 14, Como, 22100, Italy. PHONE: 031/329111. FAX: 031/302550. www.albergoterminus.com. 40 rooms. Restaurant, in-room safes, minibars, cable TV, in-room data ports, massage, sauna, meeting room, free parking, no-smoking rooms. AE, DC, MC, V.

Villa Flori . Italian patriot Garibaldi spent his wedding night here, in a suite that now bears his name. The hotel enjoys a panoramic view and has a highly acclaimed restaurant, Raimondi. Via Cernobbio 12, Como, 22100, Italy. PHONE: 031/33820. FAX: 031/570379. www.hotelvillaflori.com. 45 rooms. Restaurant, minibars, cable TV, meeting room. AE, DC, MC, V.

Tre Re . This clean, spacious, welcoming hotel is a few steps west of the cathedral and convenient to the lake. Although the exterior gives away the age of this 16th-century former convent, the rooms are airy, comfortable, and modern. The moderately priced restaurant shares an ample terrace with the hotel. Via Boldoni 20, Como, 22100, Italy. PHONE: 031/265374. FAX: 031/241349. www.hoteltrere.com. 41 rooms. Restaurant, cable TV, bar, free parking, Internet. MC, V. Closed mid-Dec.-mid-Jan. Full breakfast.

Various facilities for waterskiing and all water sports can be found on the lake; contact the Tourist Office (Piazza Cavour 17, Como, Italy. PHONE: 031/269712) in Como.

While in Como, seize the opportunity to shop for fine European silk directly from its source. One of the biggest names is Mantero (Via San Abbondio 8, Como, Italy. PHONE: 031/321510), which supplies major design houses like Yves Saint Laurent, Nina Ricci, and Trussardi. Not far from the lake, good deals on ties, scarves, and shirts can be found at the factory store of Binda (Viale Geno 6, Como, Italy. PHONE: 031/3861629). Frey (Via Garibaldi 10, Como, Italy. PHONE: 031/267012) has a factory outlet on the western edge of the old town selling silk clothes and accessories. Every Saturday (except the first Saturday of every month), Piazza San Fedele holds a local crafts market from 9 to 7.

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FERRY & BOAT TOURS around Lake Como

Ferry and boat tours on Lake Como are something that I’d definitely recommend to anyone who wants to experience their holidays at its best.

Whether you are visiting Lake Como for a day or staying longer , jump aboard a boat, relax and reach your favourite destination: Bellagio ,  Varenna ,  Como , or maybe one of the  historical villas  on the shores of the lake.

The local public navigation service (Navigazione Laghi) provides several routes that connect all of the most popular towns along Lake Como’s shores, at a convenient price .

PUBLIC BOAT TOURS around Lake Como

The public boat service is provided by  Navigazione Laghi . The service operates all year round (with the exception of the southeastern branch, where it only operates in the summer), although in the low season it has a reduced frequency of service .

Below I collected the most useful information that will help you organize your transfers, but if you don’t find what you are looking for, or if you have specific questions, please contact Navigazione Laghi directly .

About the routes

There are three main routes:

Como - Colico (and back)

This passenger-only route connects the city of Como , on the southwestern tip of the lake, to Colico , on the northern tip, with intermediate stops that vary depending on the route .

The Como-Colico ferry line offers two different types of service:

• Regular service ( Corse battello in the map). This is the slowest service, stopping at most towns along the route (which vary by ride) and is perfect for those who want to enjoy the ride and take lots of pictures . In winter, this service is more limited than in summer, in favor of the express service.
• Express service ( Corse rapide ). This service has fewer stops, which vary depending on the ride. It costs a little more than the regular service, but is perfect for those with limited time .

Ferries operating only in the central area of Lake Como

There are two different types of services in this area as well:

• Ferries that allow the transport of vehicles ( Corse traghetto in the map) only operate between the towns of Bellagio , Varenna , Menaggio , and Cadenabbia . In the Navigazione Laghi search form , these piers are characterized by the word "Traghetto".
• Due to the high influx of tourists, this area also has several passenger-only shuttle services connecting towns in the central area. Since stops may vary by shuttle type, always use the search form on the Navigazione Laghi website to get the most up-to-date schedules.

Lecco - Bellagio (and back)

This passenger-only route connects Lecco , on the southeastern tip of the lake, to Bellagio, on the promontory between the three branches of the lake. It only operates in the summer .

Schedule & timetables

Below you can find the PDF timetables currently provided by Navigazione Laghi.

However, these documents are not easily readable, so I invite you to use the timetable search form on the company's website for the most up-to-date schedules (I recommend that you always check the box "INCLUDE FAST SERVICE" to get the broadest possible overview of available rides).

• Como - Colico - Como

Ferries operating only in the central part of Lake Como

Ferries that allow car transportation

• On weekdays
• On holidays

Mid-lake shuttles

• Mid-lake shuttle
• Lecco - Bellagio - Lecco

Tickets & fares

Remember to buy your ticket before getting on board!

Fares of Lake Como’s public boat tours

You can buy different types of tickets, the rates of which vary depending on several factors: distance between the point of departure and the point of arrival, presence of intermediate stops, surcharges for fast service , etc.

The best thing you can do to know the exact price of your trip is to visit the website of the company and use their search form . However, below is an overview of what you can get.

Types of tickets

• One-way and round-trip tickets : buy this ticket if you want to travel (and travel back) to a specific destination, without intermediate stops (you can sail from Como to Bellagio but without getting off at Argegno for a coffee).
• Free-circulation tickets : holders of these tickets are entitled to make intermediate stops between the piers for which the ticket was issued (if you want to visit multiple destinations by lake in a single day, this is probably the best choice). If available, this type of pass can be valid for one day or six days , depending on your travel needs.

Fares for most common routes

• One-way ticket Como-Bellagio : €10.40
• Free-circulation 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)

Surcharge for express service varies by route (see on the company's website).

Where to buy tickets

You can currently purchase tickets online   (on Navigazione Laghi's website ) for regular service trips only (which means: no vehicle transportation, no express service) for the following trip types:

• one-way/return trips
• free-circulation tickets (trips with intermediate stops)

Otherwise, tickets can be purchased at the ticket office near the dock  of almost any town ( onboard purchase – with cash/credit card and without any additional cost – is allowed in case of towns with no ticket office). People with disabilities can always buy the ticket on board without extra charge.

Keep in mind that during the peak season the turnout at ticket offices can be very high. If you can, buy your ticket online to avoid standing in line under the sun. 

Travel times for popular journeys

Regular service.

• Como - Argegno : 1h 05 min / 1h 15 min
• Como - Bellagio : 1h 30 min / 2h
• Bellagio - Varenna : 15 min
• Bellagio - Menaggio : 15 min

Fast service

• Como - Argegno : 20/25 min
• Como - Tremezzo : 40/45 min
• Como - Bellagio : 45 min / 1h
• Como - Varenna : 1h 15

Information for people with disabilities

People with disabilities can always buy the ticket on board without extra charge.

Visit the company's website to read more information for people with disabilities.

For more information on Lake Como ferry service

Read the FAQ , see my responses to comments at the bottom of this page, or contact the company directly at the following contacts:

• Phone (valid only from Italy)

Some ferries on Lake Como:

Places to stay in Lake Como

Top reviewed on Booking.com from travelers

Villa Cipressi, Varenna ★★★★

Hotel Filario, Lezzeno ★★★★

Grand Hotel, Menaggio ★★★★

Want to see more hotels, apartments or villas? Check out my entire selection of the best places to stay in Lake Como!

PRIVATE BOAT TOURS around Lake Como

Tours provided by Como Classic Boats

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 , here are some options that may be right for you!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS about Lake Como ferry service

How much are the ferries at lake como.

• One-way ticket Como-Bellagio : €10.40.
• Free-circulation 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, such as Menaggio-Tremezzo, etc.)
• One-way ticket Lecco-Bellagio : €8.30

How long is ferry ride from Como to Bellagio?

The ferry ride from Como to Bellagio across Lake Como in Italy usually takes about 2 hours with the regular service , about 1 hour with the express service .

However, the exact duration may vary depending on the specific route followed and the weather and water conditions. It is always a good idea to check ferry schedules and inquire about the estimated travel time on the day before the trip to get more accurate information.

I want to visit by ferry more than one town in a day. What kind of ticket should I buy?

If you plan to visit multiple Lake Como towns by ferry in one day , you may consider one of the following options:

Free circulation ticket

Holders of these tickets have the right to make intermediate stops between the piers for which the ticket was issued. This type of ticket can be valid for one day or six days , depending on your travel needs.

It is the ticket to buy if, for example, you want to take the ferry from Como to Bellagio , then from Bellagio to another destination , and then want to return.

Tour of the Como basin area

Navigazione Laghi offers a one-hour tour of the Como basin area , between the towns of Cernobbio, Moltrasio, and Torno. You can choose to purchase a non-stop ticket or a free circulation ticket.

If you want a more complete experience, you can purchase this experience on GetYourGuide , which includes a guided tour of the city of Como and boat tickets covering the Como basin area.

Train + ferry ticket

Trenord and Navigazione Laghi offer packages that combine train travel with different types of boat tours on Lake Como. Find out about them here .

Where do you buy ferry tickets for Como?

Tickets for the Lake Como ferry service can be purchased at ferry terminals or on the Navigazione Laghi website :

• Ferry terminals : major towns around Lake Como (including Como, Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, and Tremezzina) have ticket offices near the pier. You can purchase tickets directly at these terminals but, if you choose this option in peak season, just make sure you get there about 25 minutes before the departure .
• Online booking : you can currently buy tickets online only for regular service rides (i.e., no vehicle transportation, no express service) for one-way/return trips and for day tickets (when available). Online booking allows you to secure tickets in advance and can be especially convenient during peak tourist seasons.

People with disabilities can always purchase tickets on board at no additional cost.

How long is ferry ride from Varenna to Bellagio?

The ferry ride from Varenna to Bellagio typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes , but the exact duration can vary depending on the type of ferry, the specific route taken, and weather and water conditions.

The distance between Varenna and Bellagio is relatively short, as the two towns are located on opposite shores of the lake but are very close to each other.

Can I take my luggage with me on the Lake Como ferries?

Yes, it is generally possible to carry luggage on Lake Como ferries . However, there may be some restrictions or additional charges depending on the type of service you use. Here are some things to keep in mind.

Size and type of luggage

Most Lake Como ferries offer room for standard-sized luggage , such as backpacks, suitcases and bags. However, items that are too large or bulky may be restricted.

Crowded periods

During peak tourist seasons, ferries can be crowded and luggage space may be limited . It is good to take this into account and plan accordingly.

Specific ferry policies

Before boarding, check the policies on the ferry company's official website (search "Embarking baggage" in this document).

In general, for standard-sized luggage, there should be no significant problems. However, if you have specific concerns or are traveling with large items, it is advisable to check with the ferry company in advance to ensure a smooth and hassle-free trip.

Can I take my dog with me on Lake Como ferries?

Dogs may be boarded under the responsibility of their owners or keepers . The owner must ensure that the dog's attitude is appropriate to the requirements of living with humans and animals in the environment in which he or she lives.

The captain, or one of the officers making up the crew, may require the owner or keeper to muzzle the dog in case of safety hazards to other passengers, animals or objects. 

• Small dogs : free
• Medium-large dogs (height to withers more than 50 cm): € 1.50 or 3.50, without extra charge on fast services.
• Guide dogs and dogs trained by security or rescue forces, on duty, are completely free of charge and have no limitations.

This Post Has 77 Comments

Thanks for providing such a well-organized web site. This was so much easier to understand than the official Navigazione Laghi web site.

Thank you very much Vivek, feedback like yours is a source of satisfaction for me 🙂

My daughter and I will be spending 8 to 10 days exploring Lake Como and its many villages. 1) Is there a multi-day ferry pass available or must we purchase daily pass? 2) which mid-lake city is most reasonable to make it our home base?

Hi Carolyn, you can buy a 6-day pass. Find more information about the fares in the second table that you can find here . All mid-lake towns have their own charm, maybe I would suggest you to choose one of the less crowded (such as Cadenabbia or Lenno), then consider that you can reach all others by ferry in a matter of minutes. Hope this helps!

Ditto compliments for the concise and organized info on this website.

Thank you very much Laura!

Thank you so much for putting together this information – it’s very clear and concise and I can’t wait to visit Lake Como! All the best

Thank you Chris, I really appreciate it 🙂

Hi Alessandro – Thank you for this wonderful information! I’m staying near Varenna and was thinking about taking our rental car to Villa del Balbianello. Is it possible to take the car across Lake Como from Varenna to the Villa? I saw that there’s a Griante to Varenna ferry, but it looks separate from the Navigazione Laghi ferry service. Where ferry service can I take? Thanks for your help!

Hi Judy, the ferry from Varenna to Cadenabbia is also operated by Navigazione Laghi. So, as you said, if you want to take your own car, the best option is to get to Cadenabbia by ferry and then drive to Via degli Artigiani (8 minute drive), where you will leave your car and then decide whether to walk or take a taxi boat to Villa Balbianello . I hope this helps you!

We want to make a round trip starting from Como (around 10 am), with 2 stops. First one in Varenna than in Bellagio from where we have to return to Como (no later than 21 hrs). Timetables and routes are a little bit complicated to organise easily our trip. Could you give us a hint which would be the best option considering our limited time to visit (about 8 hrs) both towns and a resonable fares for this (either regular or rapid boats)?

Hi Claudio, in my opinion the opposite is preferable, that is: first, take the ferry from Como to Bellagio (about an hour via fast service ferry). From there, take the ferry from Bellagio to Varenna (15 minutes, max 30). Once you’ve visited Varenna, you can take the fast service from Varenna to Como (not too late-I think the last one of the day is around 7 p.m.). I know it is difficult to read their timetables, which is why I suggest you use the search form directly.

On the navigazionelaghi.it website, there are two options to select – eg. Varenna or Varenna (Traghetto). The first one I believe is the mid lake shuttle and the first service from Varenna is 9:23, while the second one is the car ferry and has earlier services. If I buy a one way ticket or a free circulation ticket, can I take any of these services or do I have to stick to only the one I buy a ticket for? Is the free circulation ticket only for the mid lake shuttle? Is there a different dock for the shuttle and the ferry at Varenna and Bellagio? Thank you!

Hi Claudine, useful questions for other readers as well. You don’t have to worry: if you buy the free circulation ticket you can take any kind of ferry you want, as long as you move within the validity area of the ticket you chose to buy. The piers may be different (for example, in Bellagio there is one where you take the regular ferry and another where you have to board if you have a car – or even if you don’t have it), but in any case it is best to ask the shore staff to make sure you take the right boat 😀 Best!

Dear Alessandro, group of six adults would like to take high speed ferry from Como to Bellagio, spend a couple of hours, take ferry to Varenna, spend a couple of hours and then back to Como. What is the best option knowing we only have one day. Thank you for your help. Linda Gartner

Hi Linda, I think the trip you have already planned is perfect 🙂 Just be sure to check the ferry schedules to plan your travel as smoothly as possible.

Hello Alessandro, thank you for putting these clear instructions for the public!! I have a question, If i want to take a ferry from Como and want to visit Bellagio, Varenna and Mennagiothe same day but with 2 hours in between every town. Do we have to pay for 1 ticket or is it 3 tickets. I cannot find a clear answer online.

Also do you think the ferry will be full next week or quiet calm? We just want to buy the ticket at the ferry station.

Thank you very much,

greetings from belgium

Good morning Salma, thank you so much for your feedback! You can buy the Como-Menaggio free-circulation ticket which covers all trips included within that area. At this time, the boats are certainly quieter than in the high season. But the thing that worries me is that with the current winter schedule you will hardly be able to visit all these towns in one day, taking even two-hour breaks. I think it’s better to split the visits into two days!

Hello Alessandro thank you very much for your quick reply! I will take your advice and split the visits in 2 days!! Have a great day!

Hello, I am planning a trip in the summer with my family, and we will be staying in Tremezzo. What is the best way to get to Lierno? It looks like the Corse Batello has a route that would take us there, but I wasn’t able to find any tickets on the timetable search table. Thank you for your help!

Hello Kirstin, the best way to reach Lierna from Tremezzo is to get to Varenna by boat and, from there, take the train that will take you to Lierna. I hope I have been of some help to you!

hello, we are planning to visit Como in August we want to visit Bellagio and Varenna by boat in a day. Which kind of tickets to get ? My husband is disabled and I am his companion. Is there a discount on tickets for disabled people

Hello Tsonka, you can buy a regular round trip in order to take the ferry from Bellagio to Varenna and back. Regarding your other question, I suggest you read the “ Information for people with disabilities ” that you can find on the company’s website.

Ciao Alessandro, we are arriving in Como by train on 25May23. Two questions please: 1) We are staying in Griante. That is the Tremezzo boat stop, yes? 2) Roughly how often do boats leave from Como? Our hotel tells us there aren’t many boats but we read online that there will be lots of them. We would prefer the slow boat but the hydrofoils would be ok too. Grazie!

Hi John, Griante is a hamlet of Cadenabbia, where the pier from which car ferries also depart is located. But yes, there is also the pier in Tremezzo a short distance away. What they told you is correct, there are not very many boats, even in the high season. Basically, while waiting for the new schedules to come out, consider one or maximum two rides per hour.

Hello Alessandro! Thank you for all the super useful info on your website! I went the official Navigazione Laghi site and I’m unable to find the sale of Free-circulation ticket/Day Pass anywhere. I looked through the internet but also could not find any info on how to obtain it. Any idea where I can get it? Or is it possible to buy the free-circulation ticket on the day itself at the ferry offices?

Good morning Matthew, you will be able to purchase it directly at the ticket offices located next to the piers, or even online the moment the new schedules come out. Sorry for the inconvenience, unfortunately the company’s website is not the most usable 😀

Hi Alessandro, thank you very much for your information. I am planning to visit Lake Como next month, and will be staying at Como. I am planning to spend 1 day travelling to Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio from Como. Based on the information above, it seems like the best ticket is a free-circulation 1 day pass from Como to Varenna. This will allow me to stop at Bellagio and Menaggio (along the Como-Varenna course), and head back from Varenna to Como without having to pay any extra fee. Is my understanding of this correct? Thank you very much once again for your help!

Hello Marco, yes, what you say is theoretically correct. But I honestly wouldn’t advise you to visit all these destinations in one day: the distances are greater than you might think, the boat rides are not that frequent, and then I would recommend devoting at least a couple of hours to each town. I’m afraid you’ll have to extend your trip or remove a town from the itinerary!

