Lake Como is the most glamorous of the Italian lakes: a long, deep, Y-shaped lake between steep green mountains, an hour north of Milan, lined with old fishing villages, grand villas and gardens that run down to the water. You come to ride the ferries between Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio, wander through the gardens of Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello, swim from a lido, hike the balcony paths above the shore and eat lake fish on a terrace at sunset. It is easy to reach by train from Milan and easy to enjoy without a car. Give it three days for the classic villages and villas, or a week to slow down.
Right now in Lake Como (Bellagio)
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Top tours in Lake Como
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Lake Como at a glance
- Best for: lakeside villages, villa gardens, ferry hopping, romantic stays, swimming from lidos, hiking above the lake and day trips from Milan.
- How long: 1 day as a taste from Milan, 3 days for Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio and two villas, a week to hike and explore the quieter shores.
- Best time: April to June and September to mid-October, when the gardens are open and the ferries run their full timetable; July and August are hot and busy; many hotels close in winter.
- Getting in: trains from Milan reach Como in about 40–60 minutes and Varenna in about an hour; Milan’s airports are 1–1.5 hours away.
- Getting around: the public ferries of Navigazione Laghi are the best way to move between villages; a one-way hop in the central lake cost €5.50 as of October 2026.
- Before you go: entry rules, money and general safety are in our Italy travel guide.
The lake, village by village
Lake Como (Lario to Italians) is about 46 km long and shaped like an upside-down Y. The town of Como sits at the bottom of the south-western branch, Lecco at the bottom of the south-eastern branch, and the two branches meet at the “centro lago”, the central lake, where Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio face each other across the water. This triangle is where most visitors stay, because the ferries connect all three in 10–20 minutes.
Como
The lake’s main town: a walled old centre with a marble cathedral, a lakeside promenade, the Villa Olmo gardens, and the funicular to the hill village of Brunate for a view over the lake and, on a clear day, the Alps. It has the most hotels and restaurants in every price range and the best train links, but it is 45 minutes to two hours by boat from the central lake. Best for: travellers on a budget, short stays and those arriving late by train.
Bellagio
The “pearl of the lake”, on the point of the peninsula where the branches meet: steep cobbled stairways lined with shops, hotels with lake-view terraces, and the gardens of Villa Melzi and Villa Serbelloni. It is the most famous village and the busiest, especially at midday when day-trippers arrive. Best for: first visits, couples and anyone who wants to be at the centre of the ferry network.
Varenna
On the eastern shore, a small, colourful village of stepped lanes, a lakeside walkway, the gardens of Villa Monastero and the hilltop Castello di Vezio. It has its own train station on the line from Milan, which makes it the easiest village to reach without a car. Best for: romance, photographers, and travellers arriving by train.
Menaggio
On the western shore, a lively small town with a lakeside square, a lido, good-value hotels and buses to Lugano in Switzerland. It is a good base for hiking and for the villas of Tremezzina just south. Best for: families, hikers and longer stays.
Tremezzina, Cernobbio and the quieter shores
South of Menaggio, the municipality of Tremezzina joins the villages of Tremezzo, Lenno, Mezzegra and Ossuccio, with Villa Carlotta, Villa del Balbianello and the island of Comacina. Cernobbio, near Como, is home to the famous Villa d’Este hotel. The northern lake (Gravedona, Domaso, Colico) is quieter and windier, popular with windsurfers and campers. Best for: villa lovers and repeat visitors.
Top things to see on Lake Como
Prices and hours below were checked on the official sites in October 2026. They change, so check before you go.
Villa del Balbianello
On the tip of the wooded Lavedo peninsula near Lenno, this 18th-century villa with terraced gardens and a loggia over the water is probably the most photographed place on the lake, and has appeared in several films. Its last private owner, the explorer Guido Monzino, left it to the FAI (the Italian National Trust) together with his collections from expeditions to the North Pole and Everest.
