Best Things to Do in Lake Como, Italy: Our Honest Guide
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The first time Lake Como really clicked for us, we were on a small shared boat tour, passing villas we’d previously only seen in Hollywood films (like Star Wars, James Bond, Ocean’s Twelve…).
We had already explored the lake by car and ferry, but seeing it from the water completely changed how we ranked the best things to do in Lake Como.
So, is Lake Como worth visiting?
Definitely, but not because you need to tick off every famous town (like Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio).
The experiences we remember most are the ones that actually let you experience the lake:
- getting on the water,
- walking through the best villas,
- taking a cable car into the mountains,
- hiking above the shoreline
- …
For a first trip, we recommend at least three days to explore the lake.
That gives you enough time for:
- one proper boat experience;
- one or two villas;
- a central-lake town day;
- and one hike, viewpoint, or a wine tasting/cooking class.
If we were booking our first Lake Como trip again, the boat would be the first paid experience we’d reserve.
Then we’d build the rest of the itinerary around where we were staying.
This guide is organised the same way we actually travel: experiences first, towns second, with our honest advice on what’s worth paying for, what works better as a free stop, and what we’d prioritise if your time is limited.
🚤 Book the boat first: Seeing Lake Como from the water is still our #1 experience. Choose a shared cruise for value or a private boat if this is the trip you want to splurge on.
🏛️ Don’t try to visit every villa: If you only choose one, we’d pick Villa del Balbianello →. For gardens, Villa Carlotta is our favourite.
🏘️ Base matters: For a first trip without a car, we’d lean toward Varenna. Bellagio is the iconic choice, while Menaggio gives you the central lake with fewer crowds.
🥾 Choose your active day: Walk the Greenway if you want something easy; choose the Sentiero del Viandante if hiking is genuinely part of the trip.
🍝 Staying longer? Add one memorable food experience instead of another checklist attraction. Our Varenna cooking class was one of the highlights of our trip. Check the class →
🗓️ Our sweet spot: Give Lake Como three days if you can. Two days works, but you’ll have to make harder choices.
Best things to do in Lake Como: summary
Short on time?
These are the best things to do on Lake Como we would prioritise, ranked by what each is best for.
| Our favourite things to do in Lake Como | |
| 🚤 Boat tour | Best overall experience. See the villas and towns from the angle that made us fall for Lake Como. Compare boat options ↓ |
| 🏛️ Villa del Balbianello | If you only visit one villa. Check the Balbianello experience → |
| 🌿 Villa Carlotta | Best for gardens. We spent about an hour here and never felt rushed. Check admission → |
| 🚠 Cable car / funicular | Best easy panorama. Choose Brunate if you’re staying around Como; Pigra makes more sense from the central/western lake. |
| 🥾 Lake Como hike | Best active day. Greenway for easy walking; Sentiero del Viandante for a proper hike. |
| 🍝 Cooking class | Best food experience. Our Varenna class was one of our favourite experiences on the lake. Check availability → |
| 💧 Nesso | Best quick detour. Come for the gorge and waterfall, but we wouldn’t use Nesso as our first base. |
| 🏘️ Varenna / Bellagio | Best first-trip towns. Varenna for transport and romance; Bellagio for the iconic Lake Como experience. |
Want to see where all of this actually sits on the lake? Check our Map of Lake Como post before you start planning your route.
Don’t know which Lake Como town is right for you? Let us help you!
🤔 Which Lake Como town fits your trip?
First trip + no car: Varenna.
Want the iconic postcard experience: Bellagio.
Central lake with fewer crowds: Menaggio.
Villa-focused trip: Tremezzina.
Easy Milan connection: Como.
Mountains + hiking: Lecco.
Watersports: Colico.
Quiet: Gravedona.
Take a boat tour, the best thing to do on Lake Como
If you only do one thing, GET ON THE WATER.
We have visited Lake Como by car, by ferry and by private boat, and the private boat won by a distance, because it puts you right under the villas the road never shows you.
This is genuinely one of the best activities on Lake Como!
There are THREE WAYS to take a Lake Como boat tour, and they suit different travelers.
🚤 Which Lake Como boat experience should you choose?
Lowest budget: use the public ferry and treat the journey as sightseeing.
Best balance for most people: book a shared sightseeing cruise →
Romantic evening: choose a sunset boat →
Honeymoon / anniversary / big splurge: book the private boat →
Public ferry: best if budget matters
The CHEAPEST AND EASIEST option.
Navigazione Laghi runs ferries between the Lake Como main towns year-round, and a central-lake hop between Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio and Tremezzo is a sightseeing trip in itself.
This is the backbone of most Lake Como activities, since it doubles as your transport.
Shared boat tour: our pick for most first-time visitors
If you want the Lake Como boat experience without paying for a private charter, this is where we’d start.
You still see the villas and mountains from the water, but you split the cost with other travellers.
Which cruise makes most sense depends on where you’re staying.
🤔 Where are you staying?
Bellagio: Check the Bellagio shared cruise →
Private and Riva-style boat tours
But if we had to choose, we recommend a private boat tour.
A Lake Como boat tour private charter in a CLASSIC SAILING BOAT is the iconic version, and the operators run boat tours from Bellagio, Como, Menaggio, and Varenna.
You set the route, stop for photos, and see Villa del Balbianello and George Clooney’s Villa Oleandra from the only angle that does them justice.
👉 INSIDER TIP: Book your Riva boat tour on Lake Como for GOLDEN HOUR, the last 90 minutes before sunset. The light goes warm, the day-trip ferries thin out, and the water usually flattens off.
One honest note: a private charter is the PRICIEST activity on the lake. If the budget is tight, a shared tour or a simple ferry hop still gives you that on-the-water magic for a fraction of the cost. We loved this sunset boat tour along the western shore.
THE SPLURGE
🛥️ Want the Lake Como boat experience to be the highlight?
We’d spend more on one private lake experience rather than stacking several smaller paid attractions. It made the villas and shoreline feel completely different from the ferry.
Check private Lake Como boats →Visit the villas and gardens worth your time.
We have walked a lot of Como villas, and the honest truth is that not all of them earn a visit.
You do not need to visit every famous villa on Lake Como.
After visiting several ourselves, we would choose based on what you actually care about:
- Villa Monastero if you’re already staying in Varenna and want the most relaxed visit.
- Villa del Balbianello if you want the iconic one;
- Villa Carlotta if gardens matter most;
👉 DID YOU KNOW: Lake Como’s villa tradition goes back to Roman times, when Pliny the Younger built two lakeside estates he nicknamed Comedia and Tragedia as places to escape the city.
🤔 Which Lake Como villa should you visit?
Only visiting one? Choose Villa del Balbianello →
Love gardens? Choose Villa Carlotta →
Staying in Varenna? Choose Villa Monastero →
Villa del Balbianello (Tremezzina)
Our pick if you only visit one villa: Balbianello has the strongest combination of location, architecture and “this is Lake Como” atmosphere.
Set on its own little peninsula, this is the one you have seen in films, and it is really impressive in person.
You can book entry and guided visits via GetYourGuide (ferry tickets are included).
If it is already high on your list, book it before filling your itinerary with the smaller villas.
OUR VILLA PICK
🏛️ Only have time for one Lake Como villa?
We’d choose Villa del Balbianello first and build the rest of the villa itinerary around it.
Check Balbianello availability →Villa Carlotta (Tremezzo)
A mix of art, history and botanical gardens that feels more complete than most.
We spent about an hour here and never felt rushed.
Best gardens on the lake.
You can book entry to the garden and museum via GetYourGuide.
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Villa Monastero (Varenna)
A beautiful long garden that stretches along the water, and the most peaceful villa visit we had.
You can book entry to the garden and museum via GetYourGuide (APERITIF INCLUDED at the end of your visit).
Quick villa stops
- Villa Olmo in Como has free public gardens and easy access from the town.
- Villa Melzi Gardens in Bellagio are best early, before the crowds.
- Villa Cipressi in Varenna is a good quick stop if you are already there.
- Villa Serbelloni Park in Bellagio has the best views but needs a guided visit.
👉 INSIDER TIP: Most big villas and gardens, Villa Balbianello and Carlotta included, are CLOSED from November to March (winter closure). If villas are your priority, come between April and October.
We’ve pinned every place mentioned here, from boats, villas, and beaches to hikes, on our Map of Lake Como, so you can see how it all connects.
Ride the cable cars and chase the best viewpoints
The cheapest thrill on Lake Como is going up.
Two short rides give you the kind of views people hike hours for, which makes them some of the best-value Lake Como outdoor activities going.
🚠 Brunate or Pigra?
Staying in Como? Ride the Brunate funicular.
Staying around the central or western lake? Choose Argegno–Pigra.
Argegno-Pigra cable car
One of the coolest things to do here.
The short ride lifts you high above the lake in a few minutes, with some of the best views in the central lake.
At the top you’ll find small restaurants and trailheads.
The ride takes about 6 minutes, fits 12 people, and covers a 648-meter elevation gain (according to the official website of the cable car)
Check Argegno–Pigra Cable Car ticket rates.
👉 INSIDER TIP: Take the cable car up and hike back down. It’s about 1.5 hours on foot and very doable if you’re even a little bit fit.
Brunate funicular from Como
A short funicular (tram that goes on a very steep incline) from Como lifts you to the hilltop village of Brunate for a panorama over the whole southern basin.
