Travel Guide of Lake Como in Italy by Influencers and Travelers
Lake Como, also known as Lario, is a lake of glacial origin in Lombardy, Italy. It has an area of 146 square kilometres, making it the third-largest lake in Italy, after Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore.
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Pictures and Stories of Lake Como from Influencers
20 pictures of Lake Como from Julia Solonina, Lukas Blaskevicius, Diogo Palhais and other travelers
- Man standing towards the lake with background of mountains water and boats ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Lukas Blaskevicius | ©Unsplash
- Como lake (Italy). The boats of Optimist Class go back to the harbor after the regatta. ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Daniele Levis Pelusi | ©Unsplash
- Small town on Lake Como by boat. ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Nicole Ferzoco | ©Unsplash
- Lake como with a backdrop ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Lukas Blaskevicius | ©Unsplash
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How to visit Lake Como ?
To get to Lake Como, fly into Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) or Milan Linate Airport (LIN). From there, you can take a train to Como city (approximately one hour from Milan) or Varenna (approximately 1.5 hours from Milan). Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive around the lake to explore at your own pace.
It's essential to book certain experiences in advance, such as villa tours or a private boat rental. Popular villas to visit include Villa del Balbianello, Villa Carlotta, and Villa Melzi, all of which can be reserved online. For a unique experience, consider booking a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Italian dishes using local ingredients.
Costs can vary depending on the season and your travel style. Accommodation and dining can be more expensive in peak season (June to August). However, budget-friendly options are available for those who prefer a more frugal experience.
Some of the best things to do in Lake Como include:
1. Exploring charming lakeside towns like Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio.
2. Taking a ferry ride across the lake to admire the stunning views.
3. Hiking through the surrounding mountains and enjoying the panoramic vistas.
4. Visiting historical villas and their beautiful gardens.
For dining options, consider trying Ristorante La Terrazza in Bellagio, which offers a fantastic view of the lake and a delicious menu featuring local ingredients. Another great option is Ristorante Il Gatto Nero in Cernobbio, known for its outstanding Italian cuisine and breathtaking views.
When it comes to accommodation, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo is a luxurious option with its own private beach, spa, and fine dining options. A more budget-friendly option is the Hotel Bellagio, a charming boutique hotel located in the heart of the town.
Off the beaten path:
For an unusual travel experience in Lake Como, consider exploring the Greenway del Lago di Como. This 10 km walking trail takes you through ancient villages, stunning gardens, and picturesque landscapes on the western shore of the lake. Along the way, you'll find hidden gems, such as the Church of San Martino perched high on a hill overlooking Griante or the ancient stone village of Nesso, with its charming bridges and waterfalls. This trail offers a unique perspective on Lake Como, taking you away from the main tourist areas and into the heart of the region's natural beauty.
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Map of Lake Como
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More Travel spots to explore around Lake Como
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Discover more travel spots to explore around Lake Como
🏘️ Town spots 🌊 Ocean spots 🏞️ Waterway spots ⛰️ Mountain range spots ⛰️ Highland spots 🏞️ Loch spots ❄️ Fjord spots 🏖️ Shore spots 🗼 Landmark spots 🏃♂️ Running spots 🏖️ Sailing spots ⛰️ Hill station spots 🏞️ Lake spots ⛰️ Mountain spots 🌲 Tropical and subtropical coniferous forests spotsLearn More about Lake Como
Lake Como is the closest to Milan and is home to lovely villages. Located in the Lombardy region, Lake Como is the third largest lake in Italy, after Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore. It is a peaceful and pleasant lake, surrounded by beautiful small villages, where it is good to spend a relaxing vacation. Also known as Lake Lario for its Latin name (Larius Lacus), Lake Como is shaped like an inverted "Y", formed by three long arms. To the west lies the municipality of Como, to the east that of Lecco, and the north, Colico.
You will find here the charm that can be seen on other lakes in this part of Europe, like Annecy.
Lake Como Day Trip
If you are planning a day only at Lake Como, here are the three must-see towns:
1# Como, on the southwest side of the lake, is unavoidable to start a day at Lake Como. Enjoy its beautiful cathedral and basilica of Sant'Abbondio. Stroll through the gardens of Villa Olmo and along Lake Como especially on the Lino Gelpi walk (Passeggiata Lino Gelpi), known as the most beautiful part of the waterfront and facing the majestic Villa Parravicini Revel.
The town is famous for its silk production. A thirty-minute walk from the ferry, the Como Silk Museum allows you to learn about all the unique steps involved in making this mysterious material. It is open Tuesday through Sunday between 10am and 6pm (closes between 1pm and 2pm).
The original 19th century Como-Brunate funicular railway allows you to enjoy the unusual and beautiful views.
2# Bellagio, at the junction of the "Y", is another small town that you will quickly get to know. Indeed, this charming town, sometimes called the pearl of the lake, can be covered in 1 hour. On a slope, if you climb high enough or on a roof top, enjoy the view and take perfect pictures of the lake and the mountains.
On Bellagio's main street, Giuseppe Garibaldi, discover the local products, flavors, stores and typical restaurants. In its downtown area, you will find the Roman basilica of San Giacomo dating back to the 12th century.
