The first time I arrived at Lake Como, I understood immediately why travellers have been drawn here for centuries. The lake has a rhythm to it — ferries glide across the water, church bells echo through the hills, and colourful villages seem to rise directly from the shoreline.
But what many travellers don’t realize when planning a trip is that Lake Como isn’t one destination. It’s a collection of distinct towns and villages, each with its own atmosphere and pace.
After decades of travelling throughout Italy — and spending time exploring the lake by ferry, wandering quiet lanes, and lingering in lakeside cafés — I’ve come to believe that some towns on Lake Como capture the spirit of the lake better than others.
I’m sharing what I consider the best places on Lake Como, from iconic towns like Bellagio and Varenna to a few quieter villages that reward travellers willing to slow down and explore a little deeper.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase something through the links, at no additional cost to you. Read my Affiliate Disclosure.
The Lake Como Towns I Recommend Prioritizing
If it’s your first time visiting Lake Como, choosing where to spend your time can feel surprisingly difficult. The lake is dotted with beautiful towns and villages, each with its own character, and it’s impossible to see them all in a single trip.
After exploring the lake by ferry and spending time wandering several of its villages, I’ve found that three towns in particular offer the best introduction to Lake Como.
- Bellagio is elegant and iconic, perched dramatically where the lake splits into two branches.
- Varenna feels quieter and more intimate, with colourful houses and narrow lanes that lead down toward the water.
- Como City, the historic gateway to the lake, offers the atmosphere of a small Italian city along with convenient access to ferries, restaurants, and lakeside promenades.
If your time is limited, I recommend prioritizing these three towns first. Together, they give you a well-rounded introduction to Lake Como.
Bellagio: The Pearl of Lake Como
As I strolled through Bellagio, one of the most famous towns on Lake Como, I quickly understood why it’s called the “Pearl of the Lake.” Perched at the tip of a peninsula where Lake Como splits into two branches, Bellagio’s unique position offers unparalleled views that are nothing short of awe-inspiring.
What sets Bellagio apart is its elegance. The town’s colourful buildings, narrow cobblestone streets (called “salite”), and abundance of gardens are hard to find elsewhere.
As I wandered up Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, the main street of Il Borgo (Bellagio’s center), my eyes were drawn by the charming boutiques and cafes lining the way. I felt like I could have spent hours here going from one to the other, but I knew there was much more to see.
I learned about Bellagio’s history. Dating back to Roman times, the town played a crucial role in shaping Lake Como. In medieval times, Bellagio was even known for inventing a special battlecraft called the “Schifo” to defend against invasions from Como.
Bellagio highlights:
- Villa Serbelloni and its botanical gardens, which include 18 km of winding paths
- Villa Melzi d’Eril and its gardens
- Punta Spartivento, the very tip of Bellagio’s peninsula, offers a great viewpoint
Varenna: A Picturesque Gem
This charming village, with its colourful houses and laid-back atmosphere, quickly stole my heart.
Unlike its more famous neighbour, Bellagio, Varenna retains an authentic feel, free from the crowds that often overwhelm the other lakeside destinations. What sets Varenna apart is its long history, dating back to 769 AD when fishermen founded the village. As I wandered through the narrow alleys, I could almost imagine the medieval traders who once called this place home.
Varenna has a bit of an untouched feel to it. The town’s past can be seen in its well-preserved architecture, particularly the 11th-century Church of San Giorgio. But one of my favourite experiences in Varenna was strolling along the “Walk of Lovers,” a romantic lakeside promenade that offers incredible views.
Varenna highlights:
- Getting lost in the maze of quiet cobbled streets
- Villa Monastero, Villa Cipressi, and its botanical gardens
- The medieval Castello di Veziois perched on the hill above the town
Como City: The Gateway to Lake Como Villages
This city, which gave its name to the lake, serves as the main gateway for everyone visiting Lake Como and offers a unique experience compared to its smaller, more quaint towns.