Hello Alesandro!! We ‘re going to visit Lake Como at the end of September. We have booked an apartment in Bellagio. We noticed that ferries are frequent from Bellagio to Varenna and Menaggio, but there are only 3 per day to other places such as Nesso and Lenno? We want to visit Nesso and Lenno, which is the best way to visit these places?

Hello Evangelia, you can always take the bus. For example, from Bellagio you can take the c30 that takes you to Nesso in about 25-30 minutes, whereas to reach Lenno you can take the ferry to one of the more connected villages on the other side (e.g., Cadenabbia), and from there take the C10 that takes you to Lenno.

Hi Alessandro, your responses have been very helpful. I have some specific queries below. 1. Are fast ferry tickets available only at the actual office, not online ? If yes , then not sure why “INCLUDE FAST SERVICE” option is present on the Navigazione Laghi website. When I try to search fast service tickets online, I see following error: “You have included the express service or selected accompanying vehicle: you can purchase these services EXCLUSIVELY at the ground ticket offices.” 2. How many hours minimum should we budget for if we want to travel from “Como” via ferry and we want to cover Bellagio and Varena (couple of hours at each of those locations , and come back. 3. We will be travelling from Milan with 3 suitcases to Giovanni S Como station. Is there luggage storage available at the station ? We want to take a train to Lugano from that station in evening.

Hi Umesh, so sorry for the delay but I had missed your comment! Anyway I confirm that currently fast service tickets can only be done at ground ticket offices. Online you can only check for the actual ride. I know, it’s all a bit strange…. Anyway, if you want to easily visit both Bellagio and Varenna from Como, I recommend budgeting for a full day (say from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Here you can find some luggage storage facilities available in the city of Como. Hope this helps!

Hi Alessandro, is it possible to start from Varenna, stop in Nesso and then continue on to Bellagio with a one day free circulation ticket? Would the purchase be from Varenna to Careno? I didn’t see an option for Nesso when purchasing tickets and was assuming a stop would be in Nesso.

Hi Michele, yes, it is possible to do what you said, but you have to plan your trip carefully, because the rides are generally not that frequent. I’ve just checked on Navigazione Laghi website and it looks like you can’t buy the free circulation ticket that covers the Varenna – Nesso area… one of Lake Como’s mysteries! So in this case I recommend you buy separate individual tickets, you can easily do this online so you will avoid standing in line. Hope this helps!

Hi Alessandro, thank you for putting together all of this helpful information! My family and I are looking to travel from Como to Bellagio but we would also like to make stops in Varenna and Menaggio, before returning to Como. It seems like the free circulation ticket might be the best ticket option for us but I want to be sure that I am selecting the correct location to be able to see all these towns. Does it make the most sense to book the ticket from Como to Menaggio and that way we can still use the Ferry for Bellagio and Varenna? Or what would you suggest? Thank you!

Hi Taylor, I’m afraid visiting 3 towns in one day is a bit much. I would advise you to choose only 2 towns from Bellagio, Menaggio and Varenna or, if you don’t want to give up, make sure you plan your travels well, leave early in the morning and travel at a good pace. That said, you can certainly buy the Como-Menaggio free circulation day pass and move freely in this area (as the name of the pass suggests :D). Keep in mind, however, that if you want to return to Como using the fast boat service, you will have to go to the Menaggio ticket office to purchase the appropriate supplement (as it is not purchasable online). Hope this helps!

Hi there! Trying to purchase tickets online but am unsure which option to choose. I’m staying in Varenna in late August and am trying to get to Lenno (to visit Villa del Balbianello) and visit Bellagio and maybe Mennagio all in a day. I know the start point would obviously be Varenna, but what would the end point be for the ticket. If I enter Varenna and Lenno and purchase the day pass would i be able to visit Bellagio and Menaggio or how does that work. Or which option do I do if I only want to go to/from Lenno and Bellagio from Varenna. Thanks in advance for your help and have a lovely rest of your day!

Hi Araceli, since all of the destinations you mentioned are in the central area of the lake, you can purchase a “Free circulation ticket” that has Varenna as its starting point and any of the above towns as its destination. As you can see from – sorry – this very complicated table , the type of route connecting Varenna to Lenno / Bellagio / Menaggio is always marked with the number 3. So, a Free circulation ticket will cost you €15 for the whole day (valid only for regular service, not rapid service). Hope this helps!

Hi Alessandro, If I travel from Como city to Bellagio, to Varenna and back to Como city in a day, how many ferry tickets do I have to buy? Thank you

Hi Wendy, the best thing to do in my opinion is to buy online a “Free circulation ticket” which covers the Como-Varenna area and costs €25.80 for the whole day. Remember though that with this ticket you cannot take the express service. If you want to use an express service for one of the rides you want to take, you will have to buy the corresponding supplement at the ground ticket offices.

Hi. Thank you for the above informative write up and useful replies. We are staying at Como and will be covering Bellagio and Verenna in 1 day by ferry. It appears the best option is to buy a day pass cono- varenna. Please correct me if I am wrong. 1 person travelling with me is above 65 years old. Is there a senior fare and can that be bought online?we are travelling late oct. Many thanks for your advice.

Hi, yes, you can purchase the day pass that covers the entire area. The drawback is that, online, you can only purchase this type of pass if, for the travel times you are interested in, there is actually a regular run that connects both destinations (either directly or with a stopover). If this type of ride does not exist, but the return from Varenna is only available through the express service, you do not have the option of purchasing the day-pass online – you can do this at the ticket office, but if the only service that will take you back to Como is the express ride, then when you are in Varenna you will still have to stand in line to buy the supplement. I’m sorry, I know it’s a mess, but that’s how Lake Como ferry service is currently run 🥲 For any other information, please contact the company’s website directly.

Hi Alessandro, thank you for gathering all the information! We’re planning stay in Como for 3 days and are planning on taking the ferry on the second day. I was wondering if it’s possible to purchase the free-circulation tickets in advance at the ticket office on our first day at Como. And do you know what time the ticket office opens and closes? Thank you!

Hi Rose, yes I suggest you buy it in advance (preferably around late afternoon when the queues for purchasing tickets are shorter). I honestly don’t know the opening hours but I don’t think they close much past 7 pm.

Hello ! I come to Lake Como in early September, and i’d like to walk the Greenway del Lago, from Colonno to Cadenabbia. My Bnb is located in Varenna. What would you recommend ? As i don’t see how to go with the ferry from Varenna to Colonno in the morning and then back to Varenna from Cadenabbia in the afternoon. Thank you for the help !

Hi, you can do it the other way around. Take the ferry from Varenna to Cadenabbia, and from there proceed south. At the end of your walk, once you get to Colonno, you can go back north on the C10 bus and, again, take the ferry from Cadenabbia to Varenna.

Hi – Can you take the Traghetto ferry even if you do not have a car? If yes, how easy is the walk between the Bellagio passenger ferry terminal and the Bellagio Treghetto terminal? Will be arriving on a passenger ferry at 17:57 at the Bellagio passenger ferry and hoping to catch the 18:15 Bellagio Traghetto ferry to Varenna. Assuming I purchase the Traghetto ticket in advance, is this possible? I know the transfer will be tight but trying to determine if it is possible. Many thanks in advance!

Hi Diane, yes, you can take the vehicle ferry even without a vehicle. The distance between the two different terminals in Bellagio is a 5-minute walk, so I’d say you’re just in time 🙂

Hi, I’m getting the train to Varenna, I want to visit Bellagio and Menaggio. Can I get a one day pass to cover these towns and come back to Varenna? Which destination do I put into the ticket to cover all three destinations?

Also if I wanted to visit como as well as Bellagio and menaggio before returning to Varenna is this all included in the one day pass? And what do I put in the destination for the one day pass?

Many thanks, Natasha

Hi Natasha, currently it seems impossible to purchase the day-pass on the Navigazione Laghi website. I recommend that you purchase tickets for each route separately (the service charge for connecting between destinations in the central lake area is always 4.60€ each way). I suggest you buy the tickets a few days in advance as online they sell out very soon (if it happens you can still head to the land-based ticket offices). For any other information, please write directly to the company so that sooner or later they will be able to offer a service that meets expectations 🙂

Hi Alessandro, We will be traveling from Saronno, is the Como Nord Lago the right station that is a 5 min walk from the ferry pier at Piazza Cavour? We are hoping to get to Bellagio and take in some views, are the hydrofoil boats’ seat inside and what kind of views do they provide? The next day we are traveling from Bellagio to Varenna in the morning, should we buy both tickets together at the Pizza Cavour?

Thank you so much!

Hi Hannah, I confirm that Como Lago station is a few minutes’ walk from Piazza Cavour, in front of which is the boat ticket office. If you are interested in enjoying the beautiful views on the ferry from Como to Bellagio (in this regard, I invite you to see my Reel !) you may be better off using the regular service, as the hydrofoils have mostly indoor seats. The advantage is also that you can buy this kind of ticket online. As for the ferry from Bellagio to Varenna, again you can safely buy your ticket online (but I advise you not to do it at the last minute because tickets can be sold-out). Hope this helps!

Hi. 1. If I buy an online ticket in advance for the slow ferry, is it like the trains in Italy, where if you miss your booking you can just take the next one ? 2. First week of October, will it be very busy ? Will I be able to just roll up and get a ferry from Varenna to Bellagio around 3.30 pm ? Thanks.

Hi Will, as far as I know it is: the ticket you buy online must be used on the day itself but not necessarily for a ride at a specific time. On this, I suggest you write to the company’s website so they can give you more accurate information. October is one of the best times to visit Lake Como: the area is not congested with tourists, the weather is still good, and transportation services are operating pretty much like in summer, so go easy!

Hi Alessandro, we are traveling from Milan to Bellagio by train spending the night in Bellano. Do you know if there is a luggage storage at the Bellagio ferry port or Bellagio train stop? Is it easy to take a ferry from Bellano to Bellagio and back? Do they run as frequently as from Bellagio to Varenna?

Hi Hannah, take a look at these luggage storage facilities around Lake Como (there is also one in Bellano). Consider that there are not very many boats connecting Bellano to Bellagio. Every day there are about 2 or 3 that go from Bellagio to Bellano and as many that go the other way around. I recommend that you get an idea of how the Lake Como ferry tours work in this current page and for any other information on this you can contact the official company. What I can recommend, as an alternative, is to embark in Varenna (from which departures are more frequent) and which can be reached by train or D21 bus .

Hi Alessandro, great feedback for everyone – hope you can help us? 5 adults coming from Milan on an early train to Como in June 2024. We will have a one day Free Circulation Pass and hoping to go to Lenno to catch a boat shuttle to see Villa del Balbianello and visit Bellagio and Varenna back to Como to catch train to Milan. Is this doable in one day? What are your suggestions. Will our pass cover those places (excluding shuttle to Villa). Hope that makes sense! Thanks a lot. Kym 🙂

Hi Kym, I think your plan requires more time than just one day. Instead, my advice is to take the train to Varenna, from where you can take the ferry to Bellagio. This would greatly reduce the time and you could also include in your day a visit to Villa Monastero or Villa Melzi ! How about it?

Hi Alessandro, Travelling to Lake Como for a day and planning to buy Free Circulation tickets for the family so we can start and stop where and when we want. Have 2 children coming that will be under 12 years old, do you know if they are a different price? Also, I have tried to book tickets online, but the schedule only goes up to March 17th, 2024, (which is 2 weeks before we are visiting), and the site will not accept my booking dates… do you know when the new schedule is released during the year? Thanks in advance for your help… awesome website!

Hello Kat, you can find all the information about Lake Como’s ticket fares here (I know it’s very hard to read, I’m sorry :’D). The new schedules will be released 1-2 weeks before the entry into force. Hope this helps!

Hello:) I am planning a trip to Lake Como during Easter holiday, will the ferry in service between 29th March to 1st April 2024? Thank you!

Hi Kat, certainly. The new ferry schedules will come out a couple of weeks before the new schedules go into effect.

Hello Alessandro. I appreciate all your information on this site. I can’t seem to find the answer on how much it costs to take a vehicle on a ferry (specifically Bellagio to Varenna). Can you advise? Also, if I have passengers with me and my vehicle, do you just pay for the vehicle or does every passenger have to pay for a ticket as well? Thank you!

Hi Jonathan, here you can find rates for transporting vehicles on Lake Como ferries. There you should find the answers to all your questions 🙂

Hello Alessandro, I would like to take my car from Cadenabbia to Bellagio and then Bellagio to Varenna on 31 March 2024. Is this possible on the traghetto? At the moment, it says it is not possible on the website… Thank you in advance!

Hi Anne, this is because the Bellagio pier for car boarding is currently undergoing maintenance. But – theoretically – by that time it will be possible again. Contact the company for more accurate information!

Hello, from what date does the Lecco- Belaggio service begin again? Thank you

Hi Georgia, the ferry schedules for the Lecco-Bellagio route will come out a few weeks before the summer timetable goes into effect, which should start around April.

Hi, thank you so much for the webside, its so usefull. I would like to ask you about boat timetable from town Lecco, I would like to travel in middle of April form Bergamo to Lecco and than continue by boat, but I couldnt find the timetable.

Hi Alex, the new timetables will be posted shortly before the new schedules go into effect. Contact [email protected] for more information!

Thank you so much for the helpful information. We are planning a trip to Argegno the last week in May. How well connected is Argegno to places like Bellagio and Varenna? How can we get from Argegno to the Greenway? We won’t have a car. We’re trying to decide between staying in Argegno or Candenabbia.

Hi, Argegno is definitely an important junction and therefore can count on several daily runs, for example going north now I counted about 10. To start the Lake Como Greenway you can take the C10 bus from Argegno and get off immediately afterwards, at Colonno, where the starting point is located.

Hi Alessandro, thank you for a helpful overview. Do you know the location of where the ferry picks up in Bellagio and Bellano? There are many docking stations on Google Maps. I appreciate your help.

Hi Olivia, Bellagio has two piers. This one allows you to board ferries that also admit vehicles (those that only take you to Menaggio, Cadenabbia and Varenna). This one , on the other hand, is for ferries designed to transport people only. Bellano’s pier can be found here . I hope I have helped you!

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LAKE COMO’S TOWNS Como Bellagio Varenna Tremezzina

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Lake Como Travel | A personal blog by Alessandro Manzi

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Notice to travelers

Please be advised that, due to technical reasons, fast ferry service may be temporarily suspended or less efficient during this period. Visit Navigazione Laghi's notices section to learn more and, for any additional information, contact the company directly.

Note: Lake Como Travel is an entity that does not depend on Navigazione Laghi. For any information on the operational status of the public boat service, contact the company directly.

12 Best Lake Como Boat Tours (Small-Group, Private, or Sailing)

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED LINKS. FIND MORE INFO IN MY DISCLAIMER.

Home » 12 Best Lake Como Boat Tours (Small-Group, Private, or Sailing)

Lake Como is one of the most beloved destinations in North Italy.

The place to be for a luxurious vacation, Lake Como is surrounded by green hills, snow-capped mountains, postcard-like towns, and beautiful and elegant lakeside villas.

No visit would be complete without a Como Lake boat tour! Cruising the blue waters of the lake while admiring the breathtaking landscape is an absolute must.

🏆 BEST BOAT TOUR ON LAKE COMO

Don’t have time to read the whole article? The best choice is this 5-star small-group tour: Lake Como By SuBacco

You can join countless boat tours, from exclusive private ones with dinner onboard to wonderful tours with stops along the lake for a guided walking exploration of the best towns and villas.

Doing a boat tour of Lake Como is the best activity to have an unforgettable experience!

Here we’ll highlight the 12 best Lake Como boat tours, perfect for every travel group.

Quick Guide: Best Lake Como Tours By Boat

After a quick list of the top boat tours on Lake Como? Here are the best boat trips to experience.

Small-Group Tour Lake Como By SuBacco

• 2-Hour Tour
• Max 8-People
• Sights: Cernobbio, Moltrasio, Torno, Blevio, and the magnificent Villas.
• Leaves from Como

Lake Como Private Boat Tour

• Luxury private boat tour
• 4-Hour Tour
• Sights: Villa Balbianello, Giardini di Villa Melzi, Villa Carlotta, Comacina Island, and the towns of Bellagio and Nesso
• Departure from Como

Villa Balbianello and Flavors of Lake Como Walking and Boating Full-Day Tour

• 7-Hour Tour
• Sights: Varenna, Villa Balbianello, Villa Melzi, Chiesa di San Giorgio, Bellagio
• Lunch is included
• Departure from Varenna

12 Best Lake Como Boat Tours

The following boat tours in Lake Como each offer a beautiful and memorable way to experience the beauty of the lake.

Here is our list of our favorite tours by boat on Lake Como.

1. “Public Tour” Lake Como By SuBacco

Tour Overview:

• Tour Type: A shared boat tour of Lake Como with fixed departure times.
• Tour Sights & Stops: Cernobbio, Moltrasio, Torno, Blevio, and the magnificent Villas.
• Departure Point: Sant’ Agostino su Lungo Lario Trieste in Como
• Length: 2 hours
• Check Tour Price on Viator

Experience the beauty of Lake Como with this shared small-group Lake Como boat tour !

This two-hour tour departs from Sant’ Agostino su Lungo Lario Trieste in Como and takes you along the shorelines of spectacular villas and gardens.

What a great tour! Loved being on the smaller boat, and Roberto with Subaco Tour was a fantastic host. He was an expert at navigating the boat and showed us some of the most beautiful spots on the lake. He was full of knowledge and interesting stories about the lake history, villas and more! I would absolutely recommend! Laurie_D (Viator  reviews )  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Enjoy a unique perspective of the lake, taking in stunning landscapes and unique photographs.

The information will be given in both Italian and English to provide a comprehensive understanding of this amazing region of Italy.

This tour is limited to 8 people so you can enjoy a more intimate experience of Lake Como’s wonders!

Important Note: Petrol (fuel) is not included in the tour price. You will need to pay an additional 20 euros per person for fuel.

Who This Tour Is For:

• Anyone looking for an affordable shared boat tour of Lake Como.

This tour is perfect for those looking to avoid crowds and have an intimate experience on Lake Como.

The tour provides a great opportunity to learn more about the amazing sights around the lake that can only be seen from the water!

In addition, this tour has received a badge of excellence on Viator.

Book your tour today and experience the beauty of Lake Como!

