‌

Plan your visit to Lake Como

Lake Como at a glance

📍Location

Northern Italy, in the Lombardy region.

🗺️Shape & geography

Upside-down Y-shaped lake, with three main branches:

  • Como (southwest)
  • Lecco (southeast)
  • Colico (north)

📐Total area

146 km²

Surrounded by 232 municipalities, 148 in Como and 84 in Lecco.

🛶Getting around

  • Ferries: Fast and scenic routes between towns
  • Trains: Connect Como, Varenna, and Lecco to Milan
  • Buses: Link lesser-known villages
  • Car rentals: Optional, but useful for exploring remote spots

🗓️Best time to visit

  • April to June: Flowers, great weather, fewer crowds
  • September to October: Warm, relaxed, and photogenic
  • July–August: Lively but crowded and hot
  • November–March: Quiet, budget-friendly, some closures

⏳Trip duration guide

  • Day trip: Ferry loop + 1–2 towns
  • 2–3 days: Villas, villages, and some hiking
  • 4–5 days: Deeper exploration of northern or hidden towns

Lake Como map

Public transport stops around Lake Como

  • Como San Giovanni – Direct connections to Milan and Switzerland.
  • Varenna-Esino – Closest station to Varenna, connected to Milan.
  • Lecco – Southern branch, connects to Bergamo and Milan.
  • Colico – Northern hub with routes to Switzerland and Tirano.

A line of train stations run along the northeastern side of the lake, frequented by Trenord routes.

  • ASF Autolinee Bus Depot (Como) – Connects to Cernobbio, Argegno, Menaggio.

  • Lecco Bus Terminal – Services for eastern towns like Bellano and Varenna.

  • Brunate Funicular – Panoramic ride from Como to the hilltop town of Brunate.
  • Argegno to Pigra Téléphérique – A steep 5 minute ascent to the commune of Pigra.
  • Ferry schedules:
  • High season (April–October) – Frequent ferries including fast services and car ferries.

  • Low season (November–March) – Reduced services, some routes suspended.

  • Cable car (Como–Brunate):

  • Runs year-round but closes briefly for annual maintenance (usually in January).

  • Bus services:
  • Operate year-round with regular schedules; frequency decreases on weekends and holidays.

How should I spend my time at Lake Como?

If I am visiting for the first time

  • Base yourself in Bellagio or Varenna for charm and central location.
  • Take the ferry triangle: Bellagio – Varenna – Menaggio.
  • Visit Villa Carlotta, Villa del Balbianello, and the town of Como.
  • Allocate time for lakeside dining and a sunset cruise.
Check out the villas around Lake Como

If I am visiting for just a day

  • Start early in Varenna (reachable by train), walk through the old town and visit Villa Monastero.
  • Ferry to Bellagio, explore the gardens of Villa Melzi, grab lunch by the lake.
  • End with a ferry to Como and take the Brunate funicular for sunset.
Find the best day trips from Milan

If I have two to three days

  • Day 1: Como city walk, Duomo, Brunate funicular, and lakeside promenade.
  • Day 2: Bellagio + ferry triangle (Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo, stroll Menaggio). Rent a bicycle.
  • Day 3: Northern lake—Domaso for sports, or Varenna’s Castello di Vezio and botanical gardens.
Know the towns of Lake Como

If I’m visiting with older folks or little ones

  • Stay in Menaggio (flat, walkable) or Cernobbio (peaceful and accessible).
  • Visit villas with easy paths (Villa Carlotta, Villa Melzi).
  • Opt for slow ferry rides rather than packed tours.
Lake Como boat tours

If I’m visiting solo

  • Base in Como or Varenna – both safe and well-connected.
  • Join small group walking tours or cooking classes.
  • Hike the Greenway del Lago or explore the Sentiero del Viandante for solitude.
  • Visit libraries, museums, or read by the lake.
Consider a private tour

If I have a disability

  • Stay in Como or Tremezzo (better wheelchair infrastructure).
  • Use ferries marked as wheelchair-accessible (mid-size and larger boats).
  • Villa Carlotta offers ramps and adapted bathrooms; Villa Melzi has paved paths.
  • Avoid steep villages (Nesso, Varenna’s upper town) unless mobility aids are manageable.
  • Public ferries and many hotels comply with accessibility standards—call ahead to confirm.
Know your transport options & getting there

Frequently asked questions about planning a visit to Lake Como

Not necessarily. The ferry system, trains, and buses connect most towns. A car is helpful for visiting remote villages or mountain areas, but parking can be limited in popular towns.