From James Bond to George Clooney, Lake Como has been a playground for the rich and famous for decades. Look past the opulent villas and Hollywood high-rollers, however, and you’ll find that this glacial lake remains a land of tiny fishing villages and humble polenta. Boat tours of lakeshore highlights like Villa Balbianello and Villa Carlotta, along with the jewel-like towns of Bellagio and Varenna, top the list of things to do on Lake Como. Visitors can also delve into the local cuisine with cooking classes, market tours, and winery visits.
Lake Como is popular with A-listers (and celebrity-spotters) in the summer, so spring and fall are the best times to avoid the crowds and enjoy the area’s lush gardens and mild microclimate. In October, you can also experience the medieval Palio del Baradello, a historic reinactment that features costumed processions, games, and banquets. The most famous event of the year, however, is the Feast Day of San Giovanni (June 24th), is marked by a twilight boat procession and fireworks.
Trains run directly from Milan to the towns of Como, Lecco, and Varenna. From there, an efficient local bus and ferry system can take you to the other major lakeside towns. You can also travel between towns (or head to a villa) in a taxi or taxi boat. The hills surrounding the lake offer some of the most scenic cycling in northern Italy; you can rent a bike or e-bike at agencies in the main towns all around the lake.
Lake Como offers some of the most spectacular hiking in Italy’s northern Lake District, but most trails up to the peaks that line the lake shore require a good map and strong calves. The Greenway is an easy alternative suitable for more casual walkers and active families. The flat, scenic route hugs the lake for 6 miles (10 km) and passes through seven of the prettiest lakeside villages, making it simple to break up your walk into short legs.
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Born in Derbyshire and raised in London, Alex is now an Italy-based writer. When not writing, she enjoys the simple, sunny pleasures of life in the Italian lakes: swimming, hiking, and exploring Italy with family and friends.
get orientated with the ferry ports and buy your boat tickets early—preferably in advance. The fast boats often sell out quickly at peak times.
Cruise to Bellagio for a lakeside lunch, then take a dip in the water at San Giovanni beach. If you have the budget, hiring a motorboat is worthwhile as it allows you to dodge the crowds and cover more sights.
the Como-Brunate funicular. The fun, single-track journey is topped by unsurpassable scenery—classic lake vistas, framed by cliffs and mountains.
head away from the tourists in Como, Bellagio, and Varenna, and check out the southeastern “leg” of the lake where local visitors are more likely to go.
Brunate wins hands-down for dramatic views, but another option is Castello di Vezio where you can see the lake stretch out in different directions.
Getting around isn’t as easy as in other tourist towns as there’s a lack of ride-hailing apps and limited taxi services, even in bigger towns like Como. If you stay out late, plan your way back in advance.
Surrounded by mountains that offer an ever-changing backdrop throughout the year, Lake Como boasts dramatic beauty and offers plenty to do. The same scenic charms you see today have enticed visitors throughout the ages—apparently the area was popular even in Roman times—and the lake’s history adds to its appeal.
...MoreYou can easily while away a week in the area around Lake Como, but if you’re here outside of the peak summer season, you can probably experience it in just a couple of days. Base yourself at a lake town like Como, Bellagio, or Varenna, and travel to nearby villages by boat.
...MoreBellagio and Varenna are considered the most beautiful towns on Lake Como. But well-known beauty attracts crowds, and that’s not such a beautiful thing. Hilltop Brunate is calmer and offers lake views from above, while the lake’s northern stretches feel wilder and rustic, free from the day-tripping hoards.
...MoreExplore by boat. Take photos. Swim at a lake beach. Eat all the food. And, if you have time left, consider a hike. The route from Brunate to Montepiatto or the Wayfarer’s Path (Sentiero del Viandante) both offer views of the lake that most visitors don’t get to see.
...MoreIt really depends on what you like. Both lakes are big and beautiful, but Lake Garda feels a little more laidback; at Lake Como, the vibe is more opulent villas and A-list celebs. In terms of views, food, and overall charm, the two lakes are actually very similar.
...MoreAbsolutely, you can swim in Lake Como. That said, you would only want to do this during the hot summer months. The important thing is to stay safe, so enter the water from a lake beach and stay close to shore. Treat your swim like a cool-down dip rather than exercise.
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