Lake Como holidays: elegance, gardens and water.
Lake Como is one of the most elegant places in Italy, a deep blue lake ringed by villages, villas and gardens beneath the mountains. It rewards a slower, gentler kind of holiday.
Lake Como is glamorous without trying, a place of grand villas, lakeside gardens and pretty towns linked by ferries. It suits couples, honeymooners and anyone who wants beautiful surroundings and a relaxed pace rather than a long list of sights.
The lake is shaped like an inverted Y, and where you stay on it matters.
Where to stay
Each part of the lake has a different feel.
Bellagio, at the centre where the three arms meet, is the famous and beautiful choice, with the best views and the most visitors. Varenna, across the water, is smaller and romantic. Menaggio is well placed and a little more relaxed. The southern towns near Como and Cernobbio are grand and close to Milan. For a first visit, the central lake around Bellagio and Varenna is ideal.
Planning Lake Como?
We help you choose the right town and combine it with the rest of your trip.
What to do
Lake Como is about atmosphere more than activity. Visit the great villa gardens, take the ferry between towns, eat well by the water and explore the villages on foot. Boat trips, gardens and long lunches fill the days without any need to rush. It pairs naturally with Milan, and with Venice further afield.
Getting there and around
Como is easy to reach and easy to enjoy without a car. Fast trains from Milan reach the lake in around an hour, and the ferry network links the main towns far more pleasantly than driving the narrow lakeside roads. A car can even be a hindrance, with limited parking in the popular towns. For most visitors, train and ferry are the better way.
Stay central, travel by ferry.
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• Questions
Good to know
Where is the best place to stay on Lake Como?
The central lake around Bellagio and Varenna is the classic choice, with the best views and ferry links. Menaggio and Cernobbio are good alternatives.
Do you need a car at Lake Como?
No. Fast trains from Milan reach the lake in about an hour and ferries link the towns. A car is often a hindrance with limited parking.
How many days do you need at Lake Como?
Two to four nights is plenty to enjoy the towns, gardens and ferries at a relaxed pace, or longer as part of a slower trip.
Is Lake Como good for a honeymoon?
Yes. It is one of the most romantic places in Italy, with grand hotels, gardens and views, and it pairs well with Venice or the coast.