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Lake Como is a long, narrow glacial lake in Lombardy, shaped like an inverted Y and framed by steep, wooded mountains that rise toward the Alps. Grand villas and gardens line its shores, many built by aristocrats and wealthy families from the seventeenth to nineteenth centuries, while small villages cling to the slopes between them.
The city of Como, at the southwestern tip, has a Gothic and Renaissance cathedral, a walkable old town and a lakefront promenade, with a funicular climbing to Brunate for wide views. Heading up the lake, the village of Nesso is known for its gorge and waterfall. Bellagio, on the point where the lake's arms meet, is the classic stop, and the gardens of Villa Melzi stretch along the shore nearby. Across the water, Varenna has a small harbor and lanes leading up to Castello di Vezio, while Menaggio is a lively base on the western shore. Villa del Balbianello, on a wooded promontory, and Villa Carlotta, known for its spring azaleas and rhododendrons, are the best-known villa visits.
Ferries are the best way to get around, and the triangle formed by Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio makes a convenient base. The lake suits couples and travelers who enjoy gardens, slow days and scenic boat rides. Many hotels and services close or reduce hours in winter.
WiserMap travel guideLake Como Italy Bellagio Grand Villas and Ferry HopsExplore Lake Como: Bellagio, Varenna, Villa del Balbianello, Villa Carlotta, Como and the Brunate funicular, plus ferries, trains, lake fish and when to go.Read the guide
The marble Duomo of Como, built over more than three centuries and mixing Gothic and Renaissance styles, with tapestries, carved altars and a large dome. It anchors the walled old town of narrow lanes and squares. Entry is free, and the lakefront is a few minutes' walk away.
A funicular railway running since 1894 from the Como lakefront up to the hill village of Brunate in about seven minutes. At the top, walk to the Volta lighthouse tower and viewpoints over the lake and on clear days the Alps. Buy a return ticket at the lower station.
The village at the tip of the promontory where the lake's three arms meet, with stepped lanes of shops, lakeside cafes and grand villas. It is the main hub for the car ferries to Varenna and Menaggio. Stay into the evening when the day-trip crowds leave.
A small village on the eastern shore with colorful houses, a lakeside walkway called the Passeggiata degli Innamorati and the gardens of Villa Monastero. It has a train station on the Milan line, making it an easy base without a car. Ferries link it to Bellagio in minutes.
A lively town on the western shore with a lakeside promenade, a lido for swimming and a pretty old center. It is a good base for walks into the hills and for ferries across to Bellagio and Varenna. Buses run from here to Lake Lugano and Como.
A small village on the Como to Bellagio road known for the Orrido di Nesso, a deep gorge where two streams fall into the lake beside a stone bridge. Steep steps lead down from the road to the old bridge. Parking is very limited along the main road, so arrive by boat if you can.
Lakeside English-style gardens of a neoclassical villa just south of Bellagio, with azaleas, rhododendrons, old trees, a Japanese pond and statues. The villa itself is private, but the gardens, chapel and a small museum are open in season. It is an easy flat walk from the village.
An 18th-century villa on a wooded headland near Lenno, with terraced gardens, a loggia and famous lake views used in several films. The villa interior is seen on guided tours with collections from explorer Guido Monzino. Arrive by water taxi from Lenno or walk the path from the village.
A villa and botanical garden in Tremezzo with sculptures by Canova and Thorvaldsen inside and terraced gardens full of azaleas, rhododendrons and camellias outside. Spring is the best season for flowers. The ferry stop at Cadenabbia is a short walk away.
A medieval watchtower and castle on the hill above Varenna with views over the central lake. Falconry demonstrations take place in the grounds, and there are ghostly plaster figures in the garden. Reach it on a steep 20-minute path from Varenna, and check opening days first.
The only island on Lake Como, with the ruins of medieval churches destroyed in the 12th century among olive trees. A short boat ride from Sala Comacina or Ossuccio gets you there. A small entry fee applies, and the Locanda dell'Isola restaurant serves a set menu.
A marked walking route of about 10 kilometers along the western shore between Colonno and Griante, passing old villages, churches and villa gardens. It is mostly easy with some climbs. Walk one way and return by ferry or bus, and wear good shoes on the cobbled lanes.
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