It’s called the ‘BALCONY OVER THE ALPS‘.
BEST AT SUNSET. The funicular runs until 10.30 pm.
You can find the up-to-date RATES on their official website.
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Walk the Greenway and go hiking around Lake Como
Some of our favourite Lake Como experiences cost nothing but a good pair of shoes.
The trails here are what keep us coming back.
🥾 Which Lake Como walk should you choose?
Not really a hiker? Walk part of the Greenway del Lago di Como.
Want a proper hiking day? Choose the Sentiero del Viandante.
Want fewer people? Look at the Strada Regia.
Greenway del Lago di Como (easy)
A gentle path linking villages along the western shore, with lake views most of the way.
The best self-guided Lake Como walking tour for non-hikers, and an easy half-day.
Sentiero del Viandante (serious)
The classic long-distance trail along the eastern shore, with lake-and-mountain views the whole way.
This is the one to pick if you want a proper Lake Como hiking day.
Strada Regia and the eastern trails
The old Strada Regia and routes toward Monti di Careno give you quieter, less touristy walking, away from the central-lake crowds.
👉 INSIDER TIP: If you’d rather not hike alone, guided Lake Como walking tours and hiking tours handle the logistics and add the history.
Food-and-village walking tours in Bellagio and Varenna are an easy, low-effort way in.
Prefer a guide to do the planning?
Browse Lake Como guided tours and excursions, from village walking tours and food walks to full-day hikes and bike rides.
See tours and excursionsGet active: cycling and watersports on the lake.
In summer, the lake turns into a playground, and these are the Lake Como things to do in summer we’d put first.
Windsurfing and sailing in Colico
The northern tip catches the famous Breva wind, which makes Colico the best spot on the whole lake for windsurfing and sailing.
We haven’t done this ourselves, but we highly recommend trying it out!
👉 DID YOU KNOW: You can even do horseback riding on the lake in Colico? Check out our fill post about best things to do in Colico!
Cycling and bike tours
The flatter northern shore and the Pian di Spagna nature reserve are great for cycling, and guided Lake Como bike tours and e-bike cycling tours take the climbing out of it.
Several stretches link straight onto the Greenway and the Sentiero del Viandante.
You can try out this 3.5-hour e-bike tour visiting three lakes!
See the gorge and waterfall at Nesso, the lake’s best hidden gem
If you want one spot that feels nothing like the rest of the lake, go to Nesso.
Nesso is more of a quick stop than a place to stay, but the gorge and waterfall make it worth the detour.
The Orrido di Nesso is where TWO RIVERS CRASH down into the lake between steep stone houses, under a little arched bridge.
To get the iconic view, you walk down 300-plus steps from the town centre to the Ponte della Civera (viewpoint).
Standing on that bridge with the waterfall below was easily one of the most beautiful views we had on Lake Como.
👉 INSIDER TIP: It’s a real workout getting back up those steps. Bring water, wear proper shoes.
Spend a day at the best beaches and lidos
Lake Como isn’t a beach destination, but it’s a better swimming spot than you would expect; just know the water stays cold until midsummer, so July and August are the best months.
For a lively beach-club day with loungers and a pool, Lido di Bellagio and Lido di Cernobbio are the go-to picks.
For a quieter swim, San Giovanni beach near Bellagio and Serenella beach in Gravedona are calmer and more scenic.
Families do well at Lido Orsa Maggiore in Lecco, and if you’re chasing wind, Colico is the spot for kitesurfers rather than swimmers.
OUR HONEST NOTE: Most of these are pebble or concrete entry rather than sand, so pack water shoes if you’re sensitive to that.
🏖️ Where would we swim?
Want a proper beach-club day? Lido di Bellagio or Cernobbio.
Want something quieter? San Giovanni or Serenella.
Want watersports? Go north toward Colico.
Things to do town by town
Lake Como is a region, not a single town, and where you stay shapes your whole trip.
Here’s what each main town is best for, and the top things to do in each.
Things to do in Bellagio
Bellagio sits at the point where the lake splits in two, and it’s the most Instagram-worthy town!
We recommend the following best things to do in Bellagio:
🚤 Take a sunset boat tour
One of the best things we did in Bellagio was a sunset boat cruise on Lake Como.
It was insane to see the villas, mountains, and towns from the water as the sun went down.
For a moment, we felt like we were in a Hollywood movie.
👉 Book your tour in advance to secure your spot, especially in summer when tours sell out quickly.
🌸 Visit Villa Melzi Gardens
Beautiful lakeside gardens with sculptures, walking paths, and some of the most peaceful views in Bellagio. This is the place you will want to go to for your INSTAGRAM PICTURES!
