3-Day Lake Como Itinerary: A First Timer’s Guide to Lake Como, Italy
Lake Como, a destination so quintessentially Italian that you’ll never forget where you are, is the perfect place to explore for a long weekend. Sun-soaked facades in shades of terracotta and turmeric cluster together on hillsides overlooking the mirror-like lake. Waterfalls of lilac wisteria pour over balconies and wrought iron arches, while neoclassical villas are the height of opulence among forested shores. All of this painted against the backdrop of the snow-capped mountains of the Swiss Alps is what makes Lake Como so highly regarded.
Lake Como is a destination typically associated with a few things; celebrities, wealth, and handsome villages. All of this is true, but it only tells half the story. Don’t be discouraged by the reports of celebrity weddings and A-lister-owned villas, Lake Como is absolutely a destination for anyone who wants to explore one of the Italian Lake’s most spectacular idylls.
Romance and a sense of calm define the atmosphere among the pine-swathed shores of Lake Como. The long history as a holiday hotspot since the Roman times quickly makes sense as you take in the breathtaking scenes stepping off the train at gateway train stations Varenna and Como.
Neoclassical villas are enveloped by perfectly manicured gardens. Classic wooden boats break the calm surface as well-heeled tourists and affluent jet setters zigzag from town to town, and the views are postcard perfect from every angle.
If you’re looking for a three-day itinerary to help you make the most of your time, here’s my recommended Lake Como itinerary so you can enjoy the perfect lakeside escape.
Where is Lake Como?
Lake Como, or Lago di Como in Italian, is located in northern Italy’s Lombardy Region, approximately 40km north of Milan and less than 30km east of Lugano in Switzerland.
The inverted Y-shaped lake is the third largest lake in Italy, after Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore, at around 146 km2 and it’s also one of Europe’s deepest lakes at 410m at its deepest section.
How many days should you spend in Lake Como, Italy?
Lake Como is the sort of destination that can be visited briefly in a day, or you can soak up the atmosphere of Italy’s most-revered lake slowly over a full week. My recommendation though would be to spend three days in Lake Como.
Day one: Milan to Bellagio
9AM | Train from Milan to Lake Como
Rise and shine, grab your bags and head to Milan Centrale train station aboard your journey to Lake Como. In true Italian fashion, start your day with a quick espresso and cornetti, just what you need to set the tone for your 3 day trip to Lake Como.
Board the train from Milan to Como and in just 40 minutes you’ll be on the doorstep of one of Europe’s most stunning lakeside destinations. Located at the southern tip of Lake Como, it’s one of the largest towns on the lake and best known for its Gothic Cathedral and funicular.
11AM | Discover Como, the gateway to Lake Como
Spend a few hours exploring the streets of Como, making sure you stroll along the lakeside promenade which is particularly entrancing on a warm day under a springtime blue sky. Be sure to pop into the Duomo di Como, which was constructed between 1396 and 1770, and built on the site of the earlier Romanesque cathedral.
Once you’ve explored the magnificent interiors of Duomo di Como, head over to Brunate Funicular to make the ascension from Como up to the small village of Brunate where you can access sensational views across the lake and surrounding mountains. The 7-minute journey can be taken on a service every half an hour.
DETAILS
Address | Brunate Funicular, Piazza Alcide de Gasperi, 4, Como
Hours | Apr 15 - Sep 15, Mon - Sun, 08:00 - 00:00 & Sep 16 - Apr 14, Mon - Sun, 08:00 - 22:30
Costs | € 2.80
2PM | Lunch at Il Vicolino del Paninaio
If you’re anything like me, food is a big drawcard for you in Italy. Tucked into a side street, this classic Italian deli serves up good wine and even better paninis!
Freshly sliced cured meats, local cheese, and an array of accompaniments from rocket to sun-dried tomatoes make these gourmet sandwiches anything but average.
THE DETAILS
Address | Via Rusconi 18, Como
Hours | Monday - Thursday 11:30-22:00, Friday - Saturday 11:30-midnight
Costs | Gourmet panini from €10, glass of wine from €4
3:30PM | Ferry from Como to Bellagio
Make your way down to the ferry port and hop aboard the service toward Colico. For a slightly higher price, you can opt for the faster hydrofoil boat which is a bit more of an express service.
I’d personally recommend taking the regular ferry so you can take in the views as you glide across the lake, calling at small towns and villages clinging to the hillsides like confetti. Disembark at Bellagio, your base for the next two nights and settle into your accommodation.
Where to stay in Bellagio? You don’t have to take out a loan to afford a few nights in this jewel of Lake Como, we stayed at the very reasonably priced Seta Hotel which was the ideal stay. Looking for something a little more luxurious? Give Hotel Du Lac & Spa a try.
