On Lake Como, leisure gets an upgrade. You can sip a Negroni in a centuries-old piazza, hike up to a castle before lunch, and still have time for a swim beneath a waterfall—all before the evening bells chime. Ready to trade your to-do list for a gelato and a ferry ticket? Here’s your guide to living your best life on Lake Como.
Explore the Towns and Villages
Como
The bustling heart of the lake, Como is where most journeys begin. Stroll its medieval center, admire the Gothic-Renaissance Como Cathedral (one of Northern Italy’s most important churches), and stop by the neoclassical Villa Olmo and its lakeside gardens (open daily and now free to enter). Don’t miss the Tempio Voltiano, a museum dedicated to Alessandro Volta, inventor of the electric battery. For sweeping views, ride the funicular up to Brunate and hike the trails above the city.; the funicular departs from Piazza Alcide de Gasperi and runs year-round.
Tourists walk along the steps of the street leading to the top part of the town in Bellagio, Italy.
Bellagio
Nicknamed the “Pearl of Lake Como,” Bellagio sits at the intersection of the lake’s three branches. Wander the cobbled lanes of its historic center, climb the photogenic Salita Serbelloni, and visit the Romanesque Church of St. James, dating to the 11th century. The gardens of Villa Melzi d’Eril (open daily from March to November) and the park of Villa Serbelloni are musts, as is Punta Spartivento for panoramic views.
Varenna
Quieter and more romantic, Varenna charms with its pastel waterfront, the 11th-century Basilica di San Giorgio, and the tiny Church of San Giovanni Battista with medieval frescoes. The lakeside promenade, known as the “Walk of Lovers,” is lined with cafés and offers dreamy sunset views. Villa Monastero’s botanical gardens stretch along the shore and are open March through November, with exotic plants and architectural follies. Hike up to Castello di Vezio, a medieval castle with panoramic vistas and art installations. The path from Varenna’s center to the castle takes about 30 minutes and is part of the famous Sentiero del Viandante hiking route.
Boats and houses in the city of Varenna, on Lake Como.
Menaggio
Menaggio is perfect for a lakeside stroll or a lazy afternoon espresso with its vibrant promenade, boutique shops, and lively Piazza Garibaldi. The historic center features the Chiesa di Santa Marta and Chiesa di Santo Stefano, both with beautiful frescoes. Lido di Menaggio is one of the best family-friendly lidos on the lake, featuring pools, a sandy beach, and a playground. Menaggio is also a gateway to hiking trails and ferry connections to Bellagio and Varenna.
Nesso
Tiny and often overlooked, Nesso is home to the Orrido di Nesso gorge and waterfall, formed by the confluence of the Tuf and Nosé streams. Cross the fairytale Civera Bridge, the take the stone steps down for a swim in the lake’s clear waters. The view of the waterfall from the lake is especially impressive—the spot was even mentioned by Leonardo da Vinci.
Lenno
A charming stop after visiting Villa del Balbianello, Lenno’s main sqaure features the Church of St. John, built over Roman baths, and the 11th-century octagonal Baptistery. The waterfront promenade is lined with umbrella pines and benches, and there’s a beloved gelateria for a sweet break. Lenno’s public beach has grassy and pebble areas, and the harbor is one of the lake’s most relaxed.
Villa-Hopping
Hillside garden of Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo.
Villa del Balbianello (Lenno)
Star of Star Wars and James Bond, this 18th-century villa is famous for its terraced gardens and spectacular lake views. Access it via a 25-minute walk from Lenno or by taxi-boat from the lakeside promenade. The villa and gardens are open to the public (March-November), with guided tours required for the interior. Advanced reservations are highly recommended.
Villa Carlotta (Tremezzo)
Villa Carlotta is a masterpiece of art and horticulture, featuring 14 acres of botanical gardens and a museum packed with neoclassical sculptures, paintings, and tapestries. The villa is open from March to November, and the spring is magical for blooms; and autumn is perfect for foliage.
Villa Melzi d’Eril (Bellagio)
These English-style gardens are dotted with sculptures and offer a tranquil lakeside promenade, a small museum, and a chapel. The villa itself is private, but the gardens are a highlight of Bellagio.
Gardens of Villa Melzi.
Villa Monastero (Varenna)
Once a Cistercian convent, now a museum and conference center, Villa Monastero features a botanical garden stretching along the shore, with exotic plants and architectural follies. The house museum and gardens are open March-November, with extended hours in peak season.
