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Lake Como: What to See in 2 Days – An Itinerary Through Villages, Boat Trips and Scenic Views
Only have a weekend and wondering what to see on Lake Como in 2 days? The first thing to know is that trying to see everything is almost always a mistake: distances, traffic and travelling between the two shores can leave you spending more time in the car than enjoying the lake.
For a first two-day visit, we usually recommend focusing on Central Lake Como, dedicating the first day to the western shore and the second to Bellagio and Varenna, using the ferry to travel between the main towns. It is a balanced itinerary, ideal for anyone who wants to discover the most iconic places without turning the weekend into a constant rush.
If you want a broader overview before your trip, you can also read our guide on what to see on Lake Como and our guide to Lake Como itineraries.
Table of contents
Lake Como in 2 Days: Itinerary at a Glance
If you want to quickly understand how to organize your weekend, here is the itinerary we recommend:
Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
Day 1 | Menaggio | Tremezzo and Lenno | Return to Cremia |
Day 2 | Bellagio | Varenna | Return by ferry |
Recommended base: Cremia and Upper Lake Como
Transport: Car + ferry
Ideal for: First-time visitors
Pace: Moderate, without trying to see everything
The principle is simple: a few well-enjoyed stops are better than an endless list of places rushed through.
Lake Como in 2 Days: What to Know Before Planning Your Itinerary
Lake Como is not a compact destination. It has a very distinctive shape, with three branches and towns spread along both shores. This means that two places that look close together on a map may take longer than expected to reach.
For this reason, when you only have two days, it is best to avoid constantly travelling from north to south and from one shore to the other. Our itinerary focuses mainly on Central Lake Como, leaving Como town for a longer stay or a dedicated itinerary.
By staying in Cremia, you can explore Menaggio and Tremezzina on the first day and take the ferry to Bellagio and Varenna on the second. This approach allows you to maintain a good balance between sightseeing and time actually spent enjoying the lake.
Day 1: Menaggio, Tremezzina and Lake Como’s Villas
Morning: Menaggio
I would start the first day in Menaggio, one of the easiest towns to reach if you are staying in Upper Lake Como.
You don't need to spend half a day here. A couple of hours are enough to stroll along the lakefront, stop in Piazza Garibaldi and explore the town centre at a relaxed pace.
Menaggio is also an excellent starting point thanks to its strategic location in relation to Central Lake Como and ferry connections. If you want to discover more places to visit, you can find additional inspiration in our guide to Lake Como’s towns and villages.
Time to allow: approximately 1–2 hours.
Late Morning: Tremezzo and Villa Carlotta
From Menaggio, you can continue towards Tremezzo, one of the most iconic areas of Central Lake Como.
The main highlight here is Villa Carlotta, famous for its museum and, above all, its botanical gardens. If this is your first time on Lake Como and you want to visit a historic villa, this is one of the easiest options to include in your itinerary.
I recommend avoiding too many visits on the same day: between exploring the villa, its gardens and strolling along the lakefront, allow approximately two hours.
If you prefer not to visit the inside of a villa, you can simply explore the Tremezzo area before continuing towards Lenno.
Afternoon: Lenno and Villa del Balbianello
In the afternoon, head towards Lenno, one of the most charming towns in Tremezzina.
The main highlight is, of course, Villa del Balbianello, one of the most famous villas on Lake Como. Its location, directly overlooking the lake, is one of the reasons why it is worth including in a two-day itinerary.
However, it is important to plan ahead: always check access arrangements, opening hours and availability, especially during peak periods.
If you decide to visit the villa, avoid adding other major stops that afternoon. Lenno and Villa del Balbianello are best enjoyed at a relaxed pace.
Don't Want to Visit a Villa? Walk Part of the Greenway
Not everyone wants to spend the afternoon exploring a villa. Alternatively, you can dedicate a few hours to walking a section of the Greenway del Lago di Como, one of the best-known walking routes in the area.
The Greenway passes through several towns in Tremezzina and allows you to see the lake from a different perspective, alternating between villages, gardens, short scenic stretches and paths along the ancient Via Regina.
