The Best Things to Do on Lake Como

If you are searching for the best things to do lake como offers, you are in good company. This slender, inverted-Y-shaped lake in Italy's Lombardy region pairs snow-dusted alpine peaks with palm-fringed promenades, grand villas, and villages that tumble down to the water in layers of ochre and terracotta. Whether you have a single day trip from Milan or a relaxed long weekend, Lake Como rewards visitors with a rare mix of glamour and genuine mountain calm. In this guide we cover the towns worth prioritising, the villas and gardens that made the lake famous, the boat trips that stitch it all together, and the practical details of getting there and getting around.

The Main Towns of Lake Como

Lake Como is really a collection of characterful villages, and choosing which to visit shapes your whole trip. Como, at the southern tip of the western branch, is the largest town and the usual arrival point by train. Its walled old centre, the striped marble Cathedral (Duomo di Como), and a lively lakefront make it an easy base with plenty of restaurants and shops.

Bellagio, known as the "Pearl of the Lake", sits dramatically at the point where the lake's two southern arms meet. Steep cobbled staircases lined with boutiques and gelaterias climb between the harbour and the upper town, and the views across the water are among the most photographed in Italy. Across the water, Varenna on the eastern shore is quieter and wonderfully romantic, with a car-free lakeside walkway called the Passeggiata degli Innamorati (the Lovers' Walk).

Menaggio, on the western shore, has a breezy, open feel with a broad promenade and is a handy hub for buses heading toward Switzerland and the higher valleys. Neighbouring Tremezzo and the Tremezzina stretch are famous for grand gardens and some of the lake's finest views back toward Bellagio.

Villas & Gardens

No visit is complete without at least one of the lake's legendary villas. Villa del Balbianello, near Lenno, occupies a wooded promontory with terraced gardens, loggias, and sweeping panoramas; film fans may recognise it from productions including a James Bond film and a Star Wars entry. It is managed by Italy's FAI heritage trust, and access is typically by boat or a short walk.

Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo is celebrated for its botanical gardens, which burst with azaleas and rhododendrons in spring, alongside a collection of sculpture and art inside the house. Villa Melzi in Bellagio offers elegant English-style gardens running along the shoreline, with a serpentine path, statues, and a tranquil water setting.

A quick but important note: villa and garden opening seasons vary considerably, and many close over the winter months or keep reduced hours in shoulder season. Always confirm the current schedule directly with each property before you plan your day, as dates and access arrangements change from year to year.

On the Water: Boat Trips & the Funicular

The most enjoyable way to experience Lake Como is from the water itself. Public ferries and hydrofoils connect the central towns, and the so-called Centro Lago triangle between Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, and the Tremezzina is served frequently, making island-hopping between villages simple and scenic. Car ferries also run across the central section if you are driving.

For something more special, private boat hire and small-group cruises let you glide past waterfront villas and hidden coves at your own pace, often with a skipper who knows the best light for photos. Even a short crossing rewards you with perspectives of the mountains and shoreline that you simply cannot get from land.

Back on dry land in Como, ride the historic funicular to Brunate, a hillside village perched above the town. The short climb delivers a broad panorama over the lake and, on clear days, toward the Alps. From Brunate you can continue on foot to the lighthouse (Faro Voltiano) for an even wider view.

Hiking & the Outdoors

Beyond the promenades, Lake Como is a genuine outdoor playground. The Greenway del Lago di Como is a gentle, well-marked route linking villages along the western shore through gardens, old villas, and lakeside paths, ideal for walkers who want scenery without steep climbs. More ambitious hikers head for the ridge trails above Brunate or the higher peaks flanking the lake, where alpine refuges reward the effort with dramatic viewpoints.

In spring and autumn the weather is generally comfortable for walking, while summer brings warmth for swimming at lidos and pebbly beaches. Whatever the season, sturdy shoes and a light layer are worth packing, as lakeside temperatures can shift quickly when the breeze picks up.

Quick Town Guide

Use this at-a-glance table to match each town to what you are looking for on your trip.

Getting There & Around

Lake Como is remarkably close to Milan, which makes it one of Italy's easiest lakes to reach. Trains run from Milan's central stations to Como in well under an hour, and to Varenna a little further up the eastern shore. If you are flying in, Malpensa is the nearest major airport, roughly an hour's drive from the southern lakeshore depending on traffic, while Milan Linate and Bergamo Orio al Serio are also within reach.

For total flexibility, especially with luggage or an early flight, a private transfer is the most comfortable choice. A door-to-door Milan to Lake Como taxi removes the need to change trains, and our Milan chauffeur service can collect you directly from the airport. Once you are on the lake, ferries handle most village-to-village travel, local buses connect the western shore, and a guided Lake Como tour is an efficient way to see the highlights without planning every connection yourself.

Where to Stay: Choosing Your Base

Where you sleep shapes the rhythm of your trip. Base yourself in Como town for the widest choice of hotels, dining, and rail links, ideal if you want a busier, more urban feel. Choose Bellagio for the classic postcard experience and central access to ferries across the Centro Lago, though it can be busy in peak season. Varenna suits couples seeking a slower, intimate stay with excellent train access, while Menaggio and the Tremezzina work well for garden lovers and travellers who value a relaxed western-shore setting. Wherever you land, aim to stay near a ferry stop so the whole lake stays within easy reach.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do on Lake Como in one day?

With a single day, focus on the Centro Lago: arrive in Como or Varenna, take a ferry to Bellagio for its cobbled lanes and views, and add one garden or villa if time allows. A boat crossing plus a walk through one village gives you the essence of the lake.

Which town on Lake Como is best to visit?

It depends on your style. Bellagio offers the iconic scenery, Varenna is quieter and romantic, Como is the liveliest and easiest base, and Menaggio suits families. Many visitors combine two or three by ferry in a single trip.

How do I get from Milan to Lake Como?

Trains run from central Milan to Como in under an hour, and to Varenna a little further along the eastern shore. For door-to-door comfort, especially with luggage, a private transfer takes you straight to your hotel without changes.

How far is Malpensa airport from Lake Como?

Malpensa is roughly an hour's drive from the southern lakeshore, though the exact time depends on traffic and your destination on the lake. A private airport transfer is the simplest option after a long flight.

Do I need a car to get around Lake Como?

No. Frequent ferries link the main towns, buses serve the western shore, and trains reach Como and Varenna. Roads around the lake are narrow and parking is limited, so many visitors find boats and pre-arranged transfers more relaxing than driving.

Are the villas and gardens open all year?

Not always. Opening seasons vary between properties, and several villas and gardens close or reduce their hours over winter and in shoulder season. Always confirm the current schedule directly with each villa before planning your visit.

What is the funicular to Brunate?

It is a historic hillside railway that climbs from Como town up to the village of Brunate in just a few minutes. From the top you get sweeping views over the lake, and you can walk further to a lighthouse viewpoint on clear days.

When is the best time to visit Lake Como?

Late spring and early autumn are ideal, with comfortable weather, blooming gardens, and fewer crowds than midsummer. Summer is warm and busy with full ferry schedules, while winter is quiet but many attractions run limited hours.