Lake Como: Beyond the Tourist Trails!
Lake Como is a dream destination - a picturesque Y-shaped lake set against the foothills of the Italian Alps, adorned with stunning 18th-century villas and exquisitely designed gardens. With a depth of about 410 meters (1,345 feet), Lake Como is not only the deepest lake in Italy but also one of the deepest in Europe. And in this guide, I'll show you how to experience this enchanting region on a budget. Who says a trip to one of Italy's most luxurious destinations has to break the bank, right?
Is Lake Como Worth Visiting?
With 11 days in Italy, I was eager to visit Lake Como, having spent hours reading about its elegant surroundings and opulent villas lining the shores. Lake Como had long been a destination on my bucket list. And spending a day here turned out to be one of the highlights of our Italian adventure, exceeding all my expectations and adding a touch of magic to our journey!
The Story of Lake Como
Lake Como’s opulence stems from its strategic location and mild climate. Historically, its position along the trade route between Rome and Gaul made it an important area for cultural and architectural exchanges. During the medieval period, the rise of silk and textile production brought significant wealth to the region. The Renaissance and Baroque periods saw powerful noble families, such as the Viscontis and the Borromeos, investing in grand villas and gardens here. The late 19th and early 20th centuries marked a turning point with the rise of tourism. Today, Lake Como’s fertile soil and favorable climate make it a jewel of opulence and beauty.
How Many Days Do You Need in Lake Como?
Lake Como is really big, and it would take around 2-3 days to see all of it. However, if you are short on time, a one-day trip would allow you to see the highlights - the “golden triangle” of Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio and take a scenic boat tour around the Lake.
Top 5 Things to See and Do in Lake Como
1. Explore Varenna: Varenna is the most charming town situated on the eastern shore of Lake Como, offering picturesque views and vibrant gardens. Varenna is the perfect starting point while exploring the Lake and its surroundings - it is well connected with Milan by train and road, and it has easy access to the nearby attractions via ferries, car or small group or private tours with one of the many tour operators located here. The town can easily be explored by foot and should definitely be a part of your Lake Como itinerary.
Lovers’ Walk in Varenna
It’s hard to miss the Passeggiata degli Innamorati, a romantic lakeside promenade, also known as the lovers walk, which connects the town to the ferry terminal where all the cafes and restaurants are situated and offers beautiful views of the Riva Grande, perfect for a leisurely stroll. And, of course, you can just lose yourself walking the charming narrow streets of this town, marveling at your surroundings.
The town boasts of many beautiful and opulent sites including the Villa Monastero with its beautiful lakeside gardens, and Villa Cipressi with its lush terraces. Due to the paucity of time, we bought the tickets for Villa Monastero’s gardens and its interiors (€13) and decided to skip Villa Cipressi (€8). Villa Cipressi, which is also a 4-star hotel, as the name suggests has beautiful and ancient cypress trees that are still found in its gardens.The tickets for both the Villas can be bought on the spot and need not be bought in advance. You can also buy a combined ticket for both the Villas for €19 as they are right next to each other.
Historic Lakeside Gardens and Interiors of Villa Monastero Dating Back to the 12th Century
Some other must-see spots in Varenna include the quaint Church of San Giorgio, located in the town center, dating back to the 13th century, and the Castello di Vezio, a medieval fortress which is a thousand years old and is perched on a hill above the town, offering panoramic views of the lake.
2. Visit Villa del Balbianello: One of the most beautiful places we visited at Lake Como was this iconic and historic Villa. The Villa was built in the 18th century, and its elegant terraced gardens and stunning architecture are nothing short of magical. We were lucky to visit in April when the villa’s iconic Magnolia tree had just been trimmed into a whimsical mushroom shape.
Adding to the charm of the villa is its incredible history and collections. The villa was once owned by Guido Monzino, an Italian explorer and wealthy industrialist who made his fortune in the textile industry. Monzino was an avid mountain climber and adventurer, who participated in a large number of expeditions around the world - ranging from Patagonia to the Himalayas and Western Africa to the Arctic. Monzino wanted his collectibles from his many adventures to be available to the public after he died, and the villa looks like a museum with artifacts and maps from all over the world. He left the villa to the National Trust of Italy, and it is now open to the public.
Fun Fact: The villa has been the setting for many high-profile events, including Bollywood power couple Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone’s wedding. The villa has also graced the big screen, featuring in movies like Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones and Casino Royale. This makes it a gem for both travelers and film enthusiasts alike.