2. Lake Como Private Boat Tour

• Tour Type: A private boat tour of Lake Como with flexible departure times.
• Tour Sights & Stops: Villa Balbianello, Giardini di Villa Melzi, Villa Carlotta, Comacina Island, and the towns of Bellagio and Nesso
• Departure Point: Como, Matteotti Giacomo Square
• Length: 4 hours

Enjoy the view of Lake Como’s historic villas and beautiful gardens with this private tour .

Claudio was a great guide and a captain, he showed us around in Como Lake and he had a very positive vibe. I would recommend anyone to book the trip without even having a doubt in mind. Always would be happy to book again! Yagmur_N (Viator  reviews )  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

With this boat tour, you will admire sights inaccessible by ferry or car, starting from Como and cruising to the famous Bellagio and Comacina Island before returning to Como.

The expert boat crew will explain all about the spots visited so you can have a wonderful time!

• Anyone looking for a luxury cruise on Lake Como

This tour has received a badge of excellence on Viator.

The tour is a fantastic way to avoid the crowds and delays of the ferry for an upscale cruise on Lake Como!

3. Villa Balbianello and Flavors of Lake Como Walking and Boating Full-Day Tour

• Tour Type: A boat transfer to Lake Como’s best spots with a guided visit to Villa Balbianello and Villa Melzi, and a walking tour of Varenna. Lunch in a local restaurant is included.
• Tour Sights & Stops: Varenna, Villa Balbianello, Villa Melzi, Chiesa di San Giorgio, Bellagio
• Departure Point: Varenna, Imbarcadero Piazza Martiri Libertà Street
• Length: 7 hours

A wonderful Lake Como boat tour that will start by strolling around Varenna’s narrow alleyways to learn all about the famous lakeside town from a local guide.

After an olive oil tasting and a traditional Italian lunch, hop on a taxi boat to cruise the lake.

The boat will stop at Villa del Balbianello, which has been used as a filming location for Casino Royale and Star Wars, and Villa Melzi so you can walk inside with a guide who will explain all about them!

The tour ends in the beautiful town of Bellagio.

A full day tour in Lake Como – be prepared for lots of walking and wear very comfortable shoes and clothing. Really good value for your money and small enough group to not feel overwhelmed. Started with an olive oil tasting at the mill, then a walking tour of Varenna followed by a boat tour with a guided villa tour and a tour of the Melzi gardens. An incredible way to see Lake Como learning the history and seeing so much in one day. The open air water taxi was so special and gorgeous. The food was delicious and our guide Pietro was so much fun and very knowledgable! Wish we could go back again today! Christy_R (Viator  reviews )  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Important to note: This tour is great for larger groups as the boat can fit up to 11 people.

The tour starts in Varenna and ends in Bellagio, and the transfer back to Varenna or any other town along the lake is not included.

• Fans of walking tours through history and art-filled spots
• Groups of friends looking for a full-day tour

Since this tour is pretty popular, we highly recommend you pre-book it to avoid disappointment.

Wear your most comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved!

4. 1-Hour Private Como Lake Boat Tour

• Tour Type: A private boat Lake Como tour to discover its beautiful places and some secret spots
• Tour Sights & Stops: Laglio, Cenobbio, and many villas, among which Villa Erba, Villa Cademartori, and Villa Olmo
• Departure Point: Como, Lungo Lario Trieste
• Length: 1 hour

A brief tour to discover the wonders of Lake Como.

Besides cruising by several villages and luxurious villas, the trained crew will explain to you the history of the many spots you will see and the architectural elements of the villas.

Ask to stop in a quiet location to take a quick swim in the crystal-blue waters of the lake for an extra special tour.

We had an unbelievable time with Frank (Francesco) – he is an amazing down to earth guy, knows everything local and a fantastic guide. You will have a great time. Reasonably priced. Highly recommend. Five stars!!! Yauheni_P (Viator  reviews )  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Important to note: The tour starts in Como town, but an alternative departure from a neighboring village can also be arranged.

• Groups who want to make the most of their time if they are visiting Lake Como only for 1 day
• Families with small kids who don’t want to explore Lake Como on public ferries

This tour has received a badge of excellence on Viator as it has a 5/5 rate.

The short length of this tour will allow you to cruise Lake Como and have wonderful views of its villages.

Once it’s done, you have plenty of time to walk around your favorite spots.

5. Private and Guided Cruise to Lake Como Mostes Motorboat

• Tour Type: A private guided cruise of the lake’s many attractions on a motorboat.
• Tour Sights & Stops: Como, Cernobbio, Moltrasio, Torno, Blevio
• Departure Point: Como, Lungo Lario Trieste (but they can pick up from other departure points too)
• Length: 1, 2, or 3 hours, depending on the tour selected
• Check Price on Viator For The: 1-Hour Tour , 2-Hour Tour , or the 3-Hour Tour

Explore the history and architecture of Como aboard an elegant motorboat accompanied by a multilingual and well-informed crew.

The captain, Luca, knows many stories about the most iconic villas and small villages alongside the lake.

From Como town to the fantastic Villa Erba, Villa d’Este, and Villa Pliniana, this tour is the perfect way to explore Lake Como.

Complimentary bottled waters are available on the boat.

My fiancé and I got this bout tour and it was AMAZING! We were smiling the whole time. We had a perfect day on Lake Como. Katie_B (Viator  reviews )  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Important to note: This tour presents different options you can choose from.

Besides the 1-hour option , the tour can also last for two or three hours. The more time you spend on the boat, the more amazing the beauty of the lake is.

With the 2-hour tour , you will also pass by the gorgeous Comacina Island, Brienno village, and the natural gorge Orrido Di Nesso.

The 3-hour tour has the following additional sights: Villa del Balbianello, Tremezzo town and the famous Villa Carlotta, Bellagio and Villa Melzi, Punta Spartivento, Lezzeno village.

• Anyone who prefers the luxury of choosing the cruise’s duration
• Small groups or families who want to enjoy each other’s company without a crowd

This is one of the best private tours from Viator, awarded with a badge of excellence.

Make sure to pre-book the tour option preferred as they sell out quickly, especially in the high season.

6. Varenna and Bellagio Exclusive Full-Day Tour

• Tour Type : A fantastic private land and boat tour to see Lake Como’s best spots
• Tour Sights & Stops: Bellagio and the Basilica di San Giacomo, Punta Spartivento, Varenna and the Chiesa di San Giorgio and the Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista
• Departure Point: Como, Cavour Square
• Length: 8.5 hours
• Check Tour Price On Viator

This fantastic Lake Como cruise is a f ull-day group tour via speedboat with several amazing stops.

Get off the boat in Bellagio for a walking tour of the old town and to learn about the local history.

Jump back onto the boat to reach Varenna where the tour guide will walk you around the town and its art-filled churches.

Violetta was an awesome excellent guide, very knowledgeable and made sure we all enjoyed ourselves. The lunch spot she had picked out for us in Bellagio was superb. I would highly recommend this tour. Greg_H (Viator  reviews )  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Important to note: The tour accommodates up to 15 people, so it is not for you if you prefer a small group tour.

• Solo travelers who are ready to make new friends while learning all about Lake Como
• Groups of friends eager to do more than just a cruise
• Active families with curious children

The highlight of this trip is passing by Punta Spartivento, the most panoramic views of Lake Como, from where you will marvel at Pre-Alps and the villages Menaggio, Varenna, and Tremezzo.

7. Sailing on Lake Como with Private Skipper

• Tour Type: A boat tour of Lake Como with a private skipper for a flexible and relaxed excursion
• Tour Sights & Stops: Bellagio, Villa del Balbianello, Villa Melzi, Villa Carlotta, and Comacina Island
• Departure Point: Bellagio, San Biagio street
• Length: 3 hours

A great way to discover a quieter side of Lake Como.

This Lake Como boat tour from Bellagio will make you admire Como Lake’s top sights along the shoreline, including Villa del Balbianello, Villa Melzi, Villa Carlotta, and Comacina Island.

The crew will anchor the boat in a suggestive spot so you can swim in the lake and relax on board with music, soft drinks, and snacks.

We had such a great time on this trip around the lake! Frederico showed us all the popular places around the area and stopped to let us swim for a little bit! Had a bottle of champagne and snacks for us as well. Highly recommend! PaigeGrissom (Viator  reviews )  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

• Folks who love small group tours
• Any group of up to 9 people who want freedom and to spend a relaxing time at the lake

This is one of the best Lake Como boat tours, with a 5/5 rate on Viator.

8. Lake Como Exclusive Offshore Private Boat Tour

• Tour Type: An exclusive private boat tour to discover the hidden gems of Lake Como at your own pace.
• Tour Sights & Stops: Como, Cernobbio, Tremezzo, Bellagio, Torno, and many villas along the way, such as Villa Olmo, Villa Le Fontanelle, and Villa Pliniana

Enjoy stunning lakeside views during this private boat tour of Lake Como .

The captain will sail you around iconic monuments, ancient villas, and breathtaking views to have the best time.

Starting and arriving in the city of Como, this tour gives time to arrange land excursions and swimming stops.

Amazing experience for my wife and I and our four young kids (8, 5, 3, and 1). Paolo picked us up in a beautiful boat near our Airbnb and showed us all around the lake, traditional villages, aristocrat houses, shared stories, and brought us to some epic swimming areas. Having the sparkling wine on board as we sailed into the sunset was a memory we’ll never forget. Highly recommend! Paul (Viator  reviews )  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

• Families who relish their time together
• Girl trippers looking for a fun and full-of-beauty day

I love this tour! There is nothing better than exploring everything Lake Como has to offer than doing it from a private boat.

9. Romantic Sail & Sunset Experience

• Tour Type: A private sunset sails around Lake Como with drinks (Prosecco and Franciacorta wine) and dinner with local specialties
• Tour Sights & Stops: best locations around Lake Garda, like Bellagio
• Departure Point: Valmadrera (Lecco Province), by the harbor. The location departure might change due to the Lake level.
• Check Tour Price

A late afternoon, exclusive tour to experience Lake Como’s spectacular views at sunset.

Such a good experience ! The team Was so Nice and caring! The meal Was great not small with fresh produce… There was definitely a romantic atmosphere on board… I recommend ! GetYourGuide traveler (Get Your Guide  reviews )  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

There is no better way to spend a romantic time with your partner while admiring the landscapes around you.

During the sail, you will enjoy a gourmet dinner and a bottle of Franciacorta wine.

• Couples who’d rather not share this romantic experience with a group
• Honeymooners who love a romantic sunset over the beautiful Lake Como

If you want to live a real romantic experience without others around, then this tour is a fantastic choice.

10. Best Villas via Private Boat Tour – 1 Hour

• Tour Type: A luxury private boat tour of the gorgeous villas of Lake Como
• Tour Sights & Stops: most of the famous villas of Lake Como, like Villa d’Este and Villa Olmo
• Departure Point: Como, the pier in Lungo Lario Trieste
• Length: 1-2 hours

With this private Lake Como boat tour , you will feel like a member of the jet set! Cruise around the lake’s most beautiful palatial villas and natural places.

The 1-hour tour itinerary will show you some incredible villas, like Villa Olmo, Villa Pizzo, and Villa Fontanelle, the historic Versace residence.

The 2-hour tour adds several other spot sights, such as Villa Oleandra, George Clooney’s house, and a stop for a classic Italian aperitif with Aperol spritz and white wine.

My experience with Stefano Wave Boat Lake Como was simply outstanding. From the moment we booked our two-hour boat trip, the process was seamless and easy. Upon arrival, Stefano greeted us with a warm smile and a genuine passion for the lake. Throughout the tour, he provided us with interesting stories and knowledge about the area’s history, making the experience much more than just a boat ride. He was attentive to our needs and made sure we had the best possible experience, ensuring we had plenty of time to take photos and enjoy the scenery. Safety was also a top priority, and we felt completely secure throughout the entire trip. Overall, I highly recommend Stefano Wave Boat Lake Como for anyone looking for an exceptional boating experience on Lake Como. Stefano’s expertise, professionalism, and passion for the area make this an unforgettable experience that should not be missed. GetYourGuide traveler (Get Your Guide  reviews )  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Important to note: Make sure to select your preferred tour length when booking.

• Anyone who prefers touring with just a small group
• Travelers who love to learn about the lake’s historic villas from a local guide

The expert and professional guide will explain the history and lesser-known details about the villas you pass by.

A great pro of this tour is that it is for a small group which makes it more personal.

11. Paré, Lake Como: Sailing Boat Experience

• Tour Type: Lake Como sailing tour with a guide and a stop for swimming. An additional option is sunset dinner on board.
• Tour Sights & Stops: Malgrate, Baia di Parè, Lecco, and Abbadia
• Departure Point: Eastern side of Lake Como (in Malgrate). The activity provider will contact you with its exact location.
• Length: 3-4 hours

Experience the beauties of Lake Como on a sailing tour led by local skippers.

Absolutely wonderful experience with Guilia, our English guide and our two skippers. They were extremely hospitable and treated us like family! The snacks, fruit and drinks were a great bonus to a beautiful day on the like with some tunes. We‘ll be sure to make this a repeat excursion when in Como! GetYourGuide traveler (Get Your Guide  reviews )  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The sailing tour takes you to the Baia di Parè and around Malgrate, Lecco, and Abbadia to admire beautiful landscapes and charming little towns on the lake’s shores.

The boat will stop so you can jump into the lake’s blue water for a refreshing swim.

Enjoy a glass of Prosecco while cruising back to the pier to end the tour perfectly.

Important to note: The tour offers a sunset option with a light dinner onboard.

• Families with children who would love swimming in the lake
• Folks who prefer small group tours

This tour is a great fit for those who want to avoid crowds as it takes you to less touristy spots of Lake Como.

12. Vintage Wooden Boat Rowing Experience on Lake Como

• Tour Type: A private sail on a classic wooden boat around Lake Como with complimentary wine and local food
• Tour Sights & Stops: Pescallo Bay and Bellagio
• Departure Point: Bellagio Water Sports.
• Length: 1.5 hours

Sailing on a vintage wooden boat is a unique way to explore Lake Como.

This short tour will give you enough time to experience the sights of the lake’s pristine waters, towering mountains, and beautiful villages.

Row the picturesque Pescallo Bay, part of Bellagio, and end your experience with complimentary wine and a local meal (focaccia or pizza).

Important to note: This Lake Como wooden boat tour boat can fit max 2 people.

• Couples who prefer a different cruise experience
• Whoever wants to explore the lake at their own pace

Alternative Option: Lake Como Boat Rental

Rental Overview:

• Rental Type: Speedboat rental to enjoy Lake Como at your own pace
• Tour Sights & Stops: Every location around Lake Como
• Departure Point: Changes depending on the rental shop of choice
• Length: 2, 3, or 4 hours
• Check Prices For: 2-hour boat rental , 3-hour boat rental , or 4-hour boat rental

The best way to cruise Lake Como is by renting a boat to make as many stops as you wish!

Whether you prefer admiring the stunning villas and the mountains in the background or dropping the anchor to dive and swim in the wonderful lake’s waters, boat rentals are the right choice!

Important to note: You don’t need a license to rent the speedboat. Usually, these boats can accommodate around six people.

Who This Rental Is For:

• A small group (friends or families) who want to experience the lake in total freedom!

Find below the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.

Lake Como is one of the most scenic and touristy destinations in Italy, and there are countless fantastic water tours you can join! This private boat tour is among the best for families or groups looking for a half-day cruise. For a romantic cruise with your partner, this sunset boat tour is the best one you can choose! For an affordable shared small-group tour, this one by SuBacco is our top pick.

You might have only 1 hour or less for a boat ride in Lake Como, so selecting the right tour is crucial. Depending on the group you are traveling with, check out this top-rated boat tour , this motorboat cruise or this scenic boat tour .

Several factors are involved in the price of a Lake Como boat tour. Usually, they can cost anywhere between 130 to 400€. However, to join an exclusive private boat tour, you can pay from 500€ to 1000€.

Summary Of The Best Boat Tours of Lake Como

A tour of Lake Como by boat is the best way to live a memorable vacation.

Don’t have time to read the whole article? The best choice is the popular small-group tour: “Public Tour” Lake Como By SuBacco

With these 12 best boat tours of Lake Como, you can explore all the incredible lakeside towns and villas with an English-speaking crew who knows the area inside and out.

Whether you’re looking for a private or group tour, check out my suggestions, book your favorite boat tour, and get ready for an unforgettable experience.

More Lake Como blog posts to help you plan:

• Not sure when to go? Here is all the information about when to visit Lake Como .
• Which is better? Lake Como or Lake Garda
• Not sure what to include in your itinerary? Here are the best towns to visit in Lake Como .
• Also, check out the best luxury hotels on Lake Como .
• Want to do a boat tour but based in Milan? Here is a list of the best Milan to Lake Como tours .
• Want to do a road trip around the lake? Here is everything you need to know about renting a car in Como .
• Bellagio is our favorite town and that is where w stayed, here is our Bellagio travel guide .
• Want to add on a few day trips? Here is a list of 20 top day trips from Lake Como .

Jolene Ejmont

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Lists by Lukiih 🍀

Practical travel guides with less fluff

🌷 Lake Como Day Trip: Itinerary & Firsthand Tips

Lake Como is a large lake in northern Italy surrounded by picturesque towns along its shores. It has been a popular day trip destination for centuries.

With one day in Lake Como , you have enough time to enjoy the area’s idyllic scenery, blue lake water, villas, and beautiful gardens.

I took a day trip to Lake Como’s two most unique towns, and here, I share  practical tips on planning a day trip  there. This post covers:

• 🏰 Lake Como’s best towns/villages
• ⭐️ Top things to do in Lake Como
• 🗓️ 2 full-day itinerary options
• 📍 Lake Como map with key places
• 🚂 How to get around

Planning a trip? Here’s what to know about Italy .

Lake Como at a Glance

• Best Towns & Villages
• Essential Tips
• Getting Around

Lake Como Map

• 1. Castello di Vezio
• 2. Villa Monastero
• 3. Town Center
• 1. Old Town
• 2. The Promenade
• 3. East Side

Italy Trip Planner

Lists By Lukiih is readers-supported. If you buy through an affiliate link on this post, I may earn a small commission. Thanks!

Here’s some general information on Lake Como to help you plan your trip.

🏰 What Is Lake Como Known For?

Lake Como, or Lario or “Lago di Como,” is Italy’s deepest lake. It’s known for the charming towns surrounding its shores, the scenic natural beauty surrounding the lake, and the nearby magnificent villas.

