Visit Lake Como Italy: Plan Your Trip to Most Scenic Lake

Framed by the foothills of the Alps, Lake Como is pure Italian charm with a splash of glamour. It’s the place where you can sip an espresso on a sunny terrace, hop on a ferry to a postcard-perfect village, and end the day with a glass from one of the region’s Lombardy wine tours. From the colorful lanes of Bellagio to Varenna’s romantic waterfront and Menaggio’s laid-back vibe, each stop feels like its own little world. Here, lazy boat rides, grand villas, and mountain-meets-lake views come together in one unforgettable setting. If you’re ready for fresh air, good food, and a slower pace, a visit to Lake Como might just be your favorite Italian escape yet.

Visit Lake Como and uncover the best

Start in the town of Como

Begin your adventure in the charming city of Como, the perfect gateway to the lake. Stroll through its historic center, admire the magnificent Como Cathedral with its stunning Gothic details, and soak up the lively piazzas. Take the funicular up to Brunate for jaw-dropping views, then wander back for a leisurely lunch or wine tasting Lake Como experience before hopping on a ferry or boat to explore the lake’s beautiful villages and villas.

Explore Bellagio

Bellagio has a way of making you slow down without even realizing it. You arrive thinking you’ll just take a quick walk, and suddenly hours have passed as you weave through narrow alleys lined with tiny boutiques and tempting wine bars. The lake shimmers on both sides, framed by hills that change color with the light. Slip into the Villa Melzi gardens for a peaceful break, then grab a gelato and let the waterfront promenade guide you into full holiday mode.

Stroll through Villa Carlotta

In Tremezzo, Villa Carlotta greets you with a mix of elegance and lush greenery that’s hard to resist. Its sprawling botanical gardens feel like a living painting, with wisteria-draped walkways, vibrant blooms, and views that roll straight down to the lake. Step inside the villa and you’ll find works by masters like Canova, all adding to the sense that you’ve stumbled into a place where art and nature quietly compete for your attention.

Head to Villa Monastero

Villa Monastero in Varenna feels like it was made for lazy afternoons and long, dreamy walks. Stretching along the lake, its terraced gardens burst with blooms while the villa itself houses a small museum and hosts cultural events. Every turn offers a perfect view of Lake Como’s sparkling waters, making it as much a feast for the eyes as it is a peaceful escape.

Relax in the lakeside town of Menaggio

Menaggio brings you the slower, softer side of Lake Como. Its palm-lined promenade is perfect for a gentle stroll, with cafés inviting you to linger over an espresso while gazing at Bellagio and Varenna across the water. With a mix of charming piazzas, easy lake swims, and a relaxed pace, it’s a spot where you can truly unwind.

Take a Lake Como boat tour

A day on Lake Como feels incomplete without getting out on the water. Hop on a ferry, join a small group tour, or rent your own boat, and you’ll pass grand villas, hidden gardens, and secluded coves you’d never see from the shore. With mountains rising all around and a fresh lake breeze in your hair, it’s the kind of experience that stays with you long after you’ve left.

Dip into the lake

Summer at Lake Como is all about soaking up the sun, swimming in the clear waters, and lingering over long evenings by the lake. Winter, on the other hand, slows everything down, the crowds thin out, the mountains wear a snowy crown, and the villas seem wrapped in a soft, misty hush. The best time to visit Lake Como comes down to the kind of trip you want: lively and vibrant, or calm and romantic.

Admire Villa del Balbianello

Villa del Balbianello is pure Lake Como magic. You might recognize its picture-perfect setting from James Bond or Star Wars, but nothing beats seeing it in person. Stroll through its manicured gardens, take in jaw-dropping lake views from every angle, and step inside to explore elegant rooms filled with fascinating art and artifacts.

Visit Lake Como and uncover the surroundings

Eat like a local in Lenno

Eating your way around Lake Como is half the adventure. Picture a plate of lake fish risotto paired with a crisp local white wine, or a board of creamy cheeses that taste like the hills around you. In Lenno, linger at a trattoria right on the water, where every bite comes with a view worth toasting. And when the sun starts to sink, find the nearest gelateria, because nothing says “Lake Como evening” like strolling the promenade with a cone in hand after a day at Villa Balbianello.

Chill on a hidden beach near Mandello del Lario

Looking for a quiet corner of Lake Como to call your own? Mandello, tucked along the lake’s eastern shore, feels like it’s letting you in on a little secret. Here, sun-warmed rocks double as natural loungers, hidden swimming spots invite you for a dip, and the calm waters are perfect for an afternoon of sailing or simply drifting without a care. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to keep to yourself… but probably won’t be able to stop talking about.

Visit the charming village of Varenna

On the quieter side of Lake Como’s eastern shore, life moves to a softer rhythm. Mornings might find you sipping espresso as the lake catches the light, afternoons meandering along cobbled lanes splashed with pastel facades. Climb to Castello di Vezio and let the panorama stop you in your tracks, peaks, water, and sky all stitched into one sweeping view. Then drift back down for a slow wander through Villa Monastero’s gardens, where stone steps, scented blooms, and shimmering water feel like they’ve been waiting just for you.

Enjoy a complete Lake Como trip

Lake Como makes it easy to mix laid-back moments with a dash of adventure. One morning, you’re sipping espresso on the promenade, the next, you’re off on one of the many day trips from Lake Como , maybe a quick train to Milan for fashion and wine tasting, a drive through Lombardy’s vineyards, or even a short hop into Switzerland for mountain views.

Drive to Monza for the day

Les than an hour from Lake Como, a drive to Monza adds a different flavor to your trip. Once you arrive, stroll through the historic center, sip coffee in lively piazzas, and admire landmarks like the Royal Villa and its sprawling park. If timing is right, catch the thrill of the Monza Circuit or simply enjoy the city’s relaxed Lombard charm. A day to visit Monza Italy is a chance to mix a little royal history, local food, and open-air beauty before heading back to the lakeshore.

Good to know before visiting Lake Como