.webp)
What to see in Lake Como: a practical guide to planning your stay
- Holiday Home Delo
- May 7
- 7 min read
If you're looking for things to see on Lake Como, you probably already have a few ideas in mind: historic villas, lakeside villages, maybe even a boat trip. This guide won't give you yet another list to tick off, but it will help you understand how to get around, what's worth your time, and where to stay overnight without getting caught up in the chaos of peak travel days .
You will find the places not to be missed , the most beautiful experiences to have, some logistical advice and, if you are looking for where sleeping , a concrete proposal in the least crowded part of the lake.
Table of Contents
Lake Como: what to see
Lake Como is one of the largest lakes in Italy , with nearly 150 km of coastline and three branches opening to the north, southeast, and southwest . This means there isn't just one "Lake Como": its areas differ greatly in terms of tourist density, landscape, and atmosphere.
The central stretch (from Bellagio down towards Como city) is the best known and, during the high season, also the most congested. The upper lake , to the north, is quieter , less touristy, and more authentic.
If you want to know what to see on Lake Como without wasting time in traffic and travel, the first step is choosing the area in which to stay.
Must-see places on Lake Como
Bellagio
It's the place everyone seeks, because it sits right on the tip of the promontory that divides the two arms of the lake, with a view you'll never forget . The steep alleys, the harborside bars, the villas overlooking the water: it's truly magical!
Be warned : it gets very crowded in July and August , so if you can visit in the morning or out of season, the experience changes a lot.
Varenna
On the eastern shore of the lake , Varenna has a lakeside promenade (called the Lovers' Walk ) that alone is worth the trip. The village is compact, easily reached by ferry from Bellagio, and has a palette and atmosphere that makes it one of the most photogenic on the lake. Villa Monastero and its botanical garden are also worth a visit .
Como city
Often considered merely a destination, Como's historic center is well worth a visit. The Gothic-Renaissance cathedral , the medieval walls, and the lakeside promenade with the funicular to Brunate. From Brunate, a ten-minute ride uphill takes you to a lookout point with a breathtaking view of the lake and the Alps .
Menaggio and the western shore
Menaggio is an excellent starting point for those wishing to travel to both shores by ferry. The lakefront is well-maintained, and the town center has everything you need. From the western shore, you can enjoy particularly beautiful sunsets over the lake : the afternoon light strikes the mountains opposite in such a beautiful way that you'll never forget it.
Dongo, Gravedona, Domaso: the Upper Lake
As you head north, the traffic lightens and the landscape becomes more rugged and authentic. Gravedona has one of the most beautiful Romanesque churches on the lake , Santa Maria del Tiglio, virtually ignored by the main tourist flows. Domaso is known for its wind, making it perfect for windsurfing and kiteboarding . Dongo has its own history tied to the final days of World War II . The Upper Lake is a world apart, and not in a bad way.
What to do on Lake Como
Besides the sights, the lake has some experiences worth planning.
Ferry travel is the best way to travel between the shores and see the lake from the water without organizing a private tour. Regular ferries connect the main villages and allow you to leave your car moored.
Walks through the villages and along the paths above the lake offer views not seen from the road. The Sentiero del Viandante , which runs along the eastern shore, is well marked and offers open views of the lake and mountains. You don't need to be an expert hiker to hike some sections of it.
The historic villas ( Villa del Balbianello , Villa Carlotta , Villa Melzi ) are accessible like museums or botanical gardens and tell a piece of the lake's history that goes beyond the landscape. If you only have time to visit one, Villa del Balbianello in Lenno is the most spectacular choice .
In summer, the equipped beaches and village lidos are busy but accessible. For those who prefer something quieter, the lidos of the Upper Lake are less crowded and have lower prices.
3 practical tips for visiting Lake Como
Best time : May, June, and September are the most balanced months (good weather, more affordable prices, less traffic). July and August are lively but crowded, especially in the central lake area. April and October work well if you don't mind a few cloudy days.
Getting around : A car is useful for reaching the villages of the upper lake and areas less served by ferries, but it's best to avoid it in the central areas during the summer. Regular ferries are efficient and cover the main routes. Keep in mind that the roads along the lake are narrow and parking is limited, so having private parking at your accommodation is a real advantage.