7PM | Dinner at Ristorante Terrazza Barchetta
Set upon a terrace that overlooks the cobblestone lanes below, Ristorante Terrazza Barchetta serves up top-quality Italian cuisine full of fresh flavours from the region including lake fish and seasonal specialities such as truffle.
From the atmosphere that exudes charm only the way Italy can to watching the world from above on the airy terrace within the heart of Bellagio’s historic centre, Ristorante Terrazza Barchetta is an excellent dining experience.
THE DETAILS
Address | Salita Antonio Mella 15, Bellagio
Hours | Daily from 12:00-midnight
Costs | Mains from approx. €15
Day two: Bellagio and Varenna
8AM | Breakfast at your hotel
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast because today is full of exploring and even a little hike for good measure. Be sure to pull on a pair of comfortable walking shoes or trainers, because your feet will thank you for it later.
9:30AM | Explore Varenna
From the ferry docks on the Bellagio waterfront, purchase a ticket to Varenna, because this is where you’ll be heading for today’s activities. The journey across the lake only takes around 15 minutes.
Enjoy a mosey around the quaint village of Varenna before most of the day trippers from Milan head here. This early in the morning, crowds are still thin and you’ll find corners all to yourself, making the entire experience a little more magical.
11AM | Take in the view from Castello di Vezio
Once you’ve meandered the laneways, it’s time to venture higher on foot to head to a panoramic viewpoint that overlooks Varenna and beyond. Just a 30-minute walk, albeit uphill, and you’ll reach Castello di Vezio - Varenna’s very own medieval castle.
The short journey makes up the most popular section of the Wayfarer’s Path, gaining about 160 metres elevation from the centre point of Varenna. Upon arrival at Castello di Vezio, take in sweeping views over the village below and across the mountainscapes of the lake, with the snow-capped Swiss Alps in the distance.
1PM | Lunch along Varenna’s Waterfront
Once you’ve returned to the shoreline after your descent from Castello di Vezio, perch up by Varenna’s waterfront for lunch. If the weather is nice, make the most of the various al fresco dining options and soak up the sun while you eat.
There’s plenty of choice in where to eat along the waterfront and it’s much of a muchness when it comes to where you pick. We chose Caffe Varenna as a light lunch of bruschetta and open sandwiches which was just what we needed.
THE DETAILS
Address | Contrada Scoscesa, 13, 23829 Varenna
Hours | Daily from 9am - 1am
2PM | Villa Cipressi
You must visit a villa or two when in Lake Como, a sign of the wealth that made the area such a holiday hotspot even back in the Roman Times. Villa Cipressi is one of the best, a romantic historic residence, it’s truly a sight to behold.
Beautifully maintained botanic gardens surround the villa which was constructed between 1400-1800 and blends a fusion of modern detailing with old-world charm. Visitors can explore the terraced lakefront gardens daily unless closed for a private hire function, and you can purchase a combination ticket to pair your visit with Villa Monastero also.
THE DETAILS
Address | Via 4 Novembre, 22, 23829 Varenna
Hours | February, March and October 10am-5pm, April - June 10am - 6pm, July - August 10am - 8pm, September 10am - 7:30pm
Costs | €8
5PM | Wine tasting at Aperativi et al
All that exploring in Varenna means you’ve absolutely earned a glass of wine or two. Swing by Aperitivi et al wine bar for a tasting, where you can explore wines from the local Lombardy region and across Italy.
I highly recommend either the red or white taster of three Lombardy region wines, the white option starting with sparkling wine and moving into some lesser-known grape varieties. Pair it with a light snack and either perch at one of the high-top tables on the street outside, or head indoors where you can be surrounded by a cave-like stone interior that provides just the right ambience for wine tasting.
THE DETAILS
Address | Salita Serbelloni, 34, 22021 Bellagio
Hours | Daily 11am - midnight
8PM | Dinner at Trattoria San Giacomo
When you’ve had your fill of local vino, pop across the street to Trattoria San Giacomo for dinner. Characterised by its home-style cooking, fragrant dishes, and seasonal specialties, it was our favourite meal during our time in Lake Como.
Typical of the region, this restaurant is authentic Italian cuisine in all its comfort food glory. IF you fancy more wine, it also has one of the most complete wineries in Bellagio with more than 100 bottles to choose from.
THE DETAILS
Address | Salita Serbelloni, 45, 22021 Bellagio
Hours | Wednesday - Monday 12pm-2:30pm and 7pm-9:30pm, closed Tuesday
Costs | Mains from €11
Day three: exploring the central lake - Bellagio, Menaggio, and Tremezzo
8AM | Wander the streets of Bellagio without the crowds
This is exactly why you stay in Bellagio, not only because it’s simply stunning, but because the best time to experience this ultra-romantic town is before the day trippers arrive.
Whether you eat breakfast at your hotel or pop by one of the cafes for coffee and cornetti, ensure you take time early in the morning to explore the quiet cobblestone streets before the crowds descend for the day.
Highlights are the famously photographed Salita Serbelloni with its wide stone street skirted by brightly hued facades wrapped in ivy and wisteria vines, the views from the tops of the narrow laneways with the lake peeking through, and the way the early morning light catches the mountains.
10AM | Explore Menaggio
For your final day, it’s best spent visiting the final town in Lake Como’s golden triangle triad, Menaggio, and heading a little further along to nearby Tremezzo. If you’re moving between several towns in the centre of the lake, the best value is to purchase an all-day ticket which essentially means you can hop on and off to move between the villages.
Starting in Menaggio, first stroll along the promenade which stretches along the lake’s edge and carries an air of elegance at every step. There’s a market held on the second and fourth Friday of each month where you can find local produce, crafted goods made by local artisans, and clothing.
Continue your excursion in Menaggio at Via Calvi, popping into various shops and boutiques as the locals do. And, if you’re ready for a sweet treat, grab a scoop or two of gelato at La Fabrica del Gelato before heading back to the ferry dock to jump on a boat over to Tremezzo.
1PM | Marvel at the sublime sights of Tremezzo
If you’re in the mood for visiting another sensational villa, you’ll be pleased to know that the hamlet of Tremezzo is home to Villa Carlotta, one of the most incredible villas on the lake. Neoclassical features enclosed by terraced gardens filled with blooming azaleas and rhododendrons could easily be explored for half a day if you fancy.
Stroll along the footpath adjacent to the lakeside, passing by the ultra-cool Hotel Tremezzo with its lake-embedded pool, alfresco dining terrace and unmissable orange decor.
Further north along the path, you’ll find the most incredible display of wisteria blooms tumbling from iron archways. Peer through the lilac flowers for views across the lake toward Bellagio and while away some time relaxing on the wooden benches making the most of the afternoon.
THE DETAILS
Address | Villa Carlotta, Via Regina, 2, 22016 Tremezzina
Hours | Daily 10am - 6pm
Costs | €12
5PM | Arrivederci Lake Como
All good things must come to an end, so it’s time to bid farewell to this stunning pocket of northern Italy. Whether you’re returning home or continuing your journey further, there’s no doubt that the splendour of Lake Como will be with you for a long time to come.
How to get around Lake Como
Being a lake, one of the best and easiest ways to get around Lake Como is by using the ferry services that operate year round. There are several routes operating depending on which towns you are staying in and visiting, with the main routes running from:
Como at the southwestern tip to Colico in the north
Lecco in the southeastern tip to Bellagio in the central lake
The central lake operating between the towns of Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, and Cadenabbia
There are two options depending on whether you want to get from town to town quickly or take a leisurely journey drinking in the sights and sounds of Lake Como.
The faster option is available for some routes on the hydrofoil service, but this does come at a slightly higher cost. If time is of the essence, this is a great option. If you have plenty of time to enjoy your ferry ride, I recommend the regular service.
Fares for the ferry depend on which route you’re taking, whether you opt for the regular or fast service, and whether you choose a single or return journey. Some examples of popular routes include Bellagio to Como from €10.40 or a single journey between Varenna and Bellagio from €4.60.
If you’re staying in one of the central lake towns or visiting for a day trip and exploring the central lake which is the most popular part of Lake Como, then the day ticket is a great value option.
For €15 for the day, you can hop on and off the ferry between towns instead of buying individual tickets for every journey. So long as you take at least four trips, you’ll get your money’s worth. You can find ferry timetables for Lake Como here.
There are also several bus services connecting towns in Lake Como. We didn’t use these as all the locations we chose to visit were accessible by ferry, however you can find more information about the buses here.
How to get to Lake Como
Among the cobbled lanes of the villages that skirt Lake Como, it feels a world away from major metropolises like Milan. The good news is though, that reaching this idyllic pocket in the north of Italy is actually very easy, however you choose to travel here. Whether you are flying, driving, or catching the train, there’s several options depending on what best suits you.
Which is the closest airport to Lake Como?
The closest airport to Lake Como is Milan Malpensa airport, it is also the airport with the most European and international connections. If you plan on flying into Milan, there are three airports servicing the city, but it’s important to know that Malpensa is the closest.
