Lake Como highlights: the best towns to visit for first-time travellers

Lake Como is one of the most magical destinations in northern Italy. Surrounded by mountains and filled with elegant villas, colourful lakeside towns, and sparkling water, this place has attracted artists, writers, and celebrities for centuries. A short day trip from Milan is enough to catch the main sights and soak in the atmosphere, or a longer stay lets you enjoy ferry rides, local food, and peaceful lakeside strolls.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need for your first visit — how to get there, where to stay, what to eat, and the best places to explore. Practical tips and favourite spots from my past trips will help you plan a perfect Lake Como adventure.

Here’s what this post covers:

• How many days to spend on Lake Como — from quick trips to relaxed long weekends
• How to get to Lake Como — train routes from Milan to Como and Varenna
• Getting around the lake — using ferries, buses, and tips for smooth travel
• Where to stay — best towns and villages for all travel styles and budgets
• What to do and see in Como — main sights, viewpoints, and hidden gems
• Exploring the Golden Triangle — highlights of Varenna, Bellagio, and Menaggio
• Where to eat and what to try — local dishes, food tours, and wine tastings
• What a 3-day trip will cost in 2025 — daily budgets for budget and mid-range travellers

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Lake Como is one of those places that can fit into almost any kind of trip. If you’re short on time, it makes for a brilliant day trip from Milan — especially with regular trains running to both Como town and Varenna. From either spot, you can jump on a ferry and visit one or two lakeside villages, enjoy lunch with a view, and still be back in Milan by evening. It’s a full day, but very doable.

There are also lots of organised day tours from Milan, which include transport, ferry rides and visits to towns like Bellagio, so if you don’t want to plan all the connections yourself, that’s an easy and stress-free option.

That said, if you’ve got more time, I’d really recommend spending at least two or three days on the lake. This gives you the chance to explore more than just the highlights, slow down and soak up the scenery. Each town has its own vibe — Bellagio is elegant and bustling, Varenna is romantic and peaceful, Menaggio is laid-back with stunning lake views — and staying overnight lets you see a quieter, more local side of them.

For me, the lake is best enjoyed slowly: early ferry rides, long lunches, golden light over the water and time to explore tiny lanes without watching the clock. A few extra days here make all the difference.

Lake Como is very easy to reach from Milan, which makes it perfect for both day trips and longer stays. The two main towns people usually travel to first are Como and Varenna — and both are well connected by train.

Getting to Como. To get to Como, take a train from Milano Centrale (Milan’s main train station) to Como San Giovanni, the town’s main railway station. The journey takes around 40 to 50 minutes, with trains running every hour or so throughout the day. A one-way ticket costs around €5–6, and you can buy it at the station or online. You can also catch trains from Milano Porta Garibaldi, which is useful if you’re staying in the northern part of Milan.

Getting to Varenna. Another great option is to take a train from Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esino with a change at Lecco. This scenic route runs along the eastern shore of Lake Como and normally takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes in total. Tickets cost around €7–8 one way. Varenna is a popular arrival point for travellers heading to Bellagio and Menaggio, as it’s very well connected by ferry. The Varenna-Esino station is just a short downhill walk to the lakeside, where you’ll find the ferry port and the start of the town’s charming waterfront promenade.

Once you’ve arrived at the lake, getting between towns like Como, Varenna, Bellagio, and Menaggio is fairly easy — and often very scenic. You’ve got three main options: buses, ferries and renting a car.

The ferry network is the most iconic and enjoyable way to explore Lake Como. Ferries run regularly between the main towns, especially in the central part of the lake (between Varenna, Bellagio, and Menaggio). This area is often called the “golden triangle” and is very well connected. You can buy point-to-point tickets — for example, Varenna to Bellagio takes just 15 minutes and costs around €5 — or get a day pass if you plan to hop between towns. For timetables and prices, check the official site.

Fast boats (hydrofoils) are also available for longer routes, such as from Como town up to Bellagio or Menaggio. They cost a bit more but save time and still offer beautiful lake views. You can purchase express services exclusively at the ground ticket offices.