🏛️ Explore Villa Serbelloni Park
A guided visit takes you through historic gardens with panoramic viewpoints overlooking both branches of the lake.
🛍️ Walk through Bellagio’s old town
Get lost in the cobblestone streets, stairways, and small boutiques. This is the Bellagio you see in postcards.
🍝 Enjoy a lakeside dinner
Bellagio is perfect for a slow dinner with an Aperol Spritz and an amazing view, especially in the evening once the day crowds leave.
We recommend booking at Ristorante La Punta.
Why is La Punta one of the best restaurants in Bellagio?
- Located at the tip of Bellagio, with panoramic lake views (Feels fully surrounded by water, not just lakeside)
- Great local food with fresh ingredients
- Perfect spot for a sunset dinner
For the full list of things to do in Bellagio, including where to eat and swim, see our dedicated things to do in Bellagio guide.
Things to do in Varenna
Varenna, across the water on the eastern shore, is smaller, quieter, and less touristy than Bellagio.
A 20-minute ferry links it to Bellagio, so you can easily do both.
👉 INSIDER TIP: Do Bellagio first and Varenna last. The ferry back from Varenna is usually almost empty, while everyone piles on at Bellagio.
🍝 Cooking class as one of our favorite experiences in Varenna
In Varenna, we took a cooking class with Annamaria. It ended up being one of the highlights of our trip.
The instructions were clear, easy to follow, and the atmosphere was incredibly warm and welcoming.
👉 This is something we try to include in every trip; it’s one of the best ways to connect with local culture beyond just sightseeing.
🏘️ Wander through Varenna town center
Walk through Varenna’s beautiful historic center, where lakeside paths, colorful houses, and steep cobbled alleys create one of the most romantic settings on Lake Como.
It’s an amazing romantic experience (if there aren’t too many people).
🌿 Visit Villa Monastero & Villa Cipressi gardens
Two of the most beautiful villas on the lake are known for their lakeside gardens, historic architecture, and views.
🌊 Discover the hamlet of Fiumelatte
A short walk from Varenna takes you to this super small lakeside village, famous for its short river and peaceful vibe.
🏰 Visit Castello di Vezio with a wine tasting included!
Before you climb up to the castle, we got to enjoy a wine tasting in Varenna with a selection of three local sparkling wines by the glass, served with some breadsticks and olives.
Afterwards, we climbed up to the castle for panoramic views over Lake Como, one of the best viewpoints in the area.
An audio guide is available to give more information about the castle itself!
🏖️ Relax on a lakeside beach
Unwind at Olivedo Lido or head to nearby Lierna for one of the nicest public beaches around (both are pins on our map of Lake Como above).
🥾 Go hiking above the lake
Explore trails like the Sentiero del Viandante for incredible views and a quieter side of Lake Como.
We go deeper on Varenna in our things to do in Varenna post, including the cooking class and the wine tasting at Castello di Vezio.
Things to do in Menaggio
Menaggio, on the western shore, is the practical and less touristy central-lake base, with a lakefront and good connections, including buses toward Lugano.
The main things to do in Menaggio, Lake Como are the lakefront promenade, the nearby Lerai beach, and using it as a launchpad for hikes above the town.
Visit our full list of things to do in Menaggio below:
🚶♂️ Walk through Menaggio town center
A relaxed mix of lakeside views, small boutique stores, and cafés where you can soak in the slower pace of Lake Como.
🌅 Walk along the lakeside promenade
One of the easiest ways to enjoy Menaggio is that the promenade is flat, scenic, and perfect for a morning or sunset stroll.
🏛️ Visit Villa Mylius-Vigoni
A peaceful historic villa set above the town, with beautiful gardens and panoramic views over the lake.
🏘️ Explore Loveno and Nobiallo hamlets
Step just outside the center to discover quieter, more authentic corners shaped by local life and fishing traditions.
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🌿 Discover Val Sanagra nature reserve
A green escape just above Menaggio with walking trails, picnic spots, and a completely different feel from the lakefront.
🏖️ Relax at a lakeside beach
Spend a slow afternoon at Victoria Beach or Lerai Beach, perfect for swimming or just unwinding by the water.
🥾 Take a hike above the lake
Head into the hills or up toward Monte Crocetta for some of the best views around Menaggio.
If Menaggio is your base, our things to do in Menaggio guide covers the promenade, the nature reserve, and the best lakeside beaches in more detail.
Things to do in Tremezzina
One of the most famous villas on Lake Como, known for its botanical gardens, art collections, and amazing lake views.
🎬 Explore Villa Balbianello
A breathtaking villa set on a peninsula. It’s become famous for being seen in movies like JAMES BOND AND STAR WARS.
🚶♀️ Walk the Greenway del Lago di Como
A scenic walking path connecting villages, with beautiful lake views almost the entire way.
🏘️ Visit the village of Lenno
A peaceful lakeside spot with a charming bay, perfect for a slower afternoon.
🛶 Take a boat tour along the western shore
One of the best ways to see the villas from the water is to experience this part of the lake properly.
For the villa-hopping crowd, our things to do in Tremezzina post covers Villa Carlotta and Villa Balbianello in more depth.
Things to do in Como
Como city is the main gateway and the easiest place to reach from Milan.
When we stayed here, it was super convenient, but it didn’t have the same charm as Varenna or Bellagio.
Como really was our base to visit the other lake towns.
Explore the historic centre, see the Duomo, ride the Brunate funicular, and visit the Silk Museum.
We recommend it for a 1 to 2-day visit to Lake Como and have Como city as your base if you come from Milan, but skip it as a base if you want the postcard lake.
🚶♂️ Explore Como’s historic center
Walk through streets filled with shops and cafés. It feels much more like a real city than a resort town.
⛪ Visit the Como Cathedral (Duomo di Como)
One of the most impressive landmarks on the lake is located right by the waterfront.
🚡 Take the funicular to Brunate
A short ride up the mountain gives you panoramic views over Lake Como, especially worth it at sunset.
🍷 Join a local wine tasting tour
A relaxed way to experience the region beyond the lake, especially if you’re staying in Como for a couple of nights.
🎨 Visit Como’s museums (silk history + local culture)
Como has a long history of silk production, and you can explore it at the Silk Museum near Como Borghi station.
👉 It’s a more unique activity that gives you context about why Como became such an important town historically.
More information in our fill post about the best things to do in Como!
Things to do in Lecco
Lecco, on the eastern side of Lake Como, feels completely different, more local and far more focused on mountains.
This is the best base on the lake for hiking.
You can walk the lakeside promenade, explore the Manzoni literary landmarks, and use the surrounding peaks for serious trails.
🏞️ Stroll through Lecco’s historic center & lakeside promenade
Lecco’s town center feels much more local and less touristy than places like Bellagio, with wide promenades, mountain views, and a relaxed atmosphere.
👉 We love Lecco as it’s one of the nicest places on the lake for a slow walk; you’ve got the water on one side and the mountains rising right behind you.
👉 If you’re visiting in the evening, this area really comes alive with locals going for a passeggiata (evening stroll).
🥾 Go hiking in the surrounding mountains
Lecco is one of the best bases on Lake Como for hiking, with trails ranging from easy walks to more challenging routes with incredible views.
👉 This is what really sets Lecco apart for us, since you’re not just visiting the lake; you’re right at the base of the mountains.
🎨 Visit Palazzo delle Paure
A cultural space combining art, photography, and local exhibitions.
📚 Explore Manzoni-related landmarks
Lecco is closely tied to The Betrothed, one of Italy’s most famous novels.
👉 You’ll find several locations connected to the story throughout the town.
🏖️ Relax at a lakeside beach
Head to Lido Orsa Maggiore or Parco di Chiesa Rotta for a more relaxed beach experience.
👉 Great for a slower afternoon by the water.
| Recommended ITALY TRAVEL ESSENTIALS we personally use and trust | ||
| 🧳 Carry-on / travel duffel | 🎒 Daypack | 👜 Anti-theft crossbody bag |
| 👟 Walking shoes: Men | Women | 🥿 Walking sandals: Men | Women | 👕 Breathable layers: Men | Women |
| 🧥 Packable rain jacket: Men | Women | 🧢 Sun hat | 🕶️ Sunglasses |
| 🔌 EU plug adapter (Type F/L) | 🔋 Power bank | 💧 Reusable water bottle |
| 🧴 Sunscreen | ☂️ Compact travel umbrella | |
Things to do in Cernobbio
🌿 Walk along the lakeside promenade
A peaceful and scenic walk with beautiful views and a relaxed atmosphere.
🏛️ Visit Villa Erba
A historic villa often used for events, surrounded by gardens and lake views.
🎨 Explore Villa Bernasconi
A smaller but unique villa showcasing Liberty-style architecture and local history.
🍷 Enjoy a lakeside aperitivo
Perfect spot to slow down with a drink while watching the sunset over the lake.
Cernobbio gets its own breakdown, villas and all, in our things to do in Cernobbio post.
Things to do in Argegno
🚠 Take the Argegno–Pigra Cable Car
One of the coolest things to do here!
This short ride takes you high above the lake in a few minutes, with incredible views over Lake Como and the surrounding mountains.
At the top, you’ll find small restaurants and even hiking trails if you want to explore further.
👉 INSIDER TIP: Take the cable car up, and hike back down. It’s about 1.5 hours on foot, but very doable!
