Published 9th Mar. 2026
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Why choose between the climate and culture of the Mediterranean and the fresh air of the mountains when you can experience both at once? Lake Como is known for its beautiful landscapes, historical villas and, of course, its vibrant blue waters. You can do as much or as little as you like – take a boat out on the lake, walk along the shore or simply sit and sip an Aperol spritz as you take in the sights, sounds and flavours of Italy. Find out how to make the most of your time here in our Italy specialist Valeria’s Lake Como travel guide.
Lake Como isn’t always called Lake Como – it has another name, Lario, which comes from the ancient Roman name for the lake, Larius Lacus. So don’t be surprised if you see signs referring to Lake Lario instead (don’t worry, you aren’t lost).
The lake’s curious shape is like an upside-down letter Y, with two parts branching off as you travel south. It’s the deepest lake in Italy, with a depth of 410m, and is around 29 miles long, making it a popular spot for swimmers and sailors.
The area has two main towns: Como, at the southwestern tip of the lake, and Lecco, at the southeastern tip of the lake.
Image by Faustine Poidevin
Lake Como is in Italy’s Lombardy region, in the north of the country (at the top of the boot, right in the middle). It’s close to the Swiss border, and not far from other Italian lakes like Lake Lugano, Lake Maggiore and Lake Iseo.
Lake Como is home to dozens of dwellings and it’s worth venturing between them. When you’re in Como, don’t forget to visit the Piazza del Duomo and the building at its heart: Como Cathedral, an example of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. The Broletto, the medieval town hall, is another place where you can learn about the area’s history. On the other side of the Y, Lecco shows a more tranquil side of Lake Como. Visit Villa Manzoni, the former residence of author Alessandro Manzoni, and take a stroll along the lakeside promenade.
The famous town of Bellagio is a quaint spot right on the water, sitting on a peninsula with mountain views on the horizon. If you want to venture further north, you’ll arrive at Menaggio, where you can view Varenna’s colourful facades from across the water.
Image by Faustine Poidevin
Head to the Chilometra della Conoscenza (the Kilometre of Knowledge) for a stroll. This lakeside promenade connects Como’s most beautiful villas and gardens, with uninterrupted views of the water on one side and the immaculate grounds of historic estates on the other.
Treat yourself to gelato on Piazza Cavour before weaving down the alleys. At the end of Via Prudenziana you can take the funicular that leads to Brunate and the heights of Como. A half-mile walk leads you to the Faro Voltiano, with panoramic views over the lake and mountains.
Nearly every village near Lake Como has a hiking trail or two if you’re looking for something more active. The Wayfarer’s Path, or Sentiero del Viandante, is on the eastern shore of the lake. It connects the routes that linked the eastern towns together, starting in Lecco and ending in Morbegno with many stops in between. You can do as much or as little of the path as you want.
On the eastern shore, the Lake Como Greenway is a six-mile hike that passes through seven towns, with views of historical sites and the lake never far away.
The grand villas of Lake Como all have intricate details and sprawling gardens, offering a glimpse into the area’s aristocratic past. We recommend exploring the Renaissance gardens of Villa Balbianello (once a filming location for both Star Wars and Casino Royale), the botanical garden of Villa Monastero, and the art museum in Villa Carlotta. Some villas require you to book before your visit, so check before you go.
Who said you need to travel to the coast for a beach trip? Lake Como has plenty, from the Lido di Lenno, which has soft sand, clear waters and a relaxed feel, to Lido di Bellagio, where sun loungers and nearby bars and restaurants create a more lively atmosphere. Head to Menaggio’s pebble beach for views of the lake and surrounding mountains – it’s also a great place to go for a swim, as the waters are calm.
Image by Lucy Laucht
You can find one of the best views over Lake Como at Vezio Castle, or Castello di Vezio. Overlooking Varenna, the castle was built over a thousand years ago in the late Middle Ages to protect the town and its people. Today, you can tour the tower, underground rooms, gardens and grounds, which are surrounded by olive groves, and visit the temporary and permanent exhibitions.
Italian food is known for its simple ingredients and fresh flavours, no matter where you are in the country, but every region has its own dishes and specialities. In Northern Italy, this means polenta uncia (polenta served with cheese and butter), locally made venison and cheeses and homemade ravioli stuffed with locally grown lemon or fish caught from the lake. Risotto made with perch (a freshwater fish) is also a filling favourite in the area.
Restaurants we recommend:
Image by Faustine Poidevin
We recommend spending a minimum of four days at Lake Como so you can explore without feeling rushed. The joy of the Italian lakes is how unhurried life there feels, so enter into that spirit and slow down.
It’s easy to travel to Lake Como from Milan by train. There are services to Como, Lecco and Varenna. From Lecco and Varenna, you can catch connecting services to other towns on the lake’s eastern shore. From Como, you can catch a ferry or bus to the towns on the western shore.
Image by Pia Riverola
The ultimate way to experience the area is on the water. Each town and village is connected by regular boat services, with timetables changing depending on the season. You can also rent a boat with family or friends, to explore away from the crowds and without traffic. Information for boat rentals can be found at your hotel or at the water’s edge.
While driving can be handy if you want to visit somewhere that’s not connected, it’s easier to get around without a car. Parking spaces are difficult to find, especially in peak season, and they can also be expensive.
The best time to visit Lake Como is between late April and early June, or between September and October, when the weather is pleasantly warm but comfortable enough for sightseeing, and it tends to be quieter than in the peak summer months. Comparatively, July and August can be much busier, but are a great time to enjoy swimming in the waters of the lake.
Whether you explore its picturesque villages, relax on its serene beaches or indulge in its world-class cuisine, Lake Como’s timeless elegance makes it a place you'll want to return to again and again. And if you’d prefer to leave the planning to someone else? Our Italian Lakes holidays are a great starting point.
Image by Rhiannon Taylor
Header Image by Rhiannon Taylor
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