Buses are a more budget-friendly option, especially for towns that aren’t well connected by ferry. You can take a bus from Como to Bellagio (about 1 hour and 10 minutes), or from Menaggio to Lenno or Tremezzo. Most routes are run by ASF Autolinee, and tickets cost around €2–4 depending on the distance. You can buy them in advance at ticket offices, tabaccherie (tobacco shops), cafés, or online.

However, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. Buses can be delayed, especially in summer, and they’re less frequent on Sundays and public holidays. It’s also quite common for buses to be very full in high season, and if the driver considers the bus too crowded, they may not stop at all. If you're relying on the bus, always leave a bit of extra time in your plans and check timetables in advance on asfautolinee.it.

If you prefer more freedom and flexibility, renting a car is a great option for exploring Lake Como. Having a car lets you visit smaller villages and scenic spots that are harder to reach by public transport. Driving around the lake offers stunning views and the chance to stop wherever you want. Keep in mind that parking can be tricky and sometimes expensive in the busiest towns like Bellagio or Como, so plan accordingly. Also, some narrow roads and limited traffic zones may require extra caution, but overall, a car gives you the most control over your schedule and routes.

When I first visited Lake Como, we stayed in a little hillside village called Blevio, just a short drive from Como town. Our hotel — Albergo Milano 1920 — was simple but full of charm, and staying there helped us save quite a bit on accommodation. Best of all, there was a bus stop right outside the hotel, which made getting around really easy even without a car. Small villages like Blevio are a great option if you’re looking for peace, better prices, and don’t mind a quieter atmosphere. They’re also ideal if you’re travelling by car, as parking is generally easier than in the busier lakeside towns.

But if you’d rather not deal with buses or you’re not planning to rent a car, I’d recommend staying somewhere that’s directly connected by train. This makes things much simpler, especially for first-time visitors. Some of the best towns with train access include:

Varenna – excellent location with train station and a ferry terminal giving easy access to Bellagio and Menaggio — part of the famous “Golden Triangle”. This makes Varenna very convenient for travellers without a car, and it’s full of charming streets, lakeside cafes, and great restaurants. Keep in mind, accommodation prices here tend to be on the higher side compared to other towns.

Fiò & Giò・Hotel Olivedo

Bellano & Dervio come right after Varenna on the train line and are just a short 10-minute ride away (only about €2 by train). They offer a quieter, less touristy vibe but still have good train connections to Milan and other towns on the lake. The best part? You can find beautiful apartments at reasonable prices, many with terraces and kitchens — perfect for a longer stay or if you want to cook your own meals. Ideal for travellers who want the convenience of a train but prefer a more authentic and affordable experience.

La Casa Sul Sasso・Casa in Contrada・Romantic Laghée

If you prefer staying in a larger town with more amenities, Mandello del Lario and Lecco are great choices. Both towns have train stations with direct trains to Milan and good road connections. Lecco, in particular, is a bustling town with shops, restaurants, and beautiful lakeside promenades. Mandello del Lario is a bit smaller but equally charming, offering a nice mix of lakeside beauty and local life. These towns are perfect if you want a lively atmosphere but also easy access to other parts of the lake.

Picobello Lago・Albergo Ristorante Grigna・Delago 1685

If you want to stay right in the centre of the Lake Como tourist scene, Bellagio and Menaggio are top picks. Both towns are famous for their stunning views, luxury hotels, and bustling tourist infrastructure. You’ll find many shops, restaurants, and easy ferry links to other lakeside towns. However, keep in mind that prices for accommodation here are significantly higher than in smaller towns or villages. Choose Bellagio or Menaggio if you want to be in the heart of the action and don’t mind paying extra for convenience and atmosphere.

Hotel Florence・Hotel Fioroni・ Hotel Adler・ Hotel Loveno

Como is often the first stop for people coming from Milan, and it’s a lovely way to begin your trip around the lake. The town has elegant town squares, a walkway by the water, and beautiful mountain views — a perfect mix of culture and calm.

Begin your visit at Piazza Duomo, the main square, where you’ll find the Duomo di Como, a large and beautiful cathedral built in both Gothic and Renaissance styles. Inside, you’ll see colourful stained glass windows and a quiet, peaceful space. Nearby, walk along Via Vittorio Emanuele, one of Como’s main shopping streets, where you’ll find small shops, cosy cafés, and places to buy delicious Italian ice cream.