Como offers a great modern, small-city feel with the charm of lakeside living. While the town might lack the quiet, quaint village charm of other places on Lake Como, it makes up for it in other ways. It’s the hub for shopping, dining and transportation. From here, ferries, buses, and trains fan out to the various Lake Como villages, making it an ideal base.
I chose Como as my home base, staying at the lovely Alessia’s Place, and never regretted the decision – having multiple dining options and easy access to transportation made my Lake Como experience easy.
I enjoyed returning to Como after a long day of sightseeing, enjoying an aperitivo on Piazza Volta as I people-watched with the sun slowly fading behind the mountains.
- Como Duomo, a Gothic-Renaissance cathedral that took nearly four centuries to complete
- Silk Museum, Como has been a major silk producer since the 16th century, and even today, it’s known for its high-quality silk products (which you can see in all the shops)
- Funicular to Brunate for an incredible view of the lake
Three Beautiful Lake Como Towns Many Travellers Miss
Once you’ve visited the well-known towns of Bellagio, Varenna, and Como, you might think you’ve seen the best of Lake Como. But part of the lake’s charm is that some of its most rewarding places are the ones travellers overlook.
During my time exploring the lake by ferry, I discovered that a few smaller towns offered something different — a quieter atmosphere, fewer crowds, and moments that felt more connected to everyday life along the lake.
If you have the time to explore beyond the most famous stops, these three towns are well worth adding to your itinerary. Each offers a slightly different perspective on Lake Como, from elegant gardens to relaxed lakeside promenades.
Menaggio
Menaggio is a lively village. The town’s heart is Piazza Garibaldi, a beautiful square right on the lake where I enjoyed a gelato while people-watching.
What sets Menaggio apart is its appeal to outdoor enthusiasts. After making a quick stop here, I realized this is a town to visit to take advantage of the numerous hiking and biking trails in the area. It’s also the place to come to play a round of golf at the Menaggio & Cadenabbia Golf Club, one of Italy’s oldest and most prestigious courses.
Instead, I walked along the lakefront promenade, which was particularly charming as I waited to catch the next ferry.
Tremezzo
Tremezzo’s elegant lakefront and gardens are sure to impress.
The highlight of this town is undoubtedly Villa Carlotta, a 17th-century villa surrounded by its botanical gardens with strolling paths lined with seasonal blooming flowers.
Another highlight of Tremezzo is the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, with its floating “T-Beach” on the lake. While guests can access the private beach, you can treat yourself to a drink at the champagne bar.
The town itself has a relaxed vibe, with inviting lakeside cafes, and this is where I grabbed a drink, soaking in views of Bellagio and the Grigne mountains.
Lenno
The town itself is small but charming. I enjoyed wandering along the lakeside promenade, where I found quiet spots to sit and take in the view stretching from Punta Balbianello to Bellagio. I eventually made my way to the historic center, known as Villa. Narrow streets lined with colourful houses wind around the ancient Church of Saint Stephen.
If you have the luxury of time, one of the highlights of Lenno is the Villa del Balbianello, where you can visit the elegant rooms and grounds that have ever so famously appeared in many movies.
How Many Lake Como Towns Should You Visit?
One of the most common questions travellers ask when planning a trip to Lake Como is how many towns they should try to see.
The temptation is to pack in as many villages as possible. After all, the lake is dotted with beautiful places, and ferries make it easy to move between them. But in my experience, Lake Como is best enjoyed at a slower pace.
Rather than rushing from town to town, I recommend choosing a few places and giving yourself time to wander — to sit at a lakeside café, stroll quiet streets, and enjoy the rhythm of the lake.
