What to do in Lake Como: a resident's honest guide
The first time I stood on the ferry crossing from Varenna to Bellagio, I understood why people wanted to visit Lake Como.
Deep blue green water that doesn't look real in photos, with mountains rising steeply from the shoreline.
It is, in every sense, one of the most beautiful places in Italy.
Lake Como is also one of the most visited places in northern Italy. Knowing what to do, and how to do it without spending a fortune or queuing for an hour, makes all the difference.
In this guide, I'll be covering the best things to do in Lake Como across all budgets.
It’ll cover the famous villas and their gardens to the quieter corners most day-trippers never find.
I'll also flag what I'd skip, where I'd eat, and how to best plan your time.
What you'll find in this guide
- The best activities on Lake Como organized by type
- Towns worth your time
- Swimming spots
- Hiking
- Day trip options, and
- Practical tips from someone who has spent plenty of time here.
Use this guide to help plan your Italy trip.
Map of things to do in Lake Como
Use the map below to get your bearings before planning your route around the lake.
Jump to:
- What is Lake Como famous for?
- Lake Como villas
- Swimming in Lake Como
- The best towns on Lake Como
- Hiking around Lake Como
- Boat tours and getting on the water
- Day trips from Lake Como
- How many days in Lake Como is enough?
- Is Lake Como expensive?
- How to get to Lake Como and get around
- What I wish I knew before visiting Lake Como
- FAQs on what to do in Lake Como
- 💬 Comments
What is Lake Como famous for?
Lake Como is famous for its mountain scenery, historic villas with ornate gardens and glamorous lakeside towns like Bellagio and Varenna. It's also known as a favorite destination for celebrities and wealthy travelers. This gives Como a distinct sophistication compared to Italy's other northern lakes.
Lake Como sits in Lombardy in northern Italy, roughly an hour from Milan by train.
Its distinctive Y-shape, the result of three branches meeting at the central peninsula where Bellagio sits, means no two parts feel the same.
The southern arms are wider and more developed, while the northern stretch toward Colico is wilder and less visited.
Lake Como villas
The villas are what most people come to see, and two of them are worth the effort.
Villa del Balbianello
Of all the things to do in Lake Como, visiting Villa del Balbianello is the one I'd put first.
It sits on a narrow-wooded promontory near Lenno, visible from the water long before you arrive.
The pale-yellow building rising above terraced gardens overlooking the lake leaves a jaw-dropping first impression.
Villa del Balbianello was used as a filming location in Casino Royale and Star Wars: Attack of the Clones. It explains the number of tourists doing Bond poses on the terrace!
The gardens are immaculate, and the views are among the best on the lake. You can reach it by ferry to Lenno then a short walk, or by water taxi directly to the villa's dock.
Given its popularity, it’s rare to see Villa del Balbianello without crowds of tourists.
If you’d prefer to avoid them, aim to visit in off-shoulder season. I went in late March and was lucky to have sunshine, warm weather and a reasonable number of tourists.
Where to buy tickets
The best way to secure entry to Villa del Balbianello and its gardens is to buy your ticket online. Tickets sell out extremely quickly, especially during peak season.
Browse ticket types and opening days on the official FAI (Fondo Ambiente Italiano) website or choose from one of these tours:
- Lake Como Cruise & Balbianello Garden VIP Access
- Entry with guided visit to Villa del Balbianello
- Villa Del Balbianello Park Entry Ticket
Villa Carlotta
Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo is the other major villa worth visiting. It’s particularly beautiful in spring when the azaleas and rhododendrons are typically in full bloom.
The botanical garden covers several terraced levels leading down to the lake. Inside, is equally well maintained with a notable collection of neoclassical sculptures.
In summer, it’s just as busy as Balbianello. However, the garden is large enough to absorb the crowds.
What about George Clooney's villa?
Villa Oleandra in Laglio is George Clooney's lakeside home and one of the most Googled addresses on the lake.
You won’t be surprised to read that the residence is private. However, it’s no big loss as there’s nothing to see from the road or the water beyond a gate and a wall.
It’s worth knowing before you plan a detour.
Swimming in Lake Como
You can swim in Lake Como, and the water is clean and clear. The lake has several beaches, lidos, and free-swimming spots, though access varies by town. The water temperature peaks in July and August, typically reaching around 22 to 24°C at the surface. It’s cool enough to be refreshing, yet warm enough to stay in.