It is a good alternative if you want to enjoy a walk without taking on a proper trek. If you would prefer to include more challenging hikes in your trip, you can also read our guide to trekking on Lake Como.
Day 2: Bellagio and Varenna by Ferry
I recommend dedicating the entire second day to Central Lake Como, leaving your car parked wherever possible and travelling by ferry. It is a practical choice, but also part of the experience: from the water, you can admire villas, towns and mountains from a completely different perspective than from the road. In our guide to exploring Lake Como by ferry, you will find detailed itineraries and practical tips.
Morning: Bellagio
Start in Bellagio, one of Lake Como’s most iconic towns. If you only have two or three hours, focus on a few highlights:
Historic centre;
Salita Serbelloni;
Basilica of San Giacomo;
Punta Spartivento.
Punta Spartivento is particularly interesting because it is located where the lake’s branches meet, offering wide, open views across the water.
If you have more time, you can also visit the Gardens of Villa Melzi, but I would avoid packing too much into the morning.
Time to allow: approximately 2–3 hours.
Lunch and Ferry to Varenna
After Bellagio, you can head towards Varenna.
Here’s a very simple tip: if you want to make the most of both towns, don’t turn lunch into a two-hour stop. It’s better to choose something simple and leave more time for exploring on foot.
Before setting off, always check the latest ferry timetables: they vary depending on the season and can affect your entire day's schedule.
Afternoon: Varenna
Varenna is smaller than Bellagio and is ideal for exploring on foot.
The main highlights include:
- Passeggiata degli Innamorati (Lovers’ Walk);
- Piazza San Giorgio;
- The streets of the historic centre;
- The lakefront;
- Villa Monastero, if you still have time.
The same advice applies here: you don’t need to see everything.
If you’re short on time, the historic centre + Passeggiata degli Innamorati are already enough to experience the atmosphere of the village.
Time to allow: approximately 2–3 hours.
End of the Day: Return to Menaggio and Cremia
After visiting Varenna, you can take the ferry back to the western shore and then continue towards Cremia. This is one of the main advantages of exploring the lake by ferry on your second day: you avoid long drives and turn the journey itself into part of the experience. If you are still deciding where to stay, you can also take a look at our holiday home in Cremia.
Discover Holiday Home Delo and check availability for your Lake Como weekend
Book your holiday home in Cremia.
How Much Time Should You Spend at Each Stop? Our Realistic Itinerary
One of the most common mistakes is underestimating the time needed for parking, waiting, ferry crossings and walking between attractions. That's why we prefer to plan around realistic timeframes:
Stop | Estimated Time |
Menaggio | 1–2 hours |
Tremezzo / Villa Carlotta | Approximately 2 hours |
Lenno / Villa del Balbianello | 2–3 hours |
Bellagio | 2–3 hours |
Varenna | 2–3 hours |
Spostamenti in battello | Check according to ferry schedules |
These timeframes are not strict rules, but they help you avoid the most common mistake: trying to fit too many stops into the same day.
Over two days, five places explored at a relaxed pace are far more rewarding than rushing through eight.
How to Get Around Lake Como in 2 Days
For a short weekend, the best way to get around depends on the area.
By Car
A car is particularly useful for reaching your accommodation and travelling along the same shore. On the western shore, for example, you can use it to travel between Cremia, Menaggio, Tremezzo and Lenno.
By Ferry
In Central Lake Como, the ferry is often the most convenient option. It connects towns such as Menaggio, Bellagio and Varenna, saving you from long drives between opposite shores. Holiday Home Delo also recommends travelling by ferry as one of the best ways to explore the lake at a more relaxed pace.
On Foot
Once you reach the individual towns and villages, walking is the best option.
Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio and Lenno are much more enjoyable without constantly getting back into your car. However, avoid an itinerary that requires crossing the lake multiple times in a single day: it may look manageable on a map, but in practice, it can become stressful.
What to See on Lake Como in 2 Days if It Rains
Even on Lake Como, you might experience a weekend of bad weather. That doesn't necessarily mean you have to give up your trip.