Lake Como is also a popular film location featured in movies like Star Wars , Casino Royale , and Ocean’s Twelve . George Clooney has famously bought a mansion there.

Lake Como, Lake Garda, and Lake Maggiore are Italy’s largest lakes and are all well-known.

📍 Where Is Lake Como Located?

Lake Como is located in northern Italy , about one to two hours north of Milan, by train. Given the short train ride , Lake Como is one of the best day trips from Milan.

My train from Milan took an hour and a half to reach Varenna, one of Lake Como’s most popular towns.

🗓️ How Long To Spend in Lake Como?

Depending on how many towns you plan to visit, you can spend one to three days on Lake Como. Given Lake Como’s proximity to Milan, it’s a popular day trip destination.

A full-day trip to Lake Como, which is what I did, is enough time to visit two to three of its most famous towns.

Here’s  how to efficiently plan a trip to Italy .

☀️ Best Time To Visit Lake Como

The best time to visit Lake Como depends on what you want to prioritize.

I visited in May and had to wear a light puff jacket and long pants during my entire Lake Como trip.

💰 How Much Is a Day Trip to Lake Como?

The cost of a day trip to Lake Como depends on where you’re coming from, whether you’re taking a guided tour, and how many attractions you visit, as some have an entrance fee.

You can expect to spend  $60 to $150  when visiting Lake Como for a day.

I spent  $62 visiting Lake Como for a day. I took the train from Milan, took a ferry to different towns, visited an attraction with an entrance fee, and ate two meals.

See all my travel expenses in this  Italy budget breakdown .

All prices mentioned here are in USD 💵 .

Best Towns and Villages in Lake Como

More than ten towns and villages surround Lake Como.

🗺️ Lake Como Map: Best Towns

This Lake Como map shows the best places around the lake, from most to least popular. From the map, you can see that Lake Como is a wishbone-shaped lake.

🥇 Most Popular Towns in Lake Como

The three most famous towns in Lake Como are Bellagio, Varenna, and the town of Como.

Bellagio and Varenna are known to be the two most unique and picturesque towns . The itineraries below focus on these two towns.

Another very picturesque place in northern Italy is the Cinque Terre .

🪴 Villa-Focused Towns in Lake Como

Some small towns and villages have only one main attraction, usually a villa. Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo, Villa del Balbianello in Lenno, and Villa d’Este in Cernobbio are good examples.

Each villa is beautiful and unique in its own way, but you may have a limited tolerance on how many you want to see. If you enjoy looking at villas, you can also take a highly-rated boat trip that passes by famous villas.

🤫 Lake Como Towns With Fewer Tourists

Some smaller towns will not have a must-see attraction, but they’re still beautiful and a good option if you want fewer crowds, especially during the high season. Menaggio , Lecco, and Nesso are good examples of these types of towns.

3 Essential Tips for Visiting Lake Como

Here are three practical tips when visiting Lake Como.

🚂 1. Plan your transportation method.

There are several ways to get around Lake Como . Each transportation method has specific things to keep in mind (e.g., ferries don’t run late into the night, buses aren’t as frequent as you may think, trains are only available in some areas), so make sure to plan ahead.

💶 2. Bring small euro bills.

Several of Lake Como’s towns will have attractions with small entrance fees that are cash-only and will not accept credit cards. Paying with cash is also the easiest way to take the buses around Lake Como.

This Italy trip cost breakdown has more money and cash-related tips.

👟 3. Wear comfortable shoes.

To get some of the best views in Lake Como, you’ll need to walk up cobblestone stairs or hike up roads for up to 30 minutes (e.g., Castello di Vezio, which has breathtaking views, is located on a hill).

Getting Around Lake Como

Here’s how to get to Lake Como and get around once you’re there.

How To Get to Lake Como From Milan

Most visitors travel to Lake Como from Milan, which is the easiest and best way to get to the lake. From Milan, you can take direct trains to Como or Varenna.

I took a Trenitalia train from the Milano Centrale train station to the Varenna Esino train station. The train ticket cost about $7 one-way and took an hour and a half on a Wednesday morning.

How To Get Around Lake Como

Once you’re in Lake Como, you can move between the towns by public transport (which includes the ferry, bus, and train), taxi/Uber, or guided tour.

🛥️ Option 1: Ferry

Taking public ferries is one of the most efficient and affordable ways to get around Lake Como, especially if you’re trying to cross the lake in the central area.

The ferries are operated by Navigaziones Laghi . A one-way fast ferry journey between two of the most popular towns, Verenna and Bellagio, took me 15 minutes and cost €4.60 (about $5).

Double-check the departure gate with the ferry employees because the ferry port signs are not always accurate . A handful of visitors and I missed one of our boats because we were standing and waiting at the wrong gate, so we had to wait another 40 minutes for the next ferry.

🚌 Option 2: ASF Bus

The bus service around Lake Como is provided by ASF , and there are several routes you can take. Bus ticket prices vary by the length of the journey.

The easiest way to board a Lake Como bus is to pay cash on the bus , so make sure to have small euro bills or coins as the driver won’t provide change. One of my friends had to ask a local on the bus to break her bill.

🚂 Option 3: Train

If you want to visit the eastern side of Lake Como (which includes Varenna and Como), you can travel by train. The western side, which includes Bellagio, is more challenging to get to by train.

🚕 Option 4: Taxi or Uber

Taking a taxi or Uber is the most expensive but the fastest way to get around Lake Como on land.

You can find taxis waiting at major bus stops and train stations, but remember that they might be rare in some areas around Lake Como. One of my friends staying in Cernobbio had to wait 45 minutes for a taxi after her hotel called it for her.

🗺️ Option 5: Lake Como Guided Tour

If you would rather minimize having to plan a Lake Como trip, you can also outsource all your planning by going on an organized tour.

This well-rated Lake Como day trip tour visits three of the most popular surrounding towns.

This map has all the Lake Como attractions mentioned in this post.

Lake Como Day Trip Itineraries

Below are two great ways to organize a day trip to Lake Como.

To help you plan efficiently, I’ve included  suggested times for each activity  based on my firsthand experience.

Itinerary Option #1: Varenna and Bellagio

This itinerary focuses on exploring the two most picturesque and unique towns around Lake Como.

Itinerary Option #2: Varenna, Bellagio and Como

If you want to visit more towns in one day, below is a great way to see the three most famous towns in Lake Como.

Como is further away from Varenna and Bellagio, so you can alternatively visit a closer and smaller town, like Menaggio, to lessen your transportation time .

If you prefer to take the hassle out of planning a Lake Como trip, this guided tour takes you to Varenna, Bellagio, and Como.

Great Things To Do in Varenna

The town of Varenna is often described as Lake Como’s most romantic town with its narrow streets, colorful buildings, and breathtaking lake views.

Varenna is also one of the towns easily reached by train from Milan .

Here are the best things to do in Varenna, two of which are the town’s main attractions.

1. Walk Up to Castello di Vezio

🤔 Why : Located on a hill overlooking the town, Castello di Vezio is a medieval castle with spectacular Lake Como views.

🏰 Top Thing To Do : Walk up the hill to Castello di Vezio and enjoy the views of Lake Como from different angles in the garden. You can also go down underground tunnels that were used in WWII.

During the summer months, the castle hosts a “birds of prey” show on some days.

💰 Admission Fee : €4 (roughly $4.50). You don’t need to buy the tickets in advance, and they accept cash or cards.

⏰ Suggested Duration : 45 to 60 minutes

🍀 Lukiih’s Take : With its breathtaking lake views, Castello di Vezio was one of my trip’s highlights, even though I visited it on a cloudy day. I also enjoyed walking up to the castle after sitting on a train for over an hour.

Return to itinerary ↑

2. Visit Villa Monastero

🤔 Why : Villa Monastero’s is one of Varenna’s most notable attractions. The villa features lake views and one of Lake Como’s best botanical gardens.

✨ Top Thing To Do : Villa Monastero has 14 rooms to look at and several lake viewpoints in its expansive botanical garden.

💰 Admission Fee : €10 (roughly $11)

🍀 Lukiih’s Take: I didn’t make it to Villa Monastero since I spent more time walking around Varenna’s town center , but from afar, it looks like it has a stunning garden. It seems like a good place to spend extra time if you’re not in a rush to catch your next ferry ride.

3. Explore Varenna’s Town Center

🤔 Why : Varenna’s small town is picturesque and has several scenic spots that are pedestrian-friendly.

✨ Where To Visit: Varenna has two scenic, popular spots: the Walk of Lovers and Molo Riva Grande. The waterfront also has several cafes and restaurants where you can grab a quick bite.

💰 Admission Fee: Free

⏰ Suggested Duration : 10 to 30 minutes

🍀 Lukiih’s Take : I spent more time walking through Bellagio’s town than Varenna’s because the former is bigger and has more things to see, but I thought Varenna was more beautiful overall.

Great Things To Do in Bellagio

Bellagio, sometimes called the “Pearl of Lake Como,” is regarded as Lake Como’s most beautiful town and has more shops than Varenna.

A one-way ferry journey from Verenna to Bellagio takes about 15 minutes and costs €4.60 (about $5).

Here are three amazing things to do in Bellagio.

1. Explore Bellagio’s Old Town

🤔 Why : Bellagio’s town center, also called Old Town, is a highlight for visitors. Walking through the town’s traditional architecture and picturesque area is considered a worthwhile experience.

✨ Top Things To Do : Bellagio’s Old Town is a happening place lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes. Pick a street and start walking around to see what shops catch your interest. This famous street is particularly scenic.

💰 Admission Fee : Free

⏰ Suggested Duration : 1 to 2 hours

🍀 Lukiih’s Take : Bellagio’s Old Town has many winding and narrow roads, and while the famous street is worth visiting, I found it fun to walk around aimlessly while eating gelato.

2. Walk Along Bellagio’s Promenade

🤔 Why : Bellagio has a well-paved promenade with stunning views of Lake Como within a short walk.

✨ Top Things To Do : Walk along the waterfront and look out at Lake Como. The promenade has gardens, gelato shops, cafes, and benches to rest on. Start your promenade walk here on the north side and end it here on the south side . There’s a set of staircases around here that leads into the lake.

🍀 Lukiih’s Take : Leisurely walking down Bellagio’s flat and open waterfront promenade is a nice calm break after exploring the town’s narrow and stair-filled streets.

Had the weather been better when I visited, I would have liked to explore Lake Como by kayak from Bellagio’s shore.

3. Cross Over to Bellagio’s East Side

🤔 Why : Bellagio’s east side shows a calmer and quieter side of Bellagio. You also pass by colorful houses, gardens, and cobblestone stairs while making your way over.

✨ Top Thing To Do : Make your way down a set of stairs to this scenic spot on Bellagio’s east side.

⏰ Suggested Duration : 20 to 30 minutes

🍀 Lukiih’s Take : I enjoyed walking to Bellagio’s quieter east side after exploring the bustling town and tourist-heavy waterfront. However, the views are not as spectacular on the east side.

To make your travel planning easier , download the trip planner below and use it as a starting point. The planner has country-specific travel information, an itinerary, a packing list, and a map with key places pinned.

The trip planner is built on Notion, which I use for all my travel planning (I genuinely love this tool). If you don’t have Notion, creating an account is free .

If you have any questions or thoughts, feel free to leave a comment below.

Italy Travel Guides

• 🇮🇹 Planning A Trip to Italy: 11 Practical Things To Know
• 🍝 7-10 Days in Northern Italy: 2 Efficient Itineraries
• 🎭 Venice Day Trip: 8 Great Things To Do + 1-Day Itinerary
• 👨‍🎨 3 Amazing Days in Florence: Itinerary With Hidden Gems
• 🧀 Parma, Italy Day Trip: 13 Great Things To Do + Itinerary
• 🌷 Lake Como Day Trip: Itinerary & Firsthand Tips
• 🛶 Best Gondola Rides in Venice: Tips & What To Know
• ⛰️ Hiking Cinque Terre Practical Guide & Firsthand Tips
• 💰 My 2024 Italy Trip Cost: A Budget Breakdown

Lists by Lukiih is Readers-Supported

If you find my travel tips helpful, say thanks with a bubble tea 🧋!

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How to Take the Perfect Day Trip to Lake Como From Milan (By Train or Tour!)

Hoping to take a day trip to Lake Como from Milan, but find yourself overwhelmed by all the options?

From the dozens of possible towns and villas to visit to deciding whether or not you want to book a day tour to Lake Como, planning the perfect Lake Como day trip can be a bit of a challenge!

It only takes one glance at stunning photos and videos from places like Bellagio and Villa del Balbianello, though, to remember why it’s just so tempting to visit.

Luckily, Lake Como (in Italian, Lago di Como ) is a very doable day trip from Milan!

While you won’t be able to see all (or even most) of Lake Como in a day, you’ll walk away with a great taste of what makes this stunning mountainous lake such an enduringly popular destination.

Here’s how to plan the perfect day trip to Lake Como from Milan, based on our personal travel experiences in northern Italy!

Table of Contents

Where is Lake Como in Italy?

How to travel from milan to lake como by train + ferry, pros + cons of booking a lake como tour from milan, the best things to do on a milan to lake como day trip, 2 sample one day lake como itinerary itinerary ideas, tips for visiting lake como from milan, italy, faq for visiting lake como from milan, map of lake como day trip destinations, read more about visiting northern italy.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

First things first: where exactly is Lake Como, anyway? And how do you find the most popular towns and villas along this gigantic, confusingly-laid-out lake?

Here’s the most general answer: Lake Como is located about an hour north of Milan and is part of Italy’s Lombardy region.

Parts of Lake Como are located fairly close to the border with Switzerland, but the lake is contained entirely within Italy.

Lake Como is famously shaped like an upside-down “Y”, with the northern branch generally referred to as Colico, the southwestern branch as Como, and the southeastern branch as Lecco.

The city of Como is located at the far southwestern corner of the lake, and the town of Varenna is located further north along the Lecco (southeastern) side of the lake.

Bellagio, nicknamed the “Pearl of Lake Como”, is located where the 3 branches of the lake meet, and is realistically the furthest northern point that most day trips to Lake Como will reach.

If that all sounds confusing, don’t worry–we’ve included a downloadable map of Lake Como with the most popular day trip destinations marked at the bottom of this blog post.

In this Lake Como day trip guide, I’m going to focus on the two most common methods of travel between Milan and Lake Como for first-time visitors: train and organized day tour.

Technically, you can take the bus to Lake Como from Milan as well, or even drive yourself, but neither of those options is practical for the majority of travelers planning a day trip.

And, of course, when I mention train… I do in fact mean train + ferry, as the train can only get you as far as your first stop!

When it comes to your starting point, though, here are the easiest routes:

Step 1: Take a train to Lake Como from Milan.

Traveling from Milan to Lake Como via train means taking a regional route, which means there’s no real need to book your train tickets in advance.

Prices are fixed for these routes, and they have an open seating plan.

However, for checking train schedules and planning your route, Omio (our favorite train ticket aggregate) comes in handy!

Train From Milan to Varenna

Taking the train from Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esino takes about an hour and whisks you right to town!

From the train station, you’re a quick, easy, downhill walk away from the water and the ferry station (just follow the crowds).

When you’re ready to leave Varenna, you can hop a ferry to Bellagio and (if you take the fast ferry–more on that later) you can be in Bellagio in about 15 minutes.

Train From Milan to Como

For an even shorter route, take a train from Milan to either Como Nord Lago or Como S. Giovann i–both stations are within walking distance of the historic center of the city!

Traveling to Como S. Giovanni takes about 40 minutes via train while heading to Como Nord Lago takes closer to an hour.

Keep in mind that not all trains along these routes leave from Milano Centrale, so pay close attention to what train station your ticket leaves from!

Once you’re done exploring Como, a logical next stop is Bellagio, which is 45 minutes away by the fast ferry (hydrofoil) and more than 2 hours away by the slow ferry (battello).

Step 2: Hop on a ferry to your next destination(s) along Lake Como.

Most travelers visiting Lake Como on a day trip understandably want to visit more than one town–which for independent travelers often means riding the ferry!

The official Navigazione Laghi website is the perfect place to review the ferry schedule and plan your day.

However, it’s important to note that there are 2 kinds of ferries on Lake Como: hydrofoils, or fast ferries, and battellos, or slow ferries.

Only tickets for the slow ferry can be purchased online in advance–for fast ferry tickets, you’ll need to buy your tickets in person!

Add in the fact that ferries can sell out and that taking the hydrofoil makes for a much easier day trip along some routes, and it’s understandable why it’s important to plan your route and book your ferry tickets early in the day.

This is especially important if you’re visiting Lake Como in the summer !

Want to make life simple and avoid worrying about navigating trains, ferries, and attractions during your one day in Lake Como?

If so, organized day trips like this can be an excellent value!

This incredibly popular day trip to Lake Como from Milan includes round-trip transportation, a visit to a few villages (including Bellagio), a boat cruise, and a visit to a villa.

… And all of this is accomplished without you having to worry about any planning or navigation!

If you’re flexible about exactly what sightseeing you do on Lake Como but want to make sure you have a relaxing day on the lake, booking an organized day trip is a wonderful option.

Book your day trip to Lake Como today!

Hoping to enjoy several of the best things to do on Lake Como in a day?

While a full outline of the best attractions on the lake includes days (or weeks, if you include hiking) worth of exploration, the options outlined here are among the most popular with daytrippers for very good reason.

Keep in mind that no one day in Lake Como has room for all of these: plan on enjoying around 3, depending on your sightseeing style.

Take a boat tour across Lake Como.

Without a doubt, one of the top ways to enjoy Lake Como is to take a boat tour across it!

If you’re taking a day trip to Lake Como on a budget, the ferries do offer lovely views–but for a chance to get up close and personal with the shore, various villas, and stunning viewpoints, a boat cruise like this is a wonderful option for independent travelers.

(Many organized Lake Como day trips, like this popular one , include a boat cruise as part of their itinerary).

Visit a villa.

Lake Como is famous for its opulent villas–some of which you can visit!

During your day trip to Lake Como, consider paying a visit to the gardens of a lakeside villa and basking in the beautiful views.

Some, though not all, villas allow visitors inside as well, though be sure to plan ahead if you hope to step inside (some interiors require a guided tour).

Villa del Balbianello (the Star Wars/James Bond villa) and Villa Carlotta are two of the most famous villas along Lake Como, and both are stunning.

If you hope to visit a villa within a town you’re already planning to explore, Villa Monastero in Varenna, Villa Melzi d’Eril in Bellagio (gardens only), and Villa Olmo in Como are all wonderful options.