Getting There: To reach Villa del Balbianello from Varenna, take a ferry to Lenno, followed by a short walk or a taxi (car) to the villa. From Como, you can take a ferry to Lenno and then proceed by taxi (car) to the villa. Alternatively, if you prefer a more direct approach, consider booking a private water taxi directly from Como or Varenna to the villa.
We visited the Villa as part of a shared boat tour with Varenna Taxi Boat.
3. Rent a Boat or Take a Boat Tour: For an authentic experience, you can rent a Venetian-style taxi boat or opt for an affordable shared boat tour. Boat rentals can be found in towns like Varenna, Como, Bellagio and Menaggio, with options ranging from self-drive to guided tours. This allows you to explore the lake at your own pace and view the stunning villas from the water.
Some of the best rated Boat Rental Companies offering self-drive boats and guided tours in the region are Rent a Boat (Bellagio), AC Boat (Mennagio), Lake Como Boat Rental (Como), and Taxi Boat Varenna (Varenna).
4. Visit Bellagio: Often referred to as the “Pearl of Lake Como,” Bellagio is part of the Golden Triangle and offers stunning views and upscale shopping. To reach Bellagio, take a ferry from Como or Varenna. Explore its charming streets and the famous Villa Melzi with its beautiful gardens. You can also indulge in some shopping, or the delectable local cuisine at this charming town. We had a delicious Lasagna and Carbonara at Ristorante Dai Viga in Bellagio. However, do keep in mind that Bellagio is one of the most expensive towns in the region.
5. Discover the Valtellina Valley: Take a day trip by car to explore the Valtellina Valley, Sondrio, and the Val di Mello. Don’t miss the Bernina Express, which offers breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps. From Lake Como, you can drive or take a train to Tirano and board the Bernina Express.
Other Things to Do in Lake Como
Visit Nesso Waterfall: This hidden gem is a must-see, located near the town of Nesso. It’s a short walk from the town center.
Explore Menaggio: This town offers a relaxed vibe and is less crowded than Bellagio. Wander around and enjoy its lakeside promenade.
Discover Como City: Visit the Broletto (ancient town hall), Como Cathedral, and explore the promenade. You can also take the Como-Brunate Funicular for spectacular views.
Hike to Piani dei Resinelli: For panoramic views of Lake Como and the Swiss Alps, drive to Piani dei Resinelli and hike the Belvedere Walkway.
Visit Lake Lugano: Combine your visit to Lake Como with a trip to Lake Lugano, just a short drive away. It’s an excellent opportunity to explore another beautiful lake and tick off two countries in a single day.
Explore Bellano: Visit the charming town of Bellano, known for its less crowded streets and authentic local vibe. Don’t miss the Orrido di Bellano, a dramatic gorge with a fascinating rock formation and waterfall.
Monte San Primo: For a more adventurous day, hike or drive up to Monte San Primo for spectacular views of Lake Como and the surrounding Alps. It’s a great spot for hiking and offers a panoramic view of the entire region.
Isola Comacina: The only island on Lake Como, Isola Comacina is rich in history and offers a serene atmosphere. Take a boat tour or a ferry to explore its historical ruins, enjoy a meal at a local restaurant, or simply take in the peaceful surroundings.
Val D'Intelvi: A scenic valley between Lake Como and Lake Lugano, offering beautiful hiking trails, quaint villages, and stunning views of both lakes. It’s a great spot for those looking to escape the more tourist-heavy areas.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Lake Como is during the late spring (May to June) and early fall (September to October). During these periods, you’ll enjoy pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and better rates on accommodations. Summer months can be quite busy, especially in popular towns like Bellagio and Varenna.
Note: Don't forget to check the latest Villa opening timings as they differ based on season.
Getting to
By Train: From Milan, take a train to Varenna-Esino (1 hour 15 minutes) or Como San Giovanni (40-60 minutes). Varenna is a great base with ferry connections, while Como is ideal for exploring the southern part of the lake.
By Car: Drive from Milan to Lake Como via the A9 motorway or the SP583 road. Parking can be limited, so plan accordingly. You can book your Car Rental here.
By Boat: For a unique experience, consider taking a boat tour from Milan to Lake Como. Several services offer scenic routes.
Getting Around
Public Transport: Use the ferry and train services for cost-effective travel around the lake. Check timetables and book tickets in advance to avoid long waits.
By Car: Renting a car offers flexibility, but be aware of parking limitations. Use car ferries to move between towns.
Where to Stay
If you're planning a short visit and only have a day, staying in Milan and taking a day trip to Lake Como is a convenient and budget-friendly option. Milan offers a wider range of affordable accommodations compared to the Lake Como region, and with frequent trains, you can easily reach Lake Como in under an hour.
However, if you're visiting for more than a day, staying around Lake Como allows you to fully immerse yourself in its charm. When choosing accommodation, consider your mode of transport. If you're traveling without a car, it's best to stay near public transportation hubs like ferry terminals and train stations for easy access to the lake and nearby towns. If you’re renting a car, you'll have more flexibility and can explore quieter, more scenic areas for a peaceful stay.
Lake Como offers a variety of options, from budget-friendly stays to luxurious hotels, ensuring there's something for every traveler.
Budget-Friendly Accommodation
Grand Hotel Victoria, Menaggio: Affordable rates with stunning lake views.
Ostello Bello, Como: A budget hostel with great amenities and central location.
Albergo Milano, Varenna: Charming and budget-friendly with easy access to local attractions.
B&B Hotel Como: Modern and affordable, conveniently located for exploring the city.
Hotel Du Lac: Best Value Hotel in Bellagio with stunning views and great location.
Best Restaurants
Ristorante Dai Viga, Bellagio: A favorite of ours with memorable meals during our Italy trip. We had the best Lasagna and Carbonara of our Italy trip here.
Trattoria Baita Belvedere, Bellagio: Known for its affordable, authentic Italian cuisine and beautiful lake views.
Ristorante Il Cavatappi, Varenna: A cozy spot offering delicious and reasonably priced meals.
La Vita è Bella, Como: A local favorite for budget-friendly Italian dishes.
Mistakes to Avoid When Visiting Lake Como
Not Starting Early: To make the most of your day trip, start early to avoid crowds and maximize your time exploring.
Ignoring Budget Dining Options: Avoid peak tourist spots for dining. Walk a bit further from main attractions to find more affordable and authentic restaurants. Do check the google reviews of restaurants before eating there, to avoid a disappointing experience.
Overlooking Public Transport: Using taxis and private transfers can be expensive. Utilize public transport and ferry services for cost-effective travel.
Neglecting Advance Bookings: Book accommodations and tours in advance to secure better rates and availability.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Travel Off-Peak: Visit during late spring or early fall for better deals and fewer crowds.
Stay in Smaller Towns: Consider towns like Lecco or Bellano for more affordable lodging.
Eat Like a Local: Dine at local trattorias and markets for budget-friendly meals.
Use Public Transport: Utilize ferries and trains for scenic and cost-effective travel.
Explore Free Attractions: Enjoy hikes, public parks, and lakeside promenades at no cost.
Explore by Bike: Rent a bike to explore the lake and its surrounding areas. It’s a budget-friendly way to cover more ground and see places you might miss otherwise.
Plan Day Trips: Instead of staying in high-priced areas, plan day trips from a more affordable base. For example, you can stay in Lecco and take ferries or trains to explore other towns.
Look for City Passes: Some cities offer passes that include discounted or free entry to attractions, public transport, and sometimes even discounts at local restaurants. Check if such passes are available for Lake Como.
Avoid Tourist Traps: Steer clear of high-priced attractions and souvenir shops in tourist-heavy areas. Instead, seek out authentic experiences and local markets.
Travel in a Group: If traveling with friends or family, consider renting a larger accommodation or splitting the cost of taxis and tours. Group bookings can often lead to discounts.
Use Local Tourism Websites: Check local tourism websites and visitor centers for current deals, discounts, and free events. They often provide information on budget-friendly activities and dining options.
Sustainability Tips for Traveling in Lake Como
Choose Eco-Friendly Accommodation: Look for hotels and B&Bs with sustainable practices and certifications.
Use Public Transport: Opt for trains, ferries, and buses to reduce your carbon footprint.
Support Local Businesses: Buy from local artisans and dine at locally-owned restaurants to support the community.
Minimize Waste: Carry reusable bottles and bags to reduce single-use plastics. The town has a number of fountains where you can comfortably refill your water bottles.
Respect Nature: Follow marked trails, avoid littering, and respect wildlife during your hikes and outdoor activities.
Further Reading and Useful Links
Enjoy your trip to Lake Como, where beauty and charm await you at every turn!