Here’s a simple way to think about it when planning your visit:
| If you have… | I recommend visiting… |
|---|---|
| 1 day | Bellagio and Varenna — these two towns sit directly across from each other and are easy to connect by ferry. |
| 2 days | Bellagio, Varenna, and one quieter town, such as Menaggio or Tremezzo. |
| 3 days or more | Bellagio, Varenna, and two or three smaller towns like Menaggio, Tremezzo, or Lenno. This allows time to explore without feeling rushed. |
In practice, many travellers also choose one town as a base and take ferries to explore the others. Watching the villages slowly appear from the water is part of what makes Lake Como special.
If you allow yourself the time to move slowly between towns, you’ll experience far more of the lake’s charm than if you try to see everything in a single day.
Tips for Visiting Lake Como Towns
One thing I learned quickly while exploring Lake Como is that how you move between towns can shape your experience of the lake.
Many travellers take ferries in both directions, but I actually found it worked better to start by road and then return by water. The bus ride from Como to Bellagio winds along the lake with beautiful views, and saving the ferry for later means you get to experience the lake from the water when you’re already immersed in the scenery.
Here are two routes I found worked particularly well when visiting several towns in a single day.
| Route Idea | Suggested Journey |
|---|---|
| Classic Lake Como Triangle | Start in Como, take the bus to Bellagio (about 70 minutes), then enjoy a short ferry ride to Varenna (15 minutes). Finish with the long scenic ferry back to Como (about 2 hours). |
| Extended Lake Tour | From Como, take the bus to Bellagio, then continue by ferry to Varenna, Menaggio, Tremezzo, and Lenno before returning to Como by ferry. |
A few practical tips that made exploring the lake easier:
- Check ferry schedules before you start exploring a town. Knowing the departure times helps you avoid rushing or waiting too long at the dock.
- Ferry prices vary depending on the route and boat type, so simply check the schedule for the next departure that stops at your destination.
- Allow extra time between stops. Part of the magic of Lake Como is the journey itself — watching villages slowly appear along the shoreline as the ferry moves across the water.
Some of my favourite moments on Lake Como were simply standing on the ferry deck, watching the towns slowly come into view across the water.
Why Lake Como Rewards Slow Travel
Lake Como isn’t a place to rush.
In hindsight, I wish I had more time in Lake Como, more than just a weekend getaway. It’s a destination that is perfect for slow travellers. All there is to really do is to walk, be a little curious and take lots of photos. It’s my kind of travel.
While Bellagio and Varenna may capture the spotlight, part of the magic of Lake Como is discovering the smaller towns that give the lake its character.
If you allow yourself time to explore beyond just one stop, you’ll begin to understand why travellers have been returning to Lake Como for generations.
And once you experience that rhythm, it becomes the kind of place you’ll want to return to again and again.
For more insights on exploring Europe at a slower pace, you can also join my newsletter, where I share thoughtful travel ideas, destination guides, and practical tips to help you plan your next trip.
FAQ About the Best Places on Lake Como
What is the most beautiful town on Lake Como?
Many travellers consider Bellagio the most beautiful town on Lake Como because of its dramatic position where the lake splits into two branches. That said, I personally think it is the quieter town of Varenna that was more beautiful.
Which side of Lake Como is better to visit?
The central lake area around Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio is the best area to visit because it offers the most scenic views and easy ferry connections between towns. This part of the lake also gives you access to some of the most famous villas and gardens.
Is Lake Como better as a day trip or an overnight stay?
Lake Como can be visited as a day trip, especially from Milan, but staying at least one or two nights allows you to experience the lake at a slower pace. Early mornings and evenings, when day-trippers leave, are often the most peaceful and memorable times.
Which Lake Como town is the least touristy?
While no town on Lake Como is completely undiscovered, smaller places like Lenno or Menaggio tend to feel more relaxed than the most famous towns. Visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon can also make even popular towns feel much quieter.
Which Lake Como Town Should You Visit First?
If it’s your first visit, I recommend starting with Bellagio or Varenna. Both sit in the most scenic part of the lake and are easy to connect by ferry. Bellagio offers iconic views and elegant villas, while Varenna feels quieter and more intimate.