Walking in the gardens of beautiful Italian villas is very popular around Lake Como and there is no better place to enjoy nature and early 19th century architecture than in the botanical gardens of Villa Melzi d'Eril (15 minutes southwest of downtown). Unfortunately, it is not possible to visit it. Don't miss the magnificent Moreso kiosk (Chiosco Moreso), of a white and light blue color that gives it an almost magical air.
Do you want a unique view? Go to the north of Bellagio, to Spartivento's viewpoint, the intersection of the three branches of the "Y" of the lake.
3# Varenna is on the other side of the water, 15 minutes by ferry from Bellagio. Notice the hundreds of colorful houses that add to the town's charm. Like the surrounding towns, it is home to a distinctive church. Made entirely of Italian marble, it is solid and has stood since the 16th century.
Along Lake Como, and especially along the lovely waterfront called Riva Grande, you will find small beaches (often crowded) where you can dip your feet in (or more)!
Again, a beautiful villa is very popular with tourists and locals: Villa Monastero. As you can guess, it used to be a monastery. It has a magical and princely look. It is possible to visit its garden AND its interior for less than 6 €.
About 30-minute walk from Villa Monastero or the ferry, hike to the ruins of the Castello di Vezio. If you are lucky, you may see a bird show on your way out. From there, you will have a breathtaking panorama. You will find food on the spot.
For information: unfortunately, not everything is perfect. Be warned, you will see birds in canopies, sometimes tied up.
Transportation tips :
If you don't have a car, don't worry, there are plenty of bus lines. There are day tickets available. Tickets can be bought on the buses and sometimes in tobacco shops.
The public bus website Moovit will help you to plan your trips. But in short, here are some examples of routes for a perfect day at Lake Como:
Como > Bellagio: 1h10 (by bus C30 - 1h10) or 1h (by car)
Bellagio > Lecco (line 10 - 45 minutes)
Bellagio > Varenna (20 minutes by ferry)
Varenna > Como (1h10 by ferry)
If you ever plan to stay longer, discover also towns like Menaggio, Cadenabbia di Griante and Torno...
Above all, keep your eyes open, maybe you will come across George Clooney or Sir Richard Branson, who live in villas along Lake Como.
Lake Como Activities
Between water and mountain, through gastronomy and nature, Lake Come has a lot to offer!
Going wine tasting up North Lake Como
Discovering Italian gastronomy on a culinary - walking tour
Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Lake Como
Here are the most attractive small villages of the lake:
Bellagio: Located on a narrow strip of land that penetrates the most into Lake Como, Bellagio is the most famous municipality of the lake. It is a very pleasant and singular place, with narrow and steep streets that offer a breathtaking view of the lake. This visit is ideal to enjoy moments of tranquility that will be, without a doubt, unforgettable.
Varenna: Situated between the lake and the mountains, Varenna is a pleasant town of Roman origin, where footbridges and endless steps gain ground, both on the water and in the mountains.
Tremezzo: The municipality of Tremezzo is an important tourist center thanks to Villa Carlota, an imposing neoclassical residence that was built in 1843 as a wedding present for Charlotte of Prussia. It is possible to visit many rooms and to walk in its pleasant gardens.
Menaggio: Menaggio is a pleasant tourist village that still preserves its medieval structure and some remains of its ancient castle. A nice and peaceful walk is to be done next to the castle, where you can contemplate many villas and beautiful arcaded houses.
Como: Founded by the Romans in 196 B.C., the town that gives its name to Lake Como is a popular tourist destination thanks to its beautiful landscape. By taking the funicular to Brunate, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the lake and the city of Como.
There are different ways to get to Lake Como from Milan. If you are traveling by car, you will enjoy driving along the narrow and winding roads that border the lake. If you prefer not to drive, you can get there by train or book an organized excursion.
Trenitalia Organized excursions
There are day trips that offer the possibility to go to Lake Como by bus. This option is ideal if you want to spend a pleasant day, between a boat trip on the lake and visits to charming villages.
Excursion to Lake Como from Milan
If you don't have enough time to visit the area around Lake Como by car, the quickest and most interesting way to get around the towns is to take the ferries that constantly cross the lake.
If you want to cross the lake by ferry with your car onboard, this is possible for a very reasonable price.
3 days: the best would be to have the opportunity to take a boat trip on the lake to discover the views of the cities of the lake from the water, and then to have one or two days to discover the lake life from inside the cities. Plenty activities with locals are available. This is what makes Lake Como's area so welcoming.
July/August for a warmer temperature but more tourists (up to 30°C/86°F).
September for fewer tourists but cooler temperature (average of 13°C/55°F).
In general, the weather is enjoyable during spring and autumn and there are fewer tourists than in summer (from June to early September). It is more pleasant, but since it is the low season, not all the restaurants may be open. Get warm clothes, an umbrella but also a good camera because autumn brings beautiful sceneries and colorful landscapes.
Winter is very cold (from -5°C to +5°C/from 23°F to 41°F), so if you like the colder temperature and the winter atmosphere, you may like it too.
The best part of Lake Como is the junction of the "Y": Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio and the southwestern branch of the lake (with Como as the southernmost town).
More distant cities also have their interests, especially the various northern cities for beaches and other relaxing areas along the Italian lake.
Where to Stay near Lake Como
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