Day 1
Como & the Brunate funicular
Explore Como's old town, its striped marble cathedral and lakeside promenade. In the afternoon ride the funicular up to Brunate for the panorama, then aperitivo and dinner by the water.
Lake Como lies like an inverted Y in the foothills of the Alps, a ribbon of ink-blue water framed by steep, terraced slopes. Centuries-old villas, cypresses and citrus gardens tumble down to the shore, while snow-capped peaks stand guard above.
This is a lake for slow days: ferries glide between pastel villages, botanical gardens burst into bloom, and waterside trattorias serve lake fish. Elegant but never frantic, Como blends Italian dolce far niente with alpine drama.
Itinerary
Day 2
Centre-lake villas
Take the ferry to Tremezzo for Villa Carlotta and its botanical gardens, then on to Lenno for Villa del Balbianello. End the day in Bellagio, wandering the stepped lanes at sunset.
Day 3
Varenna & the eastern shore
Cross by ferry to Varenna, stroll its romantic lakeside walkway and visit the gardens of Villa Monastero. Lose yourself in the coloured lanes and eat lake fish with the view back to Bellagio.
Highlights
🏛️Landmark
Villa del Balbianello
A romantic villa on a wooded spur near Lenno, with terraced gardens, sculpted fig trees and a loggia hanging over the water. It has starred in Star Wars and James Bond, and is loveliest reached by boat from Lenno.
🏘️Neighbourhood
Bellagio
The "Pearl of the Lake", perched on the point where Como splits into two arms, all steep cobbled lanes and pink and ochre houses. Wander the stepped alleys, browse the silk shops and settle in for an aperitivo by the water.
🖼️Museum
Villa Carlotta
A baroque palace in Tremezzo wrapped in a botanical garden of azaleas, rhododendrons and ancient camphor trees. Inside hang masterpieces by Canova and Hayez; outside, the view opens across the lake to Bellagio.
🌄Viewpoint
Brunate & the funicular
A century-old funicular climbs steeply from Como up to the hillside village of Brunate, the "balcony of the Alps". From the top the view sweeps over terracotta rooftops, the lake's arm and, on clear days, all the way to Monte Rosa.
✨Experience
Ferry across the centre of the lake
The classic Lake Como experience is hopping the public ferries between Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio and Tremezzo. This "centre lake" route links the prettiest villages and villas and hands you the best views of all, straight from the water.
🌿Nature
Villa Monastero, Varenna
A two-kilometre botanical garden strung along the shore at Varenna, lined with cypresses, palms and citrus trees. Follow the lakeside path past statues and a waterfront loggia, then lose yourself in Varenna's coloured lanes.
Neighbourhoods
Como
The busy town at the southern tip, with a marble cathedral, a lakeside promenade and the funicular up to Brunate. The best base if you arrive by train and want city life with a lake view.
Bellagio
The "Pearl of the Lake" at the tip of the peninsula where the lake splits, all stepped lanes, silk shops and gardens. Elegant and popular — ideal as a central base for ferry trips in every direction.
Varenna
A tiny, colourful fishing village on the eastern shore, quieter than Bellagio and on the rail line. Perfect for romantic lakeside walks and the gardens of Villa Monastero.
Menaggio
A lively town on the western shore with a sunny piazza and good links towards Lugano and the mountains. A good choice for hikers and anyone wanting a more relaxed, less touristy base.
Where to eat
Perch risotto
Creamy risotto crowned with perch fillets fried in butter and sage, the classic lake dish. Order it at a waterside trattoria, with the lake in view.
Missoltini
Shad (agone) sun-dried and salted, then briefly grilled and served with polenta. An earthy, traditional taste from the lake's fishing villages.
Polenta uncia
Buckwheat and maize polenta layered with melted butter, garlic and mountain cheese. Hearty mountain cooking, ideal on cooler evenings.
Terre Lariane wine
Light reds and whites from the slopes around the lake, often under the Terre Lariane IGT. Ask for the local carafe with your aperitivo before ordering the lake fish.
Good to know
Best time to visit
Spring (April–June) is magical, when azaleas and rhododendrons bloom in the villa gardens. September and early October bring warm light and thinner crowds; high summer is busy and humid, and many properties close from November to March.
Getting around
Ferries and hydrofoils are the heart of the lake: the "centre lake" route links Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio and Tremezzo, and some ferries also carry cars. Trains reach Como and Varenna directly from Milan, while the shore roads are narrow and winding — leave the car and take the boat.
- Currency
- EUR €
- Languages
- Italian
How much does Lake Como cost?
A realistic daily budget per person, in three styles.
Backpacker€70per person / day
Mid-range€150per person / day
Comfort€300per person / day
Lake Como is generally considered a moderately expensive destination.
Local tips
- ✓Buy a centre-lake day ferry pass — it's cheaper than paying for each crossing separately.
- ✓Avoid driving the shore roads at rush hour; they're narrow and jammed — take the boat instead.
- ✓Visit the villa gardens early in the morning to beat the tour coaches and the midday heat.
