Destination guide

Lake Como

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Lake Como is a long, narrow, Y-shaped lake in northern Italy, surrounded by steep wooded mountains. Villas with terraced gardens, small ports and pastel villages line the shore, and the Alps rise in the north.

It is elegant, calm and very scenic. It is also easy to visit from Milan, and works for a day trip or for a few quiet days by the water.

How many days: 3

Three days is a good length for a base, a ferry day and a walk. Two works for a quick break.

Choose a village as a base and use ferries for day trips. The towns along the shore are connected by regular boats.

What to do in Lake Como

Take a ferry between villages
Boats link the towns around the lake all day. They are the best way to see the shoreline and the villas.
Visit Bellagio
A pretty village on the point where the lake divides, with narrow lanes and gardens. A very popular stop.
Explore Varenna
A quiet village on the east shore with colourful houses and a lakeside path. Much quieter than Bellagio.
See a lakeside villa
Several grand villas with terraced gardens are open to visitors. Check opening arrangements, and combine one with a ferry ride.
Walk the Greenway
A path links villages on the west shore, passing churches and old houses. An easy day walk.
Ride the funicular in Como
A funicular climbs from the city of Como to a hilltop village with views over the lake.
Swim or kayak
Some beaches and lidos allow swimming in summer. Kayak trips explore small bays.
Take a day trip to Switzerland
The north end of the lake is close to the Swiss border, and trains link Como with Lugano. Take your passport.
Walk the old town of Como
The city has a medieval centre, a cathedral and a lakeside promenade. It is a good base for trains to Milan.
Visit the Villa gardens on the west shore
Many of the gardens are among the finest in Italy, with camellias, azaleas and views over the water. Spring is best.

What to eat and drink

Missoltino
A traditional dried fish from the lake, grilled and served with polenta. A local speciality.
Risotto with perch
Fresh lake fish served with rice. A classic lakeside dish.
Polenta
A staple of northern Italy, often served with cheese or stew.
Local cheeses and cured meats
Look for local cheeses and salami from the Alpine valleys.
Gelato
Ice cream shops line the lakeside promenades.
Aperitivo
Drinks come with small plates of snacks. A pleasant way to end the day.
Local lake perch and trout
Freshwater fish is on menus in lakeside restaurants. Eat it fried, grilled or in risotto.
Lakeside lunch
Many restaurants serve simple lunches on terraces over the water. Choose a table by the shore for the view.

Getting around

Ferries and hydrofoils link the villages and are the best way to travel. Trains reach the lake from Milan in about an hour.

Lakeside roads are narrow and winding, with heavy traffic in summer. Buses link the main villages.

Walking paths connect some villages.

Good to know

  • Summer is warm and busy, and August is crowded. Spring and early autumn are lovely.
  • Many hotels and restaurants close in winter. Check before you go.
  • Lake Como is expensive, especially in the best-known villages.
  • The weather can change quickly, with mist over the lake. Pack a layer.
  • Cover shoulders and knees in churches.
  • The lake is shaped like an upside-down Y, with three arms, so ferry times are longer than they appear on the map.
  • Some of the best views are from the water, so even a short boat ride is worth taking.
  • Weekdays are quieter than weekends, when Milan residents come for the day.
  • Rain can close the views for days. Plan some indoor options such as a museum or a villa interior.

Where to stay in Lake Como

6 neighbourhoods, described the way a friend would - what each is actually like, not the brochure version.

Como

Como is the lake's largest town and main transport hub, with a historic centre, waterfront promenade, restaurants and excellent rail links to Milan. It is the easiest base for first-time visitors, though it feels more urban than the smaller lakeside villages.

Bellagio

Bellagio sits at the centre of Lake Como's three branches and is known for elegant villas, steep cobbled lanes and spectacular water views. It is one of the lake's most romantic places to stay, though crowds and premium pricing are major drawbacks.

Varenna

Varenna is a compact eastern-shore village of colourful houses, waterfront paths and historic villas, with direct rail connections towards Milan. It is highly romantic and more intimate than Bellagio, while remaining excellent for ferry-based sightseeing.

Menaggio

Menaggio is a lively western-shore town with a lakefront promenade, restaurants and excellent ferry links to Bellagio and Varenna. It suits families and longer stays particularly well, offering more space and value than some of the better-known villages.

Tremezzo

Tremezzo is an elegant central-lake area known for grand villas, luxury hotels and panoramic views towards Bellagio. It is particularly suited to premium romantic stays, but local nightlife is limited and prices can be very high.

Cernobbio

Cernobbio lies just north of Como and combines elegant villas, lakefront restaurants and some of the region's most prestigious hotels. It offers luxury and convenient access to Como, but accommodation costs are high and nightlife is subdued.

What it costs

A typical day in Lake Como, per person, in pounds.

£93

Shoestring - hostels, street food, public transport.

£201

Comfortable - a decent hotel, restaurants, the odd taxi.

£415

Treating yourself - the good hotel, the good tables.

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