Tickets and booking. As of October 2026 the FAI charges €15 for the park only (€11 for ages 6–18, €42 for a family) and €25 for the villa and park with a guided tour of the house (€17 reduced, €66 family); children up to 5 and FAI members enter the park free. Booking is compulsory for every visit, on the FAI’s ticket website. In the main season the villa opens from 10:00 to 18:00 (last park entry at 17:00, last villa tour at 16:00), closed on Mondays and Wednesdays unless they are public holidays; in November hours shorten to 10:00–17:00, and it opens only on selected days in December and January.
Getting there. There is no car access. Walk from Lenno along a 1 km uphill path, partly gravel, in about 25 minutes (wear proper shoes), or take a taxi boat from the Lido di Lenno to the villa’s own landing, run by private operators. Lenno has a ferry stop and paid parking, and the C10 bus from Como stops there.
Villa Carlotta
In Tremezzo, facing Bellagio, Villa Carlotta is a museum and botanical garden: a late-17th-century villa with neoclassical sculpture and Romantic paintings, set in some 8 hectares of gardens famous for azaleas and rhododendrons, which flower in April and May. As of October 2026 a full ticket costs €17.50, €15 for over-65s, €7 for ages 6–18, €12 for ages 19–25 and €35 for a family of two adults and two children; children up to 5 are free. In 2026 it opened daily from 10:00 to 19:00 from 20 March to 18 October (last ticket 18:00), then 10:00–18:00 until 8 November, with special dates later in the year. The villa has its own ferry stop, “Villa Carlotta”.
Bellagio’s gardens and lanes
In Bellagio, the gardens of Villa Melzi, on the lakeshore south of the village, are open in season with a ticket, and the park of Villa Serbelloni on the hill above can be seen on guided tours. The rest of Bellagio is free: climb the stepped lanes, walk out to the tip of the Punta Spartivento for views up all three branches, and watch the boats from the waterfront.
Varenna: Villa Monastero and Castello di Vezio
Villa Monastero, a former convent turned villa, has a long lakeside botanical garden of citrus, palms and agaves. Above the village, a steep path climbs to the medieval Castello di Vezio with views over the central lake. Just south of Varenna, the Fiumelatte is a short stream that gushes white from the mountainside in spring and summer. Walk the lakeside walkway, the “Passeggiata degli Innamorati”, at sunset.
Como town and Brunate
Start at the cathedral, a blend of Gothic and Renaissance, then walk the lakeside to Villa Olmo and its garden, passing the Tempio Voltiano, a small museum for Alessandro Volta, the Como-born inventor of the battery. The Como–Brunate funicular climbs in a few minutes to a village with a panoramic terrace and trails along the ridge. Como was a centre of silk weaving, and the city still has a silk museum and many silk shops. See our city sightseeing guide for more ideas.
Museums
- Villa Carlotta
Other sights
- Casa del Fascio, Como
- Villa del Balbianello
Peaks and mountains
- Monte Legnone
- Monte San Primo
- Pizzo di Gino
Churches and cathedrals
- Como Cathedral
Getting around by ferry
The public boats on Lake Como are run by Navigazione Laghi, a state-run operator. Boats are part of the fun: open decks, villa views and a slow pace. There are three kinds of service:
- Slow boats (battelli): stop at most villages; the cheapest way to travel, and the most scenic. Como to Bellagio takes around 2 hours.
- Fast services (hydrofoils and catamarans, “servizio rapido”): fewer stops, roughly half the time, with a supplement. Bicycles are not allowed on them.
- Car ferries (traghetti): shuttle between Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio and Cadenabbia in the central lake, carrying cars and foot passengers; quick and frequent.
Fares. Fares are set by distance in eight bands. On Navigazione Laghi’s fare sheet valid from 1 April 2026, a one-way adult ticket for a central-lake hop such as Bellagio–Varenna or Bellagio–Menaggio costs €5.50, Como–Bellagio €12.00 and Como–Varenna €13.50; a return is double. The fast-service supplement is €1.50 to €5.50 depending on distance (€5.00 for Como–Bellagio). Over-65s and children aged 4–11 pay reduced fares, and children under 4 travel free with an adult. A ticket bought on board where the pier’s ticket office is open costs €1 more, so buy at the office or machine first.