Explore the picturesque village of Bellagio.

Nicknamed the “Pearl of Lake Como”, Bellagio just may be the most iconic village on Lake Como!

Situated at the point where the 3 legs of the lake converge, Bellagio offers plenty of sightseeing and wonderful views.

Don’t skip wandering along the waterfront or climbing the steep hills into town!

At the top of Salita Serbelloni, along Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, you’ll find one of the most famous photo spots in Lake Como.

Check out Varenna.

The colorful, charming small town of Varenna is a perfect Lake Como day trip destination: not only is Varenna one of the best towns on Lake Como to visit, but it’s also one of the easiest to get to!

Direct trains from Milan deliver you right to town, where you can then start exploring immediately.

Be sure to meander along the waterfront, check out the Old Harbor, visit Villa Monastero, and, if you’re up for a bit of a climb, head up to Castello di Vezio for some incredible views!

Pay a quick visit to Menaggio.

The tiny village of Menaggio is the third point that, along with Bellagio and Varenna, makes up the “golden triangle” of villages at the heart of Lake Como.

Its gorgeous lakefront and peaceful town center don’t take long to explore, but they’re absolutely beautiful!

And, as a bonus, Menaggio’s historic center is flat–a welcome contrast to the steep hills of Varenna and Bellagio.

Explore Como, the largest city on Lake Como.

Como, the lake’s namesake city, sits at the southwest corner of the lake and is an easy addition to a Lake Como day trip!

A bit less picturesque than smaller towns like Varenna, but beautiful in its own way, Como offers gorgeous lake views (especially if you ride the funicular up to Brunate), beautiful churches (don’t miss the Duomo!) and lots of attractions to explore (including Villa Olmo).

Como also happens to be extremely well-connected to Milan by train, making it an easy starting or ending point for your day.

Hoping to take an independent day trip to Lake Como from Milan?

With so many towns and activities to choose from, there are endless ways to pull it off–but these are two of the most popular itineraries.

Both are extremely doable in a day, especially if you keep an eye on the ferry times!

Bellagio + Varenna Lake Como Day Trip Itinerary

For an easy day trip to Lake Como that’s light on transportation worries and heavy on charm, consider focusing entirely on Bellagio and Varenna.

Take the train to Varenna, explore the town, and then hop over to Bellagio via hydrofoil.

There, enjoy the best things to do in Bellagio and potentially take a boat cruise before heading back to Varenna and then to Milan.

Speedy sightseers may also squeeze Menaggio in here!

Pros + Cons of This Lake Como Day Trip

Benefits of structuring your day trip this way include spending the bulk of your time in the most popular part of the lake and cutting down on transportation time.

Meanwhile, cons include that this day trip only makes room for a small section of Lake Como.

Varenna + Bellagio + Como Day Trip Itinerary

Want to plan a Lake Como day trip that involves seeing as much of the lake as possible, without an organized group tour?

Start your day the same way as above, with a train ride to Varenna and exploring the town–but quickly.

From there, head to Bellagio for a quick visit before hopping the hydrofoil to Como.

Keep in mind that the hydrofoil to Como takes 45 minutes, while the slow ferry takes almost 2.5 hours–so it’s important to plan this part well!

Once in Como, explore the attractions and enjoy the sunset over the lake before hopping a train back to Milan.

The biggest benefit of structuring your day trip to Lake Como as a loop that starts in Varenna and ends in Como is that you get to see a lot of the lake in one day!

Cons include that you have to be much more careful timing your ferry journeys, and with so much time on the water dedicated to ferry rides, a small boat cruise is hard to fit in.

Of course, the ferries also offer lovely views, so depending on your sightseeing style, this might not be a problem!

When it comes to sightseeing, less is more.

Unfortunately, it’s not possible to visit all the best attractions on Lake Como in one day–not even close!

Rather than be tempted to add on just one more town or villa, consider slowing down, instead: each of Lake Como’s villages have hours (or more) of sightseeing to offer.

And, at the end of the day, admiring views of the lake–from villas, boats, and even just the shore–is one of the absolute best things to do around Lake Como, and you are spoiled for choice when it comes to places to do so.

Get oriented with the layout of Lake Como before your day trip.

Since planning a Lake Como day trip generally involves multiple stops around the lake, your day will much less confusing if you have a vague idea of where you are in relation to Milan at any given time.

Be sure to reference a map, especially when planning your stops, in order to ensure you’re moving in a logical path.

We’ve included a map at the bottom of this blog post with the most popular Lake Como day trip destinations marked to help get you started!

Buy your ferry tickets early in the day.

When you arrive at Lake Como on the morning of your day trip, regardless of which town you start in, your next stop should be the ferry desk to buy tickets and plot your route!

This is especially important if you’re enjoying a summer trip to Italy when Lake Como is at its most crowded and some ferries do sell out.

With a limited time frame to work with on a day trip, buying your ferry tickets in the morning and planning your sightseeing stops accordingly can make your day much less stressful (and avoid a potentially lengthy ride back if the hydrofoil you want sells out).

The Navigazione Laghi website is great for planning your day but doesn’t allow you to buy hydrofoil (aka fast ferry) tickets online.

Know your battello from your hydrofoil.

When it comes to taking the ferry around Lake Como, you’ll want to keep an eye on more than just the timetable!

A battello is a standard slow ferry, and while peaceful, takes much longer than a hydrofoil.

A hydrofoil is a much faster ferry option.

Technically, you can board either boat to get from place to place, but on a day trip, you’ll need to be aware of which boat you’re boarding!

For example, to travel from Bellagio to Como takes more than 2 hours on the battello, and 35-40 minutes via hydrofoil.

We recommend using the Navigazione Laghi website (the company that operates the ferries) to check timetables and sketch out your day.

If you want to enjoy lunch overlooking the lake, do your research and make reservations!

If your dream Lake Como day trip includes a gorgeous lunch overlooking the lake, then you’ll definitely want to plan in advance!

First, be sure to research restaurants of your choice: while there are lovely restaurants on the water, there are also plenty of tourist traps.

And second, make reservations as soon as you can commit to dates, especially if you want a table right against the water!

Well-reviewed restaurants in ideal locations like La Terrazza Lake Como do book up in advance.

Consider whether you want to take a small boat tour.

Taking a small boat tour is easily one of the best things to do in Lake Como!

This can take many forms, either by signing up for a group tour, signing up for a private boat tour with a captain , or even (for those who know how to drive boats) renting a boat yourself .

The essential thing all these options have in common, though, is that small speedboats offer phenomenal sightseeing opportunities on Lake Como that allow you to get up close with famous spots (like George Clooney’s villa) from the water, as well as simply enjoy the sunshine and impeccable views.

With only one day in Lake Como to work with, though, there’s also no doubt that boat tours eat into your sightseeing time, and the ferries offer beautiful views as well (though not nearly as decadent of an experience).

Small boat tours can last as little as an hour or as long as a full day, but 2-3 hours is fairly common.

One of the perks of signing up for a Lake Como day trip like this is that boat cruises are often included as part of your transportation around the lake, rather than relying on ferries–a chance to enjoy the best of both worlds!

Can you take a day trip to Lake Como from Milan?

Yes, absolutely!

Lake Como is one of the best day trips from Milan and is very popular with travelers from around the world.

Is it worth going to Lake Como for one day?

Yes, it’s definitely worth taking a day trip to Lake Como!

While you can’t see all, or even most, of Lake Como in one day, the beauty of visiting Lake Como is that it’s not really a destination about checking off museums or viewpoints–simply being there is a big part of the experience.

For that reason, even with one day in Lake Como, you’re bound to walk away feeling like you enjoyed a wonderful sample of what the area has to offer.

And, since it only takes about an hour to reach Lake Como from Milan, it’s a very doable day trip!

Do you need a tour to visit Lake Como from Milan?

You definitely don’t need a tour to take a day trip to Lake Como from Milan, but you might find that you’d like to take one!

Self-planning a Lake Como day trip is very doable and perfect for independent travelers, but it also involves a lot of time management: checking train schedules and comparing them to ferry schedules, knowing whether you’re boarding a fast or slow ferry, always being aware of your next move, and making sure any tours or attractions you visit fit into your schedule.

Popular organized day tours like this offer a wonderful overview of Lake Como with no stress, and for those hoping to enjoy a boat cruise as part of their day trip, also offer great value for money!

Book your day trip to Lake Como from Milan today!

How long does it take to get from Milan to Lake Como?

Generally speaking, plan to spend about an hour traveling from Milan to Lake Como.

That can vary a bit depending on the method of transportation you choose and what town you choose for your first destination, but it’s a good rule of thumb to plan around.

Is there a direct train from Milan to Lake Como?

Yes, there are many direct trains from Milan to Lake Como–with the caveat that “Lake Como” isn’t exactly a single place, and you won’t find any train stations named that!

One of the most popular train routes for travelers planning a day trip from Milan to Lake Como includes taking a train from Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esino (located in Varenna and within walking distance of the ferry).

For day trips starting in the city of Como, taking the train from Milano Centrale to Como S. Giovanni or Como Nord Largo (both located in the city of Como and convenient for day trippers) are two other popular options.

Is Lake Como walkable?

Yes and no.

The most popular places to visit in Lake Como on a day trip, such as Bellagio, Como, Menaggio, and Varenna, are all walkable within themselves.

However, they are definitely not within walking distance of each other!

In other words, you definitely need to plan on additional transportation–ferries, a private boat tour, trains, or some combination thereof, in order to pull off the perfect Lake Como day trip from Milan.

What’s the prettiest part of Lake Como for a day trip?

Lake Como is an absurdly beautiful place–it is one of those places whose beauty can’t adequately be captured in photos–so choosing just one place is a big ask!

However, the picturesque “Golden Triangle” villages of Varenna, Bellagio, and Menaggio–plus the water views you can experience ferrying between them–can definitely be counted among the prettiest parts of Lake Como.

We’ve marked this map of Lake Como with the most popular places to visit on the lake for day trippers, including the towns of Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, and the city of Como.

We’ve also included 3 of the most iconic villas to visit along Lake Como that aren’t in those towns, Villa del Balbianello (aka the Star Wars/James Bond villa) and Villa Carlotta.

No one day trip to Lake Como from Milan could realistically visit all of these places, of course, but choosing 2-3 of them, plus a boat ride or two along the lake, makes for a fantastic day!

Take This Map With You! Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. To save this map to “Your Places” on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. You’ll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! To open the map in a new window, click the button on the top right of the map.

Planning a trip to Italy soon?

You can  browse our 100+ Italy blog posts here , or check out some more of our Northern Italy travel guides:

• The Ideal One Day in Milan Itinerary (+ Last Supper Details!)
• 15 Best Things to Do in Bellagio, Italy (The Pearl of Lake Como!)
• The 23 Best Things to Do in Verona (+ Day Trips)
• The Ultimate 2 Days in Venice Itinerary
• 13 Absolute Best Things to Do in Bolzano, Italy

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

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Traveling to Lake Como for the First Time (Tips & Info for Your Visit)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: March 29, 2024

Traveling to Lake Como, Italy, for the first time  and not sure where to start? Planning a trip to Lake Como might be overwhelming indeed, especially so if this is your first time in this beautiful area.

How much time do you need in Lake Como? When to visit? Where to stay and how to get around Como Lake? Or how to see the best that Lake Como has to offer without the crowds?

To help you plan your first trip to Lago di Como , I selected some of our best tips for visiting Lake Como . This experience-based practical guide will not only help you plan your trip, but will also show you how to make the best of your visit, time, and budget. Find out!

READ ALSO: Best Places to Visit & Things to Do in Lake Como

These are our top travel tips for visiting Lake Como:

1. Decide how long you’ll stay

Lake Como is one of the largest lakes in Italy. Shaped like an upside-down letter “Y”, Lake Como has a 100-mile (160 km) long shoreline that is lined with countless charming towns and picturesque villages.

So visiting Como Lake is not as straightforward as you may think. It’s not a place where you just drive to one town, do a boat trip, and can see everything in a few hours. In fact, you could spend weeks traveling around Lake Como and still not see ‘everything’.

So before anything else, decide how long you’ll stay at Lake Como . Once you know that, it will be much easier to plan the rest of the trip – starting with getting there, getting around, the best area(s) to stay, places to see, things to do, etc.

But don’t worry – Lake Como is worth it even if you only have a day or two . And you can see many amazing places in a short time – IF you know what to expect and plan well.

Good to know:

• If you have just 1 day for Lake Como and want to see some of the most popular places, do yourself a favor and take an organized tour . Otherwise, you’ll lose too much time traveling between places and won’t be able to do as much.
• We recommend planning at least 2-3 days for your first visit to Lake Como. This will give you enough time to see some of the ‘musts’ in a more relaxing way. However, if you want to see all the top places, you should really plan at least 4-5 days or it will be very rushed.
• If you are traveling in the warm season and like hiking, biking, or want to get a bit off the beaten path and visit some less popular towns and villages, you can easily spend a week or even two in the area.

2. Travel in the shoulder season

Being one of the most beautiful destinations in Italy , it will come as no surprise that Lake Como is extremely popular. Furthermore, the main tourist season here is rather short – approximately from March through October, with most tourists visiting in the peak summer months (June – September).

So if you are mostly interested in sightseeing and do not care about swimming etc., see if you can adjust your travel plans and visit Lake Como in the spring or in the fall . It will still be busy, but incomparable to July or August when European countries have their school holidays.

The best months to visit Lake Como are mid-April – May and mid-September to mid-October. That’s when everything is open, the weather is mild, and it’s not too busy.

TIP: Some of the best places to see at Lake Como are historic Lake Como villas with beautiful gardens . So one of the best times to visit Lake Como is when everything is green and the gardens are in full bloom. The gardens are at their nicest when rhododendrons and azaleas bloom, which – depending on the weather – is around the second half of April .

Of course, visiting Lake Como in summer is amazing too. This is the season when you can enjoy everything that the area has to offer to the fullest. However, traveling in the summer, you’ll have to do a bit more advanced planning and prepare to deal with the crowds (especially at the boat harbors of the most popular towns).

Good to know: While the scenery is stunning the whole-year round, traveling to Lake Como in the winte r is a very different experience. This is mostly because the weather can get really cold and lots of businesses shut down between November and February. There are also fewer boats and the main attractions are closed too.

We once visited Lake Como in late October and once also in late November. It was still a great experience, but incomparable to the warmer months. If you are looking for solitude and want to discover the more local side of the area, you’ll enjoy visiting here in the off-season.

3. Stay in a central location

If you are visiting Lake Como for a few days and are looking for the best ‘base’ for exploring the area, we recommend staying around the middle of the lake . Bellagio is right in the center of it all, but also Varenna , Menaggio, Griante, Cadenabbia, Tremezzo, and Lenno all are very well located for sightseeing.

Of course, the southern end of the lake ( Como , Cernobbio, Lecco…) is worth considering too. But it all comes down to how much time you have and what you want to see and do.

For the first trip and if looking for just one place to stay in order to visit all the top places, I’d stay in the middle.

This is the area where you will find some of the most charming towns and villas of Lake Como. It also has very good boat connections. The ferry journey between all the main places on the eastern and western shores of the lake will take just 10-30 minutes (vs. 1.5-2 hrs from Lecco or Como towns).

Where to stay

Good to know: Bellagio is the most popular town on Lake Como. This means that it’s very busy and accommodations here can be really expensive (even more than in the other areas which aren’t cheap either). A quieter alternative is the nearby quaint village of San Giovanni . It also has a ferry stop and can also be reached by a tourist ‘train’ from Bellagio.

Another very popular town on Lake Como is Varenna . It has a direct train connection to Milan and easy ferry connections to pretty much everywhere on Lake Como.

TIP: If you want to avoid the biggest crowds of day tourists, stay on the western side of the lake in the area between Mennagio and Lenno . You can easily visit everything from here, but this shore is much quieter. From places like Tremezzo or Cadennabia, you can usually take a ferry (and find a seat) without having to arrive half an hour in advance or stand in a huge chaotic line.

Our experience: We’ve been to Lake Como a few times and stayed in three different areas during those trips (Como, Cernobbio, and Cadenabbia). While each was great for the purpose of that specific trip, we found that staying in the central area of the lake was the most convenient for sightseeing. Despite the mixed reviews, we really loved the historic Grand Hotel Cadenabbia . It has unparalleled rooftop views, an amazing pool, and free parking. (At the moment of the last update, this hotel is being renovated. The closest similar hotel is the Grand Hotel Tremezzo ).

For more information as well as the advantages and disadvantages of different towns around the lake, please see our detailed guide via the link below. For more info about the ferries – see further below.

LEARN MORE: Where to Stay at Lake Como

4. Reserve as much as possible in advance

This is really becoming the new reality of traveling to popular destinations – you have to reserve as much as possible in advance. Luckily, it’s not yet the case for everything at Lake Como, but it sure helps to do some research before you go.

For example, if you want to visit Villa del Balbianello inside , you really have to book tickets in advance on their website . The visits are guided and the number of people they can take in a day is quite limited. When we traveled to Lake Como in August, the tours of the villa interior were sold out a few weeks in advance.

Most people simply visit the gardens of Villa del Balbianello. Also here, we highly recommend pre-booking your tickets, but you should still be able to get in without an advance reservation. Just keep in mind that the queue at the entrance can get very long, so booking skip-the-line tickets in advance can save you a lot of time.

Villa Carlotta can be visited without an advance reservation, but the queues at the ticket desk can get really long. If you book in advance , you can just walk in via a separate entrance.

PRO TIP:  If you plan on visiting several of the nicest Lake Como villas in one day, check out this  ferry + villa tickets combo . It includes Villa Monastero, Villa Carlotta, and the gardens of Villa Melzi, plus a 1-day ferry ticket.

Also your accommodation is one of the things you better book well in advance. Staying at Lake Como is not cheap and the earlier you book, the more choices you have, and thus better prices. For example, when we checked the rates at our hotel a week before our trip, we saw that it was about 30% more expensive than what we paid when we booked it a few months upfront.

And if you want to dine at a specific restaurant , you better call them in advance too. For most places, you’ll be able to reserve a table just a few hours in advance. But if it’s a very popular restaurant and you are visiting on a weekend, you may want to call them a few days upfront. And if you didn’t reserve – go early. Italians eat late (around 8 pm or even later), so if you come earlier, you have more chance to find a table. Just be sure to check when the restaurant opens – some only open at 7.30 pm.