Swimming in Lake Como is one of the great underrated pleasures of visiting. It's also free, which matters on a lake where most things carry a price tag.
Lenno
Lenno is one of the best swimming spots on the western shore.
Spiaggia libera - Seconda Spiaggia (Lenno Beach) is a free pebble beach with direct lake access. It’s very small, so it naturally fills up quickly in summer. Next door, the Lido di Lenno next door is a paid beach club with sunbeds, umbrellas, and a bar.
Both are within easy walking distance of Villa del Balbianello, making a combined visit straightforward. Plan for the villa in the morning, and a swim in the afternoon.
Other notable places to swim in Lake Como are:
- Spiaggia di Lierna: white pebbles and crystal-clear turquoise water that gives it an almost Caribbean feel. One of the most photographed natural beaches on the lake.
- Spiaggia Pubblica di Bellagio, Bellagio: a peaceful beach with grassy and sandy areas in the pearl of the lake. Ideal for a relaxed afternoon without going far from the village.
- Parco Civico Teresio Olivelli, Tremezzina: a shady park with direct lake access, completely free. More serene garden than a beach.
Nesso
On the eastern shore is the small town of Nesso, one of Lake Como's quieter spots. It’s also another of my top spots to swim in Lake Como.
Nesso is best known for Ponte della Civera, a medieval bridge spanning a gorge that Leonardo da Vinci once wrote about.
Stone steps lead down from the town to the waterfront and a small pebble beach. It sees fewer visitors than Bellagio or Varenna, which is precisely why it's worth the trip.
Lidos
Several towns around Lake Como have lidos. These are paid bathing areas with sunbeds, umbrellas, changing facilities and usually a bar.
Entry fees vary between them. Check current pricing locally rather than relying on published figures, as they can change between seasons.
🎥 Watch: 5 top spots to swim in Lake Como
The best towns on Lake Como
Bellagio
Bellagio sits at the tip of the central peninsula where the lake splits. It’s the most photographed town on Lake Como and for good reason.
The views from the lakefront look north and south simultaneously. The narrow lanes of the upper town, particularly Salita Serbelloni, are beautiful and extremely photogenic.
What nobody tells you about Bellagio
Bellagio is steep. It’s full of long stone staircases and uneven steps that connect the upper and lower town.
On a hot summer day, it can put a real dampener on the experience. If you're visiting with a stroller or have mobility issues, factor this in.
⏩️ See: Traveling to Italy with a baby (the complete guide)
Visiting Italy with seniors
Bellagio is also the most crowded town on the lake by a large margin. By midday in July and August, the main staircases are packed.
Aim to arrive early on the first ferry of the day or stay until the day-trippers leave by late afternoon.
While I almost always recommend visiting in the shoulder season, it does have downsides. When I was in Bellagio in late March, several bars and restaurants were closed, and construction work was underway throughout the town.
Something else guidebooks won't tell you: public toilets in Bellagio are scarce.
There are one or two near the port: paid, often with a queue, and the cleanliness is hit and miss. The easiest solution is to use the facilities in a bar or restaurant after ordering something.
Varenna
Varenna, on the eastern shore, is a slightly, quieter, and romantic, base to stay on Lake Como.
It has a lakeside promenade, part of which leads to the Passeggiata degli Innamorati (lovers' walk). It’s perfect for an early morning walk before the crowds arrive.
Ferry connections from Varenna are excellent, making it easy to reach Bellagio, Menaggio, and Como town from here.
Varenna also has direct train connections back to Milan via Lecco. It’s a useful alternative to the ferry-and-bus route and considerably simplifies planning.
Como town
Como town is the most overlooked stop on the lake among first-time visitors. Many tend to pass through quickly on the way to Bellagio or Varenna. That's a mistake.
Como has a working-city, real-life atmosphere that smaller towns don't. Its jaw-dropping cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta) took 600 years to complete, and its silk district reflects its centuries-old weaving industry.
The town also has better value when it comes to food and accommodation than most places on the lake.
The funicular from Como town up to Brunate is one of the best activities to do in Como.
Services run every day from 6am to midnight. Rides take about 7 minutes, and the funicular drops you off in a quiet hilltop village. Tickets cost €3.60* for a single and €7.20* for a return.
Enjoy sweeping views over the town, the lake, and on a clear day, the Alps to the north.
The funicular runs regularly throughout the day. Check the website for the most up-to-date timetables and fares before planning your visit.
Menaggio
Menaggio on the western shore is a good base if you want easy access to both sides of the lake.