Day passes. A “free circulation” ticket gives unlimited trips for one day between the ports it covers, and it works on fast services if you pay the supplement. As of October 2026, an adult day pass for the central-lake triangle (Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, Cadenabbia, Tremezzo and Villa Carlotta) costs €17.50, and one covering the whole lake from Como to Colico costs €32.00. If you only plan two or three hops, single tickets are cheaper.
Tips. Timetables change by season, with the full service from spring to autumn and far fewer boats in winter; check the current timetable before planning a day. Last boats leave early in the evening outside summer. Queues form at Bellagio and Varenna at midday in July and August; travel early. Private water taxis and boat tours are available in every village for a sunset trip or a visit to the villas from the water. See our boat trips guide.
Things to do on Lake Como
Swim at a lido
The lake is clean enough for swimming at the official lidos, which have lawns, sunbeds and bars, from June to September. The water is cold until early summer and warms through July and August. Good spots include the Lido di Lenno, the lidos at Menaggio and Bellagio, and the Villa Olmo lido in Como. Swim only in marked areas: the lake is very deep, and boats are busy. See our beaches guide.
Hike above the lake
Old mule paths run along both shores. The Greenway del Lago di Como is an easy, mostly level walk of about 10 km through the villages of Tremezzina between Colonno and Cadenabbia, with ferry stops to return. On the eastern shore, the Sentiero del Viandante is a longer historic path above the lake from Abbadia Lariana towards Colico, done in stages, with the Varenna section the most popular. From Menaggio and Brunate, trails climb to mountain huts and viewpoints. See our hiking guide.
Cycle to the Madonna del Ghisallo
Road cyclists climb from Bellagio to the chapel of the Madonna del Ghisallo, the patron saint of cyclists, on the route of the Giro di Lombardia race. E-bikes make the climbs easy for everyone. Roads along the lake are narrow and busy in summer; ride early. See our cycling guide.
Eat and drink like a local
Try missoltini (sun-dried shad), risotto with perch fillets, polenta, and the cheeses of the surrounding valleys, with wines from Valtellina, just north of the lake. Book lakefront tables for sunset in summer.
Activities and best months
- Beaches and swimmingLidos and beach clubs include Lido Villa Olmo (Como), Lido di Bellagio, Lido di Cernobbio, Victoria Beach (Menaggio), Lido di Ossuccio and Lido di Abbadia.
- Boat tripsNavigazione Laghi runs ships, hydrofoils and car ferries to 30+ lake towns, including the central Bellagio–Cadenabbia–Varenna–Menaggio ferry; 2026 autumn timetable 5 October–1 November.
- HikingThe Greenway del Lago di Como (about 10 km, Colonno–Griante, about 3.5 h) is easy and walkable all year; the Sentiero del Viandante runs along the east shore in 4 stages.
Getting to Lake Como
By train from Milan. Two lines reach the town of Como. Trains from Milano Centrale and Milano Porta Garibaldi arrive at Como San Giovanni, on the hill above the old town, in about 40 minutes to an hour; this line continues to Switzerland. The Ferrovienord line from Milano Cadorna runs in about an hour to Como Nord Lago, a few steps from the ferry pier. For the central lake, Trenord’s line from Milano Centrale towards Lecco, Sondrio and Tirano stops at Varenna-Esino in a little over an hour, with trains about every hour; the station is a 10-minute walk from the ferry pier. Buy regional tickets before boarding and validate them if they are paper tickets.
By air. Milan Malpensa is the closest big airport, about an hour by road to Como; Milan Linate and Bergamo Orio al Serio also work, and Lugano in Switzerland is close but has few flights. From the airports, travel to Milan or Como by train or bus, or book a private transfer.
By car. Motorways from Milan reach Como and Lecco in under an hour, but the lakeshore roads are narrow, winding and slow in summer, and parking in the villages is scarce and paid. A car is useful for the quieter northern lake; for the classic villages, the train and ferries are easier.
