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Towns on Lake Como: A Guide to Charming Villages, Scenic Views, and Must-Visit Destinations
- Holiday Home Delo
- Jul 7
- 7 min read
The towns around Lake Como are many, and each offers a different experience. Some are world-famous, while others remain hidden gems where you can enjoy a quieter, more authentic atmosphere. Knowing which places to visit can make all the difference when planning your trip—especially if you're only spending a weekend or a few days on the lake.
In this guide, we've selected the destinations that, based on our experience, are truly worth visiting. From iconic villages like Bellagio and Varenna to the lesser-known towns of the northern part of the lake, you'll discover places that combine stunning scenery, local character, and unforgettable views.
At Holiday Home Delo, we welcome guests to Lake Como every year. That's why we've created this practical guide—to help you choose the best towns to visit, plan your itinerary with confidence, and discover beautiful corners of the lake that are often overlooked by more generic travel guides.
Table of Contents
Lake Como Towns: Which One Should You Choose?
Before deciding which towns to visit, it's worth keeping one thing in mind: there is no single "best" destination on Lake Como. Each town has its own character and is better suited to a different type of trip.
If it's your first visit, the easiest way to choose is to start with the kind of experience you're looking for. 👇
If you're looking for... | Recommended town |
The most iconic lake views | Bellagio |
A romantic atmosphere and a picture-perfect village | Varenna |
An elegant lakeside promenade with excellent transport connections | Menaggio |
History, culture, and a wide range of services | Como |
Peace, relaxation, and beautiful lake views | Cremia |
Water sports and spacious beaches | Domaso |
An authentic village away from the busiest tourist crowds | Gravedona |
Of course, you don't have to choose just one town. One of Lake Como's greatest advantages is the opportunity to explore several very different destinations within just a few days, whether by car or by ferry.
In the following sections, we'll take a closer look at the towns that are truly worth visiting, what makes each one unique, and what you can expect, so you can plan your itinerary with confidence.
The Most Famous Towns on Lake Como
Bellagio
Among the towns on Lake Como, Bellagio is undoubtedly the most famous. Its unique location, at the point where the lake's two southern branches meet, has made it one of the most photographed and visited destinations in the region.
The historic center is a maze of charming alleyways, stone staircases, and lakeside viewpoints that make every walk memorable. Wandering without a fixed itinerary is often the best way to experience the village. Because of its popularity, Bellagio can become very crowded during peak season. Whenever possible, we recommend visiting early in the morning or during quieter periods, when you can enjoy its authentic atmosphere at a more relaxed pace.
Varenna
Located on the eastern shore of Lake Como, Varenna offers a quieter and more intimate atmosphere than Bellagio. Its compact size makes it the perfect destination for those who want to explore at a relaxed pace, taking time to enjoy scenic walks and breathtaking lake views.
The Walk of Lovers (Passeggiata degli Innamorati) is one of the village's best-known attractions, but Varenna's true charm lies in its narrow streets overlooking the lake and in the beautiful gardens of Villa Monastero, one of the most celebrated historic villas on Lake Como.
Thanks to its excellent ferry connections, Varenna is easy to combine with Bellagio and Menaggio, making it an ideal stop on a one-day or multi-day itinerary around the lake.
Menaggio
Menaggio is often considered one of the most convenient bases for exploring Lake Como. Its central location and excellent ferry connections to the other shores make it easy to plan day trips and move around the lake.
The lakeside promenade is spacious and pleasant to stroll along, while the historic center has a lively atmosphere without losing the authentic character of a traditional lakeside town. Menaggio offers an excellent balance of accessibility, local charm, and visitor amenities, making it a great choice for both short stays and longer holidays.
Como
Como offers a different experience from the lake's smaller villages. Here, the beauty of Lake Como meets a vibrant city rich in history, culture, and architecture, with a historic center that is well worth visiting in its own right.
The Como Cathedral (Duomo di Como), the medieval walls, and the elegant piazzas are among the city's main attractions. For panoramic views over the lake and surrounding mountains, take the Como–Brunate Funicular, which leads to one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the entire area.
Hidden Gems on Lake Como Worth Visiting
Many first-time visitors to Lake Como naturally focus on its best-known destinations. Bellagio, Varenna, and Como are all well worth visiting, but limiting your trip to these towns means experiencing only one side of the lake.