Ferries run regularly to Varenna and Bellagio from here, and it has a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere than either.
Menaggio has a small beach, pretty streets, and ferry connections to Cadenabbia, from which Villa Carlotta is a short walk.
Hiking around Lake Como
Lake Como isn’t just a destination for villa gardens and ferry rides.
The mountains surrounding the lake offer serious walking routes. You’ll discover that some of the best views are earned on foot rather than from a boat.
Greenway del Lago di Como
The most accessible walking route on the western shore is the Greenway del Lago di Como.
A signed trail running approximately 10km between Colonno and Cadenabbia, passes through Lenno, Mezzegra and Tremezzo.
It's well-maintained and relatively flat compared to the mountain paths above it. The route rewards visitors with baroque churches as well as views of Villa del Balbianello and Villa Carlotta.
The Greenway del Lago di Como is doable in around 2.5 to 3 hours at a comfortable pace.
Brunate to San Maurizio
From Brunate, reachable by the Como funicular, follow the marked path to San Maurizio that leads towards Voltiano Lighthouse.
It’s around a 30-minute walk to reach the lighthouse from the center of Brunate.
But take note, as the last leg of the walk (Via Giacomo Scalini) involves a steep incline to reach the lighthouse. Wear sturdy shoes, bring water and take short breaks if needed.
Visitors who make it are rewarded with a 360° view of the lake and the Alps. The lighthouse was closed for construction during my last visit, so make sure you check its status before you visit.
The round trip from Brunate takes around 1.5 hours and makes a great option for a half-day trip.
Voltiano Lighthouse (Faro Voltiano), 22034 Brunate
Boat tours and getting on the water
Being on the water is, arguably, the best way to experience Lake Como.
The scale of the mountains becomes clearer as you move towards the middle of the lake.
That, plus you see the villas as they were meant to be seen; from the water, not from the road.
Navigazione Laghi ferries
Navigazione Laghi operates the public ferry network and connects all the main towns across the lake.
It’s the most practical way to get around Lake Como without a car.
For visitors staying two or more nights, exploring by ferry (town hopping) is one of the most enjoyable ways to spend a day.
📌 Lisa's tip: Book ferry tickets online in advance. During peak season, popular routes sell out fast; not the ferry, but the pre-purchased tickets. Without one, you're queuing to buy at the dock.
Current prices and timetables are listed on the Navigazione Laghi website. Check before you travel as seasonal schedules can change.
Private boat hire
Several companies around the lake offer self-drive boats and skippered tours.
A self-drive hire gives you more freedom to explore the lake. Stop at Balbianello's dock, swim off the back of the boat, and explore smaller coves that the ferries don't reach.
It's more expensive than the public ferry but worth considering for a special occasion or a group.
If it sounds like something you’d like to try, here are several tours that I’d personally book for a future visit.
- Lake Como classic wooden boat cruise tour (private option available)
- Lake Como boat tour with Prosecco & small group (private option available)
- Como Lake boat rental without license and self-driving
- Lake Como boat tour with Brunate Funicular and scenic views
Day trips from Lake Como
Milan
Milan is the obvious day trip from Lake Como. It’s around 45 minutes by regional train from Como San Giovanni to Milano Centrale.
It works particularly well if you're based in one of the larger Como towns and want a change of pace. The Duomo, the Brera district and a fashion shopping street in a single day is a reasonable itinerary.
⏩️ See: Best day trips from Milan
Lake Lugano
Lugano, across the Swiss border, is around an hour from Como by train.
The town has a more formal, Swiss-city atmosphere alongside a beautiful lake setting. It’s a perfect '2 countries in 1' day trip if you haven’t got much time to spare.
I did this tour of Lake Como and Lugano in 1 day and highly recommend it. It’s a long day but it’s also excellent value and our guide was friendly, knowledgeable and professional.
As you'll be crossing into Switzerland, check your visa requirements if applicable. Prices in Lugano are much higher than on the Italian side, so be mindful of this when buying goods.
Bergamo
Bergamo is roughly an hour east of Como and is one of northern Italy's most underrated cities.
Città Alta (upper city), reached by funicular, has a medieval walled center with several historical sights and good aperitivo spots.
It’s easy to combine with a Como visit on a longer northern Italy itinerary.
How many days in Lake Como is enough?