When to go and how long to stay
Lake Como has mild, fairly wet weather for the north of Italy: warm summers, cool winters with little snow at lake level, and rain in every season, often in heavy bursts in spring and autumn. Lake Como has no official 1991–2020 station normals in the WMO collection, so the table uses MeteoSwiss’s normals for Lugano (273 m), on the neighbouring Lake Lugano about 30 km away, which has a very similar climate.
| Season | Average high / low | Rainy days per month | What it’s like |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | 14–21 °C / 5–12 °C | 6–12 | Flowering gardens, villas reopening, showery |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 25–27 °C / 16–18 °C | 8–10 | Warm to hot, swimming season, thunderstorms, busiest |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | 22 °C falling to 12 °C / 14 °C falling to 6 °C | about 9 | Golden September and October, fewer crowds, heavy rain possible in November |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 7–9 °C / 1–2 °C | 5–6 | Quiet, crisp, many hotels and some villas closed |
The Lugano station records about 1,570 mm of precipitation and some 2,100 hours of sunshine a year; May and June are the wettest months, and December to February the driest. In practice, May, June and September are the sweet spot, with warm days, open gardens and the full ferry timetable.
Lake Como in 3 days
Day 1: Varenna in the morning (Villa Monastero, Castello di Vezio), then the car ferry to Bellagio for the afternoon and sunset. Day 2: ferry to Tremezzina for Villa Carlotta, lunch in Lenno, and Villa del Balbianello by the path or a taxi boat (book ahead). Day 3: Menaggio and a walk on the Greenway, or a boat down to Como for the cathedral and the funicular to Brunate.
Lake Como in a week
Add a hike on the Sentiero del Viandante, a cycle to the Madonna del Ghisallo, a lazy day at a lido, the quieter northern lake, and a day trip to Lugano across the Swiss border.
Weather month by month
Where to stay on Lake Como
- Bellagio: the classic choice, with the widest range of lake-view hotels, at a premium.
- Varenna: romantic and small, with the train station for easy arrivals.
- Menaggio: good value, lively evenings and buses to Lugano.
- Tremezzina (Tremezzo, Lenno): next to the villas, quieter, with grand hotels and B&Bs.
- Como town: cheapest, best connected, a little far from the central lake.
Book months ahead for May to September; many hotels in the villages close from November to March.
Practical tips for Lake Como
- Book the villas: Villa del Balbianello needs a booking for every visit, and weekend slots in spring and summer go early.
- Check the boat timetable: it changes by season, and the last boat back can be early.
- Travel light: stepped lanes, cobbles and ferry gangways make wheeled suitcases hard work.
- Go early: Bellagio and Varenna are at their best before the day-trippers arrive.
- Respect the villages: keep noise down, cover up away from the lido, and do not picnic in private gardens.
- Swim safely: stay in marked lido areas and away from ferry routes.
What to pack for Lake Como
Comfortable walking shoes with grip for cobbles and steep lanes, sturdier shoes for the hiking paths, a light rain jacket, a sweater for evening boat rides, sunglasses and sunscreen, swimwear and a quick-dry towel for the lidos, and a smart-casual outfit for dinner in Bellagio. A small day bag and a refillable water bottle are useful for ferry hopping.
What to pack
- Day packs and anti-theft bagsCarries water, towel and sunscreen down the long stairways to Algarve coves.
- Dry bags and phone pouchesProtects phones and cameras from sand and spray on beaches reached by ferry or steep paths.
- Fleeces and warm layersIt is cooler at sea than on land, especially on morning whale-watching trips.
- HeadlampsLevada routes such as PR1 and PR9 pass through long, dark, wet tunnels.
- Hiking shoes and bootsMadeira's levadas and the Azores' crater rims are wet, rocky and slippery, so grippy shoes matter more than anywhere else in Portugal.
- Quick-dry beach towelsA sand-shedding quick-dry towel packs small for beach days and lido visits.
- Rain jacketsA windproof, waterproof shell keeps you warm on open boats, where wind and spray cool you quickly.
