Nestled in the heart of the Italian Alps, in the Lombardy region, the lake is one of the most romantic spots you will ever see. Lake Como alone represents the class and elegance of Italy’s natural serenity and beauty. Known for its crystal-clear sparkling blue water, Alpine backdrop, cozy villas, and scenic village, the place has attracted celebrities, couples, and millions of tourists around the world. Whether it is a romantic tour, honeymoon, or get-together, Lake Como has something for everyone. In this travel guide, we will tell you exactly what to see, where to visit, explore, and eat; what to do; and everything you need to know to make your Lake Como visit unforgettable.
Why visit Lake Como?
Visiting Lake Como can be one of the best experiences in your life if done properly. The picturesque place is more than just a lake. Lake Como, or Lago di Como in Italian, is one of the most iconic destinations in Europe. Y-shaped shoreline, dotted villas, comfortable weather, mountains—everything makes this place perfect for visitors to admire. Here is why this place is worthy of a visit:
- Exquisite Scenery: The sparkling clean blue water is mesmerizing to see. Resting and watching the colorful water, maybe from a boat or yacht, can give you an unparalleled experience. When the sun reflects into the water, it creates a stunning scene that is worth capturing.
- History: Lake Como also has historical significance. From Roman times to modern days, Lake Como has become a great part of Italian culture and heritage.
- Luxury and Romance: Lake Como is not only a place for commoners. It has attracted plenty of celebrities and megastars throughout the world. For its romantic scenario, fine dining, and environment, you will find celebrities and stars gathering here to spend quality time with their loved ones.
- Outdoor Activities: In Lake Como, you can also enjoy plenty of exciting outdoor activities such as cycling, hiking, boating, swimming, walking through olive gardens and waterfronts, etc.
- Alluring Villages: You can wander through beautiful villages and towns such as Bellagio, Varenna, and Como city, brimming with cobblestone markets. They have vibrant streets and places to enjoy.
Top Things to Do in Lake Como:
In Lake Como, you will never run out of things to do. You can use the best of your tour without being confused or bored. This alluring area has a lot of things to offer to its lovely tourists. Here is a list of the top 5 things you can do in Lake Como:
1. Discover Bellagio, the “Pearl of Lake Como.”
Bellagio is like the heart of Lake Como. Located in the center of the lake’s peninsula, the town is a must-visit for everyone. A relaxing stroll through its narrow cobbled streets and aesthetic boutique shops, enjoying gelato, and soothing views of Punta Spartivento will make every moment recognizable. Also visit:
- Villa Melzi Gardens: A heaven for flower lovers. Visit this place to experience unreal beauty with the stunning view of the lake.
- Punta Spartivento: Another scenic spot with magnificent views of the surroundings. Also, you can reserve a table at Ristorante La Punta for fresh seafood with a handsome view.
2. Visit Varenna’s Romantic Atmosphere
Varenna, a stunning, colorful village, is worth a visit, especially if you are a couple or newlyweds. A place called Passeggiata degli Innamorati (Lovers’ Walk) is a must-visit in the small town.
- Villa Monastero: A glorious villa filled with gardens and museums. Botanical gardens, a museum, and a convention center contain precious architecture and period furniture and plenty of things to enjoy.
- Castello di Vezio: A glorious castle on top of a hill looks stunning. It can be your perfect getaway to spend romantic time with your loved ones.
3. Tour Como City
Strolling through Como city is mandatory for every traveler. Located on the southern side of the lake, the place looks surreal. The main attractions include:
- Como Cathedral (Duomo): A spectacular Gothic-Renaissance masterpiece to explore.
- Funicular to Brunate: A funicular railway to explore the inside village. A sight to experience for everyone.
- Silk Museum: You can learn about the city’s silk heritage.
4. Boat Tour
From public ferries to private yachts, boat tours on lake como is very common. Tours are considered incomplete without the boat rides!
- Mid-Lake Route: You can visit places like Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio through ferries. Especially in summer, it feels amazing.
- Villa Tours: With boats, you can have a relaxing tour to places like Villa del Balbianello or Villa Carlotta, known for their art and gardens. It’s so refreshing.
5. Hiking or Cycling
For adventure seekers, this can be an exciting thing to do in Lake Como. To hike, you can go to The Greenway del Lago di Como. There are around 10 km of walking paths along the western shore, offering panoramic views and retro villages.
For cyclists, the lake’s encircling hills offer exciting but scenic roads.
Where to Stay in Lake Como?:
Accommodation around Lake Como can be challenging due to the heavy loads of tourists. And if you plan to visit in the summer, things can get really hard. However, Lake Como offers accommodations for every budget. From luxury to budget travelers, there are options to choose from. Here are our top picks:
- Luxury: Grand Hotel Tremezzo, aka Tremezzo: 5-star hotel with a floating pool, lakefront side view, spa, etc., many opportunities.
Cost: $500–$1,200/night.
- Mid-level: Hotel Villa Flori (Como)—Refined rooms with terraces and lake views.
Cost: ~$200–$400/night.
- Budget-friendly: Albergo Milano (Varenna)—A spellbinding and affordable hotel.
Cost: ~$100–$200/night.
Best Time to Visit Lake Como:
- Spring (April–June): Calm weather, flowering gardens, and more irregular crowds. Excellent for hiking and other outdoor activities.
- Summer (July–August): Prime season with hospitable temperatures and dynamic festivals, though expect increased prices and more gatherings.
- Fall (September–October): Cold weather and ravishing foliage, ideal for photography.
- Winter (November–March): Peaceful and budget-friendly, but not all attractions are open.
Tips for Visiting Lake Como:
- Book boats or ferries in advance to avoid hassle. Buy the tickets online and avoid the crowd.
- Take suitable clothes. Dress according to the weather.
How to Get to Lake Como?
- Train: You can take a train from Milan to Como San Giovanni. It will take around 1 hour.
- Air: Reach places like Malpensa, Linate, or Bergamo. All of the locations are closest to Lake Como.
Lake Como is more than just a place. It’s an experience, a culture, and a glorious sight to behold. Whether you ride boats or ferries, enjoy the villas, or hike in the Alps, the memories will linger till your last day. If you are a travel enthusiast, Lake Como should be your next destination.
