Your 2026 Lake Como travel guide — the best airports and transfers, how to get around by ferry, the top towns to visit, and hidden gems most tourists miss.
Glittering water framed by mountains, elegant villas, and pastel villages tumbling to the shore — Lake Como is one of Italy's most enchanting destinations, and 2026 will see it busier than ever. This complete Lake Como travel guide covers the essentials most visitors get wrong: which airport to fly into, how to reach the lake smoothly, how to get around once you're there, and the hidden gems beyond the famous names.
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Book a Lake Como Transfer →Getting to Lake Como: Which Airport?
Lake Como has no airport of its own, but it's well served by Milan's three. In fact, Malpensa is often closer to the lake than to central Milan.
| Airport | Drive time to Como | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Milan Malpensa (MXP) | ~50–60 min | Best for international flights |
| Milan Linate (LIN) | ~60 min | Closest to central Milan |
| Bergamo (BGY) | ~60–75 min | Low-cost carriers |
From any of them, a private airport transfer reaches the lake in about an hour with no changes — ideal with luggage. See our detailed Milan to Lake Como guide and Milan airport transfer options.
Transfers & Getting Around the Lake
The lake is shaped like an inverted Y, and the prettiest "centre lake" villages — Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio — are a fair way from Como town. Your best options:
- Private transfer to your base town — the easiest arrival, especially for the mid-lake villages. See our Lake Como transfers.
- Ferries — both transport and attraction; the scenic way to hop between villages.
- Train to Como or Varenna, then ferries — good for the budget-minded.
A private chauffeur is the most flexible way to explore for a day, especially if you're combining the lake with Milan.
The Best Towns to Visit
- Bellagio — the "pearl of the lake", with cobbled lanes and gardens.
- Varenna — romantic, quieter, with easy rail-then-ferry access.
- Como town — lively, with a cathedral and the Brunate funicular.
- Tremezzo — home to Villa Carlotta's botanical gardens.
- Menaggio — a relaxed centre-lake base with great connections.
Hidden Gems Most Tourists Miss
- Villa del Balbianello (Lenno) — cinematic terraced gardens jutting into the water.
- Nesso — a tiny village with a postcard waterfall and stone bridge.
- Sacro Monte di Ossuccio — a peaceful UNESCO hillside of chapels with lake views.
- Pizzo di Cernobbio — a short hike rewarded with sweeping panoramas.
- Comacina Island — the lake's only island, steeped in history.
When to Visit
Lake Como is loveliest from April to October, when ferries run frequently and the villa gardens are open. May–June and September offer warm weather without the August crush. Winter is quiet, with some villas and ferry routes scaling back, so confirm opening times if travelling off-season.
Make Lake Como effortless — book a private transfer from the airport and a chauffeur for the day, and spend your time on the water, not in stations. Request your quote.
Plan Your Lake Como Trip →Frequently Asked Questions
Which airport is best for Lake Como?
Milan Malpensa is best for international flights and is often closer to the lake than central Milan, reaching Como in about 50–60 minutes. Linate and Bergamo are alternatives depending on your flight.
How do I get from Milan to Lake Como?
A private transfer is the easiest, around an hour door-to-door with no changes — ideal with luggage or for the mid-lake villages. Trains to Como or Varenna plus ferries are a good budget option.
What's the best way to get around Lake Como?
Ferries are both transport and a highlight, linking the centre-lake villages scenically. A private driver adds flexibility for day trips, while trains serve Como and Varenna.
Which is the best town to stay in on Lake Como?
Bellagio and Varenna offer the classic centre-lake scenery; Como town is liveliest and easiest by train; Menaggio is a relaxed, well-connected base. First-timers often love Varenna or Bellagio.
When is the best time to visit Lake Como?
April to October, with May–June and September offering warm weather and fewer crowds than peak August. Villa gardens and ferries operate fully in this window.
What are Lake Como's hidden gems?
Seek out Villa del Balbianello, the waterfall village of Nesso, Comacina Island, and the UNESCO chapels of Sacro Monte di Ossuccio — all quieter than the headline towns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airport is best for Lake Como?+−
How do I get from Milan to Lake Como?+−
What's the best way to get around Lake Como?+−
Which is the best town to stay in on Lake Como?+−
When is the best time to visit Lake Como?+−
What are Lake Como's hidden gems?+−
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Written by
Italy Taxi Service Team
Expert travel writers sharing firsthand knowledge about transportation, airport transfers, and city navigation across Italy.