To see the best views, take the small mountain railway — the funicular — up to Brunate, a little village on the hill above Como. The ride takes only about seven minutes, but the view from the top is amazing. You can see the town, the lake, and even the Alps if the weather is clear. From Brunate, you can also walk to Faro Voltiano, a lighthouse with even more great views.

Como is proud of Alessandro Volta, who invented the electric battery and lived here. You can learn more about him at the Tempio Voltiano, a museum by the lake built in a classical style, which shows his life and work.

Don’t miss a walk along the Lungolago, the path by the lake — it’s especially lovely in the evening when the sun sets. You’ll also see the modern Life Electric sculpture, made in honour of Volta, which stands out in the water on a small pier.

If you enjoy history, visit Villa Olmo, a grand house from the 1700s with pretty gardens and art shows (although it’s currently under restoration). It’s about 20 minutes on foot from the town centre, but the walk along the lake is very pleasant.

Como is also a great place to take a ferry. From here, you can travel across the lake to lovely towns like Bellagio, Varenna, or Menaggio. You can also choose to explore the south-western part of the lake on a shared boat tour, passing by famous villas and scenic spots. Whether you take the ferry or join a shared boat, the journey itself is a big part of the experience, with beautiful views all the way.

Como is lively but relaxed, a great place for a lakeside lunch, some shopping, and a bit of sightseeing before heading off to explore the rest of Lake Como.

The so-called Golden Triangle of Lake Como links three of the lake’s most iconic towns — Varenna, Bellagio, and Menaggio — forming a perfect triangle in the heart of the lake. Each town has its own character and charm, and they’re all well connected by ferry, which makes hopping between them simple and scenic.

Varenna feels romantic and quiet, with narrow cobbled streets, colourful buildings, and one of the best lakeside promenades anywhere on Como. You can start your visit at the Villa Monastero, a gorgeous villa with botanical gardens stretching along the water — the views here are stunning. If you're up for a short hike, climb up to Castello di Vezio, a medieval fortress perched above the town. The walk takes about 30–40 minutes and rewards you with panoramic views over the lake, plus the chance to explore the old castle walls and sometimes even see a falconry show. Back in town, stroll along the Passeggiata degli Innamorati (the Lovers' Walk), a beautiful lakeside path with iron railings and flower boxes. It’s especially lovely in the late afternoon when the light hits the water. Varenna is also well connected by ferry, so it’s a great base for exploring the rest of the triangle.

Bellagio is often called the pearl of the lake — and with good reason. It’s the busiest of the three towns, with lots of visitors and a more polished, upmarket feel. But it’s also beautiful and full of charm. Walk through the cobbled lanes of the old town, especially the Salita Serbelloni, with its pretty steps lined with boutiques, gelato shops and cafés. Don’t miss the Gardens of Villa Melzi, just a short walk from the centre — they stretch right along the lake and are perfect for a peaceful hour among exotic trees, sculptures and quiet benches. For amazing views, head to Punta Spartivento, the northern tip of Bellagio, where you can see all three branches of the lake. And if you fancy something a bit more active, you can hire a kayak or boat and explore the water at your own pace. Bellagio also has a few places that offer cooking classes and wine tastings — perfect if you’re after a more immersive experience.

Menaggio sits on the western shore and has a different feel again — calmer, more local, and very family-friendly. The lakefront promenade is flat and peaceful, with palm trees, benches and little cafés — perfect for a slow morning or evening stroll. The old part of town is small but charming, and there’s a great public lido with sun loungers, pools and lake access if you want to spend a sunny day by the water. If you’re into nature walks, you can head just above the town to Parco Val Sanagra, a quiet green area with trails, small waterfalls, and views back towards the lake. And for something a bit different, you can even rent a bike and cycle the scenic route to Porlezza on Lake Lugano. 

The beauty of the Golden Triangle is how easy it is to explore all three towns — ferries run regularly between them, especially in the warmer months, and the journeys are part of the fun, with incredible views all the way. Each town has its own pace, and visiting all three gives you a real sense of what makes this part of Lake Como so special. 

