Table of Contents

Welcome to Lake Como

Located in northern Italy, in the region of Lombardy, right at the foothills of the Alps, Lake Como is an entire experience. It’s huge (much bigger than we imagined), surrounded by charming villages, dramatic mountains, and some of the most stunning viewpoints you’ll ever see.

We spent time exploring the different villages around the lake. We decided to rent a car to move around more freely, and the whole time, there was this feeling of peace, like everything just slowed down. And if you’re someone who loves those views that make you stop, sit down with a coffee, and just stare for a moment, you’re going to fall in love with this place.

There’s also this quiet luxury vibe. Not in a flashy way, but more like… elegant, effortless. You see these stunning villas, boats moving slowly across the lake, cafés with unreal views… and everything just feels calm, beautiful, and intentional.

Best time to Visit

We visited Lake Como for the first time in April, and honestly… it felt like the perfect timing. The weather was exactly what you want, fresh mornings, warm sunny days (around 15–20°C), and perfect for being outside all day. What surprised us most was how peaceful it felt. Even the popular spots weren’t crowded, and everything was already turning beautifully green, with some flowers starting to bloom.

After speaking with locals, we learned that May is when everything fully comes to life, but also when the crowds start to arrive. So if you’re wondering about the best time to visit, I’d say April to early June is ideal for that perfect balance of good weather, beauty, and fewer people. And if you prefer a warmer, more golden atmosphere, September to early October is also a beautiful option. One important thing to keep in mind: Lake Como is an extremely popular destination, and it gets booked up well in advance. Make sure to plan ahead, especially when it comes to your accommodation and activities, to avoid missing out.

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Language & Communication

When it comes to language in Lake Como, the main language spoken is Italian. But honestly, we didn’t have any issues communicating. In most places—especially restaurants, cafés, and hotels, people spoke English and were very used to tourists, which made everything really easy for us. In a few more local spots, it can be a bit trickier… But even then, people were kind and patient, and somehow it always worked out.

Where to Stay

When visiting Lake Como, where you stay can really shape your experience, and for us, splitting it was the best decision.

We stayed in Bellagio for 3 days at Il Perlo Hotel, and it was such a perfect base. The location felt central, with beautiful spots all around and easy access to the ferry. From there, we were able to explore places like Varenna, Tremezzo, and Menaggio, all just a short ferry ride away. Everything felt close, charming, and easy to move between.

For our last night, we stayed in Como, the main city, and it was a completely different vibe. Bigger, more lively, with more restaurants, amenities, and a bit more nightlife. Honestly, we loved both experiences. Bellagio gave us that peaceful, postcard-like feeling and easy access to the most iconic spots, while Como felt more vibrant and local.

Getting around

  • Transportation around Lake Como adapts to different travel styles. Ferries are one of the best ways to move between towns. They run frequently throughout the day, and even though the lines can look long, they fit a lot of people, so everything moves faster than you’d expect. Plus, the views from the ferry are unreal. Buses are a more affordable option and connect many areas, though they can be a bit slow.

    We decided to rent a car. The prices were actually really affordable, and you can even take your car on the ferry, which makes everything so much easier. Driving around the lake can take longer than you expect, but honestly, we loved the freedom it gave us to explore at our own pace.

    The only thing to keep in mind is that roads can be very narrow and winding, especially around the lake, so if you’re a newer driver, just take it easy. Parking was a mix, sometimes easy, sometimes a bit more challenging in popular areas. But with a little patience, or by parking a bit further and walking, it always works out. And most parking spots were also quite cheap.

  • Car Rental
    This was our choice to explore Lake Como. It’s affordable, gives you total freedom, and you can even bring your car on the ferry.

    Ferries
    The best (and most scenic) way to get around Lake Como. Regular ferries connect towns like Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio. Expect some waiting time during busy hours, but ferries are quite spacious and carry a lot of people.

    City Bus
    A budget-friendly option to explore the area, but be prepared for longer waiting times, especially in peak season.

    Ride-Hailing Apps
    Available, but can be expensive and limited depending on the area.

Food and Culture

When it comes to the culture in Lake Como, I’ll be honest, it feels very curated and elegant. There’s this quiet luxury in the air… everything looks beautiful, intentional, and well taken care of. It’s not loud or overwhelming, just calm, refined, and a bit of a “rich lifestyle” without trying too hard.

And then there’s the food… You’ll find pizza and pasta pretty much at every location, and honestly, it never disappoints. It’s simple, fresh, and just really good. And gelato? Everywhere. At some point, it just becomes part of your daily routine without even thinking about it. Better to plan in some extra gym sessions after the vacation. We also tried some local wine, and it was really good, perfect to enjoy with a view of the lake, just taking everything in.