🏘️ Wander through Argegno town center (Piazza Roma)
The heart of the village is a small square right by the lake, lined with cafés and restaurants.
It’s the perfect place to grab a gelato and try local dishes like lake fish while watching boats come and go.
🌉 Visit the Romanesque bridge on the Telo stream
A hidden historic gem just a short walk from the center.
From the bridge, you get a unique view of the gorge, steep stone houses, and the dramatic natural landscape shaped over centuries.
⛪ See the Church of Santissima Trinità
A beautiful lakeside church dating back to the 1600s, with beautiful details and local cultural significance.
🌿 Explore Val d’Intelvi
A lush valley just above Argegno, perfect for escaping the heat and crowds.
We loved it for its great hiking trails all around!
🥾 Go hiking around Argegno
From Pigra or nearby trails like the Greenway del Lago di Como, there are plenty of scenic routes.
Things to do in Colico
🌬️ Kitesurfing & sailing (best for watersports)
Colico is one of the windiest parts of Lake Como, thanks to the famous BREVA WIND, making it one of the best spots for kitesurfing and sailing.
👉 This is what really sets Colico apart. If you’re into watersports, this is the best place on the entire lake to do so.
We haven’t done this activity ourselves but highly recommend it!
🏞️ Explore Piona Abbey (peaceful lakeside escape)
Set on a quiet peninsula just outside Colico, this abbey is one of the most peaceful places on Lake Como.
👉 The combination of cloisters, gardens, and lake views makes it feel completely removed from the busier towns.
🏰 Visit Forte di Fuentes (historic views over the lake)
The ruins of a 17th-century fortress overlooking the Pian di Spagna nature reserve.
👉 It’s not as polished as other sites, but the views from here are some of the most unique in the northern part of the lake.
🏛️ Visit Forte Montecchio Nord
One of the best-preserved World War I forts in Europe, with panoramic views over Lake Como and the surrounding valleys.
👉 A great stop if you’re interested in history and viewpoints combined.
🏘️ Walk through Colico town center & lakefront
Start at Piazza Garibaldi and stroll along the promenade lined with cafés and restaurants.
👉 It’s a relaxed, local-feeling area, perfect for an aperitivo by the water.
🌿 Explore Pian di Spagna Nature Reserve
A large protected area between Lake Como and Lake Mezzola.
👉 Great for spotting wildlife, cycling, or just escaping into nature.
🗼 See the Fontanedo Tower
A historic tower set on the slopes above Colico with views over the valleys.
👉 A quieter, off-the-beaten-path stop.
🥾 Go hiking around Colico
Routes like the Sentiero del Viandante or the Mills Route offer scenic trails with lake and mountain views.
👉 Perfect if you want a mix of lake scenery and mountain landscapes.
Colico’s watersports and forts get the full explanation in our things to do in Colico guide.
| Recommended ITALY TRAVEL ESSENTIALS we personally use and trust | ||
| 🧳 Carry-on / travel duffel | 🎒 Daypack | 👜 Anti-theft crossbody bag |
| 👟 Walking shoes: Men | Women | 🥿 Walking sandals: Men | Women | 👕 Breathable layers: Men | Women |
| 🧥 Packable rain jacket: Men | Women | 🧢 Sun hat | 🕶️ Sunglasses |
| 🔌 EU plug adapter (Type F/L) | 🔋 Power bank | 💧 Reusable water bottle |
| 🧴 Sunscreen | ☂️ Compact travel umbrella | |
Things to do in Gravedona
🚶♀️ Walk along the lakeside promenade & town center
The best way to experience Gravedona is simply slowing down and walking along its peaceful lakefront.
👉 Compared to the central towns, it felt much quieter and more local to us; no crowds, just open views of the lake and mountains.
👉 Start near Piazza Prà Castello and wander through the old streets; it’s not about big sights here, but the atmosphere.
⛪ Visit Santa Maria del Tiglio (most iconic landmark)
A striking Romanesque church right by the lake, known for its unique black-and-white stone façade.
🏛️ Explore Palazzo Gallio
A historic lakeside palace surrounded by gardens, fountains, and mountain views.
🌿 Visit Valle Albano (nature + wildlife)
A beautiful alpine valley above Gravedona with hiking trails and diverse wildlife.
🌲 Try Lake Como Adventure Park
An outdoor park with climbing routes and activities for different skill levels.
🥾 Go hiking around Gravedona
Trails like the loop toward Domaso offer scenic routes through nature.
⛴️ Take a ferry from Gravedona
A simple way to explore other parts of the lake from a quieter base.
Basing yourself in Gravedona? Our things to do in Gravedona guide has the full list, from Santa Maria del Tiglio to the Valle Albano hike.
