An Overture
Lake Como is Italy's most famous and most polished lake — a deep, Y-shaped (≈171 km perimeter) body of cold alpine water ringed by grand villas, botanical gardens, and photogenic villages climbing the steep shoreline. It carries a glamorous, upscale reputation (George Clooney, Madonna, film and James Bond associations) yet remains compact and easy to explore by ferry without a car. Multiple blogs prefer Como over Garda for its scenery and slightly smaller, more "traditional and quaint" feel. It works as a long day trip from Milan (≈1 hr by train) but rewards an overnight in Bellagio or Varenna once the day-trippers leave.
Top Things to Do
Bellagio
The "pearl of Lake Como": cobbled stone staircases, boutiques, lakeside cafés, and Villa Melzi gardens. Strategically located where the lake's three arms meet, making it the best ferry base
Getting there — Mid-lake by ferry from Varenna, Menaggio or Como (~15–45 min); from Milan, train to Varenna-Esino then the ferry across.
Varenna
Smaller, quieter, and arguably more charming; a lovely waterfront promenade, Villa Monastero with botanical gardens, and the easiest village to reach by train from Milan
Getting there — ~1 hr by direct train from Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esino, then a short walk down to the waterfront and ferries.
Villa del Balbianello
Dramatic headland villa and gardens, a James Bond / Star Wars filming location; reached by boat or a short walk from Lenno
Getting there — Lake ferry to Lenno (western shore), then a ~1 km lakeside path or the little taxi-boat to the headland villa.
Villa Carlotta
17th-century villa with ~14 acres of botanical gardens, 2 km south of Menaggio
Getting there — Lake ferry to the Tremezzo/Cadenabbia stop at the gates, ~2 km south of Menaggio.
Como town & Como–Brunate funicular
The largest town; silk-museum heritage and silk shopping, the Annonario market, and a funicular up to Brunate for views and hiking (e.g., toward Monte Boletto)
Getting there — ~1 hr by train from Milano Centrale to Como; the Como–Brunate funicular then climbs from the lakefront.
Ferry-hopping
The defining experience: glide between villages past waterfront villas; the rides are half the point
Getting there — The lake ferries are the experience itself — board at any village pier; passes cover the central-lake hops.
Walking Tours
Walking Route · Varenna
Piazza San Giorgio → Chiesa di San Giorgio, Varenna → lakefront Passeggiata degli Innamorati (lovers' walk) → Villa Monastero gardens (then take the ferry across the lake to Bellagio).
Piazza San Giorgio → Chiesa di San Giorgio, Varenna → Passeggiata degli Innamorati → Villa Monastero
Walking Route · Bellagio
Lungo Lario Marconi, Bellagio → Salita Serbelloni (stepped lanes) → Basilica di San Giacomo, Bellagio → Punta Spartivento (lake-head viewpoint) → Villa Melzi gardens.
Lungo Lario Marconi, Bellagio → Salita Serbelloni → Basilica di San Giacomo, Bellagio → Punta Spartivento → Villa Melzi
Day Trips & Beyond
Isola Comacina
The lake's only island, reached by boat from Ossuccio/Sala Comacina; historic churches and upscale restaurants
Getting there — Short boat from Sala Comacina/Ossuccio on the western shore.
SearchLecco
The largest town on the lake's eastern (Lecco) arm; Manzoni literary sites and hiking trailheads
Getting there — ~40 min by train from Milano on the Lecco line, at the foot of the lake's eastern arm.
SearchMenaggio & Tremezzo
Western-shore bases for Villa Carlotta and ferry links to Bellagio/Varenna
Getting there — Western-shore ferry stops from Bellagio/Varenna (~15–30 min); buses also run the shore road.
SearchMilan
≈1 hr by train, easily combined
Getting there — ~1 hr by train from Varenna or Como to Milano Centrale.
SearchHidden Gems
Pescallo
A quiet fishing hamlet a five-minute uphill walk from Bellagio through a narrow stone-walled alley; ivy-covered houses, a sleepy square over the lake, and kayak/paddleboard rentals — a calm antidote to Bellagio's crowds
Getting there — A 5-min walk over the headland from Bellagio through a narrow stone-walled alley.
SearchMoltrasio
Western-shore village near Como with ancient churches (San Martino, 1207; Sant'Agata, 1197) and a curiosity: around 30 drinking fountains, many 19th-century. Dine at The Moltrasio Bay
Getting there — ~10 min by lake ferry or local bus from Como town along the western shore.
SearchRenting a small boat or kayak
Renting a small boat or kayak to reach villa façades best seen from the water.
SearchFood & Dining
Signature Dishes & Products
Where to Stay
- Luxury
- Mid-range
- Budget
- Luxury
- Mid-range
- Budget
Practical Notes
Getting There & Around
- Getting there (no car): Train from Milano Centrale. Two main options — to Varenna-Esino (~1 hr, the recommended route via the Lecco line) or to Como Lago/Como San Giovanni (~1 hr). Varenna is generally preferred over Como city for first contact with the scenic lake.
- Getting around (no car): Public ferries are the way to move between villages (€5–15 per hop; passes available). The car is genuinely unnecessary and parking is difficult around the lake — several blogs advise leaving/ditching the car during your stay.
- With a car: ≈1.5 hrs (≈70 km) from Milan to Bellagio/Varenna, but expect scarce, expensive parking; most travellers park and switch to ferries.
Practical Tips
- Arrive at lake villages by ~10:30: to get a full day before ferries and streets clog; ferries run on set schedules, so plan hops around the timetable.
- An overnight transforms the experience — villages empty out after the day-trippers' last ferries.
- Como is the luxury/refined lake — budget accordingly; it skews pricier than Garda.
Notable Insights
What Travellers Say
- Recurring verdict across blogs: "We prefer Lake Como over Lake Garda" for scenery and a more traditional feel, and Como is the easier of the two to enjoy car-free (compact, ferry-linked). Garda, by contrast, is bigger, more family/activity-oriented, and rewards a car.
- Untold Italy frames the choice cleanly: Como suits higher budgets and those wanting "the Italian-luxe lifestyle"; if you can't decide, split your time between the two.