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Why Lake Como Should Be on Your 2026 Travel List
Let's be honest—Lake Como has serious star power. This emerald gem nestled in the foothills of the Alps has been drawing everyone from Hollywood royalty to ordinary travelers like us for good reason. The combination of dramatic mountain backdrops, crystal-clear waters, and impossibly charming towns creates something magical that photos simply can't capture.
After digging into what makes this destination so special, I've put together this guide to help you plan an unforgettable visit.
Getting There and Around
Getting to Lake Como is easier than you might think. Milan Malpensa Airport is the closest major hub, about an hour's drive away. From there, you can rent a car (keep in mind those narrow Italian roads can be adventurous) or take a train to Como city, then hop on a ferry.
Pro tip: If you're visiting multiple towns, the ferry system is your best friend. The Navigazione Laghi boats connect Como, Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio regularly, and a day pass can save you serious money compared to individual tickets.
Top Things to Do
1. Explore the Historic Center of Como
Como city serves as the perfect base camp for your Lake Como adventure. The historic center is wonderfully walkable—lose yourself in cobblestone lanes, grab an espresso at a corner café, and don't miss the stunning Como Cathedral (Duomo di Como). The medieval-era building took nearly 400 years to complete, and it shows in every intricate detail.
Travel hack: Visit the cathedral in the late afternoon when the light streaming through the stained glass creates a completely different atmosphere than morning visits.
2. Take the Brunate Funicular
For the best panoramic views without a mountain hike, ride the historic funicular railway from Como up to Brunate. The wooden 1920s-era cars climb nearly 700 meters in about 7 minutes, and at the top, you'll find walking trails and a stunning viewpoint overlooking the entire lake.
Insider tip: Go at sunset if possible. The golden hour light over the water is absolutely worth the early dinner you might need to time it right.
3. Visit Villa del Balbianello
This gorgeous villa on a promontory near Lenno is where James Bond, Star Wars, and countless romance movies have been filmed. The stunning tapered staircase leading down to the water has to be seen to be believed.
Booking note: Entry to the villa and gardens requires a reservation in advance, especially during peak season. Book at least 2-3 weeks ahead through their official website to secure your spot.
4. Stroll Through Bellagio
Often called the "Pearl of the Lake," Bellagio sits at the exact point where the lake's three branches meet. Its cobblestone streets are lined with artisan shops, excellent restaurants, and flower-filled courtyards. It's touristy, yes—but completely worth it for a few hours of wandering.
Money-saving tip: Eat lunch at one of the smaller trattorias away from the main piazza. You'll get equally good food for half the price and a more authentic experience.
5. Discover Varenna's Quiet Charm
If Bellagio feels too crowded, Varenna is its mellow counterpart. This small town on the lake's eastern shore has colorful buildings tumbling down to the water, a lovely lakeside promenade, and Villa Monastero with its famous gardens.
Practical advice: Varenna's train station (Varenna-Esino) connects directly to Milan, making it incredibly convenient for day trips if you're based elsewhere.
6. Tour the Historic Villas
Lake Como is famous for its grand villas, many of which now serve as private residences or luxury hotels, but some are open to the public:
- Villa Carlotta (Tremezzo): Famous for its botanical gardens and statuary, including works by Canova
- Villa Melzi (Bellagio): Stunning neoclassical gardens with exotic plants and a peaceful atmosphere
- Villa Balbianello (Lenno): The movie-star villa mentioned above
Strategy: Consider purchasing a "Grand Tour" ticket if you plan to visit multiple villas. It can save you around 30% compared to buying individual tickets.
7. Take a Boat Ride on the Lake
There's something almost therapeutic about being out on the water, surrounded by those dramatic mountains. You can charter a private boat (pricey but unforgettable), join an organized tour, or simply take the public ferry to explore different towns.
Budget-friendly option: The public ferry system lets you experience the lake from the water without breaking the bank. Round-trip tickets between major towns are surprisingly affordable.
8. Hike the Green Way of the Olive Trees
This 10-kilometer trail between Varenna and Civiglio follows ancient olive groves and offers incredible views with minimal crowds. It's a moderate hike that takes about 3-4 hours at a comfortable pace.
What to bring: Good walking shoes, water, and snacks. The trail has limited facilities, and those lakeside restaurants look mighty tempting halfway through.
9. Indulge in Lombardian Cuisine
Let's talk about the food, because Italian lake cuisine deserves its own spotlight. Freshwater fish like perch and trout appear on menus everywhere, often prepared simply with lemon and herbs. Risotto alla Milanese (saffron risotto) is a regional specialty, and no meal is complete without a glass of local sparkling wine from the Oltrepò Pavese region.
Restaurant recommendation: Look for places displaying the "Pesce di Lago" (lake fish) sign—this indicates the establishment serves locally caught fish, which supports local fishermen and ensures freshness.
10. Visit the Water Gardens of Villa Erba
Located in Cernobbio (near Como), this former film location has spectacular gardens right on the water's edge. Even if you're not an architecture buff, the garden's design—combining formal Italian and English landscape styles—makes for a peaceful afternoon.
Timing tip: Spring visits offer peak flower displays, but early autumn has fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures for garden wandering.
11. Attend a Local Festival or Event
Lake Como's calendar is packed with festivals, particularly in summer. The Festa di San Giovanni (June) features bonfires on the water, while various towns host classical music concerts, food festivals, and historical reenactments throughout the season.
How to find events: Check local tourist office websites or ask at your hotel when you arrive. Some of the best experiences aren't widely publicized online.
12. Just... Relax
Honestly, some of the best "things to do" at Lake Como involve doing nothing at all. Find a lakeside bench, order a Campari spritz, and watch the speedboats and ferries glide by. Let the pace of life slow down. This is what the lake is really about.
Best Time to Visit
Shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) offer the sweet spot: smaller crowds, comfortable temperatures, and lower accommodation prices. The weather is generally excellent, though occasional rain showers are possible.
Summer (June-August) brings the biggest crowds and highest prices, but also the liveliest atmosphere, warmest weather, and full ferry schedules.
Winter transforms the lake into a quiet retreat. Many restaurants and attractions close, but if you're after peaceful atmosphere and don't mind cooler temperatures, it's an affordable option.
Where to Stay
Como town is best for first-time visitors wanting easy access to trains, attractions, and nightlife.
Bellagio offers the classic Lake Como experience with central positioning for exploring both sides of the lake.
Varenna provides excellent value with good train connections and a more local feel.
Menaggio is ideal for those with cars seeking access to both lake attractions and lakeside activities.
Budget accommodation is limited throughout the region. Consider Airbnb for better rates, especially for longer stays.
Final Thoughts
Lake Como isn't just a pretty face in the Italian lakes region. Yes, the scenery is spectacular, but it's the combination of natural beauty, historical richness, Italian sophistication, and genuinely welcoming locals that makes it special. Whether you spend three days or two weeks, you'll leave with that feeling—already planning your return.
Start mapping out your trip now. Trust me, that view from the Brunate funicular waiting for you.