Things to do in Nesso
🌊 Visit the Orrido di Nesso (gorge + waterfall)
The MAIN REASON to visit Nesso, and honestly, what makes this stop worth it.
The gorge is formed by the Tuf and Nosée rivers crashing down into the lake, creating a dramatic waterfall right between steep stone houses.
👉 It’s one of the most unique landscapes on Lake Como; you don’t really see anything like this elsewhere on the lake.
🌉 Walk to Ponte della Civera (iconic viewpoint)
To get the best view, you’ll need to walk down around 300+ steps from the town center, but this is where you get the beautiful Nesso perspective.
👉 Standing on the bridge with the waterfall below and the lake opening up in front of you is easily one of the most beautiful views we had on Lake Como!
👉 It’s a bit of a workout getting back up, but if you’re even a little bit fit, it’s absolutely worth it.
🏘️ Explore Nesso’s historic town center
Start at Piazza Castello, where you’ll get your first look at the gorge and lake views.
👉 The narrow alleys and stone houses feel much more raw and authentic than the more polished towns.
🏝️ Visit the hamlet of Careno
A quieter area with a small beach and a lakeside church.
👉 Great if you want to escape the crowds and see a more local side of the lake.
🌿 Discover Valle di Nosée
A peaceful green valley with a stream and picnic areas.
👉 Perfect for cooling off on hot days and getting away from the lake crowds.
🏰 See the ruins of Castello di San Lorenzo
Remains of an old defensive fortress overlooking the lake.
👉 A quick stop if you enjoy history + views.
🥾 Go hiking around Nesso
Trails like the Strada Regia or routes toward Monti di Careno offer scenic walks.
👉 Ideal for exploring a quieter, less touristy side of Lake Como.
Lecco’s mountain-heavy side deserves its own post; see our things to do in Lecco guide for the hiking routes and the Manzoni landmarks.
Things to do in Lake Como in winter
We’ll be honest: winter is the season most guides ignore, and it’s one of our favourite times here.
There are no tourists, the snow-capped Alps reflect in the still water, and the towns feel like they belong to locals again.
Here’s the honest trade-off. Most big villas, gardens, restaurants and hotels close from roughly November to March, so winter is not the season for villa-hopping.
What it is good for:
Christmas markets and lights in Como
From late November to early January, Como hosts the Città dei Balocchi, its Magic Light Festival, with a Christmas market and ice rink in Piazza Cavour and light projections across Piazza Duomo and the main squares.
Lecco runs its own festive market too.
This is the BEST Lake Como winter activity.
Heated boat tours and quiet ferries
The ferries run all winter on a reduced schedule, with the Lecco–Bellagio route the main exception, operating only from roughly late March to early November.
Heated boats and near-empty decks make a winter cruise genuinely pleasant, and private boat tours run year-round too.
Towns, museums and easy walks
Wandering Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio and Como without summer crowds is the real winter draw.
In Como, the Silk Museum and the Volta museums make good cold-weather stops, and the lower stretches of the Greenway and lakeside paths stay walkable.
👉 INSIDER TIP: A hire car is the most reliable way to get around in winter, since ferry stop frequency drops. Pick accommodation with parking, which is otherwise scarce in the small towns.
How many days do you need to visit Lake Como?
We’ve done Como as a rushed two-day stop and as a relaxed 7-day stay, and the difference is huge.
Three to four days is the sweet spot for the best things to do in Lake Como.
If you only have one day
Base in Bellagio or Varenna, do a morning boat tour or ferry hop across the central lake, visit one villa (Balbianello or Monastero), and finish with a lakeside dinner.
A practical 3-day plan
Day 1
Base in Bellagio. Villa Melzi Gardens early, then a private or shared boat tour of the western-shore villas, finishing at golden hour.
Day 2
Ferry to Tremezzo for Villa Carlotta, walk part of the Greenway to Lenno and Villa del Balbianello, then take a ferry route back via Varenna for Villa Monastero.
Day 3
Argegno–Pigra cable car and a hike back down, or the Sentiero del Viandante from Varenna. Detour to Nesso for the gorge if you have the afternoon.
Planning logistics? Our Map of Lake Como post makes it easy to see which of these are realistically doable on the same day.
Getting to Lake Como and around
Lake Como is easy to reach, which is half its appeal.
From Milan, the train to Como takes about an hour and covers roughly 30 miles (50 km).
Trains also run to Varenna-Esino on the eastern shore, the fastest way to reach the central lake without a car.
The lake itself is about 29 miles (47 km) long, so distances feel bigger than the map suggests once you’re hopping between towns.
Around the lake, ferries are both your main transport and your sightseeing.
Buy a central-lake day pass if you’re hopping between Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio and Tremezzo. A car helps for the northern lake and in winter, but parking in the small towns is tight.