Oh, and if you want to take a private boat cruise on the lake, it’s also best to book in advance. You can find some of the best options here . When comparing tours, don’t forget to check their duration and in which town they start!

5. Book a hotel with a view and a pool

One of the charms of staying at Lake Como is being able to enjoy the spectacular views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. So when looking for accommodation, see if you can find a nice hotel with a lake view.

You don’t absolutely need a room with a lake view (you’ll probably hardly spend any time in the room anyway), but it’s really nice to be able to enjoy the views at breakfast or from a bar/ restaurant in the evening.

When we stayed at Grand Hotel Cadenabbia , we opted for the garden-view rooms since we read that the lake-view rooms were quite noisy (lakeside is often also the street side, depending on where exactly you are staying). But we could enjoy the most stunning views from our restaurant every morning and from the rooftop terrace the rest of the day. I’d go back to this hotel in a heartbeat, even if just for the views!

Another thing that you may want to look at is that your hotel has a pool . If visiting Lake Como in the summer, you’ll be glad to spend the hottest hours of the day by the water. Depending on where you stay, there are also some public beaches at Lake Como, but really just a few. The best one is probably the public beach of Bellagio in San Giovanni.

Our hotel had an amazing pool and also the pool of the nearby luxury Grand Hotel Tremezzo looked great too (theirs is directly on the lake). Hotel Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio also has a beautiful outdoor pool (and one indoors), and direct access to the lake with a separate swimming area. There are many other hotels with swimming pools along Lake Como. We found that it’s well worth a splurge, and not just for families with kids.

6. Get ferry tickets online or at slow times

Visiting Lake Como will usually involve at least a few ferry journeys. You’ll need a ticket for those ferries, which you can get at any harbor or online.

While it won’t be a big issue in the quieter months, the ferry ticket offices during the day in the peak season are swamped with people. This is especially the case in places like Bellagio or Varenna, but also Como town. So if you don’t want to waste lots of precious time queuing, try to get your ferry tickets in advance.

If you have the patience to try to navigate the official website of Navigazione Laghi , you can book your ferry tickets and day passes online in advance. This is the website where you can get ferry tickets for Lake Como, but also Lake Garda , and Lake Maggiore.

Alternatively, in the morning, get the tickets for all the journeys you are planning to do that day. Or consider a day ticket if you think you’ll want to visit multiple towns in a day. And you can also pass the ticket office the evening before (not too late or it will be closed) and see if you can already get your tickets for the next day(s).

TIP: Depending on your plans, the earlier-mentioned ferry + villa tickets combo can be an easy option allowing you to prebook everything at once.

7. Get to the ferry harbor early

You’ll find the Lake Como ferry schedule in every harbor around the lake. Generally, the boats are quite punctual, so if you are staying in a quieter town, you can just arrive at the harbor a few minutes before the scheduled time.

However, in the most popular towns and at peak times, the harbor often looks like a beehive. There are often at least a few boats arriving/departing at about the same time, and sometimes things can get a bit chaotic.

So save yourself the stress and get to the harbor at least 10-15 minutes before the scheduled departure time so that you can try to figure out where exactly to be. And if you want to be sure to have a place to sit on the ferry, you may want to arrive even earlier so that you can get on the boat sooner.

Our experience: We took multiple ferries on Lake Como. In the lower season, it wasn’t busy and you could rely on the schedule. Also in the summer, departing from smaller harbors was never an issue. But the harbors in Bellagio and Varenna were crazy busy. In addition, many passenger boats arrived (and thus departed) too late. There were also ferries that weren’t indicated on the schedule (apparently they sometimes add an extra boat if it gets too busy) adding to the confusion and people trying to get on the wrong boat without realizing where it was going…

If things get crazy, try to stay calm, and don’t be afraid to ask the staff where the ferry is going if you aren’t sure. You don’t want to end up on the other side of the lake if all you need is a 10-minute ferry ride from Varenna to Bellagio or so.

8. Visit the most popular towns in the late afternoon

If you are visiting Lake Como in summer, expect it to be very busy everywhere. One of the best ways to avoid crowds in the most popular towns is to arrive very early (before 10 am) or to visit later in the afternoon (after 3-4 pm). The problem with arriving early is that other day-trippers will be there soon too. Whereas late afternoons are much quieter and it just gets better.

When we first arrived in Lake Como, we started our days like everyone else – after a relaxed breakfast. Big mistake! It was so busy everywhere…

But we quickly realized that most places got much quieter in the afternoon. And by the evening, most of the day tourists are gone, and you can actually enjoy the charming towns of Lake Como rather than feeling annoyed about brushing elbows with strangers all the time.

This will be easier to do if you have at least a few days in Lake Como. But if you do, indeed, why not adjust your schedule and visit the towns in the afternoon rather than in the morning. Ferries run quite late in the evening during the summer, and if you are staying in the middle of the lake as we recommended, you can easily visit all the towns in that area this way.

Often, you only need a few hours in a place anyway. Just be sure to keep an eye on the schedule of the attractions that you want to visit inside so that you don’t miss them by arriving too late!

READ ALSO: Most Beautiful Towns & Villages on Lake Como

9. Don’t count on the ferry schedule 100%

While most ferries on Lake Como run quite punctually, we have experienced quite a few delays during our visit too. Especially on the small passenger ferry which stops in Varenna and Bellagio. One time the ferry was so late and had additional delays waiting to dock in Bellagio that we arrived back at our hotel an hour later than we planned.

Car ferries have a separate dock, so they are usually nicely on time. Whereas passenger ferries have to share the same dock and that’s where things go wrong in the busiest towns during peak times. And if you already have a 10-minute delay on a specific line in the morning, it usually gets worse and worse by the end of the day.

So when planning your sightseeing time at Lake Como, be sure to leave some room for delays, sometimes even up to 30-45 minutes. You can’t rely on the ferry 100% and that’s also what makes it a bit more difficult to visit multiple places in a day in the peak season.

If you just go to one or two towns, it’s normally not a big deal. But if you are visiting Lake Como for just a day and are on a tight schedule (or even have to get back somewhere before a certain time), keep in mind that ferries can have serious delays. This brings us to the next point…

10. Make a plan and don’t try to see it ‘all’

Lake Como has a lot to offer, but if your time is limited, don’t try to pack it all in a day or two . There’s no way to see everything in just a few days anyway and you’ll be spending more time waiting for ferries and riding them than sightseeing…

I’d recommend focussing on just 1-3 places in a day and exploring a bit deeper. Take your time to actually visit the place, have a drink or a meal at a local restaurant, explore the villas and the gardens, take a private boat trip on the lake , and try to get just a bit off the main tourist streets. Remember that often, less is more.

Ideally, you make somewhat of a plan so that you don’t miss any of the musts (such as Como , Bellagio , Varenna , or the most beautiful villas on Lake Como ). But try to also leave some free time for unexpected discoveries and to just relax and absorb the atmosphere.

TIP: If you want to pack more in a single day, you should really consider an organized tour. For example, most Lake Como day tours from Milan visit the towns of Como, Bellagio, and Varenna. But they use a bus and private boats for the travel between these towns (= no wait time or delays). If you try to see these three places in a day on your own, you’d have to rush through and have much less time to actually explore them.

11. Get a bit off the beaten path

Lake Como is busy in the high season. But this is the case at all the bucket-list destinations, isn’t it? The good news is that most people just visit a few of the most popular places and never take the time to wander further.

So if you have the time (even if just a few hours), try to explore the area a bit deeper and get off the beaten path. Often, you don’t even have to walk far. A few examples:

• While Varenna town center is very busy, its castle Castello di Vezio sees just a fraction of the visitors. Granted, it’s located high on the hill and you will need to make an effort to walk to it. But it only takes 20-25 minutes and you’ll be rewarded with fantastic views of the lake, the town, and its surroundings. Plus, the castle itself is really cool too – especially if you are visiting Lake Como with kids.
• The main area close to Bellagio harbor is crowded during the day. The same for the most famous street with the best view in town – Salita Serbelloni . But if you take any of the narrow alleys parallel to this street, the crowds disappear. Not many people even seem to walk to Punta Spartivento , the viewpoint at the very end of the peninsula. And if you take the little tourist train and hop off in Pescallo or San Giovanni, you’ll find a totally different atmosphere than in Bellagio itself.
• In Lenno (where the famous Villa del Balbianello is located), be sure to also check out the town itself. There’s a beautiful church right in the center – Chiesa Santo Stefano – with an impressive underground crypt. While the villa and the gardens were very busy when we visited, there was nobody in the church…

These are just a few examples at the most popular towns on Lake Como. If you visit smaller towns and turn just a bit off the main streets, you will be able to enjoy a more authentic side of Lake Como without the crowds. Plus, there are countless hiking opportunities and on most trails, you’ll hardly meet any people at all.

12. Wear comfortable shoes

If you are planning to do any sightseeing in Lake Como beyond just hopping off the ferry and checking out the main streets in every town, be sure to wear comfortable shoes . Because no matter where you go, you’ll be walking a lot. Often, a lot more than you anticipate.

As already mentioned, many villas around Como Lake have beautiful gardens. Sometimes, you’ll have to negotiate a few steeper trails or gravel paths. Also in towns, there are cobbled streets and often many stairs too…

Sneakers or light walking shoes are ideal. In summer, for most places, sandals with a good sole and comfortable fit will be fine too, but ideally, you avoid flat-bottomed leather sandals or flip-flops. If you are planning to go hiking, you’ll definitely need good hiking shoes or – depending on the season – even hiking boots.

Take my word for it, you’ll enjoy your visit to Lake Como so much more if you are wearing comfortable shoes!

13. Don’t visit by car

For all clarity – you can travel to Lake Como by car (we did a few times). But once you get there, park it and don’t touch it for the rest of the stay.

The traffic is usually not too bad, although many roads are very narrow and there are people, bikes, and scooters everywhere. If you aren’t used to this, it can be a very stressful experience. And if you turn off the main road and get into some very local areas, you can get quite stuck in a narrow street with not much space to turn (back)… We saw a German driver wrecking an entire side of his car by trying to take a turn into a narrow street in Lenno.

In addition, parking can get really problematic around Lake Como in the peak season. If you think it will be faster to just drive to a nearby village by car, reconsider. Often, you’ll spend more time looking for parking than getting there.

Plus even if you find a spot, often, there are time restrictions as to how long you can leave your car there. And in most places, you also have to pay for parking.

We saw LOTS of cars with parking tickets during our stay at Lake Como. Usually, because the cars stood somewhere longer than allowed.

There is a big public parking garage in Varenna, but it’s usually full in the morning already. So if your plan is to drive to Varenna and visit Lake Como for a day by car, try to get there really early. Once it’s full, you won’t even be allowed to wait for a spot to open up. Since the cars waiting to get into this parking block the entire street, the police just send everyone away. And there aren’t many alternatives.

TIP: I guess it goes without saying, but if you are driving to Lake Como by car, be sure that your hotel/accommodation has parking . This is really a must and you can’t just count on being able to find a spot (and leave your car there for as long as you want).

14. Pack a reusable water bottle and sun protection

There’s one packing essential that you absolutely need when traveling in Italy and that’s a reusable water bottle . There are free drinking fountains everywhere and so you can easily fill them up several times during the day.

Also in Lake Como, we saw many drinking fountains. In the summer, it’s a real lifesaver. You’ll also be able to buy some bottled drinking water, but it’s very expensive. In that case, hold on to that bottle and refill it later.

Another thing that you really need if visiting Lake Como in summer is a good sun hat and sunscreen . And if you didn’t pack a hat, you’ll find plenty of sun hats for sale everywhere.

15. Take some cash

While Italy has come a long way in accepting card payments, there are still some places that only take cash . We encountered this on quite a few occasions at Lake Como.

Luckily, most restaurants, shops, and main tourist attractions take credit cards.

So if you need euros, it will likely be for smaller payments. But it sure helps to have some cash, also for tips at the restaurants.

16. Research where and when to eat

There are so many restaurants in the Lake Como area that you will never have to worry about getting hungry. And the good news is that even the restaurants in the most popular areas usually serve really good traditional Italian food .

However, just as anywhere in the world, it’s also possible to have a less good meal in Lake Como. So do a bit of research before you sit down. Often, just a quick look at the reviews on Google Maps will already give you a good idea of what to expect.

As a general rule, try to avoid restaurants with food pictures on the menu. Usually, restaurants right next to the busy harbors of the main towns of Lake Como will not offer the best local experience either. But if you walk just a few blocks further or turn into a quieter side alley, you can find some local gems.

Also in the Lake Como area, there are huge differences in prices that you pay, depending on the restaurant. So check this in advance in order to avoid unpleasant surprises. Depending on where you eat, you can have a perfectly good pasta dish for 10 euros or for 20…

One more thing to remember is that most restaurants in Italy are only open for lunch and dinner (+- noon to 3 pm and 7 to 10 pm). So if you try to find a place to eat at 3-5 pm, good luck! And, as already said, it pays to reserve a restaurant for dinner in advance, especially if traveling in Lake Como in summer.

So this is our first-timer’s guide with some tips for visiting Lake Como.

I hope that this information will give you a better idea of what to expect, help you make the most out of your trip, and enjoy the best that Como Lake has to offer, no matter how much time you have.

Have a great trip!

READ ALSO: ⭑ Best Things to Do in Lake Como ⭑ Best Things to Do in Bellagio ⭑ Most Beautiful Villas to See in Lake Como ⭑ Best Things to Do in Varenna ⭑ Best Things to Do in Como City ⭑ Best Things to Do in Milan ⭑ Milan 1-day Itinerary

If you found this post useful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin this image!

More travel inspiration for Northern Italy:

• Best places to see in Lake Garda
• Best things to do in Venice
• Best places to see at Lake Garda
• Best things to do in Verona
• Best things to do in Bologna
• Best things to do in Florence
• Most beautiful lakes in the Dolomites
• Venice in 1 day
• 3 days in Venice
• How to visit Venice by car
• Venice gondola tips
• Best places to see in the Italian Dolomites
• Where to stay in the Dolomites
• Lake Garda Itinerary
• Cinque Terre in 1 day
• Trentino with kids  (off the beaten path, activity-filled trip)
• For many more destinations all over Italy, see our Italy travel guide .

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Margaret Martin

Thursday 28th of March 2024

Hello- This is GREAT information. Does anyone know if a day pass for the Ferry means you can hop on and hop off at any point from Como to Bellagio to Varena? I don't see that information on the ferry website. Thanks!

Friday 29th of March 2024

Hi Margaret, if you get a day ticket, you should be able to use it on all ferries and hop off along the way. The websites of lake ferries in Italy are not great (and already quite an improvement compared to a few years ago), but it's all quite simple once you get there. You can find the ferry schedule at any harbor (take a picture with your phone so that you can easily check it during the day) and you can ask which ticket is best at the ticket desk. In other words - don't worry about it in advance. Have a great trip!

Tuesday 26th of September 2023

Hi there - this is a great article! We've travelled extensively in Italy for 20 years, but just now made it to Lake Como. Your blog is fantastic - rather than "you must see 'X'", you have fantastic suggestions about how to plan, advice as to what the real parking situation is (bad and lots of tickets), what are the less crowded times, etc. Bravo! One of the few useful travel articles I've found in many years. We will continue to follow you.

Wednesday 27th of September 2023

Thank you for the kind feedback, Barbara. Enjoy Lake Como!

Hemant Modi

Monday 11th of September 2023

Hi, We just visited Lake Como for the first time. The Information you shared was very useful & feel lucky I came across your blog.Do keep up the good work. All the Best.

Thank you for your kind feedback, Hemant. Glad to help and hope you enjoyed your trip!

Hasinah Wahab

Wednesday 24th of May 2023

Hi, do you happen to have recommendations for halal places that serve italian food?

Saturday 27th of May 2023

Hi Hasinah, I really wouldn't know, but I am sure you can easily find this information online. Have a great trip!

Tuesday 21st of March 2023

Hi, Do you have any idea how bearable is the weather around the last week of April in Bellagio? We are planning on travelling with a 1 year old and our concern is that since we are travelling from a tropical country, the weather might be harsh for the toddler. However, we don't want to miss the opportunity to see the spring bloom. Any suggestions or recommendations would be highly appreciated!

Thursday 23rd of March 2023

Hi Zahid, nobody can tell you exactly how the weather will be on the day(s) when you will be there, but generally, April is beautiful and pleasantly warm. At the end of April, I would expect temperatures of at least 15-20°C, maybe even warmer. I can't imagine how spring weather in Italy would be a concern to anyone, no matter what you are used to. It's not like you are traveling to the Arctic in the winter. :) Have a great trip!

How to Get to Lake Como and 9 Best Ways to Travel Around Italy’s Most Famous Lake (With Maps and Practical Tips)

By Author Rossi Thomson

Posted on Last updated: 15th March 2024

Categories Lombardy , Travelling in Italy

How to get to Lake Como?

This is the million-dollar question that crosses the minds of thousands of people planning to visit what easily amounts to the world’s most famous lake during their italian holidays..

Shaped as an upturned letter Y and surrounded by vertiginous mountains, Lago di Como – as it’s known in Italian – looks very much like a landlocked fjord. It has a circumference of 171 km and the road that connects the dozens of towns and villages on its shores curves and turns – often at almost vertical to the water heights – with rarely a straight line in sight.

About 50 km or so away from Italy’s second-largest city – Milan – Lake Como is easy to get to and get around. Yet, to make the most of your time at the lake, there are many travel details that it’s best to know in advance. Especially, considering how popular the lake is and how many people from all over the world flock to it during the high season.

Fear not! In this blog post today, I will share with you nine ways to explore Lake Como, its prettiest towns, and its most stunning sights. In easy-to-browse-through chunks of information, I will lay out how to get to and around Italy’s Lake Como and make the most of it. Even if you are visiting just for the day!

You can choose to visit Lake Como by car, train, ferry, and even by seaplane! Or a combination of some or all of these modes of transport. Alternatively, you can also explore it on foot. It’s all covered below, so just scroll down and have a look at the options that fit your travel style the best.

It’s all padded with many practical tips about the lake. Plus, at the end of this blog post, you will also find a detailed section about how much time to spend here, what to expect in terms of weather, and where to stay depending on your budget. It’s all based on my first-hand experiences of visiting Lago di Como several times over the last five years and it’s designed to make your travel planning as smooth and easy as possible.

For even more information about Lake Como, have a look also at these blog posts:

• Best Things to Do in Lake Como
• Best Towns on Lake Como
• Lake Como in Winter – 10 Reasons to Visit
• The Beauty of Lake Como
• 3 Best Airports for Lake Como

Otherwise, let’s start!