Two nights is the minimum to see Lake Como properly. It’s enough time for a day exploring Bellagio and Varenna by ferry, and a second day for a villa garden, swim, and the Como funicular. Three nights allow a slower pace, a day trip to Milan or Lugano, and time to find the quieter spots that don't appear on every itinerary.
One day is possible as a day trip from Milan but it can be limiting.
You'll see one or two towns and the lake at its most crowded. Unless you book a tour (like above), you might also be tempted to squeeze in too much into one day.
Is Lake Como expensive?
Lake Como has a reputation as one of Italy's more expensive destinations, and in the most touristy towns, particularly Bellagio, that reputation is earned. Coffee and lunch at a lakefront cafe/restaurant in Bellagio costs more than the same in Como town or Varenna.
Budget travelers can reduce costs by basing themselves in Como town or further north.
Accommodation and food are priced for residents as much as visitors. The ferry makes it possible to reach the towns for day trips.
Free things on Lake Como, like lungolago walks, public beaches and churches, are among the best the lake has to offer. A Lake Como visit doesn't have to be expensive.
For a full list of free activities, read my guide to free things to do in Lake Como.
How to get to Lake Como and get around
Getting there
The fastest route from Milan is by regional train to Como San Giovanni, roughly 45 minutes from Milano Centrale.
From Como San Giovanni, walk down to the lakefront for ferries heading north. Check current Trenitalia timetables before traveling as seasonal schedules vary.
⏩️ See: How to get from Milan to Lake Como
Getting around
Ferries are the most enjoyable way to move between towns. Buy tickets online in advance in peak season. Buses connect some towns on the western shore, but they can be slow in summer traffic.
Best time to visit
May, June, and September offer the best balance of good weather, manageable crowds, and full ferry and villa garden schedules.
July and August are the busiest and hottest months, beautiful but demanding, especially in Bellagio at midday.
⏩️ See: When is the best time to visit Italy?
Without a car
Lake Como is one of the most car-free-friendly destinations in northern Italy.
The ferry and train network covers all the main towns, and towns are walkable once you arrive.
Based in Varenna, you can reach Milan, Bellagio, Menaggio and Como town entirely by public transport.
What I wish I knew before visiting Lake Como
Bellagio looks flawless in photos, but when I visited in late March it was far from a polished postcard.
Construction work was underway throughout the town, with plenty of scaffolding, noise, and trucks.
Public toilets are scarce too, with long queues when you do find one. On my last visit I ended up ducking into a bar and nearly missed my ferry in the process.
The Salita Serbelloni steps that everyone photographs are beautiful, but the pebbled, uneven surface isn't easy for everyone to navigate.
This applies to Bellagio's other staircases too, not just Salita Serbelloni. If you're traveling with a stroller or have mobility issues, follow Piazza Giuseppe Mazzini toward Via Teresio Olivelli for a step-free route up to the center.
FAQs on what to do in Lake Como
Varenna is the best base for most visitors. It’s quieter than Bellagio, with direct train access to Milan and good ferry connections across the lake. Bellagio is the most atmospheric but the most expensive and crowded. Como town offers the best value, with city conveniences alongside lake access.
Yes. The lake is clean and clear, reaching around 22 to 24°C in peak summer. Good swimming spots include the lido at Lenno and the small pebble beach below Nesso on the eastern shore. Several towns also have paid lidos with sunbeds and facilities.
Take a regional train from Milano Centrale to Como San Giovanni, it takes roughly 45 minutes. From there it's a short walk to the lakefront, where Navigazione Laghi ferries run north to Bellagio, Varenna and other towns. Check current Trenitalia timetables before traveling. 
Yes, it lives up to its reputation when you visit with realistic expectations. It's beautiful but busy, particularly in July and August. Arrive early, book ferries in advance, and explore beyond Bellagio to get the most out of it.
By Navigazione Laghi ferry from Como town. The slow ferry takes around two hours, the faster hydrofoil is much less. Book in advance in summer. A regional bus is also an option but slower in peak traffic.
Lake Como is known for mountain scenery, historic villas and botanical gardens, and glamorous lakeside towns. It has a long history of attracting wealthy visitors and is a well-known filming location. Villa del Balbianello featured in Casino Royale and Star Wars. 
Final thoughts
What are your thoughts on this guide on what to do in Lake Como? Has it helped you kickstart your trip planning? Let me know in the comments below.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.
*Information correct at time of publishing.
Written by Lisa Rivera: Italy traveler and resident for 10+ years. First-hand researched for 2026.
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