- Reef-friendly sunscreenSummer UV is strong on Portuguese beaches and there is little shade below the cliffs.
- Trekking polesLong stone staircases and steep descents on Madeira's peaks and the Azores' crater rims are easier on the knees with poles.
- Water bottles and hydration packsAlgarve and Alentejo trails are hot and exposed with few refill points.
- Water shoesRocky coves, lava pools and weever fish in shallow sand make water shoes useful.
- WetsuitsOn the west and north coasts the sea stays around 16–18 °C even in summer, so a thin suit helps for long swims.
Lake Como travel FAQ
Which is the best town to stay in on Lake Como?
For a first visit, Bellagio, Varenna or Menaggio in the central lake, because ferries link all three in minutes. Varenna is best if you arrive by train; Como town is cheapest and best connected but far from the central lake.
How do I get from Milan to Lake Como?
By train: about 40–60 minutes from Milano Centrale or Porta Garibaldi to Como San Giovanni, about an hour from Milano Cadorna to Como Nord Lago, or just over an hour from Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esino for the central lake.
How much is the ferry on Lake Como?
As of October 2026, a one-way central-lake hop such as Bellagio–Varenna costs €5.50 and Como–Bellagio €12.00 on the slow boat, with a supplement of €1.50 to €5.50 for fast services.
Is there a day pass for the Lake Como ferries?
Yes. A one-day “free circulation” ticket for the central lake cost €17.50 for an adult as of October 2026, and €32.00 for the whole lake. It is worth it only if you make four or more hops.
Do I need to book Villa del Balbianello?
Yes, booking is compulsory for every visit on the FAI’s ticket site. As of October 2026 the park costs €15 and the villa and park with a guided tour €25. It is closed on Mondays and Wednesdays unless they are holidays.
How much is Villa Carlotta?
As of October 2026, €17.50 for adults, with reductions for over-65s, young people and families. In 2026 it opened daily from 20 March to 8 November, with shorter hours from 19 October.
Can I visit Lake Como without a car?
Yes, and it is often easier. Trains run from Milan to Como and Varenna, ferries link the villages, and buses run along the shores. Parking in the villages is scarce in summer.
How many days do you need on Lake Como?
One day from Milan gives a taste of Como or Varenna and Bellagio. Three days covers the central lake and two villas; a week lets you hike and explore the quieter shores.
When is the best time to visit Lake Como?
April to June and September to mid-October, when the gardens and villas are open and the full ferry timetable runs. July and August are hot and crowded; in winter many hotels close.
Can you swim in Lake Como?
Yes, at the lidos and marked swimming areas from June to September. The water is cold until early summer. Avoid ferry lanes and do not swim far out: the lake is very deep.
Is Lake Como a good day trip from Milan?
Yes. Take an early train to Varenna, cross to Bellagio by car ferry and return by train from Varenna, or ride the train to Como and take a boat up the lake. Check the last boats and trains before you set off.
Nearby destinations
- Lugano24 km
- Lake Maggiore44 km
- Bergamo46 km
- Milan60 km
- St. Moritz71 km
- Lake Garda116 km
- Zermatt117 km
- Vaduz128 km
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🇮🇹 Useful Italian phrases for Lake Como
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Sources · last reviewed 3 October 2026
Researched and last reviewed on 3 October 2026. Ferry fares, day passes and conditions: Navigazione Laghi’s Lake Como fare sheet valid from 1 April 2026; Villa del Balbianello prices, booking and access: the FAI; Villa Carlotta hours and prices: Villa Carlotta’s official site; trains: Trenord; climate: MeteoSwiss 1991–2020 normals for Lugano from the WMO climate normals collection. Prices, timetables and rules change, so check the official links before you go. For entry rules, money and general safety, see our Italy travel guide, and for the city, our Milan guide.
Also: lakecomo.is · navigazionelaghi.it · italia.it · Aeronautica Militare normals 1991–2020, Bergamo Orio al Serio (airport) (climate)
Data: Weather: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0) · Rates: ECB · Costs: World Bank ICP and price levels · © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODBL) · Wikidata (CC0)