The Italy travel items you’ll wish you had
One often-overlooked part of a trip to Italy is WHAT YOU WEAR AND PACK.
You don’t need to invest in expensive gear, but having the right ESSENTIALS FOR COBBLESTONES, SUMMER HEAT, CHURCH DRESS CODES, AND BUSY CITIES will make your trip far more comfortable.
Here’s a QUICK SUMMARY:
- 🧳 A light CARRY ON BAG keeps you mobile on trains and up the narrow staircases of old-town hotels.
- 🧳 To keep a carry-on organised across multiple towns, a set of VACUUM SUCKED PACKING CUBES makes living out of a bag far easier.
- 👕 Summers get hot, so pack breathable LIGHT LAYERS AND LINEN SHIRTS (Link for men) (Link for women) to stay cool and presentable.
- 🩹 The Italian cobblestones are famous for causing blisters, so a few BLISTER PLASTERS in your daypack are always worth it.
- 🔌 Italian sockets are Type F and Type L, so a UNIVERSAL PLUG ADAPTER keeps your devices charged everywhere.
- 🔋 Long days of maps, photos, and tickets drain a phone fast, so a POWER BANK is a lifesaver.
- 💧 Many towns have free drinking fountains, so a REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE saves money and keeps you hydrated in the heat.
- 🧴 The Mediterranean sun is stronger than it feels, so pack SUNSCREEN to avoid ruining a day with a burn.
- ☂️ Summer thunderstorms roll in quickly, so a COMPACT TRAVEL UMBRELLA keeps a sudden downpour from cutting your day short.
- 🎒 A comfortable DAYPACK is perfect for carrying water, layers, and a camera through long days of sightseeing.
- 👜 Pickpockets work the busy squares and stations, so an ANTI-THEFT CROSSBODY BAG lets you relax and keep valuables in front of you.
- 👟 Italy means cobblestones and a lot of walking, so broken-in WALKING SHOES (Link for men) (Link for women) will save your feet.
- 🥿 For hot afternoons, a pair of supportive WALKING SANDALS (Link for men) (Link for women) beats sweaty trainers.
- 🧥 Lake and mountain weather changes fast, so a packable RAIN JACKET (Link for men) (Link for women) is worth the space it takes.
- 🧢 The midday sun is strong, so a SUN HAT makes long piazza days and boat trips much more comfortable.
- 🕶️ Good SUNGLASSES cut the glare off the water and the pale stone facades.
Final thoughts: see Lake Como from the water first
HOW WE’D BOOK LAKE COMO
🇮🇹 Build the trip around four decisions
Choose your base, reserve the boat, book your priority villa and then add one experience that fits your travel style.
🚤 Check shared Lake Como boat tours
🛥️ Compare private Lake Como boats
Lake Como rewards slow travel.
Get on the water early, pick two or three villas rather than chasing them all (we recommend the best 3 villas), take the cable car, and leave room to just sit by the lake with a drink.
Do that, and you’ll come away with the version of Lake Como people fall in love with, not a checklist.
Ready to turn these ideas into a trip?
The boat tour is the one to book first, especially for sunset slots in summer.
Book your Lake Como boat tourWritten by Laura and Alexander, a travel couple with first-hand experience exploring Italy and Lake Como, from the boat tours to the quiet northern towns.
Frequently asked questions about things to do in Lake Como
What is the must-do thing on Lake Como?
A boat tour. Whether it’s a cheap ferry hop or a private Riva-style charter or sailing boat, seeing the villas and shoreline from the water is the one Lake Como experience nobody should skip.
What are the best things to do in Lake Como for first-timers?
Base in Bellagio or Varenna, take a boat tour of the central lake, visit Villa del Balbianello and Villa Carlotta, and ride the Argegno–Pigra cable car for the view. That covers the must-sees in three days.
Can you do a boat tour from Bellagio?
Yes. Bellagio is one of the main ports for both shared and private boat tours, along with Como, Menaggio and Varenna. Private wooden Riva-style tours and sailing boats from Bellagio are the most popular option.
How many days do you need in Lake Como?
Two days at a push, three to four for a relaxed trip that fits a boat tour, a few villas, a hike and a couple of towns.
Is Lake Como worth visiting in winter?
Yes, if you adjust expectations. Most villas and many restaurants close from November to March, but heated boat tours, Como’s Christmas market and crowd-free towns make winter a peaceful, atmospheric time to visit.
What are the best things to do in Bellagio, Lake Como?
Walk the stepped lanes and the Villa Melzi Gardens, take a boat tour from the harbour, and use Bellagio as a base to ferry across to Varenna and Menaggio.
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Laura and Alexander
Founders of Lost Between Oceans
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