Where is lake como – italy’s most famous lake.

First things first! Let’s pinpoint on the map where exactly Lake Como is in Italy and Europe.

Known as a hotspot for famous people, Lago di Como is in  Northern Italy . Part of the Northern Italian region of Lombardy , it often is affectionately called Il Uomo – or The Man – by the locals. The lake’s outline does in fact look a bit like a man taking a large step. One of his feet rests on the town of Lecco and the other – on the town of Como.

Lake Como has three thin branches which meet at Punta Spartivento. This beautiful promontory is next door to the town of Bellagio and opens sprawling views over the lake.

The three branches are named after their main lakefront towns. As such, the northern branch of Lake Como is known as Colico, the eastern as Lecco, and the western one as Como.

The mountainous area locked between the Lecco and the Como branches of the lake is called the Triangolo Lariano – the Larian Triangle (from Lake Como’s ancient name – Lario). Punta Spartivento is right at the tip of this natural triangle.

Here is a map showing the exact location of Lake Como in Italy. You can zoom in and out and use it to calculate directions from anywhere in Italy and abroad.

I have pinned both the city of Milan and the following lakefront towns to the map: Como, Lecco, Colico, Bellagio, and Varenna. The first three, as already mentioned, are the largest towns here. The other two are the most popular destinations for day trips and tourist visits.

How to Get to Lake Como and 9 Best Ways to Travel Around Italy’s Most Famous Lake

1. Explore Lake Como by Car

Having a car at your disposal is the most convenient and yet the most taxing way to explore everything that Lake Como has to offer. 

On the plus side, being able to drive around the lake gives you the immense freedom to visit a myriad of picturesque towns, medieval villages, historic villas, botanical gardens, small beaches, must-see museums, and so many other wonderful places on the shores of Italy’s most famous lake. Not to mention all the hidden gems and secret corners you will be able to reach and explore.

At the same time, however, driving around the lake can be incredibly stressful. Here is why!

First, Lake Como is connected to Milan by Autostrada A9. This is the oldest motorway in Italy and the world. It’s also known as the Autostrada dei Laghi (Motorway of the Lakes) and it was built in 1924. It’s a toll road. The outskirts of Milan are very industrial and the rush hour seems to be never-ending. Thankfully, this usually is a short and fast drive. Not so much on summer weekends when it seems, half of Milan decamps to the lake.

Once you reach the lake, there is a lakeside road which skirts the whole outline of Lago di Como providing stunning panoramic views and breathtaking viewpoints. If you are the driver, however, keep your eyes on the road at all times as it is incredibly sinuous and often very narrow. There are also sharp corners, old houses angling onto the lane, and many blind spots.

The road runs through many of the lakefront towns and villages. Several of them have limited or no pavements at all. Expect to see locals and visitors strolling down the road as cars and buses pass by them. On occasion, people also go jogging along the road, so as a driver you need to be alert at all times.

Some of the local drivers – very used to the roads – drive in a very assertive manner. As such, they may encroach into the opposite lane and even try to pressure you to drive faster than you are comfortable with. If you can, don’t be too proud to let them pass and maintain a sensible speed at all times.

On the plus side, however, the eastern shore of the Lecco and the Colico branches of the lake is very easy to explore by car as it’s served by the Italian highway SS36. This fast road runs through a series of tunnels. From Lecco, it takes just half an hour to reach Colico (at the upper northeastern shore of Lake Como). Travel times from Lecco to Varenna and Bellano, for example, are only about 20-22 mins depending on the time of the day. Just make sure that you keep an eye out for the right exit. If you miss it (as it happened to us once), you will need to follow the highway for quite some time before you can turn back.

When you explore Lake Como by car, the biggest issue you will face is finding parking. In the larger lakefront towns like Lecco and Como, there are multistorey car parks. The smaller towns here though often have very few parking spaces the majority of which are reserved for the locals. The problem is only exacerbated during the high season when thousands of people travel to Lake Como on a day trip or for a longer holiday.

Here are a few practical tips if you decide to get around the lake by car:

• Rent a small car. Space on the road around Lake Como is limited. A small vehicle will make things so much easier.
• Be courteous to other drivers. Some portions of the road are so narrow and bendy that you may need to stop to let the oncoming traffic pass first.
• Be mindful of pedestrians (and joggers). Often, there are simply no pavements for them to use.
• If you are staying at a local accommodation, ask if it provides parking spaces (ideally, for free). If not, it may be difficult to find a nearby place to leave your car at.
• Never park in a reserved parking space (usually held by the locals). Towing is active 24/7 and they are strict about it.
• Parking can be pricey around Lake Como, so budget accordingly.
• If you are visiting just for the day, consider parking in a multistorey car park in one of the main lakefront towns and then use the ferries or the local buses to get around.
• If you see a sign with the letters ZTL on it, don’t drive beyond it. ZTL stands for Zona di Traffico Limitato in Italian or a zone with limited traffic. Such usually are the historic centres of centuries-old Italian towns and driving through one incurs a heavy fine. Bear in mind that if your accommodation is in the historic centre and provides parking spaces, it may give you a special temporary pass allowing you to drive through the ZTL. Ask in advance!
• The narrow windy roads here don’t really allow high and moderate speeds. Don’t be surprised if a short journey of 15 km takes over half an hour to do. The distance from Como to Bellagio, for example, is only 30 km or so. It usually takes just under an hour and even longer during the high season.

Having said all that, driving around Lake Como is still a very convenient way of exploring as much of the lake as possible. Especially the eastern shore of the Lecco and the Colico branches. So, do weigh the cons and pros very carefully in order to make the right decision for yourself and your travelling companions.

2. Reach Lake Como by Train

You can easily get to Lake Como by train from anywhere in Italy and abroad. Several of the lakefront towns have railway stations which makes them easy to reach and thus provide quick access to the lake from Milan and the nearest large international airports (see point 9 below).

It works like this:

On the Como branch of the lake, the town of Como is the only one linked by railway. It has three train stations:

• Como San Giovanni  – the town’s main railway station is about a kilometre away from the Duomo and the lakefront promenade. If you are arriving from either Milano Centrale (Milan’s main railway station) or Milano Porta Garibaldi (a smaller railway station in Milan) get off here and either walk or take a local bus to the historic centre. The journey from Milano Centrale lasts around 40 mins with three intermediate stops. The journey from Milano Porta Garibaldi is between 50 mins and an hour with either a change in the city of Monza or 11 intermediate stops on the direct train.
• Como Camerlata  – a small railway station serving the town’s southern suburbs. Arriving from Milan, it precedes Como San Giovanni.
• Como Nord Lago  (also known as Como Lago ) – a small, end-of-the-line railway station. It stands just off the lakefront promenade, next door to the majestic Duomo, and very close to the station of the Brunate funicular. Get off at this stop if you are arriving from Milano Cadorna (a small railway station in Milan) or from Malpensa Aeroporto T1 or T2 (the railway stations of Milan Malpensa Airport). The journey from Milano Cadorna lasts about an hour with 13 intermediate stops. The journey from Malpensa Aeroporto T1 or T2 is 1 h 20 mins with a change in the town of Saronno.

Once you’ve reached the town of Como, you can easily get to the other towns on the Como branch of the lake by local bus (see point 3 below) or ferry (see point 4 below).

Getting to the eastern shore of Lake Como by train is much easier. A railway line spans its whole length from the town of Lecco to the town of Colico and connects it to Milan’s main railway station – Milano Centrale. As such, you can easily reach the many lakefront towns here by train in around an hour on average. Here are some sample travel times:

• Milano Centrale to  Lecco  – 39 mins
• Milano Centrale to  Mandello del Lario  – 51 mins
• Milano Centrale to  Varenna/Esino  – 1 h 4 mins
• Milano Centrale to  Bellano/Tartavalle Terme  – 1 h 9 mins
• Milano Centrale to Colico – 1 h 26 mins

The direct train from Milano Centrale stops at all of the above destinations. Alternatively, you can change in Lecco and get on a slower regional train that stops at these plus several other towns dotted between them.

This makes the eastern shore of the lake a very convenient arrival point by train and ideal for day trips. Once in Lecco, for example, you can easily get the local bus to Bellagio – the main point of tourist interest at Lake Como. If you stay on the train until Varenna, then Bellagio and Menaggio are only a short hop by ferry across the lake. And if you continue to Colico, you can get a bus that will take you down to the town of Como via the northern tip and then the whole western shore of the lake.

To check train times and book train tickets in advance, I find the following three websites very useful:  Omio ,  ItaloTreno , and  TrenItalia .

Otherwise, see this handy map below showing the exact locations of the train stations you can use for Lago di Como. You can zoom in and out to get a better idea of their geographical positions on the shores of Italy’s most famous lake. If you click on the grey star next to the map’s name, this will add the map to your account in Google Maps. This way, you can consult it as and when you want.

Here are the locations pinned to the map:

Railway Stations in Milan: 1.  Milano Centrale  2.  Milano Porta Garibaldi  3.  Milano Cadorna – with  red  pin

Railway Stations on Lake Como:   1.  Como San Giovanni  2.  Como (Nord) Lago 3. Lecco 4. Abbadia Lariana 5. Mandello del Lario 6. Olcio 7. Lierna 8. Fiumelatte 9. Varenna/Esino 10. Bellano/Tartavalle Terme 11. Dervio 12. Colico – with  green  pin

Other Nearby Railway Stations   –  1.  Malpensa Aeroporto T1 and T2 2. Saronno 3. Monza – with  purple  pin

3. Travel Around Lake Como by Bus

Taking the bus is a great way to travel around Lago di Como. The drivers skillfully navigate the sinuous road and you just need to sit back, relax, and take in the sprawling panoramas. The route will take you through several picturesque lakefront towns thus enticing you to be spontaneous and see even more places around Italy’s most famous lake.

Numerous bus lines connect the many destinations here and are operational all throughout the year. You can check the current timetables and prices for the different bus lines serving Lake Como on the website of  ASF Autolinee  (in Italian). You can buy a single or a return ticket to a particular destination as well as a one-day or multi-day ticket to travel around the lake. The current prices are published here . This  handy map  gives you a visual idea of the bus routes you can take.

In a nutshell, however, the main bus lines are:

• C10 – taking you from Como all the way up the western shore of the lake to the town of Menaggio and then along the northern end of the lake to the town of Colico. Catch it if you want to visit such iconic places as Villa del Balbaniello and Villa Carlotta and explore beautiful lakefront towns such as Cernobbio, Laglio, Menaggio, and Gravedona. The bus takes around 1 h 10 mins from Como to Menaggio and it covers the full itinerary in about 2 h 15 mins or so.
• C30 – taking you from Como along the eastern shore of the Como branch of the lake all the way up to Bellagio. The bus stops at all the small towns and villages that dot the shore here. Nesso is particularly well known on account of Orrido di Nesso – a powerful waterfall that rumbles in a steep gorge. The journey from start to end lasts around 1 h 10 mins.
• D10 – taking you from Lecco to Bellagio in about 45 mins or so. Once again, the bus stops at many lakefront towns and villages along the way and opens panoramic views over the much less visited western shore of the Lecco branch of Lake Como.

Exploring Lago di Como by bus is very convenient. However, during the high season, this type of transport can get very busy, especially during the weekends and rush hours. You may need to queue to get on the bus or even need to stand up during a portion of or the whole journey. Different people may react differently when the bus arrives. Some may be pushy trying to get on board first! Be polite but stand your ground.

Another thing to be aware of is that outside of Como and Lecco the bus stops are often right on the narrow and sinuous lakeside road with not much space for a shelter or even a spot to stand. Be mindful of the passing traffic. Hold children by the hand. When you get off the bus, check to see if there are cars waiting behind the bus before starting to cross the road.

4. Town-Hop Around Lake Como by Ferry

Crossing Lake Como on board a ferry is a great experience. 

The beauty of the many lakefront towns and the lake’s vertiginous natural setting is best enjoyed from the water. Sitting on the deck, feeling the fresh air on your face, and taking in the sprawling panoramas is what travel memories are made of.

Elegant villas, lush gardens, centuries-old churches, and even a gorge with a rumbling waterfall glide past you offset by the dark waters of the lake and the tall mountains filling the horizon on all sides.

Plus, taking a ferry is an easy way to reach lakefront towns that are on opposite shores thus avoiding circumnavigating the lake by road and any potential traffic jams along the way. By all means, take the ferry at least once during your time at Lake Como. Here is how it works:

In a nutshell, here are the types of ferries operated by Navigazioni Laghi (the company which also runs the ferries on Italy’s largest lake – Lago di Garda ):

• Regular pedestrian ferries connecting Como to Colico and stopping at many small and large lakefront towns on both sides of the Como and Colico branches of the lake along the way. This is a slow service (for example, the journey from Como to Bellagio lasts around 1 h 30 mins to 2 h), that takes hours from start to end but provides beautiful panoramic views along the way. In winter, the timetable of the regular ferries is heavily reduced.
• Fast pedestrian ferries connecting Como to Colico and stopping only at the most important lakefront towns on both sides of the Como and Colico branches of the lake along the way. This is a speedy service (for example, the journey from Como to Bellagio takes around 45 mins to 1 h), however, it costs more than the regular ferries.
• Car/Pedestrian ferries in the central part of Lake Como . They ferry both vehicles and pedestrians between the towns of Varenna, Bellagio, Menaggio, and Cadenabbia. The crossing from Bellagio to Menaggio, for example, lasts only 15 mins. The crossing from Varenna to Bellagio is also only a quarter of an hour. These ferries are very convenient, open beautiful panoramic views, and most importantly, you are not stuck on them for hours. During the high season, there is also a shuttle boat for pedestrians connecting Bellagio, Tremezzina, Varena, and Bellano. This is very convenient if you want to visit some of the most famous historic sights here, for example, Villa Carlotta and Villa Monastero . The waterfall of Orrido di Bellano is also a must-see.
• Pedestrian ferries connecting Lecco to Bellagio . These are usually operational only during the high season.

You can buy ferry tickets online in advance or on the day from the ticket kiosks at the ferry terminal in each town (which usually is right next to the town’s lakefront promenade). You can purchase a one-way or a return ticket to a specific destination. Alternatively, you can opt for a one-day or a multi-day pass which gives you a chance to hop on and off the ferry so as to visit the many different lakefront towns along the way.

For updated ferry times, prices, and tickets, always refer to the official website of  Navigazione Laghi . 

5. Explore Lake Como on Foot

Often, your own two feet are all you need to explore Lake Como from the most advantageous viewpoints.

There is a large number of hiking paths all around Italy’s most famous lake. Not to mention the gorgeous promenades that stretch along the waterfront in many of the lakefront towns and open beautiful views over the lake and the mighty mountains that hold it in a tight embrace.

Just make sure that you wear your most comfortable shoes! If you decide to explore the trails around the lake, these need to be proper hiking boots with a good grip. Plus, many of the lakefront towns are built on steep cliffs and their centuries-old streets are often covered with jagged cobbles which are difficult to walk on in flip-flops or sandals. In many cases, the streets here are actually long and sinuous stairways with an endless number of irregular cobbled steps. The towns of Nesso, Varenna, and Bellagio have plenty of these. So, make sure that your feet and ankles are supported at all times.

There are, roughly speaking, three ways to get walking around Lake Como:

• Gentle walks around some of the flat lakefront towns – if you don’t enjoy uneven surfaces, the towns of Como, Lecco, Cernobbio, and Menaggio may be just what you need. With plenty of even ground here – both in their historic centres and along their promenades – you will still get to see some of the most beautiful corners of Lake Como without really having to go uphill. While Bellagio has some steeper streets, the walk to Punta Spartivento where the lake’s three branches meet follows a generally flat road. Another easy walk to do is in the hilltop town of Brunate where you can follow the road from the funicular station past many beautiful villas in the Art Nouveau style to a fantastic panoramic viewpoint over the Como branch of the lake.
• Exploratory walks around the steeper lakefront towns – often Lake Como’s towns are made of small frazioni – or hamlets in English – connected by centuries-old cobbled paths. Called mulattiere – or mule tracks in English – they go across steep slopes and open splendid panoramas. The town of Nesso is a case in point. Here you can walk from the ferry terminal to the town’s centuries-old hamlet of Borgovecchio along one such mulattiera.
• Hikes for all abilities – the hills and mountains around Lake Como are crisscrossed by numerous hiking paths. Some of them follow ancient Roman roads. Others take several days to complete. Among the most well-known hikes here are the Sentiero del Viandante and the Greenway del Lago di Como . Every town here, however, is the starting point for many short and long hikes. You can find information in the local tourist information offices where leaflets with maps and routes are usually available for visitors to the lake.

6. See Lake Como on Board a Sleek Motorboat

Crisscrossing Lago di Como on board a sleek motorboat is the poshest way to travel around Italy’s most famous lake.

There are many companies all around the lake that charter boats to visitors. You can ask for recommendations at your accommodation or simply head to the promenade to chat directly to the boat reps there. Alternatively, you can book a boat online in advance for two hours or four hours .

If you don’t have any experience with motorboats, you can hire a boat with a skipper to take you places and show you many hidden corners. Alternatively, you can choose to share the boat with other people for a cheaper yet fun experience.

A serious word of warning here, however!  The lake water can get very cold very quickly. Especially, the further away from the shore you are. Lake Como is the deepest lake in Italy. Its waters drop to a depth of 410 m! The risk of drowning is real.

The boat chartering company should provide you with life jackets and advise you specifically where it’s considered safe to anchor and how close to the shore you can get.

During the high season, there is a high level of boat traffic in Lake Como. Many luxury boats here travel at full speed. You need to observe proper distances from other boats, yachts, and the shore at all times.

According to the Italian news agency ANSA, the water at certain points of Lake Como may be polluted. This article (in Italian) has more details or you can try to search for other sources of information, too.

7. Take a Taxi at Lake Como

Taxis in Italy are white by law and while they may cost a pretty penny, they offer a convenient way to get around Lake Como and explore the many exciting sights on its shores. Especially, if you don’t want to bother with a rental car or with public transport. And, especially, if you don’t have much time to spend at the lake but you want to see as much as possible.

You can book a taxi even before your arrival as many taxi companies that serve Lake Como have websites in several languages. You just need to search for ‘taxi Lake Como’ or ‘taxi  the name of the lakefront town you want to visit ‘ and your favourite search engine will return dozens of results.