Villa Olmo (Como)
This neoclassical villa, built in the early 19th century, is now owned by the city and is open for exhibitions and events, and its park is a favorite for lakeside picnics and leisurely walks. With over 800 trees, it’s open daily and free to enter.
Outdoor Adventures
A woman holds up a glass of champagne while on a boat tour in Lake Como, Italy.
Boat Tours
The classic Lake Como experience. Public ferries (Navigazione Laghi) connect all the major towns and run year-round. You can also rent a private boat or join a guided tour for a more customizable day.
The Greenway del Lago di Como
This seven mile walking route follows the ancient Roman Via Regina, weaving through Colonno, Sala Comacina, Tremezzina, and Griante. Expect lakeside villages, historic villas, and endless photo ops. The trail is suitable for all ages and takes about three hours to complete.
Hiking
Beyond the Greenway, trails abound. Tackle the climb from Como to Brunate for spectacular views, or venture up to Castello di Vezio above Varenna. For serious hikers, the Sentiero del Viandante offers rugged mountain paths and breathtaking scenery. The hike from Varenna to Castello di Vezio is a local favorite.
A brook near Naggio, Italy.
Swimming and Beaches
Not every village has a beach, but Menaggio and Bellano offer private lidos with pools and sunbeds. For wild swimming, Nesso’s stone steps and the area above the Civera Bridge are local favorites.
Orrido di Bellano
This 15-million-year-old gorge features a walkway suspended above a thunderous river, if you’re feeling adventurous.
Culture, History, and Hidden Gems
Como Cathedral.
Como Cathedral (Duomo di Como)
The largest church on the lake, with a stunning Gothic façade, Renaissance dome, and intricate frescoes. The cathedral is open daily and is a must-see for architecture lovers.
Castello di Vezio (Varenna)
Medieval ruins, falconry shows, and panoramic views—plus a bar for that much-needed post-hike drink. The castle is open seasonally and reachable by a 30-minute hike from the town center. Note: Falconry shows are currently suspended until further notice.
Aerial view from Castle di Vezio on the town and Lake Como.
Piona Abbey (Colico)
A serene, lakeside abbey still inhabited by Cristercian monks, famous for its herbal liqueurs and honey. It’s a peaceful spot for contemplation and a taste of local tradition. Visitors can explore the church, cloister, and shop for monastic products.
Isola Comacina
The lake’s only island, dotted with archaeological ruins and walking paths. Reachable by ferry or water taxi, it’s an ideal escape from the crowds.
Museums
Como’s Silk Museum reveals the region’s textile history, and the Pinacoteca Civica houses Italian art masterpieces.
Dining
Tourists sit at an outdoor pasta restaurant in Bellagio, Italy.
Lake Como’s culinary scene is as rich as its scenery. Expect a mix of rustic trattorias, elegant fine dining, and lakeside cafés. Here’s a few to try:
Feel Como (Como)
Modern Italian with a local twist.
Tira, Mola e Meseda (Como)
Family-run, with standout antipasti, polenta, and roasted veal. The menu evolves with the seasons.
Platea Ristorante (Como)
Lake views, creative cocktails, and standout dishes.
Piazza Roma Ristorante (Como)
The go-to for seafood (try the roasted bell octopus and save room for tiramisu!)
Local specialties
Sample lake fish (perch, lavarello), pizzoccheri (buckwheat pasta with cabbage, potatoes, and cheese), and Gorgonzola from the surrounding mountains. Don’t miss local gelaterias in every town!
Essential Tips for Visiting Lake Como
Lake Como.
- Ferries are the best way to get around—driving is tricky and parking is scarce, especially in summer.
- Book villa tours and fine dining ahead, especially in peak season.
- Pack comfortable shoes for cobblestones and trails.
- Lake Como is beautiful year-round, but spring and early autumn offer the best mix of nice weather and fewer crowds.
Lake Como is a fabulous blend of nature, history, and style. Whether you’re villa-hopping, hiking, swimming, or simply people-watching with a gelato in hand, every moment feels like a scene from an Italian classic film. Plan well, linger longer, and let the lake work its magic. Ciao!
Julia Cancilla is the engagement editor (and resident witch) at ELLE Decor, where she oversees the brand’s social media platforms, covers design trends and culture, and writes the monthly ELLE Decoroscope column. Julia built her background at Inked magazine, where she grew their social media audiences by two million and penned feature articles focusing on pop culture, art, and lifestyle.