You can also fly into Bergamo airport which often has low-cost flights with budget airlines such as Ryanair, however this is on the north-east side of Milan and best located if you plan on visiting Lake Como via Lecco on the eastern side of the lake.
You can also fly into Milan Linate airport, which is the closest airport to the city centre of Milan, however flights to Linate airport are often more expensive due to the luxury of its proximity to the city.
If you plan on using public transport to reach Lake Como from Milan, then the easiest routes would be from either Malpensa or Linate airport.
How to get to Lake Como from Milan
By train
Taking the train from Milan to Lake Como is convenient and very affordable, making it the perfect option. If you’re starting your journey in Milan, head to Milan Centrale station and jump on a train that makes its way north to Tirano.
This route passes through Monza, which some of you may recognise the name as one of the locations where the Formula 1 Grand Prix is held, past Lecco at the base of the eastern branch of the lake and you’ll disembark at Varenna which is the most easily accessible train station in the central lake region.
If you are heading straight to Lake Como from the airport, Malpensa is the best option and the train journey is fairly straightforward. You will need to make a change, but this route will have you travel through the Italian countryside before reaching Como at the foot of the western branch of Lake Como.
Not only is travel by train affordable and convenient, it’s also more sustainable and a great way to reduce the impact of your carbon footprint when travelling. Train travel in Europe is very user-friendly and one of my favourite ways to get around.
Train tickets from Milan to Lake Como can start from just €6 per person. You can book your tickets in advance or just purchase them directly at one of the ticket machines at the train station.
By car
You can hire a car either from one of the airports or from Milan and drive to Lake Como, the route will just depend on which towns and villages along the lake you want to visit. At the two ends of the upside-down Y-shaped lake lies Como on the western branch and Lecco on the eastern branch.
If you’re only planning on visiting numerous villages and towns that are set beside the lake’s shores and not travelling elsewhere around Italy then I do recommend using public transport. Parking can be very hard to come by in many of the villages and will cost you in most locations. Traffic can also build up during busy periods and the windy roads could be a little anxiety-inducing if you’re not used to driving on the right side.
It’s also cheaper to use the public transport system to reach Lake Como and once you’re there.
How to get to Lake Como from Lugano, Switzerland
Lake Como is situated very close to the Swiss-Italian border, making it easy to visit on a day trip or a weekend getaway. If you’re driving to Lake Como from Lugano, it’s easiest to reach the town of Menaggio, which takes around 40 minutes - one hour.
If you’d prefer to get the train, then take the service from Lugano station to Como which takes around 45 minutes. Prices for the train from Lugano to Como start from €14 per person.
When is the best time to visit Lake Como?
Lake Como is virtually a year round destination for travellers, however the best time to visit would be spring from April - June and early autumn from September - October. Why these times? The weather is pleasant, though not always warm enough for swimming, there are fewer crowds than in July and August, and prices are better outside of the peak season.
Summer temperatures average around 25-30 degrees, and in winter they plummet to as low as -5 degrees but usually hover around 1 degree celsius.
It rarely snows at Lake Como, despite its proximity to the Swiss alps. However, you may get lucky in the winter, usually in January or February, though don’t head here in winter expecting it to be a snowy destination. The lake doesn’t freeze over in winter, so you can still use the ferry service.
Autumn usually comes with the wildest weather and more rainfall than other times of the year, though the changing leaves can make it a beautiful time to visit. In spring, you can expect blooms of azaleas, wisteria, and camellias and temperatures start rising making it perfect for exploring.
If you plan to stay in one of the quieter towns, summer won’t be as busy as the jam-packed streets of places like Bellagio, Como or Varenna, but it will still be more difficult to find accommodation as locals stay at their holiday homes during the summer.
Where else should you visit on a Lake Como itinerary?
As you’re in the Northern Lakes region which includes Lake Garda, Milan, the Dolomites, and Cinque Terre on the Italian Riviera are all fairly easy to reach from Lake Como. You could also explore other areas including Tuscany or Romania Emiliana. Italy’s great high-speed rail system means getting between major cities is fast and comfortable. However, I would recommend hiring a car if you’re headed to the Dolomites or planning on exploring smaller towns and villages throughout Tuscany.
You’re also just a short distance from Switzerland, so could easily expand your trip to venture around Lugano and beyond. Bernese Oberland has some spectacular scenery, you can visit the Jungfrau and Blausee, a dazzling blue alpine lake not too far from Interlaken.
Whether you decide to include Lake Como as part of a bigger adventure or just head there for a short escape, it’s sure to be a dream.
