When I first set eyes on Lake Como, I knew I had arrived at a place unlike any other. With its shimmering waters framed by rugged mountains and quaint towns dotting its shores, it’s no wonder this Italian gem draws visitors from around the world.
But with so many spots to explore, how do you choose the best Lake Como towns to visit?
As I stepped off the ferry onto the cobblestone streets of Varenna I knew my journey to discover the best towns to visit in Lake Como had begun. Join me as I share my personal experiences and insights into the best places on Lake Como you don’t want to miss, each one with its own personality and uniqueness making them worthy of visiting.
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The 3 Best Lake Como Towns: The Must-Sees
Worth the visit, I recommend you prioritize seeing these three best towns in 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 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 and Villa Cipressi and its botanical gardens
- The medieval Castello di Veziois perched on the hill above the town
Como: 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 highlights:
- 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
Lake Como Villages: 3 Gems
After you’ve visited Como, Bellagio and Varenna, you have the time, I recommend you visit these under-the-radar places.
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-only 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 ever so famously have appeared in many movies.
Tips for Visiting These Towns on Lake Como
Bellagio, Varenna, Como
Starting in Como I recommend you take a bus to Bellagio (about 70 minutes), then enjoy a ferry ride from Bellagio to Varenna (15 minutes), finishing with a return ferry to Como (about 120 minutes).
Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, Tremezzo, Lenno, Como
Starting in Como, I recommend you take the bus to Bellagio (about 70 minutes), then hop on a ferry to Varenna (15 minutes), Menaggio (15 minutes), Tremezzo (55 minutes), and Lenno (20 minutes) before returning to Como (75 minutes)
When you buy your ferry tickets, the price varies by the route. Simply look at the schedule of when it stops at your town and be at the port waiting to catch the next ferry.
Final Thoughts
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. Where all there is to really do is to walk, be a little curious and take lots of photos. It’s my kind of travel.
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