What to expect : Lake Como is beautiful, but in high season it can be chaotic in the most popular areas. If you want a more relaxed experience, head to the upper lake , exploring the main villages early in the morning, and spending the afternoons at the lake or hiking. The day works best if you plan it from your base, rather than hopping from place to place.
Where to stay on Lake Como
Choosing where to stay significantly changes your lakeside experience. A hotel in the center of Bellagio or Como is convenient, but during high season, you'll find yourself surrounded by tourist traffic, even at seven in the morning. A more secluded vacation rental allows you to return in the evening, open a bottle, sit on the terrace, and enjoy the lake without sharing it with two hundred other tourists .
If you are looking for this second option (space, view, tranquility) it is worth considering ours in Cremia , on the Upper Lake .
The house is designed for those who want to feel at home , not in a bland apartment. It boasts a commanding position with lake views from every room , a terrace with a barbecue area for outdoor dining, private parking included (no small detail on the lake), and space for up to six people in two bedrooms and two bathrooms . The beaches are about three kilometers away .
Why choose Cremia and the Upper Lake
Cremia is a small town on the western shore of the Upper Lake. It's off the beaten track, and you won't find the crowds of Bellagio or Varenna, but you're still close to everything the lake has to offer.
Choosing to stay in this area makes sense if you're looking for an authentic Lake Como , not the picture-postcard one with tour buses parked in the back row. Here you can shop at the local market, eat at restaurants frequented by locals, and stroll without encountering groups with selfie sticks.
The northern lake is also a strategic base : Menaggio is just a short drive away, and from there you can take the ferry to Bellagio and Varenna. You can visit the main villages and return in the evening to a quiet area.
Book your holiday home on Lake Como
If you're looking for a vacation home on Lake Como with a view, comfortable spaces, and a quieter location , this solution in Cremia is a simple and practical choice.
Availability is limited and varies depending on the season, especially during the busiest months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see on Lake Como?
The most visited spots are Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, and Como city. Added to these are the historic villas (Balbianello, Carlotta, Melzi), the Upper Lake villages like Gravedona, and scenic routes like the Sentiero del Viandante.
What to see in three days on Lake Como?
With three days, you can cover both shores well. Day one: Como city and the funicular to Brunate. Day two: ferry to Bellagio and Varenna. Day three: inland or upper lake (Gravedona, Domaso, a walk on the Viandante). This way, you'll have a complete overview without rushing.
What to see on Lake Como in two days?
Two days are enough for the classics: spend the first day visiting Como and Brunate, and the second day visiting Bellagio and Varenna by ferry. If you have time in the afternoon, a stop in Menaggio or on the lakeside promenade in Lenno is worth the trip.
What to see on Lake Como and its surroundings?
The lake is conveniently located for excursions to Valtellina, Valchiavenna, and the Swiss border. Lugano is less than an hour from Como. If you have a few more days, the villages above the lake (such as those in the Intelvi Valley) offer diverse and less crowded views.
What to see on Lake Como in one day?
If you only have one day, focus on a ferry itinerary: departing from Menaggio or Como, stopping in Bellagio for lunch and exploring the historic center, then Varenna in the afternoon. Avoid trying to see everything: choose two places and enjoy them at your own pace.
What to see on Lake Como in 4 days?
With four days, you can explore everything more easily. Add a day to explore the historic villas (Balbianello is the most scenic), another to explore the Upper Lake District and its villages, and save a morning for a hike along the Sentiero del Viandante (Viandante Trail). You can also indulge in a trip to Switzerland or Valtellina.
What to see on East Lake Como?
The eastern shore is home to Varenna, with its lakeside promenade and Villa Monastero, and further north, Bellano with its orrido (a natural gorge accessible by footbridges). The eastern branch is less popular than the western one, but has a series of compact villages and clear mountain views that are worth the visit.
What to see in Northern Lake Como?
The northern part of the lake (the Upper Lake) includes Dongo, Gravedona, Domaso, and Sorico, where the lake narrows and opens towards the Valchiavenna. Gravedona is home to the Romanesque church of Santa Maria del Tiglio, Domaso is a windsurfing paradise, and the entire area is more authentic and less touristy than the central lake. It's worth the trip, especially if you're looking for a different experience.
Comments