Lake Como isn’t just about stunning views — it’s also a wonderful place to enjoy good food and local flavours. The northern Italian cuisine here blends mountain comfort with lakeside freshness, and each town has something special to offer.

Let’s start with a few local dishes you might spot on menus:

• Missoltini – sun-dried lake shad, traditionally served grilled with polenta. It’s a real taste of the lake, especially around Como and Lecco.
• Risotto con pesce persico – a creamy risotto made with lightly fried perch from the lake, simple but full of flavour.
• Pizzoccheri – a hearty buckwheat pasta with cabbage, potatoes, and melted cheese, more common in nearby Valtellina but sometimes found in traditional trattorie near the mountains.
• Polenta uncia – rich, cheesy polenta with garlic and butter — the ultimate comfort dish on a cooler day.
• And for dessert? Try torta miascia, a rustic local cake made with old bread, fruit, and nuts — a great way to end a meal.

In towns like Varenna, Bellagio, and Menaggio, you’ll find everything from cosy trattorias to more elegant restaurants with lake views. Expect menus with handmade pasta, fresh fish, and good local wine. Don’t forget to try a glass of Valtellina red or a chilled white from the hills above Lake Como.

If you’re after something more immersive, Varenna is a great place to start. You can book a local food experience in a resident’s home — a relaxed meal where you learn about family recipes and traditional cooking in an authentic setting. There’s also a unique picnic experience in the Italian Alps, where you’ll hike to a scenic spot and enjoy lunch with a view — perfect if you want something outdoorsy and special. And for wine lovers, there’s a fantastic wine tasting tour in Varenna, which includes a guided visit to Villa Monastero and a sampling of regional wines with expert commentary.

For a more casual bite, grab a panino or slice of focaccia at a bakery, or enjoy gelato by the lake — the fruit flavours, especially peach and wild berry, are often made with local ingredients in summer.

A trip to Lake Como doesn’t have to break the bank. You can enjoy the lake’s charm and natural beauty on a modest budget, or go for something more comfortable with scenic views, wine tastings and lovely hotel stays. It all depends on your travel style and what kind of experience you’re after.

If you're on a budget, you can expect to spend around €75 to €150 per day. The most affordable places to stay are in quieter towns like Dervio, Bellano or Mandello del Lario, where simple but cosy apartments and guesthouses cost around €100 to €150 per night. These towns are still well connected by train and ferry, and they offer a more peaceful, local experience. Eating out doesn’t have to be expensive — coffee and a pastry in the morning is around €4, and lunch or dinner at a casual pizzeria can cost around €12 to €18. You can treat yourself to a scoop of gelato in the afternoon for about €3 or enjoy an espresso with a lake view. Transport is also affordable — train tickets from Milan to Varenna cost around €7–8, ferry rides between lakeside towns start from €2, and local buses are usually just a couple of euros. Many of the best things to do — exploring old towns, walking along the shore, swimming in the lake — are completely free. If you’d like to add in a paid activity, such as a visit to Villa Monastero or a ferry day pass, you can do so for around €10–15.

For a more mid-range trip with some extra comfort, expect to spend about €150 to €300 per day. Lake-view hotels or well-rated apartments in towns like Varenna, Bellagio or Menaggio cost around €150 to €250 per night for two people, and often include breakfast. A relaxed lunch by the water might cost €20–25, while dinner at a nicer restaurant with wine could be €35 to €45 per person. If you enjoy food and wine, you might want to book a tasting experience or a cooking class — many of these start at €100. Getting around by ferry is still the most scenic and easy way to explore, and a 1-day ferry pass will cost around €25. If you're staying in a more remote village or want more flexibility, renting a car is another option — expect to pay around €40–50 per day, plus parking.

Lake Como is a place where nature and history come together beautifully. Every corner shows stunning views, and the fresh air is filled with the smell of good food and gentle lake waves. It’s not just a trip, but a chance to slow down, explore peaceful streets, and enjoy simple moments. Let your visit to Lake Como be full of new memories and small joys. Take your time, try local dishes, ride the ferry, and let the lake inspire you. Sometimes the best part of travel is how it makes you feel.