Lake Como
Iconic Italian lake destination famed for its dramatic mountain scenery, historic villas, and picturesque lakeside towns.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Lake Como
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Italian lake destination famed for its dramatic mountain scenery, historic villas, and picturesque lakeside towns.
"Lake Como is one of the most beautiful places I have visited in Italy."
🚗 Milan Day Trip Strategy
Take an early train to Varenna, then ferry to Bellagio. Avoid doing both Milan and Como in one day.
🚤 Rent a Boat for Freedom
No license needed! Best way to see the lake and discover hidden spots. Book in advance.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Varenna's Charm
Varenna
A picturesque village with colorful houses, cobblestone streets, and stunning lake views. A must-visit for its romantic atmosphere.
Bellagio's Beauty
Bellagio
Known as the 'Pearl of Lake Como,' this town offers elegant villas, manicured gardens, and breathtaking panoramas.
Villa del Balbianello
Lenno
An iconic villa with exquisite terraced gardens, famous for its appearances in 'Star Wars' and '007.'
Orrido di Nesso Waterfall
Nesso
A dramatic waterfall cascading into the lake, accessible by a scenic walk and offering a unique photo opportunity.
Planning Your Visit
Day Trip vs. Overnight Stay
Navigating Lake Como
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Milan Day Trip Strategy
Take an early train to Varenna, then ferry to Bellagio. Avoid doing both Milan and Como in one day. +1
🚤 Rent a Boat for Freedom
No license needed! Best way to see the lake and discover hidden spots. Book in advance.
🚶♀️ Explore Varenna First
Varenna is often recommended as a favorite starting point due to its charm and ferry hub.
💧 Nesso Waterfall Access
Reach the Orrido di Nesso waterfall via a scenic walk or by boat for a unique perspective.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Milan Day Trip Strategy
Take an early train to Varenna, then ferry to Bellagio. Avoid doing both Milan and Como in one day. +1
🚤 Rent a Boat for Freedom
No license needed! Best way to see the lake and discover hidden spots. Book in advance.
🚶♀️ Explore Varenna First
Varenna is often recommended as a favorite starting point due to its charm and ferry hub.
💧 Nesso Waterfall Access
Reach the Orrido di Nesso waterfall via a scenic walk or by boat for a unique perspective.
🎟️ Book Villa Tickets Ahead
For popular villas like Villa del Balbianello, booking tickets in advance is highly recommended.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Lake Como is overwhelmingly praised for its breathtaking natural beauty, charming lakeside villages, and elegant villas. Visitors love the scenic boat rides and the romantic atmosphere. However, some find the public transport system confusing and the popular towns, especially Bellagio, can be extremely crowded during peak season.
"Lovely place, lots of tourists but still managed to retain it's charm. We took a train from Milan with a ferry trip included, this was well worth it and we did the tour on the ferry rather than get on get off as we wanted to still have time for Lake Como town before returning to Milan"
Andy Hayward
"Absolutely Magical.
Lake Como is one of the most breathtaking places I have ever visited. The scenery is like a painting.
Beware of the como lake ferries: -Chaotic Ticketing & Boarding: ferries are overcrowded, with priority seating going to tour groups.
-Poor Communication & Disorganization and lack of clear signage and staff instructions."
Pascale-Cécile
"It’s a beauty.. had our memorable trip in Europe and lake como won our heart. Spectacular villas and gorgeous islands and horizontal views with glowing aura. Italian artistic food ice cream and beverages.one thing i made up in my mind - i wanna go there again to see another sunset!!"
MD.Samiul Hasan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is by train from Milan Centrale to Varenna-Esino (approx. 1 hour, €7.40 one way) or Como Nord Lago. +1 Some travelers suggest Como Nord Station for easier access to town.
Public transportation, especially buses, can be challenging and stressful with unclear timetables. Ferries are more reliable for inter-town travel.
Yes, but it's often considered rushed. An early train to Varenna and then using ferries to explore Bellagio is a popular day trip route. +1 However, some advise against it due to time constraints.
Ferries are the primary method, connecting major towns like Varenna, Bellagio, and Menaggio. Renting a private boat offers more freedom. +1
July is peak season, meaning it can be crowded and hot. While still beautiful, consider visiting mid-week or during shoulder seasons for a more relaxed experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
For popular attractions like Villa del Balbianello, booking tickets in advance is highly recommended to secure your spot and avoid long queues.
Costs vary greatly. Train tickets from Milan are affordable (€7.40 one way). Ferry rides are priced per journey. Villa entrances and boat rentals add to the expense.
The towns themselves are free to wander. Entrance fees apply to specific attractions like villas and gardens within these towns.
Opening hours for villas and gardens vary by season. It's best to check the official websites of specific attractions before your visit.
Yes, many companies offer boat rentals for which no boating license is required, making it an accessible way to explore the lake.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Varenna is a favorite for its charm, Bellagio for its elegance, and Menaggio for its relaxed atmosphere. +2 Villa del Balbianello and the Orrido di Nesso waterfall are also highly recommended.
+1
Many visitors rave about seeing Lake Como from the water. Renting a private boat or taking a guided boat tour offers unparalleled views and access.
Yes, there are hiking trails, including a restored Roman trail up to Vezio Castle from Varenna, offering scenic views.
Avoid trying to cram too much into a day trip, and be prepared for potentially confusing ferry schedules.
Yes, summer, especially July, is peak season and can be very crowded. Visiting mid-week or during shoulder seasons can offer a more peaceful experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Varenna's colorful waterfront, Bellagio's charming alleys, the gardens of Villa del Balbianello, and the Orrido di Nesso waterfall are all incredibly photogenic. +2
Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the beauty of the lake and its villages.
Drone regulations can be strict in Italy. It's essential to research and comply with local laws and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for landscapes and village shots. A wide-angle lens can capture the grandeur of the villas and lake.
Rent a private boat to capture stunning shots from the water, or explore the less-visited alleys and viewpoints away from the main tourist paths. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
💑 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Lake Como by Boat
When planning your boat excursion, consider the duration and route. Popular options include tours that depart from Varenna or Bellagio and can last from a few hours to a full day.
The Charm of Varenna and Bellagio
Bellagio, known as the 'Pearl of Lake Como,' offers a more sophisticated ambiance with its elegant shops, upscale restaurants, and beautiful villas like Villa Melzi.
Day Trips from Milan: Logistics and Considerations
To maximize a day trip, start early and prioritize which towns or attractions you want to see. Consider focusing on just one or two key locations, such as Varenna and Bellagio, to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit