Best things to do in Lake Como, Italy: our local guide

The first time we really experienced Lake Como, we were on a small private boat on the water, passing villas we only saw in the movies before.

That boat tour reshuffled our whole list of best things to do in Lake Como, because the lake makes far more sense from the water than from the road.

So, is Lake Como worth it?

YES, and not only for the postcard reasons.

The villas and gardens are really special, but the best Lake Como activities are the ones that get you moving: a BOAT ROUT, CABLE CAR, LAKESIDE HIKE, SWIM OF A BEACH...

WHO IS IT FOR? Couples, slow travelers, hikers, and anyone who likes their sightseeing mixed with good walks and water.

HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED? Two days cover the must-sees at a rush. But we recommend three days as the sweet spot, enough for a boat tour, a few villas, a hike and a couple of towns without sprinting (see below for our 3-day itinerary).

This guide is built the way we actually explored: EXPERIENCES FIRST, then the towns we would base in, plus a winter section, an itinerary and the questions we get asked most. We flag what to skip too, because not every “must see” earns the slot.

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 top things to do on Lake Como
🚤 Best overall experience	A boat tour across the central lake
🏛️ Best villa	Villa del Balbianello (Tremezzina)
🌿 Best gardens	Villa Carlotta (Tremezzo)
🚠 Best viewpoint	Argegno–Pigra cable car
🥾 Best for hikers	Sentiero del Viandante
💧 Best hidden gem	The gorge and waterfall at Nesso
🏘️ Best base for first-timers	Bellagio
🪁 Best for water sports	Colico (Breva wind)
❄️ Best in winter	Como’s Città dei Balocchi lights and market

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.

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 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.

Public ferries

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 tours

Guided group boat tours on Lake Como cover the western-shore villas from the water with commentary.

Good value if you want the highlights and the stories without hiring a whole boat.

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.

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.

THREE are actually genuine Lake Como must-see experiences, and then there are a few that give you nice Instagram pictures, but that’s it.

👉 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.

Villa del Balbianello (Tremezzina)

Set on its own little peninsula, this is the one you have seen in films, and it is really impressive in person.

If you only visit one villa, make it this one.

You can book entry and guided visits via GetYourGuide (ferry tickets are included).

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.

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 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, 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.

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.

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 keeps us coming back.

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.

Get 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 highly recommend trying it out!

👉 DID YOU KNOW: You can even do horseback riding on the lake 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.

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.

🌿 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

🌸 Visit Villa Carlotta

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.

Things to do in Lecco

Lecco, on the eastern branch, 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.

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.

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.

Final thoughts: see Lake Como from the water first

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.

Written 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