6 must-visit towns in Lake Como

  • By far one of the must-visit places in Lake Como. It’s home to the famous Salita Serbelloni street and Villa Melzi. There are plenty of restaurants, shops, and things to do, but what really stands out are the viewpoints; they’re just incredible. It definitely feels more popular, but for a reason.

  • Varenna feels more peaceful and romantic, but also a bit more touristy at the same time. You’ll find more restaurants and really pretty streets to walk around, especially along the water. It can feel slightly more crowded than other towns. Varenna is also home to the beautiful Villa Monastero, which is definitely worth visiting.

  • Nesso is a small village and feels much more local. This is where you’ll find the famous Orrido di Nesso, a small stone bridge with a beautiful waterfall flowing into the lake. It’s simple but really special, and a great stop if you’re looking for something less touristy. Just keep in mind there are a lot of stairs to reach it (and back up), but it’s worth it, and you can also see it by boat for a different perspective.

  • Como is the main city of the lake, offering a more lively and urban vibe. With more restaurants, shops, and nightlife, it’s a great base if you want a mix of lake views and city energy.

  • Lenno is such a charming town and feels less touristy overall. The views from here were actually some of our favorites. It’s also very close to the famous Villa Balbianello, and the whole area has a really relaxed, beautiful lakeside atmosphere.

  • Menaggio has a more local feel, with a relaxed vibe and a nice promenade by the lake. It’s less crowded than some of the other towns, which makes it a great place to slow down a bit. It still has enough cafés and spots to enjoy, without feeling too busy.

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Must-Do Activities in Lake Como

  • Boat Tour

    One of the best things you can do on Lake Como. Seeing the lake from the water gives you a completely different perspective, it’s even more beautiful, and it was such an incredible experience. The views all around are just unreal and something you really shouldn’t miss.

  • Villa Monastero

    One of the most beautiful villas you can visit. It has a long lakeside path surrounded by stunning gardens and flowers. It’s located in Varenna, and lines can get quite long, so we recommend booking your ticket online to skip the wait. Right next to it, you’ll also find Villa Cipressi.

  • Villa Balbianello

    A truly stunning villa, and yes, this is the famous one from Star Wars, which makes it even more special to visit. It gets very busy, and access is limited, so we highly recommend booking tickets in advance. Also, wear comfortable shoes, as there’s some walking involved.

  • Parco Civico Teresio Olivelli in Tremezzo

    A beautiful lakeside park in Tremezzo that feels calm, peaceful, and so easy to enjoy. It’s free to enter, perfect for sitting, relaxing, and taking in the views. And right next to Villa Carlotta, it’s one of those spots that feels effortlessly scenic.

  • Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta - Duomo di Como

    An amazing church right in the centre of Como. It’s one of those places that instantly makes you stop and look up, the architecture is beautiful both inside and out.

  • Villa Melzi

    We absolutely loved this villa in Bellagio. It’s peaceful, beautifully maintained, and the views along the path are just incredible. The walk takes around 45–60 minutes, and every corner feels special, full of greenery, unique trees, and perfectly cared-for gardens. It’s right by the lake, which makes it even more magical.

  • Orrido di Bellano

    Orrido di Bellano is one of those places that feels a bit different from everything else around the lake. It’s a natural gorge with wooden walkways built through it, where you walk between high rock walls and rushing water below. Entrance is around €7/Each. It’s not a long visit, but it’s definitely worth it.

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FAQs

Is Lake Como safe?

Yes, Lake Como is generally very safe, especially in the smaller villages where everything feels calm and relaxed. In bigger areas like Como, we’d recommend being a bit more mindful of your belongings. But overall, we always felt safe, both walking around and even when parking the car.

How many days do I need in Lake Como?

We’d recommend 2–3 days. The villages are quite small and easy to explore, so it’s perfect for a weekend-style trip. The place is absolutely beautiful, but you do get to see most of it faster than you might expect.

What should I wear in Lake Como?

It really depends on the season, but one thing is essential, comfortable shoes. You’ll be walking a lot, sometimes on stairs or uneven paths. Style-wise, Lake Como has this relaxed elegance. You’ll see people dressed nicely, with flowy dresses, linen outfits, and soft, colourful tones. It’s not overly formal, but definitely more polished than casual.

Do I need an eSIM or SIM card in Lake Como?

Using an eSIM is honestly one of the easiest ways to stay connected in Lake Como. It works as soon as you arrive, no need to find a store or swap physical SIM cards. Coverage is reliable across the lake, which makes it super convenient for maps, bookings, and staying online during your trip. (You can use the code SPECIAL5 to save 5%.)