As you travel further north, the atmosphere gradually changes. The pace becomes slower, the crowds thin out, and the lake reveals a quieter, more authentic character that is more closely connected to local life.
Cremia
Located in the Upper Lake Como area, Cremia is one of the destinations that best represents this quieter side of the lake. Its elevated position offers beautiful panoramic views, while the overall atmosphere is noticeably more peaceful than in the central part of the lake.
It is an excellent choice for travellers looking for relaxation without giving up easy access to the other towns around Lake Como.
Dongo
Located on the western shore of Lake Como, Dongo is best known for its connection to key events in 20th-century Italian history. Today, it is a pleasant town to explore, featuring a well-maintained lakeside promenade and a strategic location for discovering the Upper Lake Como area.
Gravedona ed Uniti
Gravedona ed Uniti is home to one of the most interesting historic centers on Lake Como. It is also where you'll find the Church of Santa Maria del Tiglio, widely regarded as one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in the region.
Both the lakeside promenade and the historic center are best enjoyed at a leisurely pace, especially during the quieter hours of the day.
Domaso
Domaso is particularly popular with water sports enthusiasts. The consistent winds that characterize this part of the lake have made it a well-known destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
At the same time, Domaso offers some of the widest beaches on Lake Como, making it an excellent choice not only for active travellers but also for anyone looking to relax by the water and enjoy the lake at a slower pace.
How to Plan Your Visit to the Towns Around Lake Como
One of the greatest advantages of Lake Como is the opportunity to visit several very different towns during the same trip. Thanks to the frequent ferry connections and the short distances between many destinations, it's easy to combine iconic villages such as Bellagio and Varenna with the quieter atmosphere of the Upper Lake Como area.
Where to Stay When Visiting the Towns of Lake Como
When planning a holiday on Lake Como, choosing the right accommodation can make a significant difference to your overall experience. It's not just about finding a place with a beautiful view—it's equally important to stay somewhere that allows you to reach the lake's main towns easily without spending hours driving each day.
Many visitors choose to stay in the more famous areas of Central Lake, but the Upper Lake Como region offers several advantages that are often overlooked. Towns such as Cremia provide convenient access to Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, Dongo, Gravedona ed Uniti, and Domaso, while offering a quieter and more relaxing setting away from the busiest tourist areas.
For travellers planning to explore several towns during the same trip, a holiday home often provides greater flexibility than a traditional hotel. More space, a fully equipped kitchen, private parking, and the freedom to organise each day at your own pace can make all the difference—especially for longer stays.
Our holiday home in Cremia was created with one goal in mind: to provide a comfortable base for exploring Lake Como, while enjoying the peace and beauty of a lakeside setting.
✅ Lake view
✅ Two bedrooms and two bathrooms
✅ Private balcony and outdoor spaces
✅ Reserved parking
Its spacious layout makes it ideal for families, couples, and small groups looking to experience Lake Como at a relaxed pace without compromising on comfort.
FAQ
Which Towns Should You Visit on Lake Como?
Among the most popular towns on Lake Como are Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, and Como. If you're looking to discover quieter, less crowded destinations, Cremia, Dongo, Gravedona ed Uniti, and Domaso in the Upper Lake Como area are also well worth visiting.
What Are the Main Towns on Lake Como?
There are many towns located along both shores of Lake Como. Some of the best-known include Como, Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, Tremezzo, Cernobbio, Domaso, Gravedona ed Uniti, and Cremia.
Which Are the Most Beautiful Towns on Lake Como?
Bellagio and Varenna are often considered the most beautiful towns on Lake Como thanks to their stunning scenery and charming atmosphere. Menaggio is appreciated for its elegant lakeside promenade and strategic location, while Cremia, Dongo, and Gravedona ed Uniti offer a quieter, more authentic experience away from the busiest tourist areas.
Which Lake Como Towns Are Surrounded by Mountains?
Many towns around Lake Como lie between the lake and the surrounding mountains. Among the best destinations for those looking to enjoy both landscapes are Cremia, Dongo, Gravedona ed Uniti, Bellano, and the hillside villages surrounding Como and the Upper Lake Como region.
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