If it rains, you can adjust your itinerary to include more suitable places:
Villa Carlotta, combining indoor rooms and gardens;
Villa Monastero in Varenna;
Como town, with its Cathedral, historic centre and museums;
Small villages where you can explore at a more relaxed pace;
Museums and indoor attractions.
In this case, I would avoid sticking rigidly to the original itinerary. It's better to reduce the number of stops and adapt your day to the weather rather than follow a schedule that has become less enjoyable.
Already Visited Bellagio and Varenna? An Alternative Itinerary in Upper Lake Como
If this isn't your first time visiting Lake Como, there's no need to return to the most famous towns. You can dedicate your two days to Upper Lake Como, a quieter and less crowded area that we often recommend to visitors who want to discover a different side of the lake.
Day 1: Cremia, Rezzonico and Menaggio
Start your day at a relaxed pace in Cremia and head towards Rezzonico, a small lakeside village worth exploring on foot.
From here, you can continue towards Menaggio and spend the rest of the day exploring the town and its lakefront.
Day 2: Bellano, Colico and Piona
On the second day, you can head to the eastern shore and visit Bellano, particularly known for its Orrido gorge. If you still have time, continue towards Colico and the Abbazia di Piona area, exploring the northernmost part of the lake.
This itinerary is less typical for first-time visitors, but that is precisely why it can be more interesting for those who already know Bellagio, Varenna and Tremezzina.
Where to Stay to Explore Lake Como in 2 Days
With only two days available, where you choose to stay directly affects how much time you spend travelling.
If you want to explore both Central Lake Como and Upper Lake Como, Cremia is a great base. It is away from the busiest areas but allows you to reach Menaggio and then travel to the main towns of Central Lake Como.
This is where our holiday home, Holiday Home Delo, is located.
The property can accommodate up to 6 guests and features 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a terrace, outdoor spaces and private parking, all in an elevated position with open views of the lake.
For a two-day weekend, this means having a place to return to in the evening without staying in the heart of the busiest tourist towns, while still enjoying the freedom to explore a different area each morning.
Are Two Days Enough to See Lake Como?
Yes, two days are enough for a first experience of Lake Como, but not to see everything.
If it's your first visit, focus on Central Lake Como: Menaggio, Tremezzina, Bellagio and Varenna already offer plenty to fill a rewarding weekend.
If you're already familiar with the most famous towns, spend more time exploring Upper Lake Como and its quieter villages.
The most important thing is not to turn your two days into a race against time. Choose fewer stops, plan your transfers carefully and leave room for spontaneous moments.
And if you're looking for a peaceful base to start from each morning, Cremia allows you to stay by the lake without having to book accommodation in the busiest areas.
FAQ
What Are the Must-See Places on Lake Como in 2 Days?
For a first visit, we recommend focusing on Menaggio, Tremezzo or Lenno, Bellagio and Varenna. This way, you can enjoy charming villages, historic villas and scenic views without spending too much time travelling between locations.
How to Plan 2 Days on Lake Como?
Spend the first day exploring the western shore, between Menaggio and Tremezzina, and the second visiting Bellagio and Varenna, using the ferry to travel between towns in Central Lake Como.
Is Bellagio or Varenna Better if You Have Limited Time?
They are very different. Bellagio is larger and offers more things to see, while Varenna is smaller and easier to explore in just a few hours. If possible, it's worth visiting both during your two-day trip.
How to Get Around Lake Como in 2 Days?
The most practical option is to combine car travel with ferry crossings. Use your car to travel along the same shore and the ferry to connect Menaggio, Bellagio and Varenna.
Where to Stay to Explore Lake Como in 2 Days?
If you want to explore both Central Lake Como and Upper Lake Como, Cremia can be a good base. Holiday Home Delo offers a lake-view holiday home for up to 6 guests, with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and private parking.
Are Two Days Enough to Visit Lake Como?
Two days are enough to see some of the main towns, but not to explore the entire lake. For a weekend, it's best to focus on one area and limit travel between destinations.
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