Otherwise, you can get a taxi at the train and bus stations in the larger lakefront towns. You can also ask your hotel to call you one or to recommend a local taxi company for you to use.

Ask the taxi driver in advance approximately how much it will cost you to reach your destination. Be prepared that on Sundays and public holidays, a surcharge may apply.

The main inconvenience of travelling by taxi here is the cost of the service. At the same time, getting a taxi here may be a necessity. Especially, if you need to reach a corner of Lake Como that is off the beaten track. Or if you need to return to your accommodation late at night when public transport is not running.

Taxi companies may also offer customised tours of Lake Como or of certain towns and sights around it. This gives you a chance to explore a branch or two of the lake in a day and to stop exactly where you want on its shores.

8. Book an Organised Tour to and Around Lake Como

Finally, you can easily book a guided tour to take you to and around Italy’s most famous lake – Lago di Como. This option works well if you want to see the most and yet you don’t have much time to spend here. It is also the best option if you prefer to be shown all the best corners of the lake by an experienced tour guide instead of trying to do it all by yourself.

This  guided day trip  from Milan to Lake Como comes highly recommended. It takes you to several of the prettiest corners around the lake. It also combines travel by coach and boat for the best views and the maximum range of experiences.

You can also book a guided trip starting from the town of Como itself. This one  packs a lot of activities in a day and takes you to the two most popular lakefront towns – Bellagio and Varenna.

While you can also do it all by yourself using the tips shared in this blog post and have a wonderful time, sometimes, it pays to be shown around. Especially, if it’s your first visit to Lake Como, if you have only a short amount of time or you find it overwhelming to find your way around in a country where you don’t speak the language.

9. Get to Lake Como by Plane and See Italy’s Most Famous Lake from Above

Finally, let’s talk about getting to Lake Como by air. The nearest to Lake Como large international airports are:

Milan Malpensa – more convenient for the Como branch of the lake. From the airport, you can get the Malpensa Express train to the small town of Saronno. Once there, take the train to Como Nord Lago – a small end-of-the-line railway station next to the town of Como’s lakefront promenade. Along the way, the train also stops at Como Camerlata and Como San Giovanni – two other railway stations serving the town of Como. Total travel time by train is around 1 h 20 mins.

Bergamo Orio al Serio  – more convenient for the Lecco branch of the lake. From Bergamo Orio al Serio airport take the shuttle bus to Bergamo railway station. Once there, take the train to Lecco. Total travel time starts from just over an hour.

Milan Linate  – convenient for both the Como and the Lecco branches of the lake. From Milan Linate airport get the  Airport Bus Express  to Milano Centrale railway station (25 mins travel time). Once there, you can continue by train to Como, Lecco or another lakefront town with a railway connection.

Alternatively, you can get bus line 73 from Milan Linate Airport to Milano Forlanini railway station. Once there, you can continue by train to Como, Lecco or another lakefront town with a railway connection. Travel times are longer than taking the train from Milano Centrale and you will need to change trains along the way in the city of Monza.

Plus, if you really want to have a one-of-a-kind travel experience at Lake Como, consider seeing it from above. All throughout the day, seaplanes crisscross the skies above Italy’s most famous lake.

Standing by the Volta Temple on the town of Como’s lakefront promenade, you will see them flying out of their hangar and gliding up. They are operated by Aeroclub Como – the oldest seaplane organisation in the world which also runs a flight school.

Learn More:

• 3 Best Airports for Lake Como, Italy (With Transfer Options, Travel Times, and Maps)
• 11 Major Airports in Northern Italy

Practical Tips About Visiting Lake Como in Italy

Where to Stay at Lake Como, Italy?

There is a huge selection of places to stay at Lake Como in any season.

You can choose from lavish historic villas that nowadays function as exclusive hotels. You can opt for a cosy B&B in the centre of a lakefront town. Or you may prefer a self-catering accommodation to enjoy a home-from-home experience.

If you are arriving by car, then make sure that your accommodation also offers parking spaces or can recommend a nearby car park. Especially, if you are planning to stay outside of the larger lakefront towns like Como and Lecco. Parking spaces in the smaller lake towns may be difficult to come across and are usually taken by the locals.

If you are relying on public transport and your accommodation doesn’t provide transfers, then make sure that you have easy access to the nearest bus stop or ferry port. You don’t want to have to walk for miles luggage in hand or depend on taxis every time you want to go to the town centre.

Here are some suggestions for places to stay at Lake Como. All come highly recommended:

Luxury: Grand Hotel Victoria concept & spa by R Collection Hotels , Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni

Mid-Range: Casa sull’Albero , Hotel Lenno ,

Budget: Locanda Alberti , Valle dei Mulini – Lake Como ,

Alternatively, have a look at this map giving you a quick visual idea of the available accommodation options around Lake Como, Italy. You can zoom in and out, type in your specific travel dates, and then click on the different price points for detailed information about the hotel you are interested in:

In addition, have a look at this blog post which explains the different types of accommodation you can book in Italy. It will give you plenty of ideas to look into for the best and quirkiest places to experience here:

• Where to Stay in Italy – 19 Types of Accommodation to Suit Any Budget

How Long to Spend at Lake Como?

Lake Como has a lot to offer no matter your style of travel. You may be after a peaceful and relaxing holiday with stunning lake views, a pampering experience with spa procedures and some pool lounging, an active nature break with lots of hiking or an unforgettable day trip. Or you may just want to be able to say that you’ve been to Lake Como and understand what all the fuss is about. Any reason to visit is valid!

So, how long to spend here depends entirely on you and on the amount of time you have at your disposal.

Let’s say that this will be your first visit to the lake and you just want to test the waters. Then you can easily take a self-organised or guided day trip from Milan to Lake Como and see one or a few of the most popular lakefront towns like Como, Varenna, and Bellagio. You can also book a guided day trip around the lake taking you to some of its best sights ( this one comes highly recommended).

Alternatively, you can pencil in a weekend break or an even longer stay at Lake Como. It’s a big place that easily caters to all types of travellers.

What to Pack for a Visit to Lake Como?

Lake Como has its own microclimate with moderate temperatures which vacillate around 26 degrees Celsius in summer and drop to around 4 to 8 degrees Celsius in winter. May and June are the wettest months in terms of rainfall and snow days in winter are very rare. Nights can get chilly in any season.

As such, no matter when you choose to visit, make sure that you pack plenty of layers. A light jacket or a cosy jersey may come in very handy during the high season. I am speaking as someone who got caught in a cold downpour in Varenna in July without a jacket because I had wanted to pack light and had assumed that summer is always warm in Italy. At the same time, don’t forget your sun cream, a hat/sunglasses, and a swimming costume.

In winter, you will want to be able to peel off a layer or two on one of those not-rare days when the sun shines bright at lunchtime and it feels like it’s spring already. At the same time, don’t forget your hat, scarf, and gloves as it feels so nice to be wrapped up warm in the evenings.

Bringing my padded hat with ear flaps (similar to this one ) was my best packing decision during my last visit to Lake Como over ten days this past Christmas. It kept me really cosy during festive market explorations and hiking around.

Always pack a pair of good walking shoes for Lake Como. Plus, hiking shoes/boots are a must when you go exploring in nature. With many of the towns and villages around the lake having steep cobbled streets and often flights of steps instead of streets altogether, your ankles need to be well supported at all times.

Unless you are planning to visit just the towns of Como, Lecco, and Cernobbio (the central parts of which are flat), make sure that you bring an appropriate pair of shoes to allow you to safely navigate uneven surfaces and steep slopes.

Which Are the Best Towns to Visit on Lake Como?

There are easily dozens of small towns and villages clustered along the waterline and clinging to the steep slopes above Lake Como. Some of them – like Bellagio – are famous worldwide. Others are much less known yet they have beautiful historic centres, a number of curious sights, and are linked to numerous hiking paths crisscrossing the lake’s lush natural setting.

Have a look at this blog post to pick the Lake Como towns that appeal the most to you based on your own interests and travel plans:

• 18 Best Towns to Visit on Lago di Como – Italy’s Most Famous Lake (With Maps, Itineraries, and Essential Travel Guide)

Otherwise, here is a shortlist of four of the most gorgeous towns on Lake Como to explore during your visit. All of them are easy to reach by train or by train/bus/ferry from Milan. This makes them great destinations for day trips and weekend breaks as well as for longer stays on Italy’s most famous lake.

Como – one of the largest towns on Lake Como. Come here for the imposing Duomo, the sights dedicated to Alessandro Volta (the inventor of the first electric battery), and the funicular taking you up a vertiginous slope to the town of Brunate. Regular trains link Como to Milan all throughout the day. Once in Como, you can also take a bus to nearby Cernobbio (another beautiful lakefront town) or a ferry up to Bellagio.

Bellagio – this is easily the most famous town on Lake Como. It stands on the tip of Punta Spartivento – the meeting point of the lake’s three branches. Bellagio is very picturesque and has a number of easy to see in a day sights – from the botanical garden of Villa Melzi to the cobbled streets of its historic centre populated by silk shops and craft workshops. You can reach Bellagio by bus or ferry from Como, by bus from Lecco, and by ferry from Varenna.

Varenna – the most charming town on Lake Como is a delight to explore. It has a cute little harbour, a waterfront promenade with far-reaching lake views, medieval castle, and next door to it stands the magnificent Villa Monastero with its delightful garden. Regular trains connect Varenna to Milan all throughout the day. Ferries link this lakefront town to the towns of Menaggio and Bellagio, too, so that you can see them all in a day.

Bellano – this is Lake Como’s hidden gem of a town. With a beautiful promenade, a cute harbour, and a dramatic gorge cut through over millions of years by a powerful waterfall, Bellano has a lot to offer. Yet, you can easily see it all in a few hours or over a very leisurely day. Even better! Bellano is on the same train line as Varenna, making it possible to visit both towns as part of the same trip.

What Are the Best Things to Do at Lake Como?

There are many things to do and enjoy around Italy’s most famous lake – Lago di Como. For an extensive list, have a look at this comprehensive travel guide:

• 25 Best Things to Do in Lake Como, Italy (With Maps, Travel Info, and Practical Tips)

Otherwise, here is a shortlist:

Sightseeing – the shores of the lake are studded with historic villas, centuries-old churches, and excellent museums. The most well-known are the Duomo, the Volta Temple, the Civic Art Gallery, and the Silk Museum in Como, Villa Balbaniello near Lenno, Villa Monastero next door to Varenna, Villa Melzi in Bellagio, the Moto Guzzi Motorcycle Museum in Mandello del Lario, and so many others.

Hiking and Nature Exploring – it is so very easy to get close to nature around Lake Como. Hiking paths (some of which follow ancient Roman roads) crisscross the steep slopes and link the small towns and villages here. Powerful waterfalls crash through tall canyons and flow into the lake. Don’t miss Orrido di Nesso and Orrido di Bellano. You don’t even need to break a sweat to get out and about in nature here. A number of funiculars offer the chance to enjoy sprawling lake views from the comfort of a smoothly ascending cabin.

Shopping – Lake Como is a great place to indulge in some shopping no matter if you are after the latest fashions of the best Italian brands or artisan items by local craftsmen. The area is also famous for its locally designed silk accessories. Silk has been produced around the lake for centuries and nowadays you can get beautiful silk bags, scarves, and ties for yourself and your loved ones. Don’t miss the local brand Acqua del Lario which makes perfumes, candles, and home scents inspired by the towns and vistas of Lake Como.

Where to Find More Information About Lake Como and the Region of Lombardy?

If you are considering a trip to Lake Como in particular and the Northern Italian region of Lombardy in general, you may want to also have a look at the following categories and posts on my blog:

• Lake Como – a full list of all my blog posts about Italy’s most famous lake
• Lombardy – a full list of all my blog posts about this must-see region in Italy
• Lake Como – The Beauty of Italy’s Most Famous Lake in 25 Photos
• Lake Como in Winter – 10 Reasons to Visit Italy’s Most Famous Lake in the Off-Season
• 10 Reasons to Visit the Region of Lombardy in Italy
• 15 Must-See Cities and Towns in Lombardy, Italy

They are based on my first-hand experience of visiting these destinations in Italy and provide lots of practical information to help you plan your travels.

In addition, for the most up-to-date information about events and local sights, keep an eye on the official websites of Milan , the Region of Lombardy , and the major towns on Lake Como, for example, Como , Bellagio , Varenna , Lecco , and so on.

Finally, if you want to invest in a good guidebook, this one covers Lombardy, Milan, and the Italian lakes which makes it very handy to carry around with you during your travels.

Where to Find More Information About Visiting Italy?

I have been blogging about travelling to and within Italy for eight years now providing detailed and first-hand tried and tested information about the best things to do in this beautiful country. It’s all based on my close to twenty years of visiting Italy solo and with my family. Six of these years, we actually spent living in Vicenza in the north of the country .

If you are after in-depth researched and illustrated with dozens of pertinent photos articles about Italy, have a look at the following categories and blog posts:

• Italy – a full list of all my blog posts about Italy
• 10 Reasons to Visit Northern Italy
• Veneto , Trentino , Emilia Romagna – full lists of all my blog posts about these Italian regions
• Venice , Padua , Lake Garda , Milan – full lists of all my blog posts about these must-see destinations in Italy.

In addition, right at the end of this blog post, you will find a list with links to some of my most popular blog posts about many beautiful and exciting cities, towns, and regions to visit in Italy. So, just scroll down and then click on the ones you are interested in.

Finally, Italy’s official tourism website is a great source of the latest news about travel in Italy. Otherwise, this is one of the best guidebooks about Italy.

In Conclusion

Lago di Como is a must-see destination in Northern Italy . The lake is internationally famous for its beautiful natural setting, long list of historic sights, and strings of charming lakefront towns and villages. It’s not in vain that for decades it has been a favourite place to relax for famous people from the worlds of acting, fashion, music, and even politics.

If Lake Como is on your bucket list and you are starting to look into a possible visit to it, this blog post will help streamline your Italy travel planning. It explores in detail the nine best ways to get to Lake Como and navigate around it. From road and railway to air and your own two feet, all available modes of transportation are covered.

It’s all based on my own first-hand experiences of visiting and travelling around Lake Como over the last five years. To help you even further, I have also condensed a section with practical tips about the best places to stay at the lake, the best towns to visit here, and the best things to do during your visit.

I hope that all this information will come in handy and that will allow you to get the most out of your time at Italy’s most famous lake.

Enjoy Lake Como!

Travel tools, now, get ready quick for your trip to lake como in italy.

Get a guidebook from Amazon. Buy plane tickets , train tickets , and bus tickets through Omio. Rent a car from Europcar. Research accommodation on Booking.com. Select local tours and activities on GetYourGuide , Viator , and Tiquets .

More Helpful Italy Info for You

Best of Italy:  Italian Piazzas ,  Italian Markets ,  Accommodation for Every Budget ,  Best Times to Visit Italy ,  Italy in Summer ,  Italy with Kids Italian Food:  Best Italian Food Gifts ,  Cheap Italian Food ,  Rules of Italian Breakfast ,  Italian Breakfast Foods Italian Coffee:  Italian Coffee Culture ,  Italian Coffee Drinks ,  History of Coffee in Italy Christmas in Italy:   Fun Facts ,  Things to Do ,  Italian Nativity Scenes ,  Panettone ,  Christmas Guide Northern Italy:  Best Cities to Visit ,  Major Airports ,  Reasons to Visit Lake Como: Best Things, to Do ,  Reasons to Visit in Winter , Inspiring Photos ,  Best Airports , Nesso Lake Garda Towns and Villages:   Best Towns ,  Desenzano del Garda ,  Riva del Garda ,  Malcesine ,  Torri del Benaco ,  Punta di San Vigilio ,  Campo di Brenzone ,  Borghetto and Valeggio sul Mincio Visiting Lake Garda:  Map of Lake Garda ,  Getting Around Lake Garda ,  Lake Garda with Kids ,  8 Best Airports ,  Venice to Lake Garda ,  Verona to Lake Garda ,  Milan to Lake Garda ,  Bologna to Lake Garda Verona:  Things to Do in One Day ,  Verona Opera Festival ,  Day Trips from Verona ,  Romeo and Juliet Itinerary ,  Verona to Venice ,  Verona to Milan Padua:  Things to Do in One Day ,  101 Facts About Padua ,  10 Reasons to Visit Padua ,  Day Trips from Padua Vicenza:  Things to Do ,  Day Trips from Vicenza ,  Best Museums ,  The Beauty of Vicenza Veneto:  Top Places to Visit ,  Unique Adventures ,  Most Colourful Places ,  Mysterious Places ,  Most Beautiful Lakes ,  Reasons to Visit ,  Main Cities ,  Prettiest Small Towns ,  Most Beautiful Villages Lombardy:   Best Cities and Towns ,  Reasons to Visit ,  Brescia Friuli Venezia Giulia:   Venzone ,  Most Beautiful Villages Emilia Romagna:  Bologna ,  Ravenna ,  Comacchio ,  Most Beautiful Villages Marche:   Reasons to Visit ,  Gradara ,  Frasassi Caves ,  Temple of Valadier Umbria: Reasons to Visit Perugia

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Melissa Glorioso

Sunday 15th of January 2023

I wish you had included how to get to Lake Como from Venice! I do not know why, but I thought I had read an article you had written a couple of years ago about it. I suppose I am mistaken. I used lots or your information when I went to Lake Garda 2 years ago from Venice. I will be in Venice 6 weeks and have rented a house on Lake Como for a week this coming May. Please give me a heads up if you did do a story about getting to Como from Venice before, and I just cannot find it! Thank you so much..I have been following you for a few years now and your writings about Italy. So very helpful!

Monday 16th of January 2023

Thank you for your kind words, Melissa! I hope you have a wonderful time in Italy this coming May. I don't as of yet have a separate article about getting to Lake Como from Venice. At present, I have such an article for Lake Garda. In any case, it's not difficult to get to Lake Como from Venice. You can travel by train or by car. If you travel by train, you can get either the direct high-speed train from Venice to Milan or the fast regional train from Venice to Verona and then change to the regional train to Milan. (It's all explained in some detail in this blog post.) The train station you'll need in Milan is called Milano Centrale. Once at Milano Centrale, you can get the train to Lake Como as explained under point 2 in this blog post above. Just pick the train station that is nearest to your accommodation on the lake. The map shows the train stations around the lake. Once at the lake, if need be, you can continue by local bus or ferry (as covered above). If you travel by car, your GPS will calculate the best route and the tips under point 1 above, hopefully, will come in very handy. I hope